Plans to develop Buncrana town centre site in ‘major milestone’ for organisation

Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) has announced that it has purchased a site in the centre of Buncrana which is to be developed into a “community space”.

The Ferris Lane site, which was previously the home of the Pit Stop Tyre Centre, was identified last November by IDP during a quest to find suitable premises for expansion.

The organisation said the site was deemed suitable following initial reviews by an engineer, architect and QS as part of due diligence. 

In a statement, IDP said the move “marks a major milestone for IDP, whose work has supported people, communities, and local initiatives across the Inishowen Peninsula for close on three decades”.

The new facility will be “a modern, eco-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming hub for training, collaboration, innovation, and community connection”.

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IDP is a local development company that delivers rural development and social inclusion programmes and initiatives on behalf of the Government and the European Union.

It provides services for unemployment, enterprise support, business start-up support, community development support, training and education, youth development and family support programmes.

Last year it welcomed 3,968 individuals through its doors and delivered 43 courses and 77 events, reaching a total of 5,511 attendees throughout the year”.

A spokesperson for IDP welcomed the development and thanked its board of voluntary directors for “investing in the future of the local development company and seeking to develop a community asset in the region while repurposing a derelict site”.

“The next steps will be looking to Donegal County Council and further afield to see what funding opportunities are available to support this badly needed community facility. We hope to have a new building designed with sustainability, accessibility, and community wellbeing at its core”.

“This facility will serve as a long-term investment in the people of Inishowen - offering a flexible and vibrant space to host programmes, events, supports, and partnerships that empower individuals and strengthen local communities.”

While the site development is envisioned as a long-term project, expected to take a number of years to complete once funding is secured,  IDP said it is also making immediate changes to ensure continuity of service.

In the coming weeks, the organisation will relocate to temporary premises at the former post office on Buncrana’s Main Street, which “will ensure IDP remains highly accessible to the public, while also allowing staff and programme partners to continue delivering supports in employment, social inclusion, education, sustainability, and community development without interruption. “We are excited about what lies ahead,” said IDP.

IDP is relaocting to temporary premises at the former post office on Buncrana’s Main Street

“Our move to the old post office keeps us close to the community we serve, and the development of a new purpose-built facility will give Inishowen a modern, dynamic hub that reflects the scale and ambition of our work.”

More details on the relocation and future plans will be shared in the coming weeks and IDP said its team looks forward to welcoming the community into the new Main Street space later this summer and continuing to build towards a brighter future for all in Inishowen.