Buncrana Shore Front sign defended as a tourism asset for the town

Buncrana councillor Nicholas Crossan has defended the decision to erect a large sign on Buncrana’s Shore Front saying “not one person” has complained to him about it.

The sign, which cost almost €10,000, was erected in recent days and was paid for by discretionary funding from his year as Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council in 2019 to 2020.

The independent councillor said the sign is a tourism asset which will be a landmark for the town.

He is comments come after fellow Buncrana councillor Jack Murray raised concerns at the most recent meeting of the Inishowen Municipal District that he “had no idea” what was happening when the erection of the galvanised steel sign began.

“I see it as a tourism feature with a great backdrop. From this time of the year on the sun will catch the sign at sunset - from from March right through to October. I think it will be a big promotion for Buncrana,” Cllr Crossan said.

He said that while “a few people, are complaining about it”, the reaction has been very positive. “There as many people saying it is going to be good,” he said.

“Not one person has lifted the phone to me to complain about it.”

Cllr Crossan said as far as he was aware “everybody knew about it,” he said.

He said there was no confusion about the issue as councillors were emailed about the proposals in June last year.

Cllr Murray said he had been inundated with phone calls about the sign.

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The Sinn Féin councillor said he was informed at the council meeting that the sign “didn't need planning permission, and that all necessary steps had been taken for it to go ahead”.

“I expressed serious concern about the lack of information, public consultation, and said that the people of Buncrana should have a say on what happens at one of the most prominent amenities in the town.”

“In all my time on the council, I have never come across something with such a large impact progressing so discreetly through the council. It never even arose in passing conversation, before that point, or since.”

He said he had written to the council and asked that it be delayed to allow public discussion “but I was advised that it was too late”.

“I believe in the principle of participatory democracy. I believe that the Shore Front belongs to the people and they should have had a say.

“It could be an amazing amenity. I'm not artistic so wouldn't be the best judge. My only concern is that people have a say.”