DONEGAL’S NEW SEVEN STRATEGIC TOWNS LOCAL AREA PLAN

Donegal’s Seven Strategic Towns Local Area Plan is the first consolidated local area plan for An Clochán Liath/Dungloe, Ballybofey-Stranorlar, Ballyshannon, Bridgend, Carndonagh, Donegal Town and Killybegs for 2018 to 2024.

This new plan has been recently adopted following an extensive public consultation process including engagement with numerous stakeholders in each of the respective towns and sets out an overall strategy, land use and zoning objectives for the proper planning and sustainable development of the seven towns guiding the way in which the towns will be developed into the future.

Pictured at the signing of the plan (standing l-r): Michael McFadden, Liam Ward, Director of Service, Eunan Quinn Senior Executive Planner, Roisin Kelly, Executive Planner, Graham Diamond, Executive Planner; (seated l-r): Donegal’s Chief Executive Seamus Neely and Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill.

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely believes that the adoption of the plan is timely, which was adopted shortly after the County Donegal Development Plan came into effect in early June and also following the recent publication of the new National Planning Framework (NPF).

He said that the NPF identified a number of national strategic outcomes including enhanced regional accessibility and strengthened rural economies and communities. This plan will have a key role to play in unlocking the strategic potential of these towns which will in turn contribute in a meaningful way to the social, cultural, environmental and economic growth and wellbeing of the entire county.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill said it sets out an overall strategy as well as land use and zoning objectives for the proper planning and sustainable development of the seven towns in question. Copies of the plan are available at www.donegalcoco.ie