Historic Malin Green preserved in last-minute compromise

There is relief in Malin Town as the village Green's future has been secured following successful negotiations with Donegal County Council. 

Works carried out in recent days on Malin’s village green had prompted concern over proposed roadworks that threatened to significantly reduce the size of the historic green, a hybrid plan has now been agreed—one that protects the heart of the village while still addressing traffic and safety issues.

Donegal County Council confirmed last week that the works formed part of a wider plan to introduce a one-way traffic system around the centre of the village.

The breakthrough came after an on-site discussion last Monday morning, and a key meeting was held three days later, last Thursday night at the council offices in Carndonagh. 

Representatives from Save Our Green, the Malin Development Association (MDA), three council engineers, Cllr. Albert Doherty, and mediator Cllr. Martin McDermott was in attendance. Engineers Michael McFadden (Senior Executive Engineer), Paddy McLaughlin/Mooney, and Kevin Lake presented a revised proposal that responded directly to community concerns.

Under the new plan, only minimal alterations will be made to the green. The corners will be shaved. The corner that has been removed will be replaced, albeit there will be a bit shaved off it, too. The design also includes a series of traffic-flow improvements: a one-way system from Toner’s Corner to Boggs’s Shop, another from the KIA Garage to Deery’s, and a two-way stretch from McGonagle’s to Lily’s with double-yellow lines introduced for safety.

Save Our Green campaign members said they were satisfied that the solution protects the green for generations to come. They also acknowledged that some ageing trees will need to be replaced over time.

READ NEXT:Night-time roadworks proposed to tackle major traffic disruptions

Save Our Green expressed gratitude to Cllr. McDermott, whose mediation was described as crucial to achieving a fair and balanced compromise.

“The new proposal is fair and takes every side’s position into account,” a spokesperson said. “It’s a plan that will work for everyone, improve traffic flow and safety, and keep the damage to the green to a minimum.”