BY JEROME HUGHES
RURAL decline was very much on the minds of councillors as they moved towards adopting the Draft County Donegal Development Plan in Lifford on Thursday.
The plan guides future decisions around housing, regeneration, economic development, transport, natural heritage, and much more.
It also contains Area Plans for Buncrana, Ballybofey/ Stranorlar, and Bundoran.
It’s effectively a ten year plan for County Donegal and not just for the period 2024-2030, as officially stated.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Martin Harley, has expressed his relief to the Donegal News that councillors were able to find broad agreement.
“It was great to finally get it over the line. People may think that some of the things went through quickly on Thursday but this has been a lengthy two-year process. There were 35 workshops and meetings so there’s a lot of work in it,” said Cllr Harley.
“It’s a very significant and massive document. Council Budgets and Development plans are the two biggest decisions that councillors make during their time in office.
There were no rash decisions, only important ones,” he added.
Cllr Harley has also paid tribute to the “massive input” from councillors who are retiring, saying: “It’s great to see they want things right for the future, for their children and grandchildren. It frames the county going forward for the next six to 10 years.”
A number of councillors expressed concern about rural decline in Donegal during the early stages of Thursday’s debate.
Reference was made to the closure of post offices, garda stations, health centres, and the future of rural schools.
They also highlighted issues relating to planning with Cllr Michael McClafferty claiming, “Everything is getting squeezed. People in Dublin don’t get it. Young people can’t get building on their own land.”
Donegal County Council CEO John McLaughlin welcomed the adoption of the plan, suggesting, “It represents a huge milestone in terms of the development of the county.”
“People talk about housing but it covers a lot of other things; tourism, renewable energy, major infrastructural projects – including roads, water and electricity,” said Mr McLaughlin.
“I’d like to thank the public for their participation.
There were lots of submissions which is good and healthy for Donegal. The policy-making role is also big for the elected members,” he added.
The adopted plan has been placed under review by the Office of the Planning Regulator because a number of the proposed amendments were rejected.
Final consideration on some elements might come down to Minister Darragh O’Brien.
It could be up to three months before the County Donegal Development Plan swings into operation.
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