Development plan · Donegal County Council
County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Donegal County Council · 2024–2030 · 783 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied), each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 108 Chapter 7 Economic Development City Region, the Atlantic Economic Corridor and engagement with other neighbouring Council areas. 7.4.2 Zoned and Serviced Employment Lands The provision of available, attractively located and well serviced employment lands is key to enterprise growth in the county. A review of lands zoned for economic and mixed-use development was carried out as part of the review of the County Development Plan. This review identified the quantum and location of existing zoned lands across key settlements. The Area Plans included in this plan as well as those due for adoption over the lifetime of the plan shall review existing employment, mixed use and residential zonings to ensure an adequate supply of such lands in optimal locations. The need for town centre Grade A office accommodation in key centres including Letterkenny, has been highlighted, to enable growth and business development in Business and Financial Technology sectors such as FinTech, InsurTech, MedTech and RegTech as well as other technology or knowledge based industries. This plan shall identify urban sites, brownfield lands and underutilised buildings with a view to facilitating their development to meet such identified needs and opportunities. The need for serviced land for economic development and job creation purposes is also emerging as a essential requirement in a number of centres across the county and a key policy of this plan must to be to look at how land can be released in various locations to support and facilitate expansion of locally based businesses as well as enabling inward investment opportunities to materialise. A key consideration going forward will be the activation of these lands for both economic and residential purposes. As a means of tackling ‘land release’ challenges in key strategic locations, the Council shall examine and utilise where appropriate alternative methods to activate such sites for development. As part of the focus on enhancing the vitality and viability of urban cores, the change of use of homes in established residential areas to use for the provision of professional services (where the services provided are principally to visiting patrons etc) generally will not be permitted. Objectives ED-O-6 To ensure that sufficient land is provided at appropriate locations for employment generating uses in key settlements and that such land is protected from inappropriate development that would prejudice its long-term development. ED-O-7 To facilitate the development of underutilized sites and buildings to meet demands for Grade A office accommodation and quality housing in core areas of key settlements.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 109 Chapter 7 Economic Development ED-O-8 To develop serviced lands for economic development and job creation purposes in key settlements across the county. ED-O-9 To facilitate the activation of economically important lands through CPO or other means including public private partnerships as appropriate. 7.4.3 Strong and Vibrant Towns and Village Centres Donegal offers a superb quality of life with fresh air, open spaces, and vibrant communities. Continued investment in our towns and villages is an essential aspect of the Council’s approach if we are to continue to attract people back to Donegal or encourage those not from the area to relocate here. Attracting and retaining talent is the number one challenge for companies all over the world and providing a strong and compelling quality of life offering has become an even more important factor for companies in their location decision making process. The availability of good quality infrastructure such as broadband, mobile phone coverage, childcare services, education, housing, recreational amenities, libraries, cultural services and so on contribute significantly to the quality-of-life aspect of living in a place like Donegal. The recent growth in remote working presents new opportunities for towns and villages with many communities investing in co-working and digital hub spaces. There are approximately 15 hubs or coworking spaces currently in operation throughout the county and the vast majority are community run. These hubs provide an essential resource, bringing back vibrancy and activity to town and village centres. It is the Councils policy to continue to support these community-based hubs and to continue to promote Donegal as a superb location for remote working in line for the Councils ‘Remote Working for Business Strategy.’ Objectives ED-O-10 To encourage enterprise and employment developments to locate in brownfield sites or unoccupied buildings in town centres or, where appropriate, in existing industrial/retail parks or other brownfield industrial sites in preference to undeveloped zoned or un-zoned lands as a key measure to drive economic activation of town centres and to optimize the economic spin off from enterprise. ED-O-11 To enhance town centre vibrancy by supporting the development of 18 hour economy with quality gastronomy, entertainment and recreational options located in attractive and active town centre spaces. ED-O-12 To encourage and facilitate the activation of new town centre housing options having regard to Chapter 5 and Chapter 6.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 110 Chapter 7 Economic Development 7.4.4 Supporting and Facilitating Growth in Key Industry and Business Sectors The County Development Plan supports and promotes the development of traditional sectors such as agriculture and fishing, as well as emerging growth sectors such as the blue economy, the business and financial technology sectors, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and engineering, tourism development and other more indigenous sectors such as food and the creative industries. Donegal is home to leading international companies along with many flourishing SME businesses in these sectors. The highly skilled pool of talent and a strong focus on continued workforce development opportunities has been a key enabler in many of these sectors. The proactive collaboration between Further Education and Training (FET) providers including Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) and the Atlantic Technological University with industry has played a key role in ensuring a pipeline of highly skilled workers. Donegal’s location as part of the North West City region also presents a unique and strategic business proposition providing a cross- border gateway to both the UK and EU markets. Growing innovation and research and development capability is a key priority for the county if it is to deepen and strengthen its core proposition in these sectors. The new Alpha Innovation initiative is set to enhance the innovation capability of various businesses operating in Donegal and to increase the number of new start-ups and spin-outs. Likewise Donegal County Council, through Donegal 2040, has developed a strong relationship with Northern Ireland based Catalyst, a not for profit company specialising in innovation with a view to strengthening crossborder connections and opportunities in this space particularly in the context of the new Beta Business Centre to be housed in the new Business and Innovation Quarter in Letterkenny. Plans are also progressing for the development of a crossborder centre of excellence in regulatory technology connecting to plans already progressed in Northern Ireland for a similar facility in Derry and Belfast. The ATU are also continuing to enhance their capabilities in terms of innovation, research and development through the work of the CoLab in Letterkenny, the success of their FinTech Learning Labs initiative as well as plans for a new Ocean Innovation Centre at their campus in Killybegs. In addition, the ATU as a strong track record in collaborating with Ulster University in a number of key research and development initiatives including those that are currently being progressed as part of the City Deal and Inclusive Futures Fund. A key focus for many industries in the county is how to pivot to meet the needs and opportunities of the two biggest trends affecting all businesses – sustainability and digitalisation. The increasing requirements on businesses to ensure climate resilient practices and approaches are adopted throughout their business operations so as to achieve not only Government carbon reduction targets but also to comply with supply chain expectations and requirements is becoming more prevalent. This is also a consideration for our ports including Killybegs and Greencastle with the growing expectation of achieving carbon neutrality. Likewise the need to remain competitive in light of the opportunities presented by digitalisation is also a key consideration for businesses operating in many sectors including for examples opportunities to apply the latest IoT technologies in sensors, automation, data to improve production processes and increase life cycles as well as improved customer engagement.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 111 Chapter 7 Economic Development Maritime and the ocean economy is a key growth sector for Donegal and includes a range of areas including commercial fishing and fish processing, bio-marine, renewable energy, green hydrogen, tourism, technology, engineering and sustainability. The new Marine Spatial Planning Framework will have a particular relevance to Donegal considering the importance of the marine sector to the county. The requirement for a Designated Marine Area Plan (DMAP) is essential to provide for the proper and planned sustainable development off our coast in a way that takes on board all environmental considerations and meets the needs of all key stakeholders including the fishing community and developers. The comparative strengths that Donegal and the region has in terms of offshore renewable energy cannot be underestimated. The proximity to the offshore continental shelf and the natural strategic advantage in terms of a sustained wind resource and the deep-water port at Killybegs makes Donegal an attractive investment location in the offshore renewable energy sector. However, the lack of enabling infrastructure including a high-capacity grid connection and gas network continues to hamper Donegal’s opportunity for development. Objectives ED-O-13 To support and facilitate, where appropriate, the further growth and development of the County’s economic base through the key sectors identified in this plan. Proposals outside of these sectors shall be open for consideration and assessed against all policies and objectives of this plan, as well as national, regional plans, policies and guidelines. ED-O-14 To facilitate and support the future development of the ATU campuses in Letterkenny and Killybegs, including their innovation, research and development functions. ED-O-15 To implement the policy objectives as set out within the National Marine Spatial Planning Framework to support the effective management of marine activities and the sustainable use of the county’s marine resources in accordance with related objectives contained in Chapter 14: ‘Marine Resource, Coastal Management and the Islands’. ED-O-16 CC To support the early development of a Designated Marine Area Plan, off the coast of Donegal and the North West region, in line with provisions in the Marine Spatial Planning Framework. ED-O-17 CC To support the strategic importance of Killybegs as a primary commercial fishing port, and as a hub for the development of the renewable energy sector. ED-O-18 CC To support and facilitate the sustainable development of Offshore Wind opportunities off the Donegal coastline ED-O-19 To facilitate continued investment in key strategic infrastructure in Killybegs Port in a sustainable manner.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 112 Chapter 7 Economic Development 7.4.5 Delivering Key Strategic Infrastructure As set out in the introduction to this chapter, investment in a range of key enabling infrastructure including roads, rail, rural broadband, gas, electricity, water and wastewater is essential in driving Donegal to meet its true potential. The deficits which exist are for the most part a ‘long-held’ trend where Donegal and the North West has generally lagged behind other regions of the State. The nature and extent of such investment (as detailed in the transportation, telecommunications, energy, water and environment sections of the plan) represents a clear call to action by Government, it’s agencies and utilities operators to positively discriminate in favour of County Donegal and this region. As reinforced through the policy objectives of this plan Donegal County Council are committed to working with government departments and agencies to support the delivery of this critical infrastructure during the plan period and beyond. Objectives ED-O-20 To progress the delivery of key strategic enabling infrastructure including roads, rail, broadband, gas, electricity, water and wastewater as identified in this plan in close collaboration with government departments, agencies and utilities operators in order to align the Core Strategy and the economic development objectives of this plan with the development and roll out of their respective investment programmes. ED-O-21 To facilitate, where appropriate, proposals to enhance the Metropolitan Area Networks, all ICT resources and infrastructure to achieve sustainable economic development and support the initiatives contained in the Donegal Digital Action Plan. 7.4.6 Proactive and Supportive Business Culture Donegal County Council works in close partnership with all economic development agencies including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and neighbouring local authorities in Northern Ireland to progress economic development and job creation opportunities in Donegal. In addition, the Council has resourced a new Economic Development Division to work side by side with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and economic development partners to enhance and develop the county’s proposition as a place to invest, to do business and to live and work. The LEO is an essential resource and one stop shop for businesses in Donegal and the Economic Development Division has progressed a range of supporting interventions to promote economic development and job creation including for example the new Donegal DNA place brand and a range of property solutions including the new Business and Innovation Quarter in Letterkenny. The Economic Development team also provide a business concierge service for businesses looking to access Council services and this includes providing a facilitated and proactive approach to ensuring that businesses can access the services and supports they need. The Council is committed to ensuring that this proactive and supportive approach to meeting businesses needs and providing good services and supports to businesses is nurtured and developed across all parts of the organisation.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 113 Chapter 7 Economic Development Policies Settlements ED-P-1 a. To direct office and light industrial developments to town centre sites, edge of centres locations, or appropriately zoned lands in Letterkenny, Growth Driver Settlements and Service Towns. b. To consider such proposals on lands currently used for such purposes. ED-P-2 To direct development involving industrial buildings and/or industrial processes, and warehouse/storage use to appropriately zoned lands, or lands currently used for such purposes in Letterkenny, Growth Driver Settlements and Service Towns. ED-P-3 It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for the extension of an existing industrial or business use within a defined settlement provided the resultant scale and form of the enterprise is compatible with the character and scale of the settlement and locality and the proposal meets the criteria set out in Policy ED-P-9. Rural Area ED-P-4 Consider proposals for the businesses in rural areas of the nature identified in ‘a.’, b.’ and ‘c.’ below, where such uses would comply with the terms of ‘c.’ below: a. Valuable additions to the local economy and/or tourism offering in an area, such as those relating to food (particularly value-added products such as artisan food), forestry (e.g. wood products), crafts, creative industries, ecotourism and agritourism (e.g. farmhouse accommodation, pet farms, farm holidays, health farms, equestrian activities, bird-watching holidays, painting and photography tuition, angling tourism, field studies cycling and hill-walking); and b. Genuine Farm Diversification Schemes where the diversification scheme is to be run in conjunction with the agricultural operations of the farm. The provision of associated short-term let rental accommodation purposes (up to a maximum of five units) may be considered. c. i. As far as possible, proposed developments should reuse or adapt existing redundant farm buildings. ii. Any new proposed building must be of a scale, form and design appropriate to the rural area. iii. Compliance with all the relevant criteria of Policy ED-P-9. iv. Where there are deficiencies in water infrastructure and/or where it is not possible to connect to the public systems, the developer will be required to demonstrate that bespoke development-led solutions can be identified, agreed in writing, implemented, and maintained. ED-P-5 Support a home-based business of limited scale (circa 1-5 employees), located within the curtilage of an existing dwelling house; subject to compliance with Policy ED-P-9 and having regard to all other material planning considerations.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 114 Chapter 7 Economic Development ED-P-6 To support the principle of the following small businesses in distinctly rural areas: a. ICT-based micro enterprises (i.e. those with up to 10 employees), and enterprises addressing climate change and sustainability. In such cases, the applicant will be required to demonstrate in general terms that the projected workforce could be drawn from the locality. b. Businesses providing professional services to the local community. In such cases, the applicant will be required to demonstrate in general terms that the anticipated clientele is likely to be drawn from the locality. In all cases, the applicant shall be required to demonstrate that the proposed development: a. would be physically sympathetic to, and would not be visually incongruous with, the locality having regard to the quality, character and distinctiveness of the local landscape; b. would be compatible with surrounding existing or approved land uses and would not be detrimental to the amenities of any nearby residents; c. is otherwise generally in accordance with the requirements of Policy ED-P-9. ED-P-7 Consider proposals for the expansion or re-development of an existing economic development in the countryside provided the scale and nature of the resultant development will contribute positively to the long-term sustainability of the existing enterprise, subject to compliance with all relevant provisions of Policy ED-P-9. A proposal which would not meet these criteria will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that: The proposal would provide for consolidation and/or remediation of the existing facilities; a. Where relocation of the enterprise would not be possible; b. The proposal would make a significant contribution to the local economy; c. The development would maintain the existing rural character of the area; and d. Where infrastructural improvements are required that a developer-led solution can be identified and delivered. ED-P-8 It is a policy of the Council to support Gaeltacht-based economic opportunities on lands within the ownership of, or supported by, Údarás na Gaeltachta. Development proposals will be assessed in the light of all relevant material planning considerations, relevant policies of the County Development Plan including Policy ED-P-9 and other regional and national guidance/policy, relevant environmental designations including demonstration of compliance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. ED-P-9 It is a policy of the Council that any proposal for economic development use, in addition to other policy provisions of this Plan, will be required to meet all the following criteria; a. It is compatible with surrounding land uses existing or approved; b. It would not be detrimental to the character of any area designated as being of Especially High Scenic Amenity (EHSA); c. It does not harm the amenities of nearby residents;
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 115 Chapter 7 Economic Development d. There is existing or programmed capacity in the water infrastructure (supply and/or effluent disposal) or suitable developer-led improvements can be identified and delivered; e. The existing road network can safely handle any extra vehicular traffic generated by the proposed development or suitable developer-led improvements are identified and delivered to overcome any road problems; f. Adequate access arrangements, parking, maneuvering and servicing areas are provided in line with the development and technical standards set out in this plan or as otherwise agreed in writing with the planning authority; g. It does not create a noise nuisance; h. It is capable of dealing satisfactorily with any emission(s); i. It does not adversely affect important features of the built heritage or natural heritage including natura 2000 sites; j. It is not located in an area at flood risk and/or will not cause or exacerbate flooding; k. The site layout, building design, associated infrastructure and landscaping arrangements are of high quality and assist the promotion of sustainability and biodiversity; l. Appropriate boundary treatment and means of enclosure are provided and any areas of outside storage proposed are adequately screened from public view; m. In the case of proposals in the countryside, there are satisfactory measures to assist integration into the landscape; n. It does not compromise water quality nor conflict with the programme of measures contained within the current north western river basin management plan. ED-P-10 To consider commercial developments, excluding traditional High Street uses that would generate regular customer trips (e.g. retail, consumer services, café/restaurant, public house etc.), on the periphery of settlements where: a. such uses would be incompatible with, and detrimental to, the centres of such settlements by virtue of their inherent ‘bad neighbour’ characteristics, inclusive of the generation of industrial-scale vehicle trips that would be detrimental to the amenities of the centre; and/or b. the extent of land required for the effective functioning of such an enterprise in the centres would be prohibitive. All such proposals shall also be considered against other relevant policies of the Plan including, inter alia, traffic and pedestrian safety and public health. Convenience and comparison retailing will not be supported in such cases, and proposals shall be considered against the Retail Planning Guidelines and Policy RS-P-3 (sequential test) and RS-P-4 (retail impact assessment) where retailing is proposed. Exceptions to the general presumption against retail development may be considered in the case of developments where the sale of vehicles is the predominant use. Bio-Refining ED-P-11 To support: a. The principle of the creation of appropriately scaled local multi feed stock bio-refining hubs and bio-clusters; and b. The future-proofing of infrastructure planning to allow for the potential upgrading of existing industrial sites to bio-refining plants while also
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 116 Chapter 7 Economic Development supporting the use of bio-renewable energy for the sustainable production of bio-based plants. 7.5 Retail Strategy Objectives RS-O-1 To ensure that the vitality and viability of town centres are not prejudiced by the scale and/or location of significant retail development proposals. RS-O-2: To secure high design quality in the form and layout of retail proposals in a manner that contributes to the physical quality of town centres. Policies RS-P-1 It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for large foodstores (up to 3000 square metres net) in the town centres of Letterkenny and the County Growth Drivers as identified in the Core Strategy, subject to the provisions of Policy RS-P-3 and RS-P-4. RS-P-2 It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for small-to-medium sized food/ convenience stores (up to 1500 square metres net) in the town centres of Letterkenny, the County Growth Drivers and Service Towns as identified in the Core Strategy subject to the provisions of Policy RS-P-3 and RS-P-4. RS-P-3 It is a policy of the Council that all retail proposals with the potential to impact on the vitality and viability of the relevant centre (or centres) shall be subject to an appropriate sequential test of the site location and proposed retail type in accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) or any subsequent iteration of these guidelines. Only proposals that satisfy the sequential approach will be acceptable, save for exceptional circumstances. RS-P-4 CC It is a policy of the Council to require a Retail Impact Assessment, in accordance with the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) or any subsequent iteration of these guidelines, where it considers that a retail development proposal is particularly large in scale compared to the relevant settlement in which the site is located. Through the Retail Impact Assessment, the applicant must address the following criteria and demonstrate whether or not the proposal would: a. Support the long-term strategy for the County’s town centres as established in the Core Strategy/Retail Strategy, and would not materially diminish the prospect of attracting private sector investment into one or more such centres; b. Have the potential to increase employment opportunities and promote economic regeneration; c. Have the potential to increase competition within the area and thereby attract further consumers to the area; and
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 117 Chapter 7 Economic Development d. Respond to consumer demand for its retail offering and not diminish the range of activities and services that an urban centre can support; e. Cause an adverse impact on one or more town centres, either singly or cumulatively with recent developments or other outstanding planning permissions (which have a realistic prospect of implementation) sufficient to undermine the quality of the centre or its wider function in the promotion and encouragement of the arts, culture, leisure, public realm function of the town centre critical to the economic and social life of the community; f. Cause an increase in the number of vacant properties in the primary retail area that is likely to persist in the long term; g. Ensure a high standard of access both by public transport, foot and private car so that the proposal is easily accessible by all sections of society; and/or h. Link effectively with an existing town centre so that there is likely to be commercial synergy. Only those proposals that can demonstrate to the Planning Authority that the development is not likely to have a significant adverse impact as demonstrated by an assessment of the above criteria, will be acceptable. RS-P-5 It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for the provision of local scale neighbourhood shops where such shops are clearly designed and located so as to serve distinct residential neighbourhoods, subject to compliance with all other relevant policies of this Plan. RS-P-6 It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for a shop of up to 100 square metres net retail area when associated with a petrol filling station. Where net retail space in excess of 100 square metres is sought the sequential approach to such development will apply. RS-P-7 Retailing will generally be directed to existing settlements of appropriate size and the development of inappropriate retail facilities in the open countryside will not be permitted. However, it is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for certain retail facilities that may be considered appropriate outside settlement framework areas, including: a. Farm shops which are ancillary to activities arising from farm diversification; b. Shops designed to serve tourist or recreational facilities and that are clearly ancillary to the main use; c. Small-scale shops attached to existing or approved craft workshops in order to permit direct retailing of the product to the public; and Small-scale shops designed to serve a dispersed rural community and; the redevelopment of existing small-scale shops designed to serve a dispersed rural community. All proposals for retail uses pursuant to this Policy must also comply with all other relevant policies and standards contained within this Plan.
Source Donegal County Council: County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied) (2024–2030) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.