Fort Dunree project will 'get over the line' despite setback

The refusal of planning permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála to restore and upgrade the existing visitor experience at Fort Dunree isn't a “dealbreaker” according to the Chairperson of the board of Fort Dunree, John McCarter.

Donegal County Council had sought approval to undertake the restoration and upgrade as part of ‘The Fort Dunree Project,’ however, An Coimisiún Pleanála refused the project due to pollution concerns at Lough Swilly.

John McCarter said he was disappointed with the outcome. “We very much hoped with all the work that had been done that the decision would have come out positive.”

Back in 2021, when the project was announced, €12.5 million in funding was allocated for Fort Dunree in what would have been the single biggest investment in tourism in the county.

An Coimisiún Pleanála stated in their rejection that they were not satisfied with the wastewater management of the proposed development, which would be “prejudicial to public health and could negatively impact the Lough Swilly waterbody.” 

Mr. McCarter is optimistic that a solution will be found and a second application will be successful. “I would be very confident that it would get over the line. This is an engineering kind of problem that presumably has a solution. I don't see it as a deal breaker.”

“It would be fantastic to see it up and running. There's been lots of work and preparation done. Obviously, the decision we've just had, not all of it has been gotten right yet. I do feel that it will be possible to remedy.”

“We just have to take it in our stride and find a way through, and in most cases, you do find the solution. Ultimately, it is very disappointing, but all of these things are solvable.”

Inishowen Councillor Fionán Bradley has expressed his deep disappointment in the ruling of the project, which would have transformed the region, as “this decision now threatens the viability of the project.”

“Since the withdrawal of the Defence Forces more than three decades ago, Dunree has operated on a shoestring budget, simply surviving from year to year, and great credit must go to John Mc Carter and the volunteer Board for all the hard work they put into the site in that time just to keep it afloat.

The Fianna Fáil Councillor is now calling on Fáilte Ireland and Donegal County Council to redouble their efforts to ensure the project becomes a reality. “I would also like them to make a firm commitment that the funding previously pledged for Dunree will not now be lost to some other project.”

The Buncrana councillor is also appealing to the small minority of people who were opposed to the project to see the benefits it would deliver for the area. “Now is the time for everyone to proactively work together to ensure there are no further unnecessary and costly delays. The very future of Fort Dunree and the local economy of the area depends on it.”

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Donegal Senator Manus Boyle has stated that he is disappointed with the decision but is confident that a solution can be found to ensure that a further application will be successful.

“While the refusal is undoubtedly a setback, I fully acknowledge the environmental concerns raised, particularly around wastewater treatment and the protection of Lough Swilly. These are valid issues, and I am confident that they can be addressed with the right expertise and commitment.

I urge all involved to remain calm and focused. This is not the end of the road.”

Over the coming weeks, the Fine Gael senator said he will be working with Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and other key partners to study the decision in detail and identify a constructive way forward.

“Our shared ambition for Fort Dunree remains strong. It is a site of immense cultural, environmental, and strategic significance, and I believe we can still deliver a project that respects that legacy while unlocking its full potential for future generations.”