Údarás na Gaeltachta has announced a capital investment of up to €4.55 million to carry out essential upgrade and replacement work on the infrastructure of Páirc Ghno Ghaoth Dobhair, the largest enterprise park in the Gaeltacht.
This investment will ensure that the Business Park will be of the highest standard to attract new businesses and support the 728 people currently employed there.
The upgrade works will include a complete resurfacing of the Business Park roads with new surface, line markings and signage.
A new 4km water main network will be installed with new hydrants and valves to provide an improved water service.
There will be a comprehensive upgrade of footpaths and illuminated kerbs as well as a complete replacement of boundary fencing.
A new drainage system will be implemented with manholes, working pipes and drainage channels, and comprehensive improvements will be made to signage and parking areas throughout the Business Park.
The works will be completed in four phases over an 18-month period between 2025 and 2027.
As well as being an important employment centre, the Ghaoth Dobhair Business Park caters for the diverse needs of the community.
It is home to a Public Library and Gallery (Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair) as well as a Nursery and Playgroup, Community Playground, County Council Fire Service, Garda Station, Donegal Education & Training Board Training Centre, Health Service Executive Service Centre and various other facilities and services.
Some of the existing infrastructure is over 30 years old and is reaching the end of its useful life. This investment is essential to ensure the continued provision of a safe service, to meet health and safety requirements, and to keep the Business Park competitive for new investment.
Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig, Regional Manager of Údarás na Gaeltachta in Donegal, said “Gaoth Dobhair Business Park has survived every challenge it has faced since the 1960s. This investment will help it adapt to the needs of today and the future to ensure it survives and thrives in the years to come.”
Background
Páirc Ghno Ghaoth Dobhair was established in 1965 when five businessmen and officials from the Department of the Gaeltacht came together to create an Industrial Estate to stop the emigration that was harming the Gaeltacht community.
This was the second rural Industrial Estate to be planned in the Republic of Ireland. The first company, Amblers Teoranta, opened in 1968, and by 1970 the Estate employed 220 people. At its peak in 1998, 1,338 people were employed there.
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