County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 581

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 579 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan 23.1 Introduction Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is at the base of the Inishowen peninsula and at the heart of the Northwest City Region (NWCR). Although small in scale (the village had a population of 373 persons in the 2022 Census), Bridgend is of significant strategic importance for Donegal due to its unique position on the border with Derry City. Some of the key attributes of Bridgend include - • Strategic position in east Donegal adjoining the border with Northern Ireland, and Derry City in particular; • Location on the route of the N13 National Primary Road route; this road is the primary transport corridor within the North-West City Region of Letterkenny-Derry-Strabane and the importance of the road is reflected in its inclusion in Ireland's Trans-European Transport Network roads (or TEN-T)54; and • A key gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. The County Development Plan 2024-2029 (CDP) recognises that the County’s towns and villages are at the centre of rural communities because they are important locations for service delivery, gathering, expression of identity, rural enterprise and social and community supports. The CDP recognises the importance of rural towns and villages in supporting the wider rural community and therefore seeks to enable their revitalisation and regeneration as a key strategic intervention. To this end, the Core Strategy targets approximately 18% of the projected population growth towards the smaller settlements of the County. This approach is consistent with national policy as contained in the NPF and ‘Our Rural Futures, 2021-2025’ (Chapter 5: Revitalising Rural Towns and Villages’) and regional policy as contained in the RSES (RPO 3.4). RPO 3.13 supports the role of smaller and medium-sized towns as set out below and requires the identification of in the Development Plan of such settlements in the Core Strategy. Furthermore, Table 5.1 of the CDP recognises Ceann an Droichid /Bridgend as a Settlement Meriting Recognition in the context of RPO 3.13, on the basis of its proximity to Northern Ireland border and associated cross border context. Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend has a commercially vibrant village centre that has benefitted from its border location, compact residential areas within walking distance of local services, a primary school and additional capacity for further commercial development adjacent to its core. The northern end of the village is bisected by the Skeoge river running south-east to north-west. 54 In December 2013 the European parliament adopted Regulation (EU) No.315/2013 on Guidelines for the development of the Trans European Transport Network (Ten-T), (amended in 2014 to include supplementary maps (EU) No.473/2014). The Guidelines set out that member states shall “take appropriate measures” to complete their core network by 2030; the maps associated with the Regulations show the core network corridors of the TEN-T extending from Dublin to Belfast, and Dublin to Cork only. Nationally, as a result of the directive, parts of the N13 (including the Letterkenny to Bridgend section), N14 and N15 have also been identified as part of the TEN-T network.

2. Page 582

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 580 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan The village has developed around the junction of the N13 and the R238 roads and, as well as its strategic importance, is also a functioning settlement that provides local level services. Regional traffic from the R238 Inishowen converges with strategic traffic on the N13/A2 Letterkenny to Derry transboundary TEN-T route at Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend; said road bisecting the village and facilitating in excess of 19,000 vehicular movements per day. This daily flow of traffic movements highlights the ever-increasing strategic importance of this key border crossing point in the North West City Region. Donegal County Council, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), appointed Consulting Engineers as technical advisors to progress the TEN-T project from consideration of Options (which may include looking at both on-line and off-line options), selection of a Preferred Improvement Option, and to take the project through the Statutory Processes before developing a Detailed Design. This process has been completed and Map 23.1 below identifies the preferred route option. Map 23.1: N13 Bridgend to County Boundary TEN-T Route Improvement Project Whilst the village occupies a strategic location between Letterkenny and Derry, it should be noted that the future delivery of development in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend continues to be impacted in the short to medium term by the lack of investment in the wastewater treatment system in the area, and this will continue to preclude any further significant development in the town. It must be acknowledged that the lack of infrastructural investment in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend will place constraints on certain types of development over the duration of the area plan, and in particular the servicing of residential sites will be a significant issue. 23.2 Key Planning Issues The key issues for Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend are:  The current lack of additional capacity in the wastewater treatment plant and the need for an upgrade of this system;  The strategic place-making and economic opportunity arising from its border location, position on the N13/TEN-T Letterkenny to Bridgend/Derry, and the continued benefits from collaborating on a cross-border basis with the authorities in Northern Ireland;

3. Page 583

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 581 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan  The volume of cross-border traffic using the N13 route;  The unattractive village centre with poor pedestrian permeability;  The absence of quality public amenity spaces; and  The need to avoid inappropriate development in flood risk areas in accordance with Flood Risk Management Guidelines.  The need to consider the potential for future rail connections to Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend as part of any new rail link between Letterkenny and Derry. In broad terms this Area Plan (AP) aims to set out a spatial planning framework that would see the village both capitalise on its geographical advantages to achieve its strategic economic potential, and create a sustainable village with a vibrant, diverse and pedestrian-friendly village centre, quality residential areas, and adequate environmental infrastructure and amenities. 23.3 Strategic Vision The strategic vision for Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is: “To establish a balanced and sustainable village that fosters cross border strategic placemaking and economic growth; to create a vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality village centre designed for people and the delivery of amenities; and to designate reserved lands that can provide future high-standard residential development, supported by appropriate environmental infrastructure to be delivered by Uisce Eireann, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other key infrastructure providers”. 23.4 Zoning Matrix As indicated in Section 17.3, development proposals in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend will be considered in the context of the Zoning Objectives detailed in Table 17.1, the Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend specific zoning matrix below, the policy framework in this plan and the policy framework in the wider CDP. The Zoning Matrix below illustrates a range of land uses/development types together with an indication of their broad acceptability in each of the land use zones. The acceptability of uses within designated Opportunity Sites is also set out in site specific policies contained in this Area Plan. Y= Acceptable in Principle; O=Open for consideration; N= Not acceptable Land Use Urban Core New Residential (Phase 2) Established Development Established Dev. 2 Opportunity Site Open space & Recreation Local Environment 1 Local Environment 2 Amusement Arcade/Casinos O1 N N N N N N N Agricultural Buildings N O2 O O20 N N Y O21 Car Park (Standalone) O3 N O O20 N N N O21 Betting Office O4 N N N N N N N Café Y N O O20 O22 N N O21 Caravan Parks N N O O20 N N N O21 Cemetery N N O O20 N N O O21

4. Page 584

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 582 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan Land Use Urban Core New Residential (Phase 2) Established Development Established Dev. 2 Opportunity Site Open space & Recreation Local Environment 1 Local Environment 2 Cinema Y N O O21 N N N N Community/Recreational/ Sports O O O O20 O22 Y5 N O21 Creche/Playschool Y N O O20 O22 Y N O21 Cultural Uses/Library Y N O O20 O6 N N O21 Dancehall/Disco Y7 N O7 O20 N N N O21 Data Centre N N O O20 O22 N N O21 Funeral Home Y N O O20 O22 N N O21 Garage/Car Repair O8 N O8 O20 O22 N N O21 Guesthouse/Hotel/Hostel Y N O O20 O22 N O9 O21 Hot Food Takeaway O10 N N O20 N N N O21 Industry (light) Y N O O20 O22 N N O21 Industry (General) N N O O20 O22 N N O21 Medical/Consultancy/ Healthcare Y N O O20 O22 N N O21 Motor Sales N N O O20 O11 N N O21 Nursing Home Y N O O20 O N N O21 Offices Y N O12 O20 O12 N N O21 Park/Playground Y O O O20 O13 Y O O21 Petrol Station O N O O20 N N N O21 Place of Worship Y N O O20 N N N O21 Playing Fields N O O O20 O14 O N O21 Pub Y N O O20 N N N O21 Restaurant Y N O O20 N N N O21 Residential Y O23 O O20 O22 N O15 O21 Retail Y N O16 O20 O17 N O18 O21 School/Education Y N O O20 O22 N N O21 Solar Energy Generation (other than exempted dev. or microgeneration19) N N N N N N O19 O21 Tourist Related Facilities Y N O O20 O22 N N O21 Warehouse/Store/Depot O N O O20 O22 N N O21 Water/Wastewater Services O O O O20 O O O O21 Footnotes related to land-use zoning matrix 1. Amusement arcades/casinos shall be considered within lands zoned as Urban Core in accordance with Policy TC-G-P-4. 2. Agricultural buildings proposals within lands zoned as New Residential (Phase 2) must be designed and located so as not to compromise the future residential development potential of said lands. 3. Standalone car parks will only be considered within lands zoned as the urban core where they are not contrary to Urban Regeneration and Town Centre objectives of the AP. 4. Betting offices will be open to consideration on lands zoned Urban Core in accordance with Policy TC-G-P-4.

5. Page 585

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 583 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan 5. Community/Recreational/Sports proposals shall comply with the flood risk management policies of the Development Plan. 6. Cultural Uses may be considered on Opportunity Site 1 & 3. 7. Dancehalls/discos will not be permitted where it is considered that they may have a detrimental impact on the established character or residential amenities of an area. 8. Garages/car repair will not be permitted where it is considered that they may have a detrimental impact on the established character or residential amenities of an area. 9. Guest houses of a limited scale may be considered on existing developed sites within lands zoned Local Environment 1 provided they are compatible with the Local Environment 1 zoning objective. 10. Hot food takeaways will be open to consideration on lands zoned Urban Core in accordance with Policy TC-G-P-4. 11. Motor sales shall be considered on Opportunity Site 1. 12. Professional services which provide services principally to visiting members of the public will be directed to the defined urban core in accordance with Objective GEN-ED-1 . 13. Parks/Playgrounds ancillary to Community developments may be considered on Opportunity Sites 1 & 3. 14. Playing fields ancillary to Community developments may be considered on Opportunity Sites 1 & 3. 15. Only single dwellings will be considered on lands zoned Local Environment 1 in accordance with GEN-H-P-2 16. Retail development proposals in areas zoned Established Development 1 shall be assessed in accordance with the related zoning objective and the retail policies in this Development Plan. 17. Retail development proposals on Opportunity Sites shall be assessed in accordance with the sitespecific Opportunity Site Policies and the retail policies in this Development Plan. 18. Retail development on lands zoned Local Environment 1 shall only be considered where they comprise proposals for a farm shop selling goods that are produced on the subject landholding. Other types of retail shall not be permitted at these locations. 19. Utility scale Solar energy generation proposals on lands zoned Local Environment 1 will be assessed in accordance with Policy E-P-7 of the development plan. 20. Only proposals for minor developments such as small extensions to houses and most changes of use to existing buildings and/or extensions and additions to existing commercial and industrial enterprises shall be considered within land use zoning ‘Established Development 2’ in accordance with Policy GEN-F-P-1. 21. Only proposals for minor agricultural, residential and commercial developments such as small extensions to existing buildings or water compatible developments will be considered in ‘Local Environment 2’ in accordance with Policy GEN-F-P-2. 22. See site specific Opportunity Site Policies. 23. Residential development will be Open to Consideration on New Residential Phase 2 in accordance with the General Housing Policies detailed in Chapter 17 23.5 Town Centre and Regeneration Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend has an active and compact, albeit low-density, town centre located principally along the N13, but extending also along the R238 Buncrana Road. The town’s strategic location on the border, close to Derry City and served by a key strategic road route has contributed to its economic growth and the specific nature of its commercial base. The N13 is currently subject to substantial congestion, with average daily traffic volumes exceeding 19,000 traversing the village and the adjacent border area. The combination of high traffic volumes and numerous direct access points to commercial and residential properties adversely affects road safety. Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend functions predominantly as a car-orientated and congested environment, which undermines the quality and functionality of the village centre. The proposed infrastructural improvements set out as part of the TEN-T scheme seek to mitigate, to the extent feasible, adverse climate and environmental effects caused by the current high traffic volumes through the town which contribute to the noise, vibration and air pollution levels in the area.

6. Page 586

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 584 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend hosts modest yet strategically located commercial landscape. Its proximity to Derry City makes it an attractive location for small businesses and cross border enterprises. Elaghbeg Business Park for example, is a multi-occupancy commercial unit which is subdivided into smaller units and is currently tenanted. Vacant sites such as the former Customs House and Allieach Hotel also offer future opportunities for redevelopment and it is further noted that there are significant areas of undeveloped backlands both to the north-east, and to the south, of existing units along the N13 which provide scope for additional commercial development. Amusement arcades contribute to the entertainment offering of Ceann an Droichid /Bridgend; however, the nature of these uses is such that potential exists for conflict with neighbouring uses. Furthermore, such developments can have a detrimental impact on the streetscape as a result of inappropriate signage and lighting or the use of blacked-out or obscured windows, which fail to provide active visual engagement between the users of the street and the buildings that define those streets. The need for a varied commercial offering in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is recognised. While noting the existing high level of ‘Amusements’ type development in the town the Council will continue to consider the principle of developing such entertainment premises within the town centre of Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend, subject to the provisions of Policy TC-G-P-4. Significant areas of the town centre and adjoining lands have been identified as at risk from flooding in the SFRA Report for the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030, concentrated around the River Skeoge generally and in the areas north and east of the river (See Figure 23.2 below). This Area Plan integrates flood risk as a critical consideration in the identification of sites for the future expansion of the town centre, and in the lands which include the Opportunity Sites. It has been prepared based on the precautionary principle and the sequential approach of ‘Avoid, Substitute, Justify, Mitigate and Proceed’ set out in the Flood Risk Management Guidelines (See section 23.9 Flooding). In addition, new development will be required to ensure that surface water management issues can be successfully addressed, that it does not exacerbate flood risk elsewhere and utilises Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in accordance with the Flood Risk management policies of the Development Plan. Map 23.2 Extent of High End Future Scenario – Flood Zone A and Flood Zone B Objectives BE-TC-O-1 To encourage and facilitate the strengthening of the role of the town centre by promoting compact, mixed -use development, enhancing connectivity and supporting its function as a focal point for economic and community activity.

7. Page 587

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 585 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan BE-TC-O-2 To physically and socially regenerate the town centre including, improving the public realm, enhancing civic spaces, tacking vacancy and dereliction and facilitating the regeneration of backland/underutilised sites. BE-TC-O-3 To improve the accessibility, permeability, and safety of the town centre for pedestrians, cyclists, disabled and older persons. Policies BE-TC-P-1 To ensure that all development proposals for new buildings or the significant redevelopment or extension of existing building within the urban core of Bridgend (as defined in the accompanying land use zoning map- Map 23.1 refers) shall:  provide for the development to be sited as close as possible to the existing or required pedestrian footpath;  maximise street frontage through, for example, the orientation of buildings parallel to the street frontage;  provide for a high-density site usage and the minimisation of extensive hard surfaced areas;  provide for active ground floor uses along street frontages with a minimisation of blank frontages;  provide for fine grain of development in terms of overall scale, fenestration, size/proportions, signage and detailing;  provide for a pedestrian-friendly and pedestrian-orientated layout with physically segregated and clearly demarcated pedestrian links and areas between the subject buildings and parking areas; parking areas shall be provided to the rear of the development unless the developer can demonstrate exceptional circumstances that prevent this form of layout;  vehicular entrance widths shall not exceed the required minimum standards, unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council. BE-TC-P-2 To positively facilitate development proposals for the refurbishment/reuse/ redevelopment of vacant and derelict properties in the town centre which: • Accord with the Architectural and Archaeological polices of this Development Plan. • Sensitively integrate with the environment and streetscape in terms of design, character, scale, and height. • Protect the residential amenities of adjoining buildings. BE-TC-P-3 To facilitate high quality public realm/landscaping/placemaking improvements along the Main Street of the village, including those which facilitate outdoor dining, events, and enhanced pedestrian permeability whilst retaining vehicular connectivity

8. Page 588

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 586 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan BE-TC-P-4 To provide new/enhanced pedestrian, cycling, disabled and age friendly infrastructure in the town centre in accordance with the Transport/Sustainable Mobility Strategy. 23.6 Housing Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is identified as a ‘rural settlement’ in the Core Strategy of the CDP 2024- 2030. It’s strategic importance is based on it’s proximity to the border with Northern Ireland and the key role which rural towns play in servicing the population base of the rural countryside. The town currently has a number of well-established housing developments including the Stoney Bridge, Carrickbridge, Bonmaine, Bridgebrook and The Cottages estates to the south of the village centre and the Aileach Valley to the north of the village. In addition, there are also a number of individual one-off dwellings within the town. There are currently 2555 vacant properties in the town and a social housing need of 20. The delivery of future housing in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend has and will continue to be impacted by the lack of investment in the wastewater treatment system. As part of this plan the most suitable lands have been reserved in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend by way of ‘New Residential Phase 2’ zoning, thus ensuring that the lands remain available for development when the necessary treatment plant upgrade works are completed. Uisce Éireann (UÉ) has advised that there is currently no wastewater treatment capacity in the village. Whilst a Stage 2 Preliminary Business case is being progressed by UÉ for the upgrade of the Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend wastewater treatment plant, UÉ have advised that the project will not commence construction during the 2025-2029 period. Notwithstanding, two sites have been zoned as New Residential Phase 2 to ensure that they are reserved for housing development when the required services come online – one located adjacent to the Aileach Valley housing development on Local Road L-8061-1 and one to the south-east of the town centre. The provision of an adequate supply and mix of quality housing units at serviced and accessible locations to meet a range of housing needs is essential for the sustainable growth of Ceann an Droichid (Bridgend) and to ensure the creation of a liveable settlement with a high quality of life, but this can only be achieved with the required upgrade programme for the wastewater treatment system for the town. In addition, there is scope for additional residential development in the town centre both through the refurbishment of vacant town centre properties and/or on brownfield/infill sites. There has been a very limited number of new residential completions within Ceann an Droichid/ Bridgend within the last decade. The CSO report for 2024 indicated that there was only 1 new 55 CSO 2022

9. Page 589

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 587 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan dwelling completion over the period 2018-2024 and all of the lands zoned for residential development in the Seven Strategic Towns Local Area Plan 2018-2024 remain undeveloped. This Area Plan integrates flood risk as a critical consideration in the identification of sites for the future expansion of the town centre, and on sites identified as future residential reserve lands. Significant areas of the town centre and adjoining lands have been identified as at risk from flooding in the SFRA for the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030, concentrated around the River Skeoge generally and in the areas north and east of the river. The above context creates both challenges and opportunities for the future provision of housing in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend including: • The provision of an adequate supply and mix of quality new housing lands to fulfil the core strategy requirements and provide for a range of private, social, affordable and age friendly housing needs. • The refurbishment and reutilisation of vacant and derelict urban core properties and urban brownfield sites to encourage town centre living and create a more vibrant physically attractive town centre. • Ensuring the new housing in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is provided in a compact/sequential manner at serviced, accessible, and socially inclusive locations in order to provide for a more consolidated efficient urban form, encourage sustainable mobility, and ensure easy access to key services. The residential lands identified as part of this Plan (see Map 23.1, Land Use Zoning Map) are for New Residential ‘Phase 2’ sites only and the potential future yield from these lands is set out in Table 23.1 below. Said lands have been identified as NR Phase 2, as a means of safe guarding these lands for the future delivery of residential development in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend as and when the required infrastructure is in place to adequately service and support the development of residential units in the town. The current lack of investment by Uisce Eireann (UE) in the wastewater treatment system will continue to preclude any further significant development in the town as the servicing of residential sites will be a significant issue. There is scope within the town for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties within the Plan Area (estimated 25 units), together with new development in the Urban Core and Established Development Area. Table 23.1 Potential Housing Yield Zoning Ref: Site Zoning Type Site Area (ha) Potential Housing Yield Phase 2 Residential Zonings New Residential Phase 2 Sites NR 2.1 New Residential Phase 2 3.919Ha 98 NR 2.2 New Residential Phase 2 1.987Ha 50 Subtotal 5.906Ha 148 In addition to the identification of housing lands as outlined above, the CDP 2024-2030 outlines a range of policies to ensure quality within new multiple residential developments. Furthermore, this plan sets out a range of site specific policies for new residential developments to, inter alia, protect local environmental amenities and ensure high levels of permeability and connectivity for such developments.

10. Page 590

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 588 Chapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area PlanChapter Bridgend Area PlanChapter 23 Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend Area Plan Objective BE-H-O-1 It is an objective of the Council to reserve a sufficient amount of land to facilitate the future supply of a mix of quality housing units at serviced and accessible locations in order to meet a range of housing needs upon delivery of the necessary upgrade works to the wastewater treatment infrastructure for the village. 23.7 Transport, Sustainability and Mobility The creation of a functional, safe, and sustainable transport network for Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is essential for economic prosperity, and the health, wellbeing and quality of life of its residents. Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend has served as an important transport hub for public transport serving Donegal and Derry and onto Belfast etc. The town is serviced by two TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim services, notably Route 95956 and Route 95357. The town is served by four regional bus services operating between Donegal and Dublin58. For many decades transport in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend has been heavily dependent on vehicular transportation. This is evidenced by Census 2022 which indicates that 65% of residents are either driving a car/van or are passengers in a car. Only 14% of the population travel by foot. In terms of Active Travel, 14% of the population reported in the Census 2022 that they travel on foot, however, the pedestrian environment of the town is challenged by a number of key factors such as; • Severance issues caused by the N13 through the centre of the town. • High number of multiple access points onto the N13 which currently serves existing businesses in the town. • High incidences of on-street car parking which impacts upon the pedestrian/cyclist flows along footpaths. • Noise pollution caused by the consistently high flow of traffic through the main street. • Lack of pedestrian crossings to facilitate pedestrian movement across the N13. • Disjointed nature or absence of footpaths in areas such as; Castle Bridge, the route to St Aengus Primary School on Carrick Bridge, along the R238 (Buncrana Road), Moville Road from Aileach Valley residential development. • No designated cycle lanes or public cycle parking areas. • No designated taxi rank. • No designated electric car charging points. • No designated bus stop(s) or coach parking areas, which also raises safety concerns for pedestrians using bus services when entering and exiting buses on or close to the public road. 56 Route 959 – Operates from Greencastle to Buncrana 57 Route 953 – Operates from Letterkenny to Greencastle 58 Regional Bus Services to Bridgend - Route 933 serves Moville to Dublin via Buncrana. This service is operated by McGinley Coach Travel. This service operates in the morning and evening peaks from Monday to Saturday, with two services on Sundays also, at lunch time and the later evening. McGonagle Bus and Coach Hire operate route 951 from Malin to Derry via Buncrana, and two Buncrana to Derry services. These are route 956 and route 976. The 951 offers four return services per day. Route 956 operates seven times per day Monday to Friday, with five services on a Saturday, and two services on a Sunday. Route 976 operates 11 hourly services per day, with additional evening services on a Friday and Saturday. A reduced service operates on a Sunday.

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.