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Broadband Plans for Remote Donegal Island

Planning Permission Submitted for ‘Time-Warped’ Donegal Island in National Broadband Plan

Planning permission has been submitted to enhance broadband infrastructure on a uniquely preserved Donegal island, aiming to bridge digital divide issues.

A planning permission application has been lodged as part of the National Broadband Plan to provide high-speed internet access to a remote Donegal island noted for its unchanged, ‘time-warped’ character. This proposal supports rural connectivity and seeks to improve digital infrastructure in an area currently underserved by modern telecoms.

The submitted proposal is a component of a broader government initiative aimed at ensuring equitable broadband coverage across rural Ireland. As such, it directly aligns with the National Broadband Plan’s objectives to deliver improved digital services to isolated communities, which often lack access to high-quality internet.

The planning application includes measures intended to minimise environmental impact, respecting the island’s landscape and fragile ecosystem. The development does not involve a housing scheme approval but focuses on infrastructure crucial for connectivity. It carefully considers flood-risk development guidelines to mitigate potential adverse effects related to climate conditions prevalent in coastal regions.

Local authorities and An Bord Pleanála will review the proposal to determine compliance with regional development plans. The planning process will assess whether the project represents any material contravention of existing planning guidelines, ensuring that environmental sustainability and community interests are protected.

Successful implementation of the broadband infrastructure would significantly enhance residents’ access to digital services, supporting education, business, and social connectivity on the island. It represents a vital step towards bridging the “digital divide” experienced by many rural communities in Ireland.

This case underscores the complex balance between improving essential modern infrastructure and preserving distinctive cultural and environmental features of rural and island areas. The planning submission highlights the ongoing dialogue between development facilitation and conservation principles inherent to such projects.

Originally reported in Ireland Live on Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:42:43 +0000. Full story

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