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
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- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 248 Chapter 12 Community Development
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 249
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 250 Chapter 13 An Ghaeltacht Chapter 13 – An Ghaeltacht 13.1 Donegal Gaeltacht Irish is one of Europe’s oldest spoken and literary languages and despite significant long-term challenges, remains spoken as a first language in 7 Gaeltachts across the state. The Donegal Gaeltacht is the second largest in Ireland, covers 26% of the County (1502km2), and contains a population of 23,346 which equates to 14.7% of Donegal’s population and 23.4% of the state’s entire Gaeltacht population (Census 2016). It covers large areas of the west of the County including 6 inhabited islands of Aranmore, Tory, Inishboffin, Inishfree Upper, Island Roy and Gola. It contains areas with the highest percentage of daily Irish speakers in the state (i.e. Mín Lárach 73.3% and Rann na Feirste 66.6%); however, it otherwise displays a variety of Irish language usage. Census 2016 found that 26% people spoke Irish on a daily basis and the total Gaeltacht population decreased by 5.6% relative to the 2011 Census (24,744). 13.2 Current Use of the Irish Language Summary results from census 2022 indicate that the number of people that can speak Irish in Donegal stands at 59,130; compared with 56,738 in 2016. Within this figure 7,750 said they spoke Irish daily while 4,533 spoke Irish weekly. Recent studies such as the ‘Comprehensive Linguistic Study of the use of Irish in the Gaeltacht: Principal Findings and Recommendations 2007’ and the 2015 update report of said study, indicate that the number of people who speak Irish within the Gaeltacht is diminishing at an increasing rate and that English is now the dominant language of young people. The above studies indicate that this decline is being driven by such factors as: social dynamics (the linking of Gaeltacht Communities to
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 251 Chapter 13 An Ghaeltacht wider English-Speaking networks), demographic movements (the movement of non-Irish speakers into the Gaeltacht), and the socialisation of young people through English. It further concluded that without intervention, even in the strongest Gaeltacht districts, Irish, will become a language of social networks rather than the main community and family language within a generation. The study highlighted a number of priorities including: maintaining and increasing the proportion of active speakers in Category A districts above a sustainability threshold of 67% supporting, maintaining and strengthening Irish speaking networks in Category B and C districts, supporting parents in raising their children through Irish, ensuring educational institutions support same, supporting Irish use in young people’s social networks, focusing on the linguistic rights and needs of native speakers, ensuring delivery of all public services to the Gaeltacht community through Irish, devising language centred economic strategies and incentivising good language practice in Gaeltacht businesses. Allied to these measures, and as part of the planning response to foster the increased use of the Irish language in the County, the planning authority will monitor and review the impact of language plans as a policy approach. 13.3 Legislation, and Government and Planning Policy related to the Irish Language The Irish Constitution designates Irish as the First Official Language of the state (Article 8 refers). Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) a development plan must include objectives for the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language. S.10(2)m refers). The Official Languages Act 2003 (as amended) places obligations on public sector bodies to provide services through Irish, led to the establishment of An Coimisineir Teanga, requires bilingual Irish signage, and makes statutory provision for Irish placenames and their uses. Furthermore, the most recent amendments to the Act in 2021 will ultimately require, inter alia, that public bodies carry out at least 20% of their advertising through Irish, that the logo for an organisation be in Irish or bilingual and that replies to queries written in Irish on social media be replied to in Irish. The 2021 amendment also includes an objective that by 2030, 20% of new recruits to the public sector and the Civil Service be proficient in Irish. The Government’s Statement on the Irish Language 2006 sets out a vision to: increase the use and knowledge of Irish as a community language, ensure as many people as possible are bilingual, strengthen the Gaeltacht as an Irish speaking community, ensure that the use of Irish in public services will be a choice, and make Irish more visible in our society as a spoken language and in signage. The statement also outlines a number of objectives including giving special support to the Gaeltacht, supporting Gaelscoileanna and Irish language pre-school education. The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030, aims to increase the number of daily speakers of Irish to 250,000, and the number daily Irish speakers in the Gaeltacht by 25%. The Gaeltacht Act 2012 provided for Gaeltacht Language Planning areas to strengthen Irish as a family and community language, and the designation of Gaeltacht Service towns to play a significant role in the delivery of public services to those areas and this is further supported by the National Planning Framework (NPO 29). It is also an objective of the NWRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to: Promote, enhance and protect the linguistic, cultural and heritage value of our Gaeltacht Communities (RPO 5.8), support the implementation of Language Plans and ensure that Development Plans and Local Area Plans be consistent with same.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 252 Chapter 13 An Ghaeltacht 13.4 Gaeltacht Language Plans Language Plans have been approved for the 8 different Donegal Gaeltacht areas including: Tuaisceart Dhún na nGall, Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire agus Loch an Iúir, Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Na Rosa, Árainn Mhór, An Ghaeltacht Láir, Dún na nGall Theas and Toraigh. These language plans identify a wide range of actions including the following planning and development and Council related actions: • Develop a new language sanctuary (with Café, Shop, Open Space for young people) and the designation of secondary language sanctuaries in the Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire and Loch an Iúir area. • Provide a library and language laboratory at Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair. • Re-open Colaiste Uladh as a language and cultural sanctuary in the Cloich Cheann Fhaola area. • Develop additional social, community and tourism facilities to aid language enhancement and upgrade housing to provide accommodation for language students on Toraigh. • Establish an Irish Language drop-in centre for Irish speakers and youth on Árainn Mhór. • Support the development of Gleann Domhain Naionra, and provide a permanent premise for Ceim Aniar in Tuaisceart Dhún na nGall. • Attract businesses, start-up groups and other to use unoccupied Údarás Na Gaeltachta premises in North Donegal. • Create a drop-in language centre in the Gaeltacht Láir. • Implement language planning conditions which recognize linguistic heritage and culture of Gaeltacht areas. • Provide services of equal standards to Irish speakers. • Ensure Council signage policy gives priority to Irish on road signs and in public notices. In addition, the towns of Letterkenny, An Clochan Liath and Donegal Town have been identified as Gaeltacht Service Towns. Associated language plans have now been published for An Clochan Liath and Letterkenny identifying a wide range of actions including: translation services, supports for Irish in the business sector, Irish language classes, bilingual tourism material, signage and visibility, support for Irish in the education, childcare, and preschool systems, Irish orientated youth, social and recreational services and in particular the development of a Cultúrlann for Letterkenny. The Donegal Local Economic and Community Plan contains a wide variety of Irish language related actions broadly including: strengthening Gaeltacht service centres, preparing a countywide language plan, increasing service delivery through Irish, protecting Gaeltacht cultural heritage, developing cultural infrastructure, promoting the Gaeltacht as a cultural tourism destination, developing a centre for Irish cultural studies on the islands, improving employment and educational opportunities, supporting Gaeltacht summer colleges and Irish language learning opportunities, and promoting Irish medium education. In addition, the Council is also currently preparing an Irish Language County Plan. The successful delivery of the above plans, the preservation of Irish as a community language, and increasing Irish usage overall requires a multifaceted, collaborative, and multi-stakeholder approach involving local communities, Údarás Na Gaeltachta, and Foras Na Gaeilge. To achieve these plans and objectives the Council will therefore: collaborate with key stakeholders, facilitate development proposals associated with said Language Plans, manage multiple residential development to protect linguistic vibrancy, facilitate sustainable rural housing in the Gaeltacht, facilitate language related educational and community developments, provide and improve public services in Irish, and enhance the visibility of Irish in public, business and community signage. The Council will also monitor compliance with language occupancy conditions attached to permissions for residential development and will implement the means to ensure compliance, e.g. undertake language competency interviews of 1st occupants of dwellings in appropriate circumstances.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 253 Chapter 13 An Ghaeltacht 13.5 Challenges and Opportunities for the Donegal Gaeltacht In addition to the linguistic resource the Donegal Gaeltacht also benefits from such assets as: a high quality of life, a well-educated workforce, a rich social and cultural heritage, outstanding natural beauty including along the Wild Atlantic Way, significant marine and coastal resources and skillsets, Údarás Na Gaeltachta business parks and the Gteic digital hub network, an improving strategic road network (e.g. N56) and significant healthcare related employment. It is also acknowledged that the Gaeltacht faces significant social, economic, and infrastructural challenges. It has lower income and higher deprivation profiles than other parts of the state and has suffered from population decline. Significant sections of the N56, the regional and local road network require upgrading to improve safety, improve journey times and attract economic investment. The implementation of the National Broadband Scheme is required to ensure adequate digital connectivity. A significant number of Gaeltacht town and villages either have no (e.g. An Bun Beag- Doiri Beaga, Baile Na Finne, Loch An Iuír) or inadequate (e.g. An Fal Carrach, Na Dunaibh, An Charraig) wastewater treatment capacity. Many also suffer from high commercial and/or residential vacancy rates (e.g. An Bun Beag-Diori Beaga, Ailt An Chorráin, An Fál Carrach and An Charraig). Many islands in the Gaeltacht suffer from a lack of or substandard infrastructure (e.g. water supply, roads etc). In addition, the Gaeltacht has a weak urban structure and many town and villages require significant urban regeneration interventions. Nevertheless there are significant development opportunities for the Gaeltacht including in terms of: remote working opportunities, digital innovation and enterprise, cultural and language related tourism, the marine sector (including coastal recreation, island tourism, sustainable aquaculture, fishing, seafood processing, seaweed harvesting) and urban regeneration. The development plan will therefore support and facilitate such opportunities to enhance the social, economic and cultural vibrancy of the Gaeltacht. Donegal County Council has been involved with central Government as regards Gaeltacht planning matters and the future publication of guidelines in relation to such matters may require the updating of the panning policy approach to the Irish language. Objective GAE-O-1 To sustain and strengthen the Irish Language, to protect the cultural heritage of, and facilitate the sustainable social, physical, cultural, and economic development of the Gaeltacht. Policies GAE-P-1 Support the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks by supporting the principle of related development proposals, undertaking Council related actions and collaborating with key stakeholders. GAE-P-2 a. Impose a language condition on any planning permission for multiple residential development of 2 more dwellings in the Gaeltacht requiring that the proportion of units to be occupied by Irish speakers equates to the proportion
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 254 Chapter 13 An Ghaeltacht of Irish speakers within the subject DED (based on the latest available census data) subject to a minimum of 85% rounded to the nearest whole number of units where necessary. A language condition shall be applied to all applicable units for a duration of 15 years from the date of the first occupancy of the unit. b. Require Language Impact Assessments for Multiple Residential Developments within Gaeltacht areas of 10 or more dwellings in all cases, and less than 10 dwellings where there is potential for a significant impact on the Irish language in the area, in accordance the associated technical standards of this plan. GAE-P-3 Facilitate sustainable single rural housing developments within the Gaeltacht in accordance with the rural housing policies of this plan. GAE-P-4 Support the principle of the following Irish language-related developments: a. educational, cultural and community developments including the provision of new, and the expansion of existing, Gaelsoileanna and Naíonraí, and youth and social infrastructure; b. strategic tourism projects supported by Údarás Na Gaeltachta; c. economic/enterprise development proposals including those in existing and new Údarás Na Gaeltachta business parks and sites, the completion of the Gteic network, remote working infrastructure and projects associated with the Gaeltacht Glás programme; d. the provision of enhanced transport, water and wastewater infrastructure; and e. urban regeneration and placemaking projects in Gaeltacht towns, villages and Islands. GAE-P-5 Support and facilitate the development of the marine sector in the Gaeltacht including island tourism, marine access and recreational infrastructure, onshore facilities for fishing, seafood processing, aquaculture, seaweed harvesting etc. in accordance with the marine coastal and island policies of this plan. GAE-P-6 Require the use of the Irish language in public, business, and community signage in accordance with the requirements of the Official Languages Act 2003(as amended) and any associated regulations and orders (where applicable) in accordance with the technical standards of this plan. In addition to the above-noted policy framework, Donegal County Council is also committed to collaborating with Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to sustainably support and promote our Gaeltacht areas as key Irish Language Tourism destinations.
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 255
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 256 Chapter 14 Marine Resource, Coastal Management, and the Islands Chapter 14 – Marine Resource, Coastal Management and the Islands 14.1 Introduction As a coastal county on Ireland’s northwest Atlantic seaboard, Donegal has one of Ireland’s richest marine resources including 1,134 km of coastline (17% of the state’s total), 12 Blue Flag beaches, 2 Blue Flag Marinas, deep natural harbours, rich fishing grounds and coastal ecosystems, an abundant renewable marine energy potential, coastal communities and inhabited islands. This marine resource has allowed the fishing and aquaculture sectors to thrive, is of major importance to tourism and leisure activities, and is a fundamental part of our natural and cultural heritage. Moreover, an abundant offshore wind resource provides Donegal with an immense renewable energy asset which combined with ancillary onshore infrastructure, can be harnessed to deliver renewable energy and climate targets, greater energy security and local socio-economic benefits. The Council recognises the immense environmental, social and economic value of this marine and coastal resource and seeks to harness its potential in a sustainable manner. 14.2 Legal Context The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 created a new planning and regulatory framework for Ireland’s maritime area which: • Defines an extensive Maritime Area consisting of Ireland’s internal waters, the territorial seas (extending out to 12 nautical miles), exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. • Provides for a Forward Planning regime consisting of the National Marine Planning Framework, Designated Maritime Area Plans (for specific parts of the Maritime Area) and Ministerial Guidelines. • Creates a 2-stage development consent process consisting of: o A legal consent process called Maritime Area Consent (MAC) to occupy a particular part of the Maritime Area regulated by the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). o A planning consent process including a requirement for planning permission regulated by Coastal Planning Authorities in the ‘nearshore area’ (out to 3 nautical miles) and
- County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 257 Chapter 14 Marine Resource, Coastal Management, and the Islands otherwise by An Bord Pleanala for developments located in the ‘outer maritime area’ and for specific development types as identified through legislation. • Provides for a Maritime Planning Enforcement System regulated by MARA and Coastal Planning Authorities. • The Planning and Development Bill 2022 is currently in draft form and is undergoing legislative scrutiny. This draft Bill also seeks to incorporate provisions of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 and will influence both the policy and consenting processes that relate to the maritime territory. 14.3 National and Regional Policy Context The Government’s Marine Strategy ‘ Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland’’ published in 2012 recognises our ocean wealth as a key element of economic recovery and sustainable growth. It sets out 3 high levels goals for managing Ireland’s Marine resources, namely a thriving marine economy, a healthy ecosystem, and increasing our engagement with the sea, and aims to double the value of our ocean wealth to 2.4% GDP by 2030. In particular, it highlights offshore wind, cruise tourism, blue biotechnology, ocean renewables and aquaculture as key future growth opportunities. The National Marine Planning Framework was formally adopted in May 2021 pursuant to the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU refers). This comprehensive framework sets out a range of national policies in relation to: • Marine Environment/Ocean Health including: avoiding, minimising or mitigating impacts on species, natural capital assets, water quality, sea floor integrity, coastal habitat, marine litter, underwater noise, air pollution, preventing adverse impacts on SAC/SPAs, controlling invasive species, climate change etc. • Maritime Economy including ensuring co-existence between difference maritime uses and supporting land base infrastructure which facilitates marine activity. • Social including avoiding, minimising, and mitigating impacts on public access, heritage assets, seascape and landscape, supporting access, communications, and energy proposals for island and coastal communities and supporting projects providing social benefits. • Key Maritime Sectors including supporting the sustainable development of aquaculture and Offshore Renewable Energy, avoiding, minimising or mitigating impacts on, supporting diversification of, and maintaining harbour infrastructure for fishing and supporting water-based sports and marine recreation. In this regard it is acknowledged that the NMPF provides a comprehensive overarching planning policy framework for maritime and coastal areas. Developments falling within the functional remit of this plan which may affect the maritime area should demonstrate compliance with the NMPF. The National Planning Framework recognises the marine environment is a National asset with wide ranging benefits and cites the need to adopt a transboundary and co-approach to Marine planning and the importance of land-based infrastructure in harnessing offshore renewables. The NPF sets out a number of marine related National Policy Objectives including: supporting the sustainable growth and development of the maritime economy and continue to invest in the seafood sectors and our Fishery Harbour Centres (NPO 39), ensuring that the coastal resource is managed to sustain its physical character and environmental quality (NPO 41a) addressing the effects sea level changes and coastal flooding and erosion (NPO 41b), and supporting the development of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy potential (NPO 42.
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