In addition to the Town & Village enhancement works, the Planning & Economic Development Directorate is also involved in promoting Economic Development and is involved in a number of flagship projects throughout the County.
Flagship Development Projects Funded From Development Contributions Levied on Planning Permissions:
The official opening by The Mayor of Donegal County Donegal, of new carpark and access road in Dungloe took place on the 25th February 2010
The works consisted of the following:
- construction of a new car park to provide 133 no. car parking spaces with associated landscaping,
- upgrading of the car park access road
- provision of a new 1.5m footpath.
- creation of a new street between the carpark and the Quay Road
- new street furniture and street lighting
Officially opening the new project, the Mayor of County Donegal, Cllr Brendan Byrne, said that this is a major regeneration project which has greatly enhanced the appearance of the foreshore area and will assist local trade by increasing the availability of car parking space and provide new street frontage. The Mayor paid tribute to the Council for providing the scheme to such a high standard.
The all-in-cost of the project at €750,000 was funded by the Council’s Development Contribution Scheme provided by levies on development and a contribution of €20,000 from An Roinn Gnothai Pobail Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta.
The construction works for the project were carried out by Wills Bros Ltd., Civil Engineering Contractors, Foxford, Co. Mayo. Designs were prepared by the Council’s Road Design, Town & Village Unit.
Mr. Francie Coyle, Director of Planning & Economic Development stated “this area of the town had become run down and derelict over recent years. This major investment in the town by the Council together with private sector investment will help to attract shoppers and visitors to the town. Dungloe, the major retail centre in the area was fighting back and creating jobs". He acknowledged the co-operation of the land owners and especially the Templecrone Co-Operative Agricultural Society Ltd, who had been key to the opening up of the new street which would in time add to the shopping experience in the town and enhance the urban form.
Mr. Michael McLoone, County Manager, speaking today “acknowledged the input of the locally elected members who had worked closely with staff to bring the project to fruition. Many proposals had been mooted over the years to upgrade the carpark, however funding had not been forthcoming until now”.
Ballybofey/Stranorlar Masterplan:
Preliminary work is currently underway to develop these lands for a variety of purposes including sports and recreational use. Proposals to provide a Community Enterprise Centre are also progressing with financial assistance from the Economic Development Fund.
Barrack Hill, Carndonagh
Works on phase I of the access road from the Ballyloskey Road at Barrack Hill will be substantially complete by the end of April 2010. Drainage, kerbs, footpaths and public lighting have been provided under this phase which will open the lands for future development.