‘Everyone was getting nervous’ - Fáilte Ireland to fund Fort Dunree application

Fáilte Ireland has agreed to fund the preparation of a new planning application at Fort Dunree following a previous refusal. 

The update comes following extensive engagement between Donegal County Council and Failte Ireland. The approval to resubmit the planning application was received. 

The Fort Dunree Project aims to transform the Fort Dunree Visitor Experience by redeveloping the low fort, the top fort, and the village. Additionally, to provide new public spaces and new cliff walkways. 

At present, Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland are the main bodies funding the upgrade works. The current cost estimate is €22,000,000, and the funding awarded to date is €12,471,000. 

As of November 2025, planning consent had been refused and the design review was ongoing. Now in April 2026, the project has progressed and the design team have updated the design and planning documents. 

“I am delighted with this update on Fort Dunree,” Fianna Fáil Councillor Fionán Bradley said. “Everyone was getting nervous. I’m just wondering now, Failte will fund the application, but will they fund the project?”

Mr Brendan O'Donnell, Senior Engineer at Donegal County Council, responded that there has been a strong commitment from Fáilte Ireland and several meetings have taken place. However, there is no guarantee that Failte Ireland will fund the project. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme