County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 451

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 449 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan 18.14.2 Education In recent years the town has faced some key infrastructural challenges including the need for a consolidated multi-school campus. The education needs of the town and the surrounding wider catchment are served by 5 primary schools, 3 secondary schools and an Adult Education and Training Centre. 605 students are currently enrolled at Crana College, while Scoil Mhuire has 850 students enrolled in September 2022. A number of these schools are currently awaiting the construction of new purpose built facilities to cater for existing students and rising demand. The 3 no. schools listed below are in need of new/improved/ permanent accommodation all of which it is anticipated will be provided for in one consolidated location. The community infrastructure site located along the Causeway Road has been earmarked as the preferred site for the multi-school campus. Identified as a result of collaborative work between by the Department of Education and Donegal County Council leading to acquisition during 2021.  Crana College (Post Primary). Currently sited on 2.76 acres.  Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha (All Irish Primary School), currently located in temporary accommodation at the Buncrana Youth and Community Co. Ltd) - approximately 170 pupils.  Coláiste Chineal Eoghain (All Irish Post Primary), currently operating in rented accommodation at Tullyarvan Mill Complex.  The Community site located along the Causeway Road identified a risk of flooding and the following policy refers: Policy BC-ED–P–1 It is a policy of the Council to require that: a. Any development vulnerable to flooding on the Community Infrastructure site along the Causeway Road must be located outside of the flood zones as identified in the Strategic Flood risk Assessment prepared to inform this Plan. b. Provision is made for emergency vehicle access to the site, outside of the flood zones. Any application for development must be accompanied by an appropriately detailed site-specific flood risk assessment. 18.14.3: Health A state of the art HSE Primary Care Centre officially opened in the town centre in 2022 providing facilities to accommodate a range of primary care services within a ‘one stop shop’. The centre provides clinical space accommodating a wide range of public services include GP, public health nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, audiology and ophthalmology. Children and adult mental health services, early intervention services, TUSLA, and dental services will also be available with future capacity for other additional services.

2. Page 452

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 450 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan 18.14.4 Childcare Buncrana urban area is currently served by 12 early childhood services and 4 standalone school aged childcare services in accordance with figures held by Donegal Childcare committee (DCCC). Recent consultation with DCCC suggests that there is current capacity in the town for children aged 1-12 years. Given the anticipated growth for the town over the plan period it is important that suitable childcare facilities are provided in tandem with new development, and in this regard the Council will require the provision of new facilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Government’s ‘Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (2001), which set a benchmark provision of one childcare facility per 75 dwelling units, but which also allow for revised thresholds, having due regard to the existing geographical distribution of childcare facilities and the emerging demographic profile of areas. The scale and unit mix of proposed development will also be a consideration in terms of determining requirements for childcare facilities. In implementing planning policy with regard to childcare in Buncrana, the Council will actively consult with the Donegal County Childcare Committee in order to determine the extent of childcare needs in given areas. 18.14.5 Universal Design The urban area of Buncrana must be developed in a manner that acknowledges the diverse abilities of its residents, workers and those visiting the town. Donegal County Council recognises that people should be able to use buildings and places comfortably and safely, as far as possible without special assistance and that, as a basic principle of good design, places should be accessible, convenient and pleasurable for all to use. Policy The policies in Chapter 6.2: ‘Urban Housing’ require that layouts of new residential developments be designed and constructed having regard to best practice in terms of Universal Design, and that a minimum of 30% of units within new residential developments be constructed to universal design standards. 18.14.6 Buncrana Leisure Centre The proposed redevelopment of Buncrana Community Leisure Centre continues to be progressed by DCC, in collaboration with the Buncrana Community Leisure Centre Committee. A design team for the project was appointed by the Council in 2021, and comprises of consultants for both the Architect-led Design Team which has now been substantially completed, and the next stage of the Consultants design work programmed to continue in 2023, resulting in the securing of statutory approvals and Environmental assessments for the project. 18.14.7 Community Facilities The town benefits from a vibrant GAA Club facilitating both Gaelic Football and Hurling, whilst young people are targeted through the work of a youth club (including a youth drop- in centre) and soccer club at Cockhill and Castle Avenue. Other sporting facilities are also provided in a private capacity in the town such as the Buncrana Golf Clubs, Buncrana Angling Club, Parkrun along the shore green and the Deep Sea Diving Centre at Ned’s Point. These groups contribute to the community vitality of the town and also make a significant contribution to the economy, particularly in relation to tourism.

3. Page 453

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 451 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan Objective BC-SCC-O-1 To support and facilitate the redevelopment of the Buncrana Community Leisure Centre. 18.15 Infrastructural Assessment The Buncrana Area Plan 2024 - 2030 has been prepared in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The NPF provides (see National Policy Objective 72a) that, when making land-use zoning decisions, “planning authorities will be required to apply a standardised, tiered approach to differentiate between i) zoned land that is serviced and ii) zoned land that is serviceable within the life of the plan”. Furthermore, National Policy Objective 72b states that, “when considering zoning lands for development purposes that require investment in service infrastructure, planning authorities will make a reasonable estimate of the full cost of delivery of the specified services and prepare a report, detailing the estimated cost at draft and final plan stages”. See Appendix A for Buncrana Area Plan detailed Infrastructure assessment.

4. Page 454

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 452 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan APPENDIX A: BUNCRANA AREA PLAN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT MATRIX The table below contains an assessment of the suitability of zoned sites for residential development having regard to the provisions of the National Government’s ‘National Planning Framework’ (Section 10/2/ ’Co-ordinating Land Use Zoning, Infrastructure and Services’) and ‘Development Plan Guidelines’ (Section 4.5.2 and Appendix A Zoning Reference Weighted Site Area Ha Yield Roads Footpath Public Lighting Surface Water Foul Sewer Water Supply Written Analysis Regarding Tier 1 & Tier 2. Within CSO Boundar NR 1.1 2.84 100 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  NR 1.2 4.60 161 Y Y Y Y Y Y Tier 2 - Connection to water and wastewater network within urban core achievable, subject to development of the site. Works required to achieve necessary vision lines at junction of Mill Lane and Westbrook Road. Impact of traffic onto Mill bridge may necessitate Bridge improvements as identified in Fig. 18.8.  NR 1.3 0.92 32 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1 Wastewater: Located approx. 100m away and pumping required. Upgrading of existing WWPS and or localised network upgrades may be required to support the development of this site.  NR 1.4 1.86 65 Y Y* Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1 Footpath along site frontage and storm sewer available with no street lighting. To be addressed in the event of the development of the site. Water supply pipe within the site, protection/diversion may be required. Site is located on the northern edge of the town core with connection to urban core footpaths available.  NR 1.5 1.03 36 Y Y* Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1 Whilst the site is proximate to NR 1.4 so some of same points apply with the exception of footpath along site frontage connecting to urban core network. This would be subject of developer led application.  NR 1.6 2.92 102 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  NR 1.7 1.56 54 All services available. Tier 1 

5. Page 455

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 453 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan Zoning Reference Weighted Site Area Ha Yield Roads Footpath Public Lighting Surface Water Foul Sewer Water Supply Written Analysis Regarding Tier 1 & Tier 2. Within CSO Boundar NR 1.8 (formerly NR2.16) 6.03 211 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1 NR 1.9 1.33 46 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1 Localised wastewater upgrades would be required if all housing is developed on this site.  NR 1.10 0.59 20 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  NR 1.11 2.23 78 Y Y N N N Y Tier 2 Wastewater: Long connection as far as the public road would be required for wastewater, though it may be possible for the developer to reach third party agreements to discharge into adjacent estate sewers or to cross third party land. Roads infrastructure/ footpath/cycle: Long extensions required to connect to networks in urban core.  (This site is the subject of Draft Ministerial Direction to part rezone the site i.e. the subject land reverts to not zoned from New Residential (Phase 1) - for more information refer to www.donegaldevplan.ie or consult.donegal.ie) NR 1.12 3.88 136 Y Y N N N Y Tier 2 Water and Wastewater available. Roads infrastructure/ footpath/cycle: Extensions required to connect to networks in urban core.  NR 1.13 1.47 51 Y N N Y N Y Tier 2 Wastewater: Located approx. 100m away and pumping required. Upgrading of existing WWPS and or localised network upgrades may be required to support the development of this site. Roads infrastructure/ footpath/ cycle: No cycle route. Existing footpath network in place but narrow and substandard in places 

6. Page 456

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 454 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan Zoning Reference Weighted Site Area Ha Yield Roads Footpath Public Lighting Surface Water Foul Sewer Water Supply Written Analysis Regarding Tier 1 & Tier 2. Within CSO Boundar NR 1.14 1.03 36 Y Y Y Y Y Y Tier 1 Sites considered collectively on basis that they are proximate to each other and located in a long-established residential area. Wastewater: All available from existing services in immediate vicinity. Roads infrastructure/ footpath/ cycle: All in place with active travel walking and cycling available and good walkability to the urban core and services therein.  NR 1.15 1.86 65 Y Y Y Y Y Y  NR 1.16 0.30 11 Y Y Y Y Y Y  NR 1.17 0.48 17 Y Y Y Y Y Y  NR 1.18 1.85 63 Y Y Y Y Y Y  NR 1.19 0.60 21 Y Y Y Y Y Y  NR 1.20 0.46 16 Y Y Y Y Y Y  NR 1.21 7.39 259 Y Y Y Y Y Y Tier 2 Vision lines at northern junction achievable but likely to be subject to third party consents. Footpath extensions may be required on Gransha Road (northern) end and may require third party consents. Impact of traffic onto Mill bridge may necessitate Bridge improvements as identified in Fig. 18.8.  NR 1.22 0.79 28 Y N N N N Y Tier 2: Wastewater: Long connection as far as the public road would be required for wastewater, though it may be possible for the developer to reach third party agreements to discharge into adjacent estate sewers or to cross third party land. Roads infrastructure/ footpath/cycle: Extensions required to connect to footpath network to the south.  NR 1.23 1.22 43 Y N N N N Y Tier 2. Wastewater available but only via pumping to Ludden which is close to capacity. Footpath existing along Regional Road to west, save for a short section in immediate vicinity of site frontage. Limited footpath along minor road to east. In particular, large breaks closer to town centre. At peripheral location and would not contribute towards a compact growth or sustainable active travel. 

7. Page 457

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 455 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan Zoning Reference Weighted Site Area Ha Yield Roads Footpath Public Lighting Surface Water Foul Sewer Water Supply Written Analysis Regarding Tier 1 & Tier 2. Within CSO Boundar Strategic Flood Risk Assessment identified flood risk impacting most of site. NR 1.24 0.25 9 Y N N N N Y Tier 2. No street lighting, no footpaths, road 5.5m wide, and on edge of built-up area.  NR 1.25 0.39 14 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1. x NR 1.26 0.62 22 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1 x NR 1.27 1.69 59 Y N N N N Y Tier 2. Wastewater: Available but pumping necessary. No footpaths links to town, on edge of the urban core. NR 1.28 1.96 69 Y N N N N Y Tier 2. no footpath network along most direct link to town, no cycle networks, poor road alignment. (The sites highlighted in yellow are the subject of Draft Ministerial Direction to part rezone the site i.e. the subject land reverts to ‘not zoned’ from New Residential (Phase 1) - for more information refer to www.donegaldevplan.ie or consult.donegal.ie) NR 1.29 0.52 18 Y Y Y Y Y Y Tier 2 - Connection to water and wastewater network within urban core achievable, subject to development of the site. Works required to achieve necessary vision lines at junction of Mill Lane and Westbrook Road. Impact of traffic onto Mill bridge may necessitate Bridge improvements as identified in Fig. 18.8.  Opp Site 2 2.26 18 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  Opp Site 3 0.59 21 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  Opp Site 4 1.0 35 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available Tier 1  SCS 1a 2.64 92 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  SCS 1b 1.43 50 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  SCS 2 0.64 22 Y Y Y Y Y Y All services available. Tier 1  Note: The site area of the above Opportunity Sites have been weighted by the percentage of such sites on which residential development is envisaged (as per Table 18.3

8. Page 458

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 456 Chapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area PlanChapter 18 Buncrana Area Plan

9. Page 459

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 457 Chapter 19 Ballybofey/Stranorlar Area Plan

10. Page 460

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 458 Chapter 19 Ballybofey/Stranorlar Area Plan Chapter 19 – Ballybofey Stranorlar Area Plan 19.1 Introduction Ballybofey/Stranorlar is the 3rd largest settlement in Donegal with a population of 4,852, occupies a strategically important location on the Atlantic Economic Corridor between Letterkenny/Derry and Sligo at the junction of the N13/15, and performs important county and sub-regional level sporting, retail, tourism, education, service, employment functions. The Twin Towns also have a welldeveloped and relatively compact urban structure, a rich social, community, and sporting base, key environmental assets (e.g. Drumboe woods), and adequate environmental infrastructure to facilitate further growth. The completion of the TEN-T Strategic roads project in the coming years will also bring key benefits including enhanced strategic access, reduced traffic congestion, enhanced safety and sustainability mobility options, improved quality of life and air quality benefits. Whilst the high levels of vacancy and dereliction and lack of housing completions remain problematic, government funding initiatives to tackle these issues and the availability of good quality housing lands in close proximity to the urban core can provide part of the solution. It is therefore considered that with the aid of a suitable planning policy and spatial development framework, Ballybofey/Stranorlar can capitalise on existing key functions and assets to develop as a sustainable, economically prosperous, socially vibrant, accessible, and attractive place with a high quality of life. 19.2 Key Planning Issues for the Ballybofey/Stranorlar Local Area Plan On the basis of public consultation, engagement with key stakeholders, and on the ground and desktop research, the following key planning related issues for the Local Area Plan are apparent: • Housing: The provision of a mix of new housing units (including social housing) at accessible and socially inclusive locations. In this regard CSO data indicates a very low level of housing completions over the last decade and none of the zoned residential in the previous Local Area Plan has been developed during the lifetime of the plan. Figure 19.1 Housing Completions in Ballybofey/Stranorlar 2021-2021 • Urban Regeneration: The physical regeneration of key urban spaces and the tackling of vacancy and dereliction. In this regard Ballybofey/Stranorlar had a commercial building vacancy rate of 30.2% in Q2 202241 and a residential vacancy rate of 8.5% in 202042. 41 GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report Q2 2022 42 Regional Vacancy and Dereliction Analysis NWRA January 2022

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.