18-month delay for Carndonagh's Tús Nua regeneration project

The Tús Nua regeneration project in Carndonagh is expected to be completed in two years, around 18 months later than expected.

A design team has been appointed to the €9.5m project which involves the modification and extension of McDonagh’s Department Store and the Leprechaun Bar close to the town’s diamond.

Tús Nua is a partnership between Donegal County Council and Spraoi agus Spórt, the multi-award-winning Carndonagh social enterprise, which aims to bring people of all generations back into the town centre for community services, education, recreation, housing, enterprise and jobs.

The project, which has received €8.2m from the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund and €1.3m in match funding from Donegal County Council, involves the creation of a digital fab lab, a co-working hub and a creative hub. It also involves a community kitchen, public realm and social space, a new pedestrian street and public realm and back lane improvement works.

When the funding for the project was announced in April 2021, it was hoped it would be completed in the autumn of this year.

In an update on the progress of the project, Donegal County Council said the detailed design will be completed in October this year, with a construction tender awarded in January. Construction is due to be completed in March 2025.

The council said land negotiations for the project have commenced.

Last May, local councillors expressed concern at a meeting of the Inishowen Municipal District at the slow pace of the regeneration project.

Local councillor Albert Doherty this week welcomed the appointment of the design team. He said the work on the design will be continuing in parallel with engagement, including the securing of the properties for the project.

“There is progress and there is engagement from the capital delivery unit on the ground. Small positive steps are happening at the minute and there will be engagement from all stakeholders.”