Creative Buncrana’s Night-Time Economy Action Plan launched

The Buncrana Night-Time Economy Action Plan 2025–2026 has been officially launched at Buncrana Library, marking a major milestone in enhancing Buncrana’s after-dark culture, community, and economy.

The initiative developed by Donegal County Council in line with the national Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report, the Action Plan sets out a framework across five key pillars: Governance and Sustainability, Transport and Access, Placemaking and Public Realm, Safety and Security, and Activation and Engagement. 

The plan aims to strengthen local businesses, improve safety, enhance public spaces, and expand cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors after dark, marking an exciting chapter in the town’s evening and night-time culture.

The launch event featured contributions from John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, and South Inishowen Councillor Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. 

Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, delivered a keynote address at the event. The evening also included comedy from Joseph P. Carlin, music by Songbird Sessions, and a performance from Donegal Youth Service.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McConalogue said: “Buncrana is one of only nine pilot towns and cities across the country leading this transformation. The Action Plan reflects the voices of residents and stakeholders and puts Buncrana at the heart of Ireland’s journey to develop a night-time economy that is diverse, sustainable, and welcoming.”

Cathaoirleach Paul Canning added: “This plan is a community plan, created with and for the people of Buncrana. From safer transport and better lighting to more late-night cafés, live music and creative spaces, it is about making Buncrana a place where everyone feels welcome after dark.”

Sophie Gallagher, Buncrana, Night-Time Economy Advisor, said: “The Night-Time Economy pilot aims not only to revitalise Buncrana’s evenings, but it is setting a national example for how smaller towns can grow in a way that’s inclusive, safe, and sustainable.” 

The plan will now guide delivery through 2025–2026, with a dedicated steering committee, national partners, and the Night-Time Economy Advisor working alongside the community to bring the vision to life.

Meanwhile, as part of the stakeholder engagement process for developing the Night-Time Economy for Buncrana, a survey was conducted last Autumn. 

The results of the survey will help to plan for the development of Buncrana’s nightlife in the coming months and years.

Of the 370 people surveyed, 45% of respondents indicated that they visit Buncrana regularly. 37% stated that they visit the town sometimes in the evenings and at night. While only 13% visit Donegal’s second biggest town infrequently after dark, and even fewer people, 5% indicated that they don’t visit the town at all after 6pm. 

For those who indicated that they didn’t visit the town at night, their reasons ranged from the town not being appealing, not enough to do, having inaccessible venues, experiencing difficulties in relation to public transport, where buses do not run late enough, and are not convenient. 18% of people indicated drunkenness or rowdiness as being a reason for them not to visit the town at night as well.

The vast majority of respondents indicated that they come to town between 08:00pm and 10:00pm at night, with only 3% visiting after 11:00pm, with 50% of people returning home between midnight and 02:00am.

Returning home after a night out or from work sees 49% of people walking home, and only 1% use a private bus service.

The majority of respondents who had concerns about visiting the town stemmed from poor transportation, as 68% were concerned about poor public transport and the lack of taxis and buses available to them. 

A good number of people surveyed about what they like about Buncrana at night said they enjoyed the bar and pub culture in the town, while a high proportion state that the town feels safe with a good atmosphere.

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Those surveyed were asked what improvements they believe are required to support a vibrant nightlife in Buncrana. The main concern is improved transport options, as it’s difficult for people to access the town at night. Better communication of what’s on was also listed as important, as is an increased and more diverse offer of what is available to do when visiting the town.