Key step welcomed for Buncrana three-school campus after decades of ‘false dawns’

After decades of delays, false starts, and sustained campaigning, plans for Buncrana’s long-awaited three-school campus have finally been lodged with Donegal County Council.

South Inishowen councillors have welcomed the development as a major milestone for the town and for the school communities of Crana College, Coláiste Eoghain, and Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha, who have spent years pushing for modern, purpose-built facilities.

The planning application, submitted by Donegal Education and Training Board, proposes a shared education campus on the Causeway Road that would bring the three schools together on a single site.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fionán Bradley said the submission of the application represents a historic moment for the project.

“As the only representative in Buncrana who is a member of the Board of Donegal ETB, Crana College’s Board of Management, and as a past pupil of the school, I know first-hand how important and necessary this project is,” he said.

“This is a project that has been beset by delays for over thirty years, but this is a momentous and historic moment for the project.”

Cllr Bradley said he would liaise with Donegal County Council to help ensure the planning application progresses as quickly as possible through the process.

“I will liaise with the planning section of Donegal County Council to ensure this application is processed in an expeditious manner, so that it can progress through the other phases of delivery,” he said.

The Buncrana Councillor also paid tribute to the staff, students, parents, and wider school communities who have worked to bring the project to this stage.

100% Redress Councillor Joy Beard has also welcomed the development, saying the planning application marks an important step forward for education provision in Buncrana and the surrounding areas.

“After almost 20 years of discussions, proposals, and advocacy, it is extremely positive to see the planning application finally submitted for this much-needed education campus,” she said.

“This project will deliver modern, purpose-built facilities for three growing school communities and will create a shared campus environment that supports learning, collaboration, and inclusion.”

Cllr Beard said the new campus would provide facilities that reflect the needs of modern classrooms, including appropriate supports for children with additional needs.

“Our students deserve high-quality educational spaces that reflect the needs of today’s classrooms, including appropriate supports for children with additional needs.”

“This campus has the potential to transform educational provision in Buncrana for generations to come,” she added.

Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray, echoing the view of his fellow council members, said the submission of the planning application followed “many false dawns” for the project but represents a major step forward.

“After decades of campaigning, this is a major step forward for teachers, principals, parents, and pupils who took to the streets, made their voices heard, and never gave up on securing a new, state-of-the-art school campus,” the Buncrana Councillor said.

However, Cllr Murray said he remains concerned about the lack of space available for sporting facilities on the proposed campus and will continue to engage with council management to explore the possibility of securing additional lands for playing pitches.

“Nonetheless, today is a very positive day for Buncrana and for Inishowen,” he added.

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The South Inishowen Councillor concluded that elected representatives must now continue supporting the three schools as the project moves through the planning and development process.

“It is now incumbent on those of us in elected office to continue supporting the three schools in securing the buildings they need, in the form they require, as quickly as possible. The days of delay and campaigning should now be behind us.”