A CEREMONY has taken place in Newtowncunningham to mark the start of a €500,000 PEACEPLUS-funded project that will transform outdoor community space in the east Donegal village.
The development will deliver a new playpark, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), sensory garden and canopy space, creating an inclusive hub for residents of all ages and abilities. Construction is due to begin shortly, with completion anticipated by September 2027 or earlier.
The project has been particularly welcomed by families of children with additional needs, who have long sought a modern, accessible outdoor space in the area.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and Chair of Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Partnership, Cllr Paul Canning, said the investment marked a significant day for the village.
“This significant investment will create a welcoming, inclusive, and shared space for people of all ages. It will provide an opportunity for children, young people, families, and older members of the community to come together, connect, and thrive,” he said.
Cllr Canning said projects of this kind play a broader role in strengthening community bonds. “Projects like this play a vital role in bringing people from different backgrounds together, strengthening cross-community relationships and fostering a strong sense of shared belonging. It is particularly encouraging to see accessibility at the heart of this project, ensuring that everyone in the community, including those with additional needs, can benefit.”
The ceremony was attended by Donegal County Council Project Manager John Denney, members of the PEACEPLUS team, local community representatives, and two special young guests, Annie Rose Gallagher McMonagle and Finley McGinty, who helped mark the occasion.
The Newtowncunningham project forms part of Donegal County Council’s wider €7.6 million PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, comprising 32 initiatives aimed at strengthening cross-community and cross-border connections across the county.