County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 531

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 529 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath Figure 21.9 Flood Extents at An Clochán Liath; High-End Future Scenario - CDP 2024 - 2030 SFRA 21.11 Economic Development: Notwithstanding the focus of this Town Area Plan in consolidating and enhancing the primary commercial core of An Clochán Liath as an important commercial, services and tourism centre, the Council also acknowledges the potential benefits of additional appropriate development activity outside of the centre. In this regard, Donegal County Council recognises the contributions to the local economy of existing major employers including Randox Global Healthcare and The Waterfront Hotel and has identified opportunities to build on these successes. An Clochán Liath (Dungloe) is also an important tourist destination and hub, both as an attraction in itself and as a centre from which the broader Rosses area and beyond can be explored, and this sector has been boosted in recent times by the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) initiative and the town's position on that identified route. The town has also seen the development of important leisure facilities in recent times, including the waterfront area and the River Walk, that double as attractions for both residents and visitors alike. Notwithstanding these positive developments, there is significant additional potential in and around the town to further expand the portfolio of attractions and facilities of this nature.

2. Page 532

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 530 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath This plan zones 11.885 ha of developed economic development land and 6.575 ha of undeveloped economic development land, full details of which, including details of available infrastructure, are given in Table 21.5 appended to this chapter. Map 21.2, also appended to this chapter, identifies the locations of each site code referenced in Table 21.5. Objectives ACL-ED-O-1 Complement the key services, tourism and administrative role and function of An Clochán Liath with additional suitably-located additional economic activity in the form of Class 3 (Offices), Class 4 (Light Industrial), research and innovation, and digital technologies. ACL -ED-O-2 Develop and maximise the tourism and leisure potential of An Clochán Liath as one of the key economic drivers for the town. Policies ACL-ED-P-1 Facilitate expansion and improvement of facilities of existing commercial enterprises within An Clochán Liath. ACL -ED-P-2 Support the principle of a Leisure/Amenity/Tourism type development in An Clochán Liath (Dungloe) subject to compliance with Habitats Directive, environmental considerations and all other relevant objectives and policies of this development plan. 21.12 Community, Recreation, Environment and Heritage Education Both the Primary School in An Clochán Liath, Scoil Chróine, and the Secondary School, Pobalscoil na Rosann, have ample grounds in which to expand or to develop new Special Needs Education facilities. Issues of safe access to and from the schools, most particularly between the schools and the town centre, are dealt with under Part 21.7, “Transport & Sustainable Mobility”. Healthcare Policy ACL-OPP-P-4 and Opportunity Site 4 will provide space for the Otharlann Pobail An Clochán Liath (Community Hospital) to expand in the future should same become necessary. Clinics and Surgeries shall be permissible within the Urban Core (where they would be accessible by public

3. Page 533

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 531 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath transport) and within lands zoned for Community Infrastructure. They also will be open to consideration on lands zoned as “Established Development.” Recreation Currently construction of a new football pitch is nearing completion behind the existing An Clochán Liath Football Grounds. Policy ACL-OPP-P-4 and Opportunity Site 4 will also provide space for additional pitches, sports facilities and possibly a running track and athletics grounds in the future should same become necessary and funding become available. Opportunity site 4 also has the potential to facilitate lake or river-based sports or water activity enterprises such as boating or fishing. Burtonport to Letterkenny Greenway Project Donegal County Council, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, is developing proposals for the Burtonport to Letterkenny Greenway project which is planned to extend to An Clochán Liath. The project aims to provide an attractive trail between the settlements of Letterkenny and Burtonport in County Donegal, mainly to be used for recreational purposes by pedestrians, cyclists and people with impaired mobility. The project is currently at Phase 2 Emerging Preferred Route Corridor. This route would complement the greenway that has already been newly constructed from Na Gleannta (Glenties) to An Clochán Liath and provides a recreational amenity for locals and tourists alike. The Pier The Council recognises the value of the pier at An Clochán Liath as a facility for walkers, fishing and water enthusiasts alike and shall only permit developments in its vicinity which would not be to the detriment of these primary functions. Marina Site Consistent with the tourism and leisure role and function of An Clochán Liath (Dungloe), the town's position on the route of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the growing water-based tourism and leisure sector, DCC supports the principle of a Leisure/Amenity/Tourism type development in the vicinity of the shorefront area of the town. A possible site for such a development in the vicinity of the town pier is identified on the Land Use Zoning Map. Such a development would complement the leisure uses already developed and remaining to be developed in the shorefront area of the town. Walkways The River Walk along Abhainn Clochán Leith has proven to be a great success for the general public and visitors alike and its amenity has been enhanced by “Slí na Draoíchta”, public sculpture and the addition of a further forest loop walk generously dedicated by a private landowner. This plan will seek to develop on this success and prohibit inappropriate forms of development within its vicinity. This Town Area Plan will also carry forward an objective for the creation of a pedestrian only walk toward “The Pond” as far as the plan boundary at the Quay Road. This would constitute an extension to the already instituted and much used Shore walk. Cultural Heritage Ár dTeanga Nadúrta An Clochán Liath is the official Irish name of the town and it is by this name that the place is and always has been known by the people of the Gaeltacht. The historical evidence shows that An Clochán Liath is the original name of the place where the town now is and that this name was used by English speakers until the beginning of the 19th century.

4. Page 534

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 532 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath An Clochán Liath has a strong Gaeltacht heritage. This is reflected in its designation as a Gaeltacht Service Town under the Gaeltacht Act 2012. The town is also located within a Gaelic Language Planning Area and has two Irish Language Officers under appointment by Údarás na Gaeltachta. Donegal County Council recognises the importance of An Clochán Liath (Dungloe) in providing public services, recreational, social and commercial facilities for the Gaeltacht area. In this regard it is considered that this town area plan can provide a supporting role in achieving this overall strategy by implementing the Irish Language specific policy below. Any new business or signage within the town shall be obligated to give first preference to the Irish language, with English also permitted, but in a manner that is subservient to the Gaelic text of the signage. This policy aligns with the Council’s shared commitment to preserving and promoting the Irish language. The Council is committed to promote area-based and localised approaches that further the use of the Irish language. Ceol Tradisiúnta It is recognised that County Donegal has its own distinct and unique style of Irish Traditional Music and that this is a cultural asset that has intrinsic heritage value that should be protected and supported. The Council supports the promotion and development of An Clochán Liath as an Irish Language Service Town in relation to tourism and also festival events which take place in the town and notes the recent success with, and further potential of "Fleadh Cheoil Dhún na nGall" which took place in May 2025. It is further noted that An Clochán Liath has an ambition to host the Ulster Fleadh in the coming years. Donegal County Council supports this project which potentially could see in excess of 50,000 people visit the town over a five day event. Built Heritage With regard to built heritage, there are no structures on the Record of Protected Structure for An Clochán Liath. There are however, 7 No. structures listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) – see Table 21.10 below. It shall be an objective of the Council to conserve, manage, protect and enhance the integrity and architectural heritage value of said structures in accordance with the policies and guidance set out in Chapter 11 of this Plan.

5. Page 535

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 533 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath Photo: Bank Of Ireland, Main Street Table 21.3 Buildings or Structures in An Clochán Liath Registered on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage NIAH Register No. Description of Structure Importance Rating 40825011 An Clochán Liath Pier Regional 40825002 St. Crone’s Church of Ireland Church Regional 40825016 Bank of Ireland, Main Street Regional 40825014 No.27 Main Street (House) Regional 40825017 Patrick John sally’s Public House Regional 40825012 Street Water Pump Regional 40825009 Ionad Teampeall Chróine Regional Natural Heritage In relation to natural heritage, Rutland Island and Sound Special Conservation Area (SAC Code 002283) lies immediately to the west of the Plan area whilst Cloghernagore Bog And Glenveagh National Park (SAC code 002047) and Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains SPA (SPA code 004039) lie further to the east. There are no parts of any Natura 2000 site nor Natural Heritage Area within the town boundary of An Clochán Liath. Objectives ACL-CREH-O-1 Secure finalisation of the route selection for the Burtonport to Letterkenny Greenway with extension into An Clochán Liath, subject to compliance with the Habitats Directive, to thereafter protect the selected route from inappropriate

6. Page 536

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 534 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath forms of development, and to thereafter secure funding for and construct said Greenway. ACL-CREH-O-2 Ensure that the Gaeltacht town of An Clochán Liath is formally recognised and actively promoted as an Irish Language Service Town and to support and promote the use of the Irish language within the town. ACL-CREH-O-3 Preserve the intrinsic architectural heritage value of structures within the town area plan boundary that are listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Policies ACL-CREH-P-1 Protect the amenity value and amenity potential of the River Walk and the Shore Walk and to prohibit any development proposals that would detract from their amenity value or amenity potential, most particularly as relates to development within the 1 in 1,000-year flood plain, but also in relation to the extension of the Shore walk out toward the man made tidal pool known locally as “The Pond”. ACL-CREH-P-2 a) Facilitate and support the development of water-based recreation activity enterprises within freshwater and saltwater environments proximal to or within An Clochán Liath subject to appropriate environmental protection and principles of proper planning and development being adhered to, and, b) Prohibit any developments within the vicinity of the Pier, the Shorefront and along An Clochán Liath River and Loch An Clochán Liath lakeshore that would be to the detriment and/or reduction of the recreational potential of these amenities. 21.13 Opportunity Sites: A total of four “Opportunity Sites” have been identified in this Town Area Plan. Two are located within the defined Urban Core due to their potential to contribute to the economic and social development of An Clochan Liath and/or due to their particular strengths, characteristics or suitability for specific development types. A further two sites have been selected outside the defined Urban Core of the town. It is envisaged that Opportunity Site 2 will be suitable for riverside amenity, some retail and hospitality. Opportunity Site 4 will provide for mostly public open space, social and community sports, and recreation, but also will provide for any future expansion of an Otharlann Pobail an Chlocháin Léith (the Community Hospital). The appropriate development of the two ‘Opportunity Sites’ within the defined town centre is critical to the ‘An Clochán Liath Town Centre Regeneration Strategy & Action Plan”. A description of each ‘Opportunity Site’ follows and the descriptions inform the subsequent individual policies for each site which are set out below each.

7. Page 537

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 535 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath Opportunity Site 1 This is a small wedge-shaped site of 0.45Ha located in the key waterfront area of the town directly west of, and adjoining, the retail core area. Within this waterfront area, the site is adjacent to the parking area and public amenity areas. The site is relatively flat and is currently vacant but fenced. The site would be suitable for commercial, tourism, community, civic or amenity uses with a design that maximises the waterfront location. Residential developments are not appropriate at this location. ACL-OPP-P-1 Consider proposals for commercial, tourism, community, civic or amenity uses on Opportunity Site 1. Only “less vulnerable” developments and/or “water compatible” developments shall be permissible within the Flood Zones and a site specific flood risk assessment is required for “less vulnerable” development where it is proposed within the flood zones. Proposals shall be sympathetic to the shorefront setting. Any structures proposed shall be located towards the eastern periphery of the Opportunity Site area. Proposals for residential development shall not be favourably considered. Opportunity Site 2 North of the River, this is a moderately sized site of 0.62ha, directly north of An Clochán Liath River outside but adjoining the retail core area. The site is bound along the northern side by a narrow road which provides access from the Town centre to An Clochán Liath Pier. A large part of the site falls

8. Page 538

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 536 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath within Flood Zone A as identified in Stage 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Report. As such the Justification Test was applied as part of this Report as per the Planning System and Flood Risk Management-Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009). It is considered that the site provides some retail or cafe style riverside potential but must provide pedestrian accessibility along the riverside linking the amenity waterfront areas to the west. Any development proposals should provide pedestrian accessibility to the ‘Riverwalk’ walkway located to the north east of this site and along the river to the waterfront amenity areas to the west. Any proposal shall include proposals to widen the access road towards the north east of the subject site. Any proposals for development must be accompanied by a site-specific flood risk assessment, prepared in accordance with the guidelines set out in ‘The Planning System and Flood risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, (2009). ACL-OPP-P-2 Consider proposals for retail/commercial development on Opportunity Site 2 where it can be demonstrated that the massing, footprint and height of the proposal, and the nature of the proposed uses(s), are compatible with the adjoining properties. Proposals shall provide for widening of the adjacent road and improvements to the Main Street junction. Proposals shall be required to demonstrate that they shall not give rise to any flood risk by means of a sitespecific Flood Risk Assessment. Proposals for residential development will not be acceptable. The finished floor levels of buildings shall be raised above predicted flood levels. Opportunity Site 3 This site is located to the rear of the Waterfront Hotel and on the east side of Pole Road with residential houses adjoining to the north. The site is modest in size at 1.40Ha. The site presents an opportunity for the hotel to expand and/or provide additional tourism related and hotel development.

9. Page 539

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 537 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath ACL-OPP-P-3 Consider proposals for commercial, tourism or other hotel compatible developments on Opportunity Site 3. Opportunity Site 4 Photo shows new football field under construction from the other side of the An Clochán Leith River A site of approximately 10.5 hectares has been identified in the north-eastern part of the town between the River Walk and the built-up areas adjacent to Carnmore Road (including the GAA complex and the Supervalu unit) and the N56 (including the Community Hospital). Whilst the identification of this site is long term in nature, and whilst there would be significant constraints to development to be overcome, Donegal County Council nevertheless considers the site to have significant potential because of its size, proximity to the town centre, and proximity to the River Walk amenity (although any development would have to have full regard to the setting and sensitivities of the Walk and adjacent River). In relation to permitted uses on this site, the Planning Authority envisages predominantly community and leisure-related uses, including those that are associated or compatible with the adjacent Hospital and GAA uses. The Council is also amenable to consider the provision of a retirement home in proximity to the Community Hospital. Alternative, compatible uses may also be considered where such uses would be clearly ancillary to the aforementioned primary uses. As acknowledged above, there are a number of constraints to development. These include: difficulty in achieving vehicular and pedestrian access/egress on the western flank of the site; the requirement for a foul sewer pump, although the site is otherwise readily serviceable; the identification of a part of the northern fringes of the site as falling within the An Clochán Liath Fluvial Flood Extents mapping flood zone.

10. Page 540

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 538 Chapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán LiathChapter 21 Pleain Áitiúl An Clochán Liath ACL-OPP-P-4 Consider proposals for community and leisure-related uses, including those that are associated or compatible with the adjacent Hospital and GAA use, including retirement homes or independent residential living for the elderly and/or other compatible uses where such uses would be clearly ancillary to the aforementioned primary uses as community and recreational lands (such as car parking) where it can be demonstrated that: a) Infrastructural deficits can be overcome by developer lead initiatives, b) The proposed development and its use would not be detrimental to the amenity of the River Walk, c) It has been demonstrated that any such use or development would be compatible with a satisfactory conceptual masterplan for the overall opportunity site. The proposed masterplan for this site shall include a transport assessment to identify how the site should be served, in particular by sustainable modes, and how it could be connected to the wider transport networks of the town. d) It has been demonstrated that appropriate design interventions within the proposed development design would give rise to net-biodiversity gain, e) The new development (including changes of use) would not give rise to any deterioration of water quality. f) The design of the development would lead to its successful integration into the receiving environment.

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.