New images reveal impressive transformation of Buncrana’s former Garda barracks
Plans would see the landmark building reborn as an enterprise and office hub for up to 100 workers
Plans are advancing for the redevelopment of Buncrana’s former Garda barracks, a long-vacant landmark building that is set to be transformed into a major enterprise and office hub capable of accommodating up to one hundred workers.
The two-storey barracks, which has been vacant since Gardaí relocated in October 2007, occupies a substantial site of approximately 1,855 square metres - close to half an acre - extending almost 60 metres behind the landmark premises which occupies a prime position in Buncrana at the junction of St Oran’s Road and Main Street.
Under proposals outlined by Donegal County Council, the existing barracks will be repurposed and extended to create a bespoke, high-quality enterprise centre and office accommodation, which will be leased to occupants.
A 3D view of how the former Garda barracks and extension will look
The plan to redevelop the former barracks closely resembles the nearby Inishowen Innovation Centre, based in the former Town Council offices, as an example of how repurposed public buildings can deliver significant economic and social benefits. That centre, which also incorporates a modern extension, has been a major success and is heavily used.
The council says that the former barracks is a prominent historic structure within the town and that its redevelopment will play a significant role in regenerating St Oran’s Road. When delivered, the project is expected to eradicate a dominant vacancy, enhance the streetscape and generate increased footfall and economic spin-offs for the wider town centre.
The OPW has previously confirmed that while the building, which dates back to the early 1900s, is structurally sound, it is in poor internal condition, making comprehensive refurbishment necessary.
The internal layout of the existing building, described as ‘cellular’ in nature – as one would expect from a former Garda barracks - will be remodelled to provide more open, generously sized rooms linked by internal access corridors. Access improvements will include new stairs from street level, reflecting the elevated position of the building, along with an external platform lift to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues.
The development will also include 12 car parking spaces to the rear of the site, a similar number of dedicated bicycle parking spaces, and a widened access road along the side of the building to serve the car park.
The former Garda barracks had been in the care of the Office of Public Works after gardaí vacated the premises in 2007. Over the years, various community groups and the HSE had sought to acquire the building, without success. As recently as 2020, the OPW was preparing to sell the property at auction, before opting instead to transfer it to Donegal County Council at no cost.
The council now intends to progress the scheme by developing detailed design proposals, with the aim of presenting the project as ‘shovel-ready’ and seeking capital funding when the next opportunity arises under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund.