County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 621

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 619 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan CN-TSM-O-4 Increase public transport usage by providing improved public transport infrastructure (including the provision of a northbound town centre bus stop and additional bus stops on approach roads) and ensuring compact growth. CN-TSM-O-5 Reduce transport and parking demand by promoting compact growth and providing enhanced walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure. CN-TSM-O-6 Improve traffic flow and parking arrangements in the town centre and facilitate the delivery of Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Inner Relief Road. Policies CN-TSM-P-1 Support and facilitate the delivery of the active travel, public transport, and vehicular network actions detailed in the Local Transport Plan (as illustrated in the associated maps above) and the active travel linkages otherwise detailed in the Land Use Zoning map subject to any required technical assessments and studies and not permit development that would prejudice the implementation of same. CN-TSM-P-2 Development proposals on Opportunity Site 5 and NR 2.5 shall provide for the construction of a section of the multi modal Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Inner Relief Road in accordance with the requirements for said road set out in Policy CN-OPP-P-5. CN-TSM-P-3 To protect the route corridors for and positively facilitate the development of the Inishowen Greenway including the Buncrana to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh and Three Trees to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh elements of said project. CN-TSM-P-4 To support the delivery of the National Transport Authority’s National Cycle Network ‘Cycle Connect’ Network in Carndonagh. 24.8 Water and Wastewater 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 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh. The Uisce Éireann Water Supply Capacity Register 2024 (published August 2025) states that Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh lies within the Inishowen West and Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh and Culdaff Water Resource Zones and there is potential spare water supply capacity, but a Level of Service improvement is required. Direct consultations with Uisce Éireann indicate that there are currently significant water supply constraints and a dynamic water supply situation in the Carndonagh area. They however estimate that a volume of water may be available in the water supply zone over the lifetime of the plan sufficient to cater for the proposed housing supply target (i.e. 172 units). They also have indicated

2. Page 622

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 620 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan that ongoing works to supplement the water supply in Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh from groundwater sources (e.g. Tirnaleague Aquifer) may provide a potential for a small increase to the water supply. The quantum of residential related zonings identified in the land use zoning map therefore has regard to the water supply capacity which may be available in the water supply zone over the lifetime of the plan. Furthermore, having regard to the dynamic water supply situation in Carndonagh Uisce Éireann have also advised that pre-connection enquires, and connections applications will be assessed on an on an individual basis considering their specific demand requirements. In this regard developers are strongly advised to contact Uisce Éireann at the earliest opportunity regarding the availability of water supply for proposed developments. Otherwise, the town has a very extensive water supply network but again extensions are required to service certain backland areas. The Uisce Eireann Wastewater Treatment capacity register 2024 (published August 2025) indicates that Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh/Malin Wastewater treatment plant currently has organic capacity of 5,833 PE, a load of 5,337 PE and a potential spare capacity of 496 PE. In this regard UE indicates that the plant is performing well and is meeting all licence standards apart the Total Oxidised Nitrogen limit. UE are developing options to consistently achieve this limit but this will not be implemented in the 2025-2029 investment period and wastewater connections enquires and applications will be assessed on an individual basis. Otherwise, the town has an extensive public sewer network with sewers extending along most key arterial roads however extensions would be required to service backland locations. UE have confirmed that water supply for Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh is still primarily sourced from the Tirnaleague Aquifer and protecting this source is therefore crucial to the future development of the town and the health of its residents. The County Donegal Groundwater Protection Scheme (GSI 2004) classified the Tirnaleague Aquifer as a locally important Sand and Gravel Aquifer, with an extreme vulnerable rating (due to thin overlying soils). It also cited on-site wastewater treatment systems from individual houses, leaky underground sewers from newer developments or houses, fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides, oil/diesel spillages and organic animal wastes as potential pollution hazards. To this end the scheme identified Source Protection Zones (See figure 24.7 below) to minimise pollution risk to the waster abstraction points in the aquifer. Consequently, it is considered that the following robust policy provisions should be implemented to protect this vital water resource.

3. Page 623

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 621 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan Figure 24.7 Source Protection Areas for the Tirnaleague Aquifer Policies CN-WW-P-1 Not to permit individual proprietary wastewater treatment systems within the Source Protection Areas of the Tirnaleague Aquifer (refer to Fig 24.7), save for proposals involving the replacement or upgrade of an existing wastewater treatment system/s which in turn would demonstrably serve to afford a greater degree of protection to water quality within the aquifer. CN-WW-P-2 Not to permit any development proposals within the Source Protection Areas of the Tirnaleague Aquifer (refer to Fig 24.7) which by reason of their nature, scale or layout would give rise to a significant pollution risk or would potentially compromise the water quality within the Tirnaleague Aquifer. CN-WW-P-3 Any proposals for development within the Source Protection Areas of the Tirnaleague Aquifer must be accompanied by a detailed hydrogeological study detailing the potential impacts of the development on the aquifer. 24.9 Flooding The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 identified that certain areas around Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh are at risk from flooding in a 1% AEP (1:100) (Flood Zone A) and a 0.1% AEP (1:1000) (Flood Zone B) High End Future Scenario Flood Events (see map below) including along the Donagh River, Glennagannon River and the Ballywilly Brook. In particular, said 0.1% AEP (1:1000) High End Future Scenario Flood Zone B encompasses the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Shopping Centre site, a significant area of existing retail,

4. Page 624

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 622 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan commercial, and residential development adjoining Chapel Road and the Simpsons Supermarket and Bar and Restaurant site adjoining the Gleneely Road. In addition to the above areas, the SFRA for the Seven Strategic Towns (SST) Local Area Plan 2018 also identified that areas in the vicinity of the Cherry Avenue and Cedar Grove estates are at from flooding in a 1% AEP (1:100) (Flood Zone A) and a 0.1% AEP (1:1000) (Flood Zone B) Present Day Scenario Flood Event.

5. Page 625

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 623 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan Figure 24.8 Flood Risk Areas Carndonagh Area Plan (Source: SFRA CDP 2024 and SFRA Seven Strategic Towns Local Area Plan)

6. Page 626

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 624 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan The Flood Risk Management Plan for the North Western River Basin Region (OPW 2018) recommended a flood relief scheme for Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh including: a storage area on the Ballywilly Brook, hard defences both on the confluence of the Donagh River and the Ballywilly Brook and immediately downslope of same, improved channel conveyance downstream of same, and hard defences on the Glennagannon River immediately upstream of the R244 (See Map below). The exact nature of such measures will be subject to detailed design and consultations with the OPW indicate that the scheme is unlikely to progress in the short to medium term. Figure 24.9 Carndonagh Flood Relief Scheme (Source: The Flood Risk Management Plan for the North Western River Basin Region (OPW 2018 ) This Area Plan has been prepared based on the precautionary principle and the sequential approach of Avoid, Substitute, Mitigate, Justify and Proceed, as set out in the Flood Risk Management Guidelines. In addition, new development 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 wider Flood Risk management policies of this Development Plan. Furthermore, this plan fully supports the implementation of the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Flood Relief Scheme. It is also considered that the provision of an urban wetland adjoining the Ballywilly Brook would be fundamentally compatible with the provision of the flood attenuation measures proposed along said Brook as part of said flood relief scheme. Objective CN-F-O-1 Deliver all aspects of the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Flood Relief Scheme, subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive.

7. Page 627

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 625 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan Policy CN-F-P-1 • Positively consider all developments associated with the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Flood Relief Scheme. • Ensure that all development proposals shall be compatible with, and not otherwise impede or prevent the delivery of the scheme. 24.10 Economic Development Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh currently serves as an important employment centre for the North Inishowen area, boasts several indigenous employment generating enterprises including within the seafood processing, retail services and the construction products sectors. Furthermore, analysis undertaken as part of the CDP 2024 indicates that the settlement has a healthy ratio of Jobs to Resident workers of 1.343 (i.e. indicating that there is net inflow of workers into the settlement). This development plan also sets out a Jobs Target of 1062 for Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh and emphasises that the there is a need to sure that there is a adequate supply of zoned lands at appropriate locations to accommodate employment growth. In addition, the retail sector within the town is well developed, provides a significant source of local employment, and may have scope for further expansion in accordance with the overall retail policy framework of this plan including compliance with the Retail Planning Guidelines. Given its central location at the heart of north Inishowen, the workforce in the wider hinterland and the availability of serviced and accessible greenfield sites Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh is well placed to avail of future economic development (including retail) opportunities. In particular, the undeveloped lands to the north and south of the R244 Gleneely/Moville Road which are highly accessible by roads/footpaths, are well serviced by water and wastewater, have a favourable topography, but are setback from adjoining residential development are inherently suitable for a range of new employment generating/economic development enterprises (Opportunity Sites 1 and 3 refer). Furthermore, the flat undeveloped lands between the Moss Road and the Station Road would also provide further scope for enterprise/economic development subject to the development of a developer led multi model inner relief road (including a bridge over the Donagh River) and associated services which would unlock the potential of this area (Opportunity Site 5 refers). The serviced and accessible brownfield lands adjoining the Atlanfish Processing facility on the Malin Road would also provide scope for new economic development (Opportunity Site 7 refers). The future potential relocation of the Inishowen Livestock Mark site and the Carndonagh Football Club (Opportunity Site 6 refers) would also provide additional lands for new economic development at these serviced locations. In addition, parts of the Council owned lands at Barrack Hill would also provide scope for enterprise/economic development subject to adequate screening/setback from other residential and community proposals which may come forward on the same lands. In addition, the retail sector within the town is well developed, provides a significant source of local employment, and given Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh’s growing population may have scope for further retail expansion in accordance with the overall retail policy framework of this plan including compliance with the Retail Planning Guidelines. In accordance with said Guidelines the Town Centre area (zoned as Urban Core) is the preferred location for new retail development. Further retail development may be accommodated at other locations including Opportunity Sites and Established Development areas subject to compliance the Retail Planning Guidelines inclusive of the application of the sequential approach defined therein. With a strategic location on the Wild Atlantic Way at the heart of scenic North Inishowen close to several tourism attractions (e.g. Malin Head, stunning beaches and mountain scenery), a picturesque and vernacular town centre, hospitality and retail services, the iconic Church of the Sacred Heart, and St Patrick High Cross, Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh has considerable potential as a Tourism hub.

8. Page 628

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 626 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan However, it is also recognised that Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh presently has a significant deficit in tourism accommodation. To help realise this potential this Area Plan supports tourism developments on Opportunity Sites 1,2,3, and 5, facilitates the development of the Inishowen Greenway and the Donagh Riverside Walk, provides a policy framework to improve the attractiveness and vitality of the town centre, and safeguards Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh’s considerable built heritage. Objectives CN-ED-0-1 To strengthen Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh’s role as North Inishowen’s key economic, employment generating and retail centre. CN-ED-0-2 To develop Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh as a Tourism Hub for North Inishowen with a healthy tourism accommodation and hospitality offering and an attractive/regenerated town centre. Policies CN-ED-P-1 To consider appropriate new economic development proposals on specific Opportunity Sites and the Council owned lands at Barrack Hill, and extensions to/redevelopment of existing economic/commercial developments subject to compliance to with any relevant site-specific policies and the wider economic and retail development policies of this plan. CN-ED-P-2 To consider new retail developments within the Urban Core and at other locations subject to compliance with any relevant site-specific policies/zonings objectives of this Area Plan and the wider retail development policies of this Development Plan including the Retail Planning Guidelines and the application of the associated sequential approach. CN-ED-P-3 To consider appropriate new tourism development proposals on appropriate zonings including within the town centre and on Opportunity Sites 1,2,3 and 5. 24.11 Community Recreation Environment and Heritage The creation of a healthy, socially inclusive, low carbon/climate resilient, and environmentally sustainable settlement with rich heritage assets is crucial to the creation of a liveable place with a high quality of life. Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh currently benefits from a range of community, educational, recreational, and heritage assets and the plan provides significant scope to add additional assets.

9. Page 629

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 627 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan The outstanding Barrack Hill Town Park (which includes a children’s playground, green spaces, walk/cycle ways, green spaces, sculptures, and community gardens) is situated in a highly accessible and central location adjacent to the town centre and enjoys outstanding views to the adjoining countryside. The amenities at the park could be further enhanced by the provision of further recreational, sporting, and community facilities. The exact nature, layout and design of such facilities would be a matter for further investigation, public consultation and project level assessment and would also be subject to funding availability. The provision of such amenities is supported by CN- CERH-O-3 below. Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh also has several well-established sporting facilities including Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Rugby Club on Moss Road, CLG Charn Domhaigh at Foden Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh, Carndonagh Football Club at Malin Road and Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Boxing Club at Barrack Hill. The existing riverside path along the Donagh River is in a dilapidated state. However, regenerating said path and joining it with existing bridge over the river at Donagh Park/Community Hospital and the riverside walkways within the new residential developments on the Quigleys Point Road, and providing an additional east/west crossing, presents a strategic opportunity to provide a significant recreational/active travel asset for Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh and is supported by CN-CERH-O-1 below. It is also considered that many of the active travel links identified in the plan can also inherently fulfil a recreational role and the provision of same will improve the quality of life for Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh’s residents. In addition, the provision of a riparian Corridor, urban wetland, and recreational Walkways as part of the Barrack Hill Urban Wetland Way project would provide significant recreational, community and biodiversity benefits, and is fully supported by CN-CERH-O-2 below. The proposed Inishowen Greenway both from Buncrana to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh and from Quigleys Point to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh is identified as a Strategic Greenway Opportunity in Section 8.1.4.1 of this Development Plan. An Emerging preferred route corridor has been identified for the Buncrana to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Section of this greenway whilst several Route Corridor Options have been identified for the Threeways to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh section of this Greenway. The completion of this Greenway has the potential to bring significant recreational, quality of life, tourism, and sustainable mobility benefits to Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh. Both sections will be subject to preliminary design, environmental evaluation, planning approval, and construction phases. Consequently, this plan actively supports the implementation of the project through Objective CN-CERH-O-6 below. Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh serves as North Inishowen’s main education centre, the key facilities being Carndonagh Community School (1,154 pupils (2023/2024)) St. Patrick’s Boys National School (144 pupils 2023/2024)) on Church Road) and St Patricks Girls National School (138 pupils) on Convent Road. In addition, there are several childcare facilities throughout the town. An analysis of Schools Enrolment trends for 2014-2024 indicates that pupil numbers have risen slightly at both Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Community School and the rural Craigstown National

10. Page 630

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 628 Chapter 24 Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan School over the period 2014-2024, but pupil numbers at St Patricks Boys and Girls National Schools have fallen slightly over said period. Consultation with the Department of Education indicates that primary school enrolments both in the state and Donegal are likely to continue a downward trend until the mid 2030s. Said consultation also indicates a drop in Post Primary enrolments by 2030. Nevertheless, the Department have indicated that if the proposed CDP 2024 Core Strategy housing growth allocations are realised this would result in a population increase of 458 person and a potential requirement of 2 extra primary school classrooms and 30 plus post primary school places. They further advise that said additional requirements could be facilitated through existing school facilities and/or expansion of same. In addition, the Department have advised there is also a projected need for 2 Special Education Needs Classrooms at Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Community School. The existing primary and post primary schools in Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh are likely to be able to cater for said additional demand within their existing sites. However, such expansion may result in the loss/displacement of sporting facilities/outdoor space in certain circumstances. Furthermore, St Patricks National School and the Community School on Church Road do not have any additional suitable lands which they could feasibly expand into. However, the existing field/site immediately to the south of St Patricks Girls National School on Chapel Road could provide a natural expansion opportunity for said school. Alternatively said site’s highly accessible location at the heart of wider residential development would be ideally suited to the provision of other community, education or sporting facilities. Consequently, this site has been zoned Community in this Area Plan. Public consultation carried out as part of the plan identified a strong desire for the provision of a retirement village in Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh. Such specialist housing for older persons is facilitated within the residential related (i.e. New Residential Phase 1 and residential related Opportunity Sites) and Community zoning(s) in the plan. The wider Development Plan also requires that all development proposals comply with best practice in Universal Design (CC-P-8 refers) and new multiple residential development of 7 or more units must contain 30% of units built to universal design standards (UB-P-11). Public consultation has indicated a strong support for the provision of a general-purpose Community Centre capable offering/providing a range of child/youth services, indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, specialist facilities for disabled persons, hydrotherapy facilities, and meeting space for community groups and older persons. This plan supports the delivery of such community infrastructure by facilitating Community uses on the most accessible Opportunity Sites (1,2,3,4,6 and 7) and on the Community zoning south of St Patricks (Girls) National School on Convent Road and through CN-CERH-O-4 below. There are no ecological designations within the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Area Plan boundary. However, the settlement is located in relatively close proximity and is hydrologically linked to both the North Inishowen Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Trawbreaga Bay Special Protection Area (SPA). In addition, the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh Woods proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) lies immediately to the west of the town. Said designated areas are safeguarded by policies BIO-P-1 and BIO-P-2 of this plan. The publication A Biodiversity Action Plan for Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh for Biodiversity prepared by the Eco Carn Community Group has also highlighted the importance of biodiversity in/the biodiversity potential of Barrack Hill Town Park, Donagh River and the Moss Road Estates. Such local Biodiversity is protected by Policy BIO-P-1 of the Development Plan, the support for additional Biodiversity amenities in Barrack Hill Town Park outlined in CN-CERH-O-3 (below), and the zoning of the Donagh River corridor and Barrack Hill Town Park as Open Space and Recreation. In addition the local Biodiversity, rural character, the landscape setting of the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh’s immediate rural hinterland is protected by zoning said area as Local Environment which only facilitates limited development. Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh is one of 2 Decarbonising Zones (DZ) identified in Donegal which identifies a range of mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity measures to address low carbon energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and climate needs. Baseline research for the Carn Domhnach/Carndonagh DZ indicates the following GHG emissions breakdown for Carn

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.