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Information Booklet in relation to

Information Booklet in respect of Ballyshannon

Ballyshannon

Context Ballyshannon is one of the oldest towns in , having developed along the banks of the . The town is an area of intense archaeological and historical significance, and has been designated as both a historic and heritage town. As early as the Neolithic Period (4000- 2500BC) there is evidence of human settlement and ritual activity has been discovered within the town and wider hinterlands.

Ballyshannon is located along the Northwest Atlantic coast and N15 National Primary Route from to (between the two Gateways of Sligo and ). It is approximately 6km northeast of town centre, 22km south of , 44km northeast of Sligo and 45km west of adjacent to counties Fermanagh and Leitrim. The recently constructed Bundoran/Ballyshannon By-Pass runs to the south and east of the town. The town centre consists mainly of retail, professional, residential, public/institutional and community/health/educational developments. There are also a number of derelict buildings. The two major tourist resorts of Bundoran and are located a few kilometres away with several quality hotels, golf courses, surfing, hiking and fishing amenities. (Source: Draft LCA, Settlement Character Assessment, , 2015. Full text of draft Settlement Character Assessment regarding Ballyshannon can be accessed by clicking the link below) http://www.donegalcoco.ie/media/donegalcountyc/planning/pdfs/viewdevelopmentplans/landscapecharacte rassessmentofcountydonegal/draftsettlementcharacterassessment/Tier%202%20Settlements.pdf

Some facts The population of Ballyshannon Urban and the Environs of Ballyshannon in Census 2011 was 2,503 persons and this has declined by -6.3% over the period 2006- 2011 compared to population growth in the County as a whole of 9.4%. This indicates a weakening population base within the town. Of the total labour force in Ballyshannon, 69.1% were at work which is lower that the equivalent county figure of 73.8%. The unemployment rate in Ballyshannon was 30.9% in 2011 and this was higher than the County unemployment rate (26.2% in 2011). Further information on the demographics of Ballyshannon can be viewed at; http://census.cso.ie/areaprofiles/areaprofile.aspx?Geog_Type=ST&Geog_Code=33003

The town provides a range of neighbourhood services to its residents and to the wider surrounding hinterland. Neighbourhood services include a number of community and cultural services, recycling facilities, public services, financial services, post office, An Garda Síochána, Sheil Hospital as well as primary and post primary education facilities and an adult education centre. Further information on the profile of Ballyshannon can be viewed at; http://www.spaceialnw.eu/town-profiles/ballyshannon as well as other comparative information for the County at http://www.spaceialnw.eu/

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Information Booklet in respect of Ballyshannon

Current Planning Framework The current planning framework for Ballyshannon which will be replaced by the content of the Local Area Plan is contained within the Development Plan 2012- 2018 (as varied). The Core Strategy of CDP 2012- 2018 (as varied) outlines that the identification of lands to supply need for new housing is to be delivered through the preparation of a Ballyshannon Local Area Plan and that to this end, the amount of land to be zoned to meet this need in Ballyshannon is 27 ha. For clarity, the CDP 2012- 2018 (as varied) does not consist of a Settlement Framework map and associated text in respect of Ballyshannon. The last Local Area Plan for Ballyshannon which has now expired (expired March 2015) was entitled, ‘The Ballyshannon & Environs Local Area Plan 200- 2015’ and it contained written text of objectives and policies for the proper planning and sustainable development of Ballyshannon together with a land use zoning map. For information purposes, the map below is an extract from the Ballyshannon & Environs Local Area Plan 2009- 2015 showing the land use zoning that had been identified at that time. The Land Use Zoning map of the Ballyshannon & Environs Local Area Plan (now expired) outlined: . The plan boundary . Lands zoned for a variety of uses including, but not limited to, residential, opportunity sites, industrial/ employment, community/ health/ education, industry/ employment/ retail warehousing. . Areas described as the Architectural Conservation Area, Historic Buildings and Streetscape and the views and prospects of Historic Residential buildings. . A number of road linkages, junctions, cycleways and walkways.

Map extract from Ballyshannon and Environs LAP 2009-2015 (Now expired)

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Information Booklet in respect of Ballyshannon

Issues for consideration through the preparation of the LAP specific to Ballyshannon As well as the current planning framework for Ballyshannon that is contained in the CDP 2012- 2018, other examples of the types of issues that are likely to be considered in the Ballyshannon section of the LAP include: . The retail function of the town. . The importance of the tourism sector to the towns’ economy. In tandem with the preparation of the LAP, an Action Plan is being progressed for Ballyshannon to identify key actions to support and assist in the economic potential of Ballyshannon as a Development Centre, and tourism is a key focus area in the Action Plan. . The strategic location of the town along the . . The performance of the town centre as an important public space. . The visual quality of the main access routes into and out of the town. . The protection of important townscape features and key views and prospects identified in the draft Settlement Character Assessment that form part of the draft Landscape Character Assessment. . The value and economic potential of the rich heritage of Ballyshannon including history, literature, culture, archaeology and built heritage. . The approach to the identification of the boundary of the town. . The approach to the zoning of lands for housing purposes to meet the identified need of 27ha as established in the Core Strategy of the County Development Plan 2012- 2018 (as varied). . The approach to land use zoning in the town for purposes other than housing such as recreational, community and economic uses. . The need to safeguard the environmental and visual amenities of the town.

How can you take part in the consultation? The issues identified are not exhaustive and there are likely to be many more so it is important to have your say on what the issues are as you see them and what the options are to address the issues. To do so, you can make a submission or observation to be received not later than 5pm on 11th September 2015, either: . By email to [email protected] or, . By post to: The Central Planning Unit, Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

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