DONEGAL County Councillor Declan Meehan has welcomed significant progress on the proposed Downings Facility Centre for Water Sports Activities following the granting of Maritime Area Consent for the project.
Cllr Meehan said the consent marks an important milestone and allows the project to move to its next critical stage, with Donegal County Council submitting a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
“This is very positive news for Downings and the wider area,” Cllr Meehan said.
“The granting of Maritime Area Consent is a major step forward and demonstrates the progress being made to deliver a high-quality water sports facility that will benefit the local community, visitors, and the regional tourism economy. This project will also enhance safety around access to the beach, which is much-needed.”
The proposed development will be located in the public car park at Crocknamurleog, Downings. The project is being undertaken by Donegal County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland under Platform 2 of the Platforms for Growth 2019–2025 Programme for Tourism Investment.
It is one of a number of similar water sports facilities being developed by Fáilte Ireland and local authorities along the west and south coast of Ireland.
The project includes the construction of a dedicated facility centre for water sports activities, along with associated works such as safety improvement works to the access lane to Downings Blue Flag beach, wayfinding signage, site drainage, landscaping, car park realignment, demolition of the existing public toilets, connection to existing utilities, accommodation works and other supporting ancillary works.
Cllr Meehan also acknowledged the importance of community engagement throughout the process. Details of the proposed project were displayed at a public information event hosted by Donegal County Council as part of the Action Plan for Downings. The event took place at the Mevagh Family Resource Centre on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
“The level of consultation and partnership involved in this project is very welcome,” Cllr Meehan added.
“I look forward to seeing the planning application progress through An Coimisiún Pleanála and to the delivery of a facility that will enhance water-based activity, tourism, and amenity in Downings for many years to come.”
