Over 100 jobs could be supported by major regeneration plans in Buncrana in the years to some.
The ‘Repowering Buncrana’ project was granted €1.17million from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, which was announced yesterday. The total project cost is €1.46m.
The project will develop a number of integrated measures that will work to strengthen the shore front, enhance walking and cycling, provide quality shore front amenities and integrate art and biodiversity into the urban landscape. The project aims to transform the centre of Buncrana and enable the town to be a vibrant, liveable, diverse and competitive centre of scale.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Jack Murray from Buncrana, said he was “extremely proud to sign off on the application in July” this year.
“I believed it to be an absolute game changer for Buncrana and the people of Inishowen,” he said.
“I am now over the moon that the application has been successful.
“We’ve always believed that Buncrana can rival Westport or Killarney in terms of our tourism offering and this concept has the potential to do just that. I look forward to a completely reimagined Shore Front area with confidence and I am hopeful that a newly built leisure centre will sit beside it.
“Over 100 jobs can be created in the old garda barracks while a greatly enhanced playpark, toilet facilities and a new pedestrian footbridge will create a much better visitor experience in the town.”
Cllr Murray concluded by saying that he wanted everyone to have their say as to how the town will develop and that he will facilitate a process to ensure that happens:
“Now is the time for all the people of this town with ideas to come forward so we can make sure we harness the full potential of this funding and, as Cathaoirleach, I will initiate a process to ensure that all voices are heard.”
Yesterday’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) announcement also allocated €196k funding to the North West Bioeconomy Hub in Falcarragh to complete a project costing €245k.
