County Donegal Development Plan 2024–2030 (As Varied)

1. Page 701

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 699 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Street, most recently in November 2024 when Storm Bert caused an extreme flooding event that caused substantial damage to private properties. Fig.26.4a Flood Zone A & B (Q1000) High-End Future Scenarios - CDP 2024 - 2030 SFRA Fig.26.4b Flood Zone A & B High-End Future Scenarios - CDP 2024 - 2030 SFRA

2. Page 702

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 700 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Fig.26.4c Flood Zone A & B High-End Future Scenarios - CDP 2024 - 2030 SFRA Fig.26.4d Flood Zone A & B High-End Future Scenarios - CDP 2024 - 2030 SFRA

3. Page 703

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 701 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Fig.26.4e Flood Zone A & B High-End Future Scenarios - CDP 2024 - 2030 SFRA This Area Plan has been prepared based on the precautionary principle and the sequential approach of ‘Avoid, Substitute, Justify, Mitigate, Proceed’ as set out in the Flood Risk Management Guidelines for planning authorities. Proposals for new development that have potential to create or exacerbate flood risk will be required to demonstrate that surface water management issues can be successfully addressed, that the proposal will not exacerbate flood risk elsewhere and that Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems are utilised in accordance with the Flood Risk Management policies of the CDP. Zoning designations that allow in principle for vulnerable development within areas of potential flood risk (e.g. within the ‘urban core’) have been subject of ‘justification tests’ in accordance with the provisions of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines. Furthermore, this plan fully supports the implementation of flood risk management measures to address flood issues within the town. Specific objectives pertaining to flood risk in Killybegs are set out below and these should be read in conjunction with the general flood risk management policies and objectives set out in Section 8.4 of the County Development Plan.

4. Page 704

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 702 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Objectives KB-F-O-1 To manage or prohibit development, including development that would be otherwise exempt, where such development would potentially exacerbate issues of flooding of the Drumbeagh River, most particularly onto Bridge Street. KB-F-O-2 Work in collaboration with the Office of Public Works to devise and thereafter implement flood relief works to mitigate against flooding of roads and property from the Drumbeagh River, most particularly at the Shore Road Bridge and further upstream at Bridge Street. 26.11 Economic Development Fishing & Marine Industry Killybegs is Ireland’s premier fishing port with €121m worth of landings recorded in 2021. In terms of marine activity, the port of Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) is designated as one of the country’s six fishery harbour centres and the town is a base for a wide range of marine services, from maritime logistics and engineering to value added processing and leisure tourism. The Council acknowledges the recent formation of the Killybegs Marine Cluster which strives to provide a hub for world class marine engineering servicing over a range of sectors to both a domestic and an international market. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region 2020-2032 focuses on Na Cealla Beaga in its policy objectives including commitment to protecting, upgrading and expanding Killybegs. This Town Area Plan aims to support appropriate proposals that can enhance the marine services and employment base within the town, thereby consolidating Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs’s) role as one of the premier ports in the country. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine owns and directly manages Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. It is managed and operated in accordance with the provisions of the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968, which requires the Minister to manage, control, operate and develop the Harbour. It also places specific responsibility on the Minister in relation to maintenance, repair, improvement, extension and modification of the harbours including buildings and road access. Any future expansion of the existing deep-water pier is likely to take place in a southerly direction and this plan supports the delivery of this strategic marine infrastructure. Any proposals relating to the harbour area must demonstrate consistency with the National Marine Planning Framework including the environmental, economic, social and sectoral objectives and policies detailed therein, as per Policy MRCM-P-1 (Chapter 14) of this County Development Plan. Marine Innovation Centre & the Atlantic Technological University Campus at Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) The Atlantic Technological University is a key economic driver for the county and wider region. Its campus in Na gCealla Beaga (Killybegs), particularly the New Ocean Innovation Centre on the campus, is growing the regions research, innovation, and development capabilities. It is a stated objective of the Council to facilitate and support the future development of the ATU campus (Objective ED-O-14 refers).

5. Page 705

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 703 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Figure 26.5: Photo of ATU Campus at Na gCealla Beaga Killybegs is well known as Irelands premier fisheries harbour. Killybegs has recognised potential to also grow further as: • A centre for Value-Added Fish Processing, • An International Cruise Ship destination, • A hub for the delivery and servicing of onshore and offshore renewable energy projects in line with ambitious national targets for revolutionary transition to a neutral carbon economy, • A centre for support operations and maintenance, storage, engineering activities, marine support services, and, • A marine leisure tourism asset. Development of the Blue Bioeconomy at Na gCealla Beaga (Killybegs) This plan allows for the development of the blue bioeconomy sector at Killybegs. The blue bioeconomy refers to the sustainable use of aquatic biological resources to create products and services. It encompasses activities like aquaculture, fisheries (when focused on innovative uses of biomass or waste), and the application of biotechnology to marine organisms. Essentially, it's about finding value in the ocean's resources while minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability The Donegal Blue Economy Working Group— an initiative comprising Donegal County Council, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Marine Institute, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and the Killybegs Marine Cluster—is committed to advancing the blue economy in the region in line with the National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation and the North West Regional Enterprise Plan. To support this goal, BIM and Donegal County Council will seek expert support to carry out a scoping study that will assess the feasibility of establishing a facility to enable seafood businesses nationally to develop new products, processes, and services, moving towards a more circular, sustainable model. It will also support the connection of businesses and stakeholders with cross border/regional, national and international bioeconomy networks to leverage R&D, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Provision is made in this plan to position Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs as a national centre for the Blue Bioeconomy and the findings of the scoping study will help define the shape, form and location of same. Green Hydrogen The Council recognises the strategic potential offered by hydrogen fuel to contribute to transition to low carbon operations. It continues to liaise with external stakeholders in relation to the potential for development of an installation for production of Green Hydrogen fuel and the identification of suitable locations for this sector. The County Development Plan outlines the opportunity and options as regards Green Hydrogen for Killybegs – see chapters 9 and 14.

6. Page 706

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 704 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Tourism Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) offers considerable tourism potential. Extensive interventions have, and are being, made to harness the tourism potential of Killybegs. Facilitating economic development of an industrial nature will need to be balanced carefully with protecting and nurturing Killybegs as a high amenity tourist destination. The broad area around Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) benefits from a wide array of varied tourist attractions, including the Blue Flag beach at Fintra, the sea cliffs at Slieve Liag, golf courses, an equestrian centre at Bruckless, sea angling and boat hire. Na Cealla Beaga is designated as a Historic Town for general protection and has Zones of Archaeological Potential where intense archaeology is present. This is acknowledged to enhance tourism potential also if managed properly. Recreational Craft: Marina & Cruise Ships Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) harbour facility offers a unique opportunity for tourism in the northwest and the town has become the port of call for many cruise ships that can benefit from the modern berthing and quayside facilities, resulting in additional spin-off benefits for the town and further afield as a consequence of retail spending and passengers undertaking visits to the many tourist attractions in the area. In 2019 eleven cruise ships visited Killybegs bringing onshore a total of 8,208 passengers. The Council recognises the potential for a growing contribution to the tourist industry from the cruise ship market in Killybegs and to the Southwest of County Donegal, including Donegal Town. Going forward, it is envisaged that Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) will continue to grow as an important regional tourist destination and with that in mind this Town Area Plan shall seek to facilitate appropriate tourism opportunities and to ensure the development of a high quality townscape, inclusive of pedestrian and cycle ways, amenity spaces, the provision of appropriate tourism accommodation and marine leisure developments along the shorefront. Identification of Lands for Economic Development To realise the potential for the various sectors mentioned in the paragraphs above, there arises a need for sufficient lands to be zoned for economic development. This plan identifies additional lands for business and enterprise including long term land banks to meet a strategic future need. Constraints and opportunities to development such as those detailed below have been considered in the identification of new sites: • Strategic economic role of Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) as Ireland’s primary fishing port, • Potential to harness ORE and marine resource innovation, • Tourism base needs to be reflected in the provision of an adequate quantum of zoned lands for economic development purposes in the town, • Infrastructural needs, e.g. water/wastewater/road/networks or capacities, • Topography / access to lands, unsuitable terrain, site access, bypass, • Flood Risk Lands within Flood Zones A & B potentially not compatible with certain classes of use,

7. Page 707

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 705 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan • Built Heritage and Designations such as presence of structures on the RPS, NIAH, and/or Landscape designations which preclude or limit development potential, • Proper Planning & Sustainable Development - compact urban form, consolidation and strengthening of the town, safeguarding and enhancing the unique character and sense of place. The key strategic ‘business/enterprise’ sites identified in the preceding Seven Strategic Towns Local Area Plan 2018-2024 comprise a developable area of 42 ha (103 acres). Lands zoned for economic development purposes in the previous plan which have been developed comprise a further 20ha (49 acres). Further lands contiguous to the lands already/being developed off the Glenlee Pass (formerly known as the “New Industrial Road”) have been identified in terms of their potential to meet strategic economic development needs of Killybegs and the wider area going forward. These new sites off the Glenlee Pass comprise a total of a further 2.66 hectares (6.57 acres). Redevelopment/reuse of underutilised/ derelict buildings is critical to strengthening the town and driving commercial growth in Killybegs. The recent Regeneration Strategy identified in the region of 30 vacant/derelict properties in the urban core. Additional derelict and vacant commercial buildings are to be found beyond the town centre area. The Council recognises that the re-purposing of these buildings presents strong potential to create space for new businesses that are locating in Killybegs. The focus of land for business and enterprise is zoned to the southern side of town and this situation carries a benefit in that the predominantly residential use areas within Na gCealla Beaga are for the greater part segregated from industrial areas. This has the effect of mitigating against conflicts arising between non-compatible uses sitting adjacent to each other. It is for this reason that the extension of the business/enterprise area north of the Glenlee Pass Road stops at the ridge of the local topography as viewed from the southern approach to town. This preserves the skyline and maximizes the visual and noise screening available between residential and commercial areas. This plan zones 49.6356 ha of developed economic development land and 30.5234 ha of undeveloped economic development land, full details of which, including details of available infrastructure, are given in Table 26.3 appended to this chapter. Map 26.2, also appended to this chapter, identifies the locations of each site code referenced in Table 26.3. Objectives KB-ED-O-1 Facilitate appropriate development proposals that will support marine service related enterprises, the local tourism product and recreational activities in Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs), subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. KB-ED-O-2 Promote the re-purposing of vacant, derelict and underutilised commercial buildings to create additional space for new emerging businesses. KB-ED-O-3 Cautiously consider the appropriate development of green hydrogen energy options, subject to strict adherence to all relevant safety standards, national guidance and legislation. KB-ED-O-4 Support developments in Na gCealla Beaga that: a) Facilitate operations and maintenance associated with renewable energy, or, projects, particularly offshore renewable energy and onshore renewable energy, associated storage and engineering activity requirements, or, b) Provide marine support services, or, c) Progress the research and development sector.

8. Page 708

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 706 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan KB-ED-O-5 Support the development of the Marine Resource Innovation Park within, and/or in close proximity to, the ATU campus. KB-ED-O-6 Support the development of Na Cealla Beaga as a cruise ship destination. KB-ED-O-7 Promote, encourage and facilitate the sustainable growth and competitiveness of enterprise activities associated with the ocean and coastal economy including transport, trade, fishing, aquaculture, research, marine industries, renewable energy, tourism and leisure), subject to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. KB-ED-O-8 Facilitate appropriate development proposals for a blue bioeconomy innovation hub in na gCealla Beaga (Killybegs) where it is supported by the findings of a scoping study of the Donegal Blue Economy Working Group. Policies KB-ED-P-1 Support offshore industries, particularly wind energy, and offshore support industries, which will contribute to a low carbon economy and generate employment. KB-ED-P-2 Support the sustainable re-development and extension of the Port of Na Cealla Beaga subject to environmental, visual, economic viability and transportation considerations in line with the National Marine Planning Framework 2021, and any successor thereof, and any existing or emerging national ports strategies. KB-ED-P-3 Ensure development adheres to prevailing environmental standards and guidelines and accords with emerging legislation and strategy on the marine environment. KB-ED-P-4 Consider proposals that would facilitate the further development of the cruise ship market in Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs), and visitor infrastructure, subject to compliance with all relevant policies of this County Development Plan. KB-ED-P-5 Facilitate appropriate developments that support the tourist economy in Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs), subject to compliance with all relevant policies of this County Development Plan. 26.12 Community, Recreation, Environment and Heritage Primary and Post-Primary Education Both the Primary School in Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs), Scoil Naisiúinta Niall Mór, and the Secondary School, Saint Catherine’s Vocational Education Committee, may need to expand over the lifetime of this Town Area Plan, most particularly to accommodate facilities for special needs education where the national government has made commitments to meeting obligations to provide such services as a constitutional right of persons with special needs. In this regard, land has been zoned west of Murray Lodge to allow for community facilities and also Opportunity Site 9 allows for community infrastructure development and car parking ancillary to community uses. It is intended that these

9. Page 709

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   County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 707 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan lands have potential to facilitate reconfiguration of existing schools within the vicinity of those sites and thus to facilitate their potential extension and the provision of 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 26.7, “Transport & Sustainable Mobility” and Part 26.9, “Infrastructure (Roads & Footpaths)”. Saint Catherine’s Vocational Education Committee School i Na Cealla Beaga (taken from Google Streetview) Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, Killybegs Campus The Atlantic Technical University is a key economic driver for the county and wider region. Its campus in Killybegs, particularly the New Ocean Innovation Centre on the campus, is growing the region’s research, innovation, and development capabilities. It is an Objective of the CDP to facilitate and support the future development of the ATU campus (Objective ED-O-14 refers). While the Killybegs Campus currently has room for growth and expansion, to further underpin this objective, this Town Area Plan has identified part of the harbour as Opportunity Site 8. This site is owned by the Harbour Authority and is currently vacant. It is considered that it offers development potential for Port-Related Activities and/or development as a Marine Innovation Hub or as an area that could facilitate an extension of the Atlantic Technical University, or a collaborative Research and Development facility between the DAFM and the Department of Education, or similar. Healthcare Lands have been zoned for community infrastructure northwest of Murray Lodge and they, as with the Primary School and Secondary School, will provide space for Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs) 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 transport) and within lands zoned for Community Infrastructure. They also will be open to consideration on lands zoned as “Established Development” where it can be demonstrated that they would not generate unsustainable traffic patterns and would not detract from the vitality of the urban core by virtue of displacement from same.

10. Page 710

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    County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030 (As Varied) 708 Chapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area PlanDeletion of Section 5.3 of the CDP 2024 Arising from the Insertion of Area PlansSection 2: Amendment of Zoning of Site NR2.16 at Cockhill BuncranaChapter 26 Na Cealla Beaga/Killybegs Area Plan Na Cealla Beaga Community Hospital (taken from Google Streetview) Recreation Currently there is a requirement for the future development of community sporting and recreational facilities in Na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs). The land use zoning map (Map 26.1) identifies an ‘Open Space and Recreation’ zoning in the townland of Glenlee that could potentially facilitate such a use, on the relatively level lands closest to the Glenlee Roundabout, in tandem with an objective for improved pedestrian and cycling linkages between the Glenlee Roundabout and the centre of town. Only one 7ha area that is shared between multiple clubs shall be permissible and the rest of the woods shall be preserved in the interests of public health and wellbeing and the preservation of biodiversity. Said linkages aspire to eventually facilitate a walkway from the Shore Road passing the National Primary School, the Niall Mór Community Centre, and Opportunity Site 9, and then continuing all the way from the Shore Road up as far as Croaghlin Hill (which is just outside the town boundary). Opportunity Site 9 makes provision for, amongst other development types, a public swimming pool and leisure centre (in line with the opportunity for same identified in the Killybegs Regeneration Strategy Masterplan) in the future should funding become available. Active Travel, Realignments and Cycle Connects Projects Killybegs to Glencolmcille is named as a future active travel opportunity, and Killybegs to Donegal Town has also been named as another future active travel opportunity. Fintra Bridge and Road Realignment As infrastructure directly servicing the town of Na Cealla Beaga, the proposed scheme (see Figure 26.13 below) will provide an improved road alignment on the R263 as well as a new bridge crossing of the Fintra River. Improving the safety of the road is a key objective as this section of the R263 between Killybegs and the junction with the road to Fintra Beach has a number of sharp bends, is narrow, and has poor forward visibility. The scheme aims to improve pedestrian and cycle infrastructure to accommodate the local community and tourists. A new 1.9km pedestrian and cycle route will be developed between the Killybegs Industrial Road with access to Fintra Beach. At present, cycling and walking along this section of road is dangerous because of the poor road alignment and the lack of walking or cycling infrastructure. As a result, travel by these modes is low along the route despite the short distance into the town of Killybegs for people living along the route. The project will provide a pedestrian/cycle link from Glenlee Roundabout to the Fintra Beach access road and will involve both online (adjacent the main R263) and offline (shared use of truncated/Cul-de-sac) sections. It shall be an aim of this plan to create a quality cycleway through the entire town coming in from the Cycle Connect route entering the northern side of town, along Shore Road, up the Glenlee Pass as far as the Glenlee Roundabout to connect to the Fintra Bridge and Road realignment.

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.