Major Inishowen projects central to Donegal County Council budget 2021

Key Inishowen infrastructure projects feature strongly in the budget, which was welcomed by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Rena Donaghey after it was agreed this week.

The €155.3 million budget covers the Council’s day-to-day spending while the Three-Year Capital Budget will be considered separately next week and is in addition to this. The Revenue Budget equates to an average spend of €975 for every citizen of the county over the course of the year.

The Council has agreed there will be no general increases in commercial rates for 2021, following a year in which many businesses have been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Colr. Donaghey said the highlights of the budget include the implementation of the “long awaited” MICA Redress Scheme and a new 700,000 euro fund to develop tourism infrastructure across the county. The latter will also be utilised to help the hospitality sector take advantage of the type of demand experienced during the 2020 summer period, with a particular emphasis on attracting ‘staycationing’ visitors to the county.

This year saw people from all parts of the island opting to visit Donegal, many for the first time, as international travel restrictions were brought in.

The budget includes the “capacity to co-finance a number of important capital investment projects across the County, including URDF and RRDF projects, and the likes of Swan Park and the Inishowen Innovation digital hub in Buncrana”, Colr. Donaghey said, as well as the creation of a Greenways Development Team to bring forward ‘shovel-ready’ greenway projects, “including the one from Buncrana to Carndonagh near myself which will connect to the Derry to Buncrana route”.

She added; “There will also be repeating of the expenditure provisions for road maintenance and works to council houses – budget headings that were increased in recent years; A range of economic development measures across the County including initiatives to attract inward investment, promote Donegal products and services, and provide supports to existing businesses and start-ups; The introduction of a €100,000 Special Biodiversity Initiative, with a focus on addressing the actions of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan; Maintaining the Council’s support for leisure centres, theatres, ferry services, cultural facilities, parks & open spaces, and flagship tourism destinations; and, additional monies to co-fund housing adaption and mobility improvements in houses to provide for €2.5m of works.”

The Cathaoirleach acknowledged the extensive work by Council staff and Councillors on the budget.

She also acknowledged the support and assurance provided to the Council by Central Government to cover Covid-19 related costs and losses both in 2020 and 2021. She commented on the very tough year experienced by many families and businesses due to the Covid pandemic in Donegal, Ireland and across the world.

The Cathoairleach mentioned that the spending of the €155.3m budget in 2021 will reach all corners of the County and will be spent on goods and services provided by many local suppliers and companies.

She also wished everyone a much better 2021 and reminded citizens of the Council’s Community Helpline 1800 928 982 for those facing difficulties as present where you will be put in touch with someone who can help.