The new County Development Plan 2018 -2024 will come into effect today, Tuesday 5 June.
The Plan was adopted by the elected members of Donegal County Council on 9 May 2018 and this is the first consolidated Plan for the entire functional area of Donegal County Council including the former Town Council areas of Letterkenny, Buncrana and Bundoran.
This new County Donegal Development Plan supersedes not just the County Donegal Development Plan 2012 – 2018 but also the Letterkenny and Environs Development Plan 2009 – 2015, the Buncrana and Environs Development Plan 2014 -2020 and the Bundoran and Environs Development Plan 2009- 2015.
This new Plan has been two years in the making with extensive public consultation and engagement with numerous stakeholders.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely believes that the adoption of this Plan is timely.
He said “The timing is excellent in that this Plan was adopted shortly after the publication of the new National Planning Framework which designated Letterkenny as a regional centre for growth and recognised the Letterkenny, Derry and Strabane City Region. This is a very important document for the development of the county and will have a key role to play in realising the potential that Donegal and indeed the North West region has”.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry McMonagle acknowledged the role played by the elected members.
He said “This is a very important Plan for Donegal. It sets the land-use policy framework that will guide the future development of the county for the next six years. Making a Plan such as this and with such significance for the future well being of everyone is no easy task and at times very difficult decisions must be made. I would like to thank my colleagues on Donegal County Council for making these difficult decisions and engaging in the process in such a constructive and positive way.”
Senior Planner with Donegal County Council Eunan Quinn also acknowledged the level of public engagement and consultation in the making of the Plan.
He said “We were delighted with the level of interest shown by individuals, groups, businesses and organisations right across the county and this engagement and consultation has enabled us to develop a Plan that is right for Donegal and reflects the uniqueness of our county as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the county. I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way and especially to those who provided commentary and feedback and I would like to thank the elected members for their full engagement during this process”.
Copies of the County Development Plan 2018 -2024 key documents are available at www.donegalcoco.ie . Other background documents will also be uploaded imminently.
Copies will be made available for inspection in the coming days during normal office hours at Council Offices and public libraries across the county. The Plan can also be purchased by contacting the Council’s Central Planning Unit on 074 91 53900.
