Buncrana Fianna Fail Councillor Bradley calls for 'clarity' on capital projects

At the most recent meeting of Donegal County Council, Cllr Fionán Bradley brought forward a motion calling for a special meeting to discuss various capital projects ongoing throughout the county.

Introducing his motion to the chamber, the Buncrana Fianna Fail man noted how he frequently hears mention of projects at Council meetings and in particular during budget negotiations.

Most projects carry a match-funding element, which means Donegal County Council is expected to make a contribution towards them, as he explains.

“During discussions which were held before the 2026 Capital budget, officials raised the need to have match-funding set aside for projects, including Buncrana Leisure Centre, Fort Dunree, the Repowering Buncrana project, Tus Nua in Carndonagh and the Malin Head Visitor Centre.”

“However, in the budget, which was adopted by Sinn Féin, 100% Redress Party and a number of Independent Councillors, there is absolutely no capacity to borrow any additional money for match-funding,” he says.

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Cllr Bradley is concerned about what this means in the event that a major funding announcement is made for any of these projects and the Council finds itself unable to provide match-funding.

He says difficult conversations may need to be held around which projects can progress and which can’t in such a scenario.

“I have made it quite clear since my election to the Council that one of my main priorities is the Buncrana Leisure Centre. The Council will be required to provide match-funding to this project when it proceeds to the construction phase.”

“I want clarity in relation to the Council’s ability to provide this match-funding. As such, I’m delighted to confirm that a Special Plenary Council meeting will be held on 11^th March to discuss all these capital projects and to ensure that we are in a position to deliver them.”