There has been overwhelming support from respondents who offered submissions as part of the planning process for an exciting new regeneration project for Rathmullan.
The project is being overseen by Donegal County Council in partnership with Rathmullan-The Way Forward CLG.
It’s rooted in the principles of heritage restoration, town centre renewal and rural regeneration in proposing the transformation of landmark and under utilised assets at the historic core of Rathmullan.
Specifically the project will focus on two of the key built heritage assets in Rathmullan: The Napoleonic Gun Battery and Rathmullan Abbey both of which are Protected Structures.
In all, 87% of those who offered submissions as part of the planning process were in favour of the project with 126 responses received before the closing date.
Rathmullan The Way Forward CLG have thanked all those who offered submissions and confirmed that eight responses were received after the closing date and were not taken into consideration.
Rathmullan beach
A spokesperson said: “There was an overwhelming majority of 87% in favour of the project.
“Another 10% of respondents expressed conditional support for the project or generally supported the project, but raised some concerns in relation to certain aspects of it. The remaining 3% raised specific concerns in relation to the project, which were addressed by the Planning Department prior to planning being granted.
“We are pleased to report that at the council meeting held on 13th February the planning for the project was then unanimously approved by the councillors.
“We will now proceed to prepare, in conjunction with Donegal County Council, a Capital Funding application to position the project for a future call for funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which we hope will open during the last quarter of 2023.
“As part of this process we will be consulting with the local community and stakeholders in identifying options and opportunities in defining the operational model for the three main sites comprising the Abbey, Battery and Pier Hotel site.
“We anticipate that this process will start at our next public meeting which is scheduled for early June.
“We would like to thank Robin Lee Architecture, Pasparakis Friel Architects, and sub-consultants for their sterling work, support and professional services and the Tomar Trust in helping us to reach this significant milestone with the project.”
