The International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD) were appointed to undertake a socio-economic and geo-spatial analysis of Buncrana, the second-largest town in County Donegal. The study, commissioned by Donegal County Council, considers the growth potential of Buncrana as gateway to the Inishowen Peninsula and a key town within the North West City Region. The North West Region of the Island of Ireland is the fourth largest urban agglomeration on the island of Ireland and experiences a national (and now external) jurisdictional border. It is well recognised across the island of Ireland that while the North West Region of the Island of Ireland faces many challenges – not least because of its peripherality from Dublin and Belfast and associated lack of investment over many decades – this region is an untapped source of great potential, economically, socially and environmentally.
Buncrana’s seaside location, its natural and heritage resources and its proximity to, and connections with, Derry are among its strategic assets. It is renowned as a holiday destination and has been welcoming visitors for generations. The town and its environs have a distinctive industrial heritage, but the textile industry, which was once the mainstay of the town’s economy, has ceased. The loss of industrial jobs has adversely affected the local economy and necessitated new approaches to job creation and economic development. Like many towns of its size, Buncrana has had to adjust in the face of the social and economic restructuring of the past decade, and the recent advent of COVID-19 has posed significant challenges for its tourism industry. In mapping out its development trajectory for the coming decades, Buncrana is, through this document, taking stock of its asset base and examining how the town can harness its assets – be they recognised, latent and/or potential. At the same time, stakeholders are cognisant of the challenges, and they recognise the importance of collaboration – working with other places and across all sectors – in promoting place-making.
A copy of the final report can be downloaded here
