Call for temporary car parking at Malin Head

Plans are in place for a Visitor Management Plan to be implemented at Malin Head, with some improvements, including toilet facilities, already undertaken.

Fáilte Ireland and Donegal County Council are working with the local community, key agencies, business partners and stakeholders to deliver the plan.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Martin McDermott said it is ‘imperative’ that the ‘pressure is kept on’ for further development of the plan, particularly as this year and next are considered to be important to local tourism.

“It’s important that we get to part eight of planning and that work is done at the top of Portaleen Brae and the car park, so that people have somewhere to go.

“We need to make sure we push as much as possible, because this year is going to be so important for tourism locally.”

Councillor Bernard McGuinness proposed that a temporary car park be set up in the meantime to alleviate issues that occurred last year, when the large volume of visitors meant many could not get parked.

The Fine Gael Councillor said: “If people can’t get parked, it could cause a lot of damage to tourism.”

Colr. Nicholas Crossan agreed with his fellow councillors. “We 100% need car parking facilities. It’s highly unlikely anyone will be going away on holidays this year - many will be staying at home.

“We need facilities there, even on a temporary basis. There’s no use in someone coming up and not being able to get parked. They won’t come back again.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Albert Doherty noted how councillors and relevant stakeholders will hold a workshop in March and said councillors must be briefed on plans, including what is envisaged in relation to car parking and the implications for road infrastructure.

“We want visitors to have an excellent experience and these are things we can work with. I’m asking that, as far as possible, we get a update in March of what is envisioned at Malin Head.”

Fiona Doherty, the council’s Development Officer for Community and Enterprise, said plans are progressing in relation to the viewing point at Portaleen Brae and for a 40 space car park. She said more details would be given to councillors at the workshop.