Information Booklet in respect of Carndonagh

Information Booklet in respect of Carndonagh

Carndonagh

Context Carndonagh is a regional town located at the centre of Northern , within the valleys of the Glenagannon and Donagh Rivers. It is the second largest town in the peninsula after . Carndonagh has developed as a key service and employment centre within the area and its rural hinterland extends to the towns and villages of: Ballyliffen, , , Gleneely, Glengad, Malin Head, Malin Town and Rasheney. (Source: Draft LCA, Settlement Character Assessment, County Council, 2015. Full text of draft Settlement Character Assessment regarding Carndonagh 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 Carndonagh in Census 2011 was 2,534 persons and this has grown by 31.8% over the period 2006 - 2011 compared to population growth in the County as a whole of 9.4%. This evidences a strong and growing population base driving the further development of the town as a strong urban centre in the north of the County. Of the total labour force, 63.1% were at work which is lower that the equivalent county figure of 73.8%. The unemployment rate for Carndonagh was 36.9% in 2011 and this was higher than the County unemployment rate (26.2% in 2011) demonstrating a differential between the strong population base and the employment capacity of the local economy. Further information on the demographics of Carndonagh can be viewed at; http://census.cso.ie/areaprofiles/areaprofile.aspx?Geog_Type=ST&Geog_Code=33028

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 service centre, financial services, post office, An Garda Síochána, fire station, Carndonagh Community Hospital as well as primary and post primary education facilities. Further information on the profile of Carndonagh can be viewed at; http://www.spaceialnw.eu/town-profiles/carndonagh as well as other comparative information for the County at http://www.spaceialnw.eu/

Current Planning Framework The current planning framework for Carndonagh, 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 identifies a need for approximately 164 new housing units to 2018 in Carndonagh, with 12 hectares identified for primarily residential purposes and a shortfall of 9 hectares to be provided for. The map below is extracted from Appendix A, ‘Settlement Frameworks’ of the CDP 2012- 2018 and it shows the current land use policy in respect of Carndonagh identifying:  The settlement envelop of Carndonagh.  The area identified as Town Centre.

1

Information Booklet in respect of Carndonagh

 A total of 12 hectares of land zoned for ‘Residential’ purposes.  Lands zoned as ‘Amenity Areas.’

Map extract from Appendix A of the CDP 2012- 2018 (as varied)

In addition, the CDP 2012- 2018, sets out a number of policies specific to Carndonagh and the full text of the policies can be viewed at; (Pages 6-7) http://www.donegalcoco.ie/media/donegalcountyc/planning/pdfs/viewdevelopmentplans/ countydonegaldevelopmentplan2012-2018/WrittenText.pdf In summary, the policies relate to options to revitalise the immediate town centre, the density of new housing on ‘residential’ zoned lands and measures to create an outer relief road and alleviate town centre congestion.

Issues for consideration through the preparation of the LAP specific to Carndonagh As well as the current planning framework for Carndonagh that is contained in the CDP 2012- 2018, other examples of the types of issues that are likely to be considered in the Carndonagh section of the LAP include: . The function of Carndonagh as the principal market town for North Inishowen. . The need to identify measures and opportunities for town centre renewal and regeneration. . The complementarities between the roles of Carndonagh and Buncrana and the future rural economic development of the wider area.

2

Information Booklet in respect of Carndonagh

. The importance of the tourism sector to the towns’ economy and associated enabling activity. In tandem with the preparation of the LAP, an Action Plan is being progressed for Carndonagh to identify key actions to support and assist in the economic potential of Carndonagh as a Development Centre, and tourism is a key focus area in the Action Plan. . The role of the town as a key centre located along the Wild Atlantic Way linking directly to Malin Head, which is one of three ‘Signature Points’ in the County along the Wild Atlantic Way. . The performance of the town centre as an important public space focussed around an historic Diamond, with strong heritage and architectural character. . 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 forms part of the draft Landscape Character Assessment. . The value and economic potential of the rich heritage of Carndonagh, particularly in relation to the many surviving archaeological structures. . The approach to address the shortfall in zoned land (9ha) for ‘Residential’ purposes that will supply the Core Strategy identification of need for new housing units. . The approach to the identification of the boundary of the town. . 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. . The need to protect the large aquifer extending from the Northern part of the town to the Trawbeaga Bay.

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, , County House, .

3