Path cleared for major Lifford development to begin

The way has been paved for the the first phase of a major development in Lifford to begin.

An Bord Pleanála have granted permission for a recreational facility, to include two sports pitches, on a 1.7-hectare site at The Common.

Lifford Celtic Football Club, who are due to vacate their current home at Greenbrae to facilitate the Riverine Project - a cross-border venture to include a pedestrian bridge across the Foyle, a new resource centre and park space - will be based from the new facility.

Two pitches are to be developed on the site by Donegal County Council, one at 7,350 square metres and another at 2,400 square metres.

The development will include floodlighting and car parking. Works will also include 720m of access road. The plans also include the provision of roadway, footpaths, cycleways, associated street lighting, storm drainage and a proposed new access onto the N14 National Primary Road.

A map showing the proposed development.

The planning authority considered a submission from Donegal County Council on the development.

An Bord Pleanála considered the Masterplan and the Lifford Settlement Framework, which form part of the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024 and determined that the development was ‘in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area’.

Conditions include that the development be carried out and completed in accordance with the plans and particulars lodged in June 2022; that the mitigation measures contained in a Natura Impact Statement be implemented in full; and that a finalised management plan is to be completed prior to works getting underway.

The development of these lands was first proposed in 2000 by Porthall-based Fianna Fail Councillor Gerry Crawford in 2000.

The sport pitches serve as the first part of an overall plan that is also set to include the construction of social housing and an enterprise park.