County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 591

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 589 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 Figure 23.1: Bridgend Mode Share Census 2022 Figure 23.2: Multiple wide Commercial Access Junctions and Parking Figure 23.3: Pedestrian Crossing Point and Traffic Conflict on N13

2. Page 592

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 590 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 Figure 23.4: Lack of Footway Provision on Castle Bridge towards N13. Figure 23.5: Footway Pinch Point on R238 Towards Bridgend Sustainable Mobility (e.g. walking/cycling/public transport) is a Strategic Objective of the National Planning Framework and a National Transport Priority and provides significant benefits in terms of transport efficiency, reduced congestion, improved health, climate change mitigation and reduced air pollution. Accordingly, in conjunction with the specific land-use policies in the Area Plan in terms of the future development of residential areas or opportunity sites, a Local Transport Plan (LTP) was formulated to identify the main issues with active travel and road usage in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend and to identify interventions which could promote a modal shift to/increased rates of walking and cycling as a core part of Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend future transport solutions. As part of the LTP, an Active Travel Network and Public Transport Measures Map was developed as set out in Figure 23.6 below. Together with this map, a range of measures have been identified in the LTP which would have significant potential to make Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend more pedestrian and cycling friendly and promote active travel, including: • Potential for dedicated cycling links along N13 and associated cycle parking infrastructure. • Improved footway provision to connect residential developments and school. • Opportunity for the implementation of Safe Routes to Schools scheme at St. Aengus’ National School. • Improved crossing facilities, especially across N13. • Potential for segregated active travel only connections between residential developments, trip attractors and wider connectivity, potentially linked to zoned lands. • New greenway proposals from Bridgend to both Buncrana and Derry offer significant opportunities to increase the popularity of active travel in the study area.

3. Page 593

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 591 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 construction of the N13 Bridgend to County Boundary TEN-T Improvement Project will provide a step change opportunity to improve the walking and cycling environment within Bridgend. • Upgrades to existing bus stop infrastructure. • Additional bus stops on approach roads. • The construction of the N13 Bridgend to County Boundary TEN-T Improvement Project will provide an alternative route for strategic through traffic. • Potential opportunities to explore Park and Ride provision due to Bridgend’s strategic location and in conjunction with enhanced bus stop provision. Figure 23.6:Bridgend Active Travel Network Map

4. Page 594

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 592 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 Bridgend to Buncrana and Newtowncunningham Greenway project is currently in Phase 2, whereby the preferred route options will be presented to the public for consideration. This greenway upon completion will offer a safe, scenic, and eco-friendly corridor for walking, cycling and recreation connecting the neighbourhoods, school and businesses in the town. This will also have an economic benefit for the town by attracting new visitors into the town. All Ireland Strategic Rail Review In April 2021 the All-Island Strategic Rail Review59 was launched by the Minister of Transport for the Irish Government and the Minister for Infrastructure for the Northern Ireland Executive. The review set out to assess how the island’s railways are currently used, what role rail could play in the future, and how the island’s railway could better serve the people of both jurisdictions. It also set out to inform policy and provide a future strategic vision for the railways in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. A principal goal of the review was to provide a railway service to larger towns with a population of >10,000 people, within reasonable economic constraints. On this basis, the review recommended that a rail line be provided between Derry/Londonderry and Letterkenny, which would provide an opportunity to connect these urban centres to each other and greatly improve access to Belfast and Dublin. In the context of the Rail Review, it is considered that the potential for Bridgend to function as a stop along the envisaged Letterkenny-Derry/Londonderry route should be explored further, and this is reflected in the transportation objectives below. Objectives BE-TSM-O-1 Increase walking rates by the provision of a quality and safe walking environment with enhanced pedestrian infrastructure (e.g. new/enhanced footpaths, new active travel links, pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures). BE-TSM-O-2 Increase cycling rates by the provision of an improved and safer cycling environment with new cycle infrastructure (e.g. cycle lanes (where feasible) along key approach roads, and bicycle parking within the town centre) and facilitate the delivery of the Bridgend to Buncrana & Newtowncunningham Greenway. BE-TSM-O-3 Improve transport infrastructure for children, disabled, and older persons including enhanced safety provision for children walking and cycling to schools. BE-TSM-O-4 Increase public transport usage by providing improved public transport infrastructure (including the provision of a town centre bus stop and additional bus stops on approach roads) BE-TSM-O-5 Reduce transport and parking demand by promoting compact growth and providing enhanced walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure. BE-TSM-O-6 Improve traffic flow and parking arrangements in the town centre and facilitate the delivery of TEN-T N13 Bridgend to County Boundary Improvement Project. BE-TSM-O-7 Support and facilitate the construction of a new rail connection between Letterkenny-Derry/Londonderry and examine the feasibility providing an appropriately located stop in Bridgend. BE-TSM-O-8 Secure the delivery of the Bridgend-Buncrana & Newtowncunningham Greenway inclusive of the section routing through Bridgend. 59 https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/publications/all-island-strategic-rail-review/

5. Page 595

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 593 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 Policies BE-TSM-P-1 Support the delivery of projects which provide for the delivery of the active travel, public transport, and vehicular network interventions detailed in the Local Transport Plan, subject to all necessary technical assessments, and not permit development that would prejudice the implementation of same. BE-TSM-P-2 Protect the route corridors for and positively facilitate the development of the TEN-T N13 Bridgend to County Boundary Improvement Project. BE-TSM-P-3 Preserve the route of the Bridgend to Buncrana & Newtowncunningham Greenway Project. BE-TSM-P-4 Support the delivery of the National Transport Authority’s National Cycle Network ‘Cycle Connect’ Network in Bridgend. BE-TSM-P-5 TEN-T Corridor It is a policy of the Planning Authority in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and the strategic transport objectives of the County Development Plan 20204-2030, to safeguard the route of the proposed Bridgend By-Pass. Pending progression of the detailed design with the National Road Design Office (NRDO), a precautionary corridor of 200metres shall continue to be identified. However, it is recognised that this is indicative in nature and subject to refinement as the detailed design stage progresses. In this regard, the Planning Authority in conjunction with the National Road Design Office shall; a. Assess planning applications within or adjoining the corridor on a case-bycase basis, having regard to the scale, nature, and permanence of the proposed development. c. Support appropriate development that does not prejudice the delivery of the bypass or compromise route selection and design options. c. Facilitate the progressive refinement of the corridor, with the intention that, as further technical and design work is completed over the life of the Bridgend Area Plan, the safeguarded 200 metre wide corridor may move to a more defined corridor. d. Have regard to the relevant environmental, engineering and land use considerations as part of this refinement process. Development proposals that would significantly impede or undermine the delivery of the bypass, or result in sterilisation of the route, will not be permitted. 23.8 Water and Wastewater Supply Infrastructure The provision of an adequate water supply and wastewater treatment is essential for quality of life, environmental protection and the future residential and commercial growth of Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend. The town is served by an Irish Water maintained wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) providing for mechanical primary and secondary treatment, followed by tertiary treatment in the form of a willow plantation. The Uisce Éireann Wastewater Capacity Register (published Dec 2024) states that Ceann

6. Page 596

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 594 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 an Droichid/Bridgend has no spare capacity at present. Consultations with Uisce Éireann have indicated that they are currently progressing a Stage 2 Preliminary Business case at Bridgend WWTP but the project will not commence construction during the 2025-2029 period. The public sewer network in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend is also limited, consisting of sewer pipelines lines running along the L2031 road to the south of the village centre, within the western and southern part of the village centre and to the west of the town. This leaves significant areas of the village (e.g. the northeastern half of the village centre, areas immediately to the east and south-east of the village centre and areas to north of the Skeoge River) without ready access to the public sewer. This lack of existing capacity is therefore a significant constraint on new development within the village and, pending the upgrade of the plant, could give rise to threats to the water quality in the Skeoge River and Natura 2000 sites in the wider area. In these circumstances, the Area Plan must comply with the relevant provisions of the CDP and wider national guidance with respect to the assessment of development proposals and the zoning of land for development purposes. All proposals for development in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend that will generate effluent will be assessed against the provisions of CDP policy and all other material considerations pending the commissioning of the upgraded Bridgend Treatment Works. In the event that alternative, appropriate arrangements for wastewater treatment become available over the lifetime of the plan, the planning authority may be in a position to consider the release of Phase 2 lands for residential development, subject to compliance with all relevant planning criteria. In terms of water supply, the UÉ capacity register notes that there is potential capacity in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend but that capacity constraints exist and that connection applications will be assessed on an individual basis. Objective BE-WWSI-O-1 To secure the upgrading of (i.) the Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend sewage treatment works and associated sewer network and (ii.) the Ceann an Droichid/ Bridgend water treatment plant and associated distribution network, in order to provide for the growth and sustainable development of the settlement. 23.9 Flooding As set out in Section 23.5 above and as detailed in Figure 23.2, significant areas of the town centre and adjoining lands in Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend have been identified as being at risk from flooding, concentrated around the River Skeoge generally and in the areas north and east of the river. This Area Plan has been prepared based on the precautionary principle and the sequential approach of Avoid, Substitute, Mitigate, Justify & Proceed, as set out in the Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities. New developments will be required to ensure that surface water management issues can be successfully addressed, they do not exacerbate flood risk elsewhere and utilise Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in accordance with the Flood Risk management policies of the County Development Plan. Objective BE-F-O-1 To ensure that development does not give rise to unacceptable new flood risks or does not exacerbate existing flood risk where such development would exacerbate issues of flooding on the Skeoge River and jeopardise third party properties.

7. Page 597

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 595 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 23.10 Tourism Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend holds significant potential as a tourism hub due to its strategic location on the border with Northern Ireland, close proximity to the historic city of Derry, and the gateway to the Inishowen peninsula. The town offers easy access to historic sites, as well as scenic routes along Lough Swilly and the Wild Atlantic Way. Its tranquil rural setting, combined with strong transport links makes the town an ideal base for visitors exploring the wider region. The scope to develop and enhance sustainable tourism was complimented by the allocation of funding under the INTERREG VA cross border programme 2014-2020 for the construction of a Greenway between Derry and Buncrana via Bridgend. This project is currently in Phase 2 whereby preferred route options will be presented to the public for consideration. This greenway upon completion will offer a safe, scenic, and eco-friendly corridor for walking, cycling and recreation connecting the neighbourhoods, school and businesses in the town. This will also have an economic benefit for the town by attracting new visitors into the town and enhancing linkages between communities and promoting sustainable transport. . 23.11 Open Space & Recreation With the exception of green areas within housing estates and a narrow strip situated along the L2031 road, Bridgend has no publicly accessible green/open spaces and there is no playground within the village. The identification of a coherent, centrally located public amenity area within walking distance of residential areas is a key requirement of a functioning small settlement such as Bridgend. In this regard, the Council has identified an area of disused lands between the village centre and the Stoneybridge Housing estate that, possibly in combination with a modestly-sized, low density residential scheme, has the potential to provide an accessible and passively supervised public amenity space, enable a more direct pedestrian access to the town centre, regenerate this partially-disused area and be compatible with the existing adjoining dwellings. The identified location of the site is set out below in Map 23.3. This public amenity area will provide for pedestrian access from all directions including from the Stoney Bridge Housing estate to the south, or from the existing open area to the west; a landscaped open area incorporating the tributary to the Skeoge river; direct pedestrian access to the village centre via an existing linkage to the N13, and roads access also to the south-east. In proposing this area, the planning authority believes that these lands represent the best opportunity to create a quality and accessible amenity area within the settlement. Map 23.3: Location of Potential Public Amenity Space (Area shaded green).

8. Page 598

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 596 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-T-O-1 To secure the delivery of a public park in a centrally located area of Bridgend. Policy BE-T-P-1 To preserve the area identified on the Land Use Zoning Map as Open space & Recreation' for recreation purposes to secure the creation of a public park for Bridgend. The public park shall: a) Provide for: • a centrally located green space which can be passively supervised by adjoining new low-density residential development. • high quality pedestrian access from: the L-2031 to the west; the Stoney Bridge housing development to the south; the N13 to the north; and New Residential Phase 2.2 to the east. • Road access via the existing access into these lands b) Provide for suitable and high-quality planting and landscaping, pedestrian walkways and cycle links, a playground and/or play equipment and facilities for ball/field sports. 23.12 Opportunity Sites Ceann an Droichid/Bridgend, as set out earlier in this Plan, holds a strong economic base with potential due to its strategic location on the border with the City of Derry/Londonderry, offering access to cross-border trade, education and tourism. Its proximity with Derry enhances connectivity and opportunities for business development. The area benefits from a skilled workforce, scenic landscapes enriched with culture and heritage, sustainable agriculture, positioning Ceann an Droichid /Bridgend as a promising hub for growth in the northwest city region. The Opportunity Sites identified on the land use zoning map (Map 23.1 refers) offer development opportunities by virtue of their proximity to the centre of the settlement, visibility, scale and accessibility. The specific policies set out hereafter for each 'Opportunity Site' shall form a guide to the type of development that may be appropriate at each location. Any specific proposals that are not referred to in the policies below shall be considered on their own merits, subject to the identified constraints and all other relevant policies of the Area Plan and County Development Plan 2024-2030 and compliance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Opportunity Site 1 Light Industrial/Commercial; or Tourism-related; or development providing for a combination of some, or all, of the aforementioned uses. The site comprises separate frontages onto the National Primary Road to the north, and onto the County Road (L-2013-4) to the east. The northern portion of the site has a particularly high profile being located adjacent to the National Road/Wild Atlantic Way route that also serves as the key strategic road corridor between Derry and Letterkenny. Vehicular access to the National Road is constrained, however, due to the bend on the National Road to the west of the north-western corner of the site and also the proximity of the roundabout to the east. The southern portion of the site, whilst largely hidden from the National Road, nevertheless has very good frontage to and access from, the adjacent County Road. The undulating nature of the terrain within this site is very noticeable and gives rise to high hillside ridge lines as viewed from both the National Road, and County Road. These features require sensitive treatment in the preparation of detailed designs for the area. An area to the north of the site that would otherwise appear to logically fall

9. Page 599

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 597 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 within the boundaries of the site is omitted and identified as 'Local Environment 2' as this site has been identified as falling within Flood Zone A and subject to localised flooding concerns (refer to flood mapping). Another section of the southern part of the site and running parallel with the local road is identified as falling within Flood Zone B (refer to flood mapping). Proposals for other forms of development that will encroach towards this area of the site may be required to submit a site-specific flood risk assessment depending on the scale and position of the development. Wastewater treatment shall be provided in accordance with the policies set out in Chapter 8 of the County Development Plan. Opportunity Site 2 Light Industrial/Commercial; or Tourism-related; or development providing for a combination of some, or all, of the aforementioned uses. The site comprises of frontage onto the County Road (L- 7931-2) to the south, or through a shared access through Opportunity Site 1 from the County Road (L92013-4) to the east. There is an existing agricultural type business located southwest of the site. The undulating nature of the terrain within this site is very noticeable and gives rise to high hillside ridge lines as viewed from both the National Road, and County Road. These features require sensitive treatment in the preparation of detailed designs for the area. Wastewater treatment shall be provided in accordance with the policies set out in Chapter 8 of the County Development Plan. Opportunity Site 3 Light Industrial/Commercial; or Tourism-related; or development providing for a combination of some, or all, of the aforementioned uses may be considered. This Opportunity Site is situated southeast of the town and south of a large area identified as Local Environment 2 (Map 23.1 Refers) which runs parallel with the National Primary N13. The site is east of the narrow L-8041-1 County Road. Lands located in Local Environment 2, which are north of the site, have been identified as falling within Flood Zones A and B. Development proposals that will encroach towards the identified flood zone areas of the site (refer to flood mapping) may be required to submit a site-specific flood risk assessment depending on the scale and position of the development. Such assessments shall be required to address, inter alia, proposals for the attenuation of rainwater and run-off during flood events. Development of this Opportunity site will require widening of the existing road, together with the provision of a footpath, public lighting and drainage improvements. Wastewater treatment shall be provided in accordance with the policies set out in Chapter 8 of the County Development Plan. Objective BE-OPP-O-1 To secure the development of each of the sites identified as Opportunity Sites on the Land Use Zoning Map (23.1 refers) in a manner that will make a positive contribution to the role and function of Bridgend. Policies BE-OPP-P-1 To consider proposals for the development of light Industrial/commercial, or tourism-related uses; or for development providing for a combination of some, or all, of the aforementioned uses on Opportunity Site 1 subject to compliance with the undernoted criteria, subject to all other relevant policies of this Plan and compliance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Proposals for retail development will not be favourably considered unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal would comply with the sequential approach to

10. Page 600

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 598 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 retail development and retail impact assessment requirements as set out in the County Retail Strategy. The undernoted criteria shall apply: a) Vehicular access shall only be permitted via the County Road to the east of the site. Pedestrian access shall be required onto both the National Road and County Road; b) Layout and design shall not give rise to sky-lining on the elevated parts of the site. c) Provision of wastewater treatment shall be in accordance with the policies set out in Chapter 8 of the County Development Plan. d) Compatibility of any proposal with an overall cohesive development proposal for the entire Opportunity Site area. An overall site layout plan for the entire Opportunity Site, including assessment of and provision for transport, shall be required in this regard. BE-OPP-P-2 To consider proposals for the development of light Industrial/commercial, or tourism-related uses; or for development providing for a combination of some, or all, of the aforementioned uses on Opportunity Site 2 subject to compliance with the undernoted criteria, subject to all other relevant policies of this Plan and compliance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Proposals for retail development will not be favourably considered unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal would comply with the sequential approach to retail development and retail impact assessment requirements as set out in the County Retail Strategy. The undernoted criteria shall apply: a) Vehicular access shall only be permitted via the County Road to the south of the site or via a shared access through Opportunity Site 1. b) Layout and design shall not give rise to sky-lining on the elevated parts of the site. c) Provision of wastewater infrastructure shall be in accordance with the policies set out in Chapter 8 of the County Development Plan. d) Compatibility of any proposal with an overall cohesive development proposal for the entire Opportunity Site area. An overall site layout plan for the entire Opportunity Site , including assessment of and provision for transport, shall be required in this regard. BE-OPP-P-3 It is a Policy of the Planning Authority to consider proposals for the development of Light Industrial/Commercial, or Tourism-related uses; or for development providing for a combination of some, or all, of the aforementioned uses on lands identified as Opportunity Site (Opp 3) subject to compliance with the undernoted criteria, all other relevant policies of the County Development Plan and compliance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The undernoted criteria shall apply: a) Roads/footpaths; i. widening of the existing L-8041-1 road along its entire length, together with the provision of a footpath, public lighting and drainage improvements as necessary;

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