‘It’s your town’ - Buncrana residents urged to speak up on car-free proposal - Donegal Daily

Buncrana councillors have moved to calm concerns over a proposal to turn the town’s Main Street into a largely car-free zone.The eye-catching idea, contained in...

Buncrana councillors have moved to calm concerns over a proposal to turn the town's Main Street into a largely car-free zone.

The eye-catching idea, contained in a new 103-page regeneration strategy, has sparked a flurry of questions about the future of the busy shopping street.

But Cllr Jack Murray has insisted there are no current plans to fully pedestrianise Main Street.

The Sinn Féin councillor stressed that the suggestion is just one of many ideas being put forward for public discussion.

"This was one of many ideas in a regeneration strategy document prepared for the Council by external consultants. It's a discussion document, not a list of decisions made by Donegal County Council."

The draft plan offers a glimpse of how Main Street could look in the future, with cars eventually making way for pedestrians, trees, outdoor seating, markets and community events.

Under the first phase, the road would be narrowed, parking reorganised and footpaths widened, while motorists would still be able to drive through.

A second phase could see Main Street become predominantly car-free.

The proposed gradual pedestrianisation of Main Street Buncrana. Image: Buncrana Regeneration Strategy & Action

Cllr Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party has raised concerns about the potential impact on local businesses.

"How would this affect our businesses that rely on people parking and popping in for what they need?" she questioned.

Cllr Beard revealed her reservations about the wider regeneration strategy, saying there are more pressing problems facing Buncrana.

"I do not approve of many elements in the plan but I want to hear your views, we have many issues that need resolved in the town so this is down my list of priorities currently."

She also stressed that the artist's impressions are simply ideas of how the town could look in the future.

"It’s important to note this is just a vision/ideas for the future and how Buncrana town could look.

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Artist’s impressions of proposed improvements to St Mary’s Road and a new pocket garden at the former John Barr site. Image: Buncrana Regeneration Strategy & Action Plan

Any changes to Main Street would have to take account of traffic, parking, deliveries, emergency vehicles and the needs of local residents and traders, she added.

Cllr Murray acknowledged that the pedestrianisation idea was bound to divide opinion.

"Some may think pedestrianisation is a good idea, others strongly disagree. Options for certain times, including evenings, have also been discussed.

"Of course, any change this significant would only ever be considered following extensive consultation with businesses, residents and the wider community."

The Main Street shake-up is just one of several proposals in the 103-page Draft Buncrana Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan.

Other ideas include breathing new life into the former Fruit of the Loom factory. The plan floats ideas for transforming the building into a brewery, food hall, community greenhouse or even a nightclub, with the landmark building also earmarked as a potential location for housing, offices, shops and community facilities.

The former Fruit of the Loom factory represents one of Buncrana’s most

Other regeneration projects include turning the old Clubman shirt factory into an arts and exhibition hub, redeveloping Swan Mills into a mixed-use cultural and creative quarter, and creating a wetland park at the lower end of Main Street.

"The document is full of ideas for Buncrana's future. Some good, some ambitious, some a little out there, and others worth exploring," said Cllr Murray.

"I'd encourage everyone to engage with the public consultation. Tell us what you like, what you don't like, and what's missing.

"It's your town, and your views should help shape its future."

Donegal County Council is now seeking comments and suggestions on the draft plan, with the public consultation open until Wednesday 25th November 2026.

The full vision plan can be viewed online and more information is available here: https://consult.donegal.ie/en/consultation/buncrana-draft-regeneration-strategy