Appeal to respect Donegal Town Diamond's pedestrian only zone

Donegal Town’s Diamond has been designated a pedestrian zone, and the council is appealing to everyone to respect this in the interests of safety and enjoyment for all. 

The Diamond reopened to the public on Friday, June 28 following an extensive regeneration project, though one small area is yet to be completed.

While there has been a largely positive response to the Diamond, the issue of the pedestrian zone is somewhat divisive. This is due to the tradition of motorcyclists congregating on the Diamond with their vehicles, particularly on sunny Sundays, while it is also sometimes used for parking of motorbikes, as pictured above.

While some enjoy this and say they are doing no harm, others say they avoid the area when the bikes are there. 

Regardless of whether people feel the bikes should be allowed or banned, the area is now a pedestrian zone, with no motorised vehicles permitted on the Diamond. And a traffic warden will be present to ensure that people know about the new designation.

A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said: “There has been a hugely positive reaction to the newly opened iconic Diamond area. In particular the new canopy entertainment space has provided a fantastic opportunity for hosting community events all year round.

“Donegal Town Diamond is an inclusive, accessible and welcoming pedestrian space for both locals and visitors to the town. It is important to emphasise that Donegal Town Diamond is now a designated pedestrian zone in the centre of the Diamond within the vicinity of the three rings.

“The Council is appealing to users of cars, vans, motorbikes (or any mechanically propelled vehicle) to park in the car parks nearby. Everyone is welcome to congregate and meet on the Diamond, but please do so on foot.

“Vehicular access is not allowed on the centre of the Diamond and the local community and visitors are asked to support and cooperate with this direction.

Donegal Town Diamond is a pedestrian zone in the interests of health and safety, as well as ensuring the maximum enjoyment for all users of the space. 

“This is also important to protect the space from damage and to keep it as clean as possible.

New pedestrian signage will be placed on the Diamond in the coming days and a traffic warden will be in the Diamond area over the weekend to ensure users are aware that this is a pedestrian zone only and to encourage them to abide by this direction.”

These works have been funded under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Outdoor Public Space Scheme along with co-funding from Donegal County Council.

The new community canopy and entertainment space will be available for those wishing to run events. The space must be booked in advance with Donegal Town Community Chamber by emailing development@donegaltown.ie for more information.