Exciting launch of new ‘Eco Strategy and Action Plan’ for Buncrana

The town of Buncrana came alive last week with energy, hope, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future, as the new ‘Eco Buncrana Strategy and Action Plan’ was officially launched.

This community-powered roadmap sets out a practical and inclusive path toward a more resilient, connected, and environmentally-conscious Buncrana.

The plan was shaped through meaningful conversations with over 40 young people and 38 community groups and organisations from across the area.

The launch event, which took place at Buncrana Library, brought the strategy to life through a series of engaging, hands-on activities. The work links with the ‘Inishowen is Ours’ actions, as part of the DCC Peace Plus programme.

Participants planted trees, surveyed coastal biodiversity, and took part in workshops on food preservation, IT repairs, and creative upcycling.

Denise McCool, Team Lead with the Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), said the event, which was held as part of Climate Action Week, captured the best of what community-led action can achieve.

“It was a positive day focused on local responses, filled with meaningful conversations and hands-on action,” she said.

“Despite the challenges of the climate crisis, the atmosphere throughout the day was one of optimism, collaboration, and shared purpose."

"We are hopeful about seeing actions come through the plan led by the community and other key stakeholders such as the town team, community organisations, local businesses and the creative sector, after seeing the strength of their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the process.”

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Additionally, as part of the ‘Inishowen Is Ours’ project, visitors from the Rathlin Development and Community Association attended the launch. This was a return visit to meet local projects following on from an Inishowen study trip to Rathlin.

The group, from University of Ulster Future Island and Rathlin projects, was impressed by the visible sense of community spirit in Buncrana, and they praised the town’s commitment to sustainability and cooperation.

Young people from Scoil Mhuire and Crana College, who had contributed to the consultation stage of the plan, also attended the launch and took part in the various workshops. Primary school children from Scoil Iosagain and St Mura’s NS also assisted the team from Wild Inishowen in planting three apple trees in the town.

To get involved or find out more about the ECO Buncrana or Inishowen is Ours initiatives, please contact Rachel or Denise at IDP.