A TEMPORARY car park has opened in the centre of Abbeyfeale ahead of the Christmas rush, amid further calls for action on a nearby protected building to support long-term regeneration.
Local councillor Liam Galvin said the car park, which opened close to Goode's Pharmacy, will operate on a temporary basis over the festive period as part of wider traffic-management arrangements in Abbeyfeale.
He confirmed works are expected to get under way early in the new year to deliver a permanent car park on the site.
Cllr Galvin said the additional parking is a significant boost for the town at a critical time for local businesses, describing it as a practical step to improve accessibility and encourage footfall in the town centre.
“This gives Abbeyfeale a chance to be busy and active over Christmas,” he said, adding that the town has strong retail and hospitality offerings but needs the right infrastructure to support them.
Read More: WATCH: Minister Patrick O Donovan speaking at the re-opening of Askeaton pool and leisure club
Looking beyond the temporary arrangement, the councillor said attention must now turn to a building known as ‘Daly's building’.
“It should have its protected status reviewed, be demolished and rebuilt to allow for a modern and wider town-centre improvement. arguing that it is preventing meaningful redevelopment of the area.”
He added that the car park presents an opportunity not just to ease congestion, but to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Abbeyfeale’s core.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.