The Development Plan sets out a strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Donegal from 2024-2030. It guides future planning and public investment decisions around housing, urban regeneration, transport, economic development, and built heritage. The Plan also contains Area Plans for key settlements in Donegal.
Variation (No. 1) to the County Development Plan 2024-2030 was made by the Elected Members at the Council meeting of the 27th of July 2026, came into effect on the same day, and includes (in summary):
New Area Plans for An Clochán Liath, Ballyshannon, Bridgend, Carndonagh, Donegal Town and Killybegs and associated Local Transport Plans.
Amendments to the Buncrana Area Plan, the Letterkenny Plan, and the Ballybofey/Stranorlar Area Plan.
Amendments to Settlement Frameworks for Laghy, Ardara, Creeslough, Dunfanaghy, Culdaff, Gleneely, Manorcunningham, and Newtowncunningham, a new Clachan for Drumoghill, and various other policy changes.
The Council is currently finalising the Variation documentation including the various textual and mapping changes, and these will be published on this website in due course. The Variation will be reviewed by the Office of Planning Regulator (OPR) and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage may in turn decide to issue a Draft Direction regarding changes to the Variation.
The Variation was subject to public consultation at both Draft and Proposed Material Alteration (PMA) stages, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Appropriate Assessment, and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Prior to making the Variation the Members considered a and associated Chief Executive’s Report and addendum on the PMAs.
Separately in June 2024 the Minister of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage issued a Draft Ministerial Direction. This has the effect of freezing the parts of the development plan highlighted in yellow in the plan and on otherwise on land use zoning maps (all other parts being in effect). Following public consultation, the Minister is still considering a recommendation from the Office of the Planning Regulator to issue the Direction with minor amendments.