08/03/2022 - Killybegs 2040 -A Town Centre Regeneration Project

CGI Photo real aerial view of the Killybegs 2040 regeneration project, including new public realm civic space at the Diamond, and the dramatic redevelopment of Island House on the Harbour.

Donegal County Council is seeking tenders for the “Killybegs Town Centre Regeneration Project – Island House and Public Realm Works Contract” (RFT 208003).

This significant regeneration project has an overall value of €4.84m and is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund, which is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040. The project is the result of collaboration with the local community, Donegal County Council and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Welcoming the progression of the project to this important milestone Cathaoirleach of Donegal  County Council, Cllr Jack Murray  acknowledged the importance of town centre investment and regeneration at this time, saying: “the Council is committed to the development of transformational regeneration projects of this nature which drive investment in the renewal of our town centres. This particular project comes at a vital time for Killybegs and its wider community as they respond to the challenges of post-pandemic recovery and I am delighted that it now on the cusp of delivery.”

The Project aims to transform the urban fabric of the town and be a catalyst in creating jobs, increasing revenue and activating the private sector. It will deliver the dramatic redevelopment of Island House as a new tourism facility in conjunction with a hub targeted at fostering further business, enterprise and innovation in Killybegs and will be complimented by the transformation of the existing public car park at the Diamond to a multi-user civic space with capacities for social function and commercial purpose that will encourage visitors and residents to the town centre.

CGI Photo real image of the new public realm civic space at the Diamond against the back drop of the newly regenerated Island House.

Cllr. Barry Sweeny, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District believes the project has potential to not only enhance the attractiveness and liveability of the town, but to elevate Killybegs as a destination in its own right on the Wild Atlantic Way creating “wonderful opportunities and new possibilities that will both stimulate and support new and emerging business in the tourism, hospitality and related sectors and make a real difference to quality of life for residents and the entire Killybegs community.”

 Speaking about Killybegs 2040, Liam Ward, Director of Community Development and Planning Services with Donegal County Council says: “A lot of hard work has been invested in bringing the Killybegs 2040 project through planning and detailed design to this tender stage. Along with the entire Killybegs community and all stakeholders I am very much looking forward to the progression of this exciting project to site and delivery of the transformational regeneration proposed.” 

Design Team services on this project are being delivered by Donegal based McCabe Architects.

Tender documents are available on https://www.etenders.gov.ie/ and the closing date for receipt of tenders is  22^nd March 2022 at 12pm.