The Donegal County Council’s Regeneration Project at the Foreshore in Dungloe was officially launched on June 20th by The Mayor, Cllr. Enda Bonner.
The Foreshore area, accessed just off the Main Street, enjoys spectacular views of the sea and the rocky coastline. The site of the town, however, is faced away from its scenic coast and the Council owned Foreshore area has long been used informally as the town’s unmarked car parking area and as a Civic Space during the town’s well-known ‘Mary from Dungloe’ festival. Despite its scenic location, the Foreshore area has become dilapidated in recent years.
Building on earlier proposals, the Foreshore Regeneration Project received momentum in 2006. After fresh consultation with local landowners and the consent of the Glenties Electoral Members, earlier designs were revisited and subsequently revamped by the Council’s Economic Development Team. Speaking at the Launch, Mayor Enda Bonner said that;
“The overall development of the Foreshore area plan, which will be approached on a phased basis, will seek to redress the town’s current relationship with the sea – allowing the local community and tourists alike to benefit from this important natural resource. I have long recognised the untapped potential of the Foreshore area and I am confident this project will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area and indeed, town as a whole”.
This initial phase of development will provide a highly designed formal car parking area and a valuable civic space for the local residents and tourists alike, allowing them to enjoy the scenic view of the sea and coastline.
More specifically, Phase I of the project will provide for:
- Construction of a car park consisting of 157 spaces (inc. disabled and coach parking)
- Widening of existing car park access road
- Construction of a new access road onto Quay Road/Maghery Road through existing Cope Property
- Provision of street furniture and street lighting
- Landscaping works
- Relocation of existing waste water treatment pumping station
- Under grounding of services
- Provision of footpaths, kerbing, surfacing and lining
- Upgrading of existing services
- Provision of new road signage
These proposals were placed on public display in March 2007 and submissions were accepted during the 6 week statutory period. Phase I received Part VIII approval at the May sitting of the Council meeting. Forbairt na Rosann has also recently completed a playground at the Foreshore, with the support of both Peace II funding and An Roinn Gnothai Pobail Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta funding and this is a welcomed development.
The Council is currently in negotiations with adjacent landowners. Upon completion, the preparation of tender documentation will be carried out by the EIS team, a request for tenders will be advertised and following the assessment of all received tenders, the successful Contractor will be formally appointed. Works are estimated to be completed by early 2009, allowing for other subsequent phases to commence.