Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings at

Burtonport, Co. Donegal

Description of the nature and extent of the development proposed in the Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 at Burtonport, Co.

Donegal;Pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81, Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations

2001 (as amended)

Directorate of Community Development & Planning Services Regeneration & Development Team

January 2020

Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT …………………………………………………………………………... 1

1.2 LOCATION OF THE PORPOSED DEVELOPMENT ………………………………………………………………………………… 1

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ……………………………………………………………………………. 1

1.3.1 BUILDING 1: HARBOUR BUILDING ………………………………………………………………………………………. 2

1.3.2 BUILDING 2: ENTERPRISE UNITS BUILDING ………………………………………………………………………….. 2

1.4 POLICY CONTEXT ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

1.4.1 THE COUNTY DONEGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2018-2024 ………………………………………………………… 3

1.5 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND FLOOD RISK ……………………………………………………………………………. 4

1.6 SCREENING IN RELATION TO APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT ………………………………………………………………… 5

1.7 PROPER PLANING, SUSTAINABLE AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA ……………………………………… 5

1.8 SCHEDULE OF PLANS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings

1.1 Background to the proposed development

The proposed development forms part of a broader and linked project (Burtonport/Aranmore ‘Harbour to Island Regeneration’ Project – Phase 1) for the regeneration of Burtonport (Ailt an Chorráin) and Aranmore (Oileán Árainn Mhór). Phase 1 of the project will provide for the transformation of the Harbour area at Burtonport to a multi-user space with modern transport infrastructure, public amenities and services and parking and will develop a high quality shore front recreation, outdoor amenity and event space on Aranmore Island. The planned enhancement of the Burtonport Harbour area will strengthen the physical, social and economic capacity of the Harbour and the town of Burtonport and therefore supports the identification of Burtonport as a Strategic Town with ‘Special Economic Functions’ in the County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024.

Phase 2 of the project proposes a new harbour building and enterprise units building that will present as an important physical element of the overall development and provide a valuable opportunity to introduce regenerative physical development, a diversification of uses and quality architecture to the marine and harbour environment. Broadly, the proposed development will provide for the construction of a new harbour building which will house Donegal County Council office accommodation, meeting room, public facilities, ferry offices, waiting area and tourist desk facility and a separate enterprise building containing a number of small mixed-use units that will help create employment opportunities and stimulate entrepreneurship.

1.2 Location of the proposed development

The location of the proposed development is the townland of Burtonport, specifically relating to a section of the Harbour Area at Burtonport directly adjacent to the ferry slipway and which is currently occupied by two existing store buildings located along the northeastern side of the harbour which are to be demolished.

(Please refer to site location drawing no.: 6719 / PL-01).

1.3 Description of the proposed development

The specific nature of the works is as follows: Construction of Harbour Building (Building 1) to accommodate public waiting area and

public toilet and shower facilities, Ferry Ticket Offices with associated storage, operators booths and shared kitchen facilities at ground floor level with new Harbour Masters Office, meeting room, wet room and dry room facilities, and viewing platform at first floor level;

1 | P a g e

Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings

Construction of Enterprise Units Building (Building 2) to accommodate 4 no. enterprise units with ancillary storage and toilet facilities and upper level mezzanine area ; and

All associated ancillary works to include site drainage, connection to public water supply and other services, landscaping, development related signage, connection & discharge to the public sewerage network.

1.3.1 Building 1: Harbour Building

The harbour building will house:

2 no. Ferry company ticket offices, each with their own kitchen facilities, storage and WC;

3 no. ‘Operators’ booths, one to be permanently used as a tourist information desk with prominent information board and two to be used as required by local operators

Secure storage lockers/facilities for desk and office users;

Public waiting area with seating for 15-30 people;

Public facilities (Toilets including a fully accessible disabled toilet, baby changing, showers) accessible from both inside and outside the building;

Shared private kitchenette for the staff;

Harbour Masters quarters accessed directly from outside the building, including wet room and dry room facilities;

Council meeting room; and

Multi-purpose room for community use.

1.3.2 Building 2: Enterprise Units Builiding

This will house 4 no. small enterprise units with kitchenettes and toilets for each unit and upper mezzanine floor for storage purposes. All units have a rear door accessing onto a shared outdoor communal storage / utility area.

The proposal provides for the development of high quality accommodation designed to address the marine environment within which it is positioned and meet the brief for multiple uses within a limited site area. The main Harbour Building presents as a contemporary piece of architecture that is of its time and is innovative and well informed having regard to the specific requirements of the site and the location. The enterprise building is more simplistic in style and demonstrates a well informed use of traditional reference through the linear narrow plan form, the barrel style roof and the sliding door openings. This design was specifically informed by the

2 | P a g e

Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings

former ‘Auction House’ building which is to be demolished. It is intended where feasible to use materials from this former building in the new buildings in order to further reflect the traditional. It is considered that the development on the whole respects and reflects our traditional built heritage within the modern context and will establish a contemporary architectural legacy for future generations.

Burtonport Harbour

Existing store building to be demolished Former Auction House

1.4 Policy Context

The statutory plan relating to the area of the proposed development is the County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024 (CDP).

1.4.1 The County Donegal Development Plan 2018 – 2024

It is the aim of the County Development Plan, 2018-2024 to “unlock the potential of towns and villages through regeneration and renewal so as to strengthen the social, community and economic capacity and vitality of towns and strengthen rural communities” – Chapter 3, Part A

3 | P a g e

Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings

‘Towns and Villages’ refers. The ‘Strategy for Renewal and Regeneration of Towns and Villages’ set out in the said Chapter of the said Plan, designates Burtonport as one of the County’s Layer 2B Towns performing a ‘Special Economic Function’ to drive growth and development in the County and which is positioned to take advantage of tourism due to its strategic location on the Wild Atlantic Way. Also identified as special functions of Burtonport are the ‘Marine’ industry and the particular potential for an appropriate town enhancement scheme to strengthen communities. Furthermore, the County Development Plan outlines the role of town and village regeneration in strengthening the County’s economy through Strategic Objective S-O-5 ‘to prioritise regeneration and renewal of the County’s towns, villages and rural areas in order to support vibrant and strengthened communities and drivers of economic growth’. The Plan provides specifically for regeneration and renewal initiatives, the sustainable growth of towns, place-making initiatives, appropriate employment generating developments and the appropriate development of tourism through a range of policies and objectives including:TV-O-1: To support initiatives for renewal and regeneration of County Donegal’s towns and villages with a particular focus on ‘Strategic Towns’ identified as Layer 2 in the settlement structure.TV-O-3: To harness and maximise the economic potential of the County’s towns and villages that may contribute to the sustainable economic growth of the County.TV-O-4: To support initiatives to strengthen and improve the physical environment of towns and villages and encourage positive place-making.TV-P-1: It is the policy of the Council to encourage proposals aimed at harnessing particular ‘Special Economic Functions’ of the County’s ‘Strategic Towns’.TV-P-5: It is a policy of the Council to consider proposals for contemporary architecture within town centres which: Provides for a high quality design and utilises high quality durable materials. Is sympathetic to the overall height, scale, and mass, and would not be otherwise

incongruous with, the adjacent buildings or streetscape.ED-O-3: To facilitate appropriate employment generating developments into the gateway centre of Letterkenny and the Strategic Support Towns, and to support the economic development of smaller towns and villages throughout the County.TOU-O-1: To sustainably develop and realise the potential of Donegal’s Tourism product as a key economic driver of, and social catalyst for the County.

1.5 The proposed development and flood risk

OPW Flood Maps (www.floodinfo.ie) provide information on flood risk for a range of flood event scenarios including climate change. The OPW flood maps show no known flood risk

4 | P a g e

Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment – Phase 2 Buildings

associated with the proposed redevelopment of Burtonport Harbour and associated new buildings. There is therefore no requirement in relation to Flood Risk Assessment or further consideration regarding this element. Notwithstanding, having regard to the location of the development adjacent to the pier, appropriate flood-resistant construction measures will be implemented through detailed design such as raised floor levels and proprietary flood protection devices.

1.6 Screening in relation to Appropriate Assessment

The proposed Part 8 development has been screened for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment and it has been determined that Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required. Please refer to Screening Report.

1.7 Proper planning, sustainable and orderly development of the area

It is considered that the proposed Part 8 development providing for town centre regeneration Burtonport is in accordance with the provisions of the County Donegal Development Plan, 2018-2024 and in particular will give full effect to the regeneration objectives and policies therein. It is considered that the proposed development is therefore in accordance with the proper planning, sustainable and orderly development of the area.

1.8 Schedule of Plans

Drawing Number Title6719 / PL-01 Site Location, Existing & Proposed Site Plan & Proposed Site

Layout6719 / PL-02 Harbour Building Ground Floor Plan6719 / PL-03 Harbour Building First Floor Plan6719 / PL-04 Harbour Building Roof Plan6719 / PL-05 Harbour Building Elevations6719 / PL-06 Harbour Building Elevations & Section6719 / PL-07 Enterprise Units Ground Floor Plan6719 / PL-08 Enterprise Units Mezzanine & Roof Plan6719 / PL-09 Enterprise Units Elevations6719 / PL-10 Enterprise Units Elevations & Sections6719 / PL-11 Perspective Views6719 / PL-12 Perspective Views

5 | P a g e