Public Park Consultation Results

Donegal Town | December 2025 – January 2026

The Northwestern Development Partnership (NWDP) carried out a public consultation survey during December 2025 and January 2026 to gather community views on the provision of public parks in Donegal Town.

The survey was open to the public for a defined consultation period and received a total of 248 responses. The results below summarise the feedback provided by respondents and reflect the range of views expressed through the consultation.

Consultation Results – At a Glance

• 99% of respondents support the provision of a public park in Donegal Town

• 88% of respondents use public spaces daily or weekly, indicating strong existing demand

• Strong support for walking paths, seating, children’s play, accessibility, and safety

• 75% support linking a park to the planned Barnesmore Gap Greenway

• A wide range of desired amenities were identified, which could be delivered within one park or across multiple parks throughout the town

1. Should Donegal Town Have a Public Park?

There is near-universal support for the provision of a public park in Donegal Town.

Response	Count	%
Yes	246	99.2%
No	2	0.8%

2. How Often Do People Use Public Spaces?

The majority of respondents regularly use public spaces, with almost nine in ten respondents using them daily or weekly.

Frequency	Count	%
Daily	109	44.0%
Weekly	109	44.0%
Monthly	17	6.9%
Rarely	12	4.8%
Never	1	0.4%

This highlights a strong existing demand for accessible, well-designed public spaces within the town.

3. Amenities People Want to See in a Public Park

Respondents identified a broad range of desired amenities. These could be delivered either within a single park or across multiple parks and public spaces throughout Donegal Town.

Key themes included:

• Walking and movement spaces Safe, well-connected walking routes and paths suitable for everyday use by people of all ages and abilities.

• Seating and informal gathering areas Benches and small spaces to sit, rest, and socialise.

• Children’s play opportunities Accessible play areas integrated into neighbourhood parks and local open spaces.

• Nature and landscape Retention and enhancement of natural features, planting, and biodiversity.

• Basic facilities Toilets and essential amenities where appropriate to support longer visits.

• Accessibility and safety Inclusive design, good visibility, and a strong sense of safety.

• Quiet and passive areas Smaller, calmer spaces for relaxation alongside more active uses.

4. Linking the Park to the Barnesmore Gap Greenway

The majority of respondents support providing access from a public park onto the planned Barnesmore Gap Greenway.

Response	Count	%
Yes	187	75.4%
No	61	24.6%

This reflects strong interest in connectivity and active travel links.

5. Areas Assessment

5.1 Preferred Area Mentions

Respondents were able to indicate more than one broad area.

Area	Number of Mentions
Area C	95
Area B	79
Area A	69
Area D	43
Other specific locations	18

5.2 Assessment of Specific Locations Mentioned

Some respondents selected “Other” and named specific places or features, including river walks, the pier, greenway routes, and areas close to the town centre.

All suggested locations were reviewed against the mapped Areas A–D. This review showed that:

• References to the river, river walk, and pier fall within Areas A, B, and C

• Mentions of the greenway or old railway relate to linear routes running through Areas A and B

• References to Revlin fall within Area B

• Comments about the town centre or walking distance describe general location preferences rather than new areas and also fall within Area B

No new or separate areas were identified through the consultation. All locations mentioned are already covered within Areas A–D.

6. Top Priorities When Designing the Park

Responses consistently highlighted practical, day-to-day considerations.

The most frequently identified priorities were:

• Universal accessibility for all ages and abilities, including paths, surfaces, gradients, and layouts

• Safety, visibility, and lighting, supporting personal safety and year-round use

• Inclusive design, allowing people with different needs to share the space comfortably

• A balance between active and quiet areas, accommodating walking, play, and relaxation

• Ease of long-term maintenance, using durable materials and manageable landscaping

Overall, respondents prioritised usability, safety, inclusivity, and longevity.

7. Matters to Keep in Mind When Planning

Respondents also raised practical considerations relating to management and day-to-day use:

• Designing to address anti-social behaviour, through clear sightlines, lighting, and passive surveillance

• Buggy and wheelchair accessibility, including smooth paths and accessible entrances

• Appropriate parking provision, without allowing parking to dominate the park environment

• Ongoing management and maintenance, including cleanliness and clarity around responsibility

These issues relate to implementation and ensuring that parks function well over time.

8. Additional Comments

• Most respondents did not provide additional comments

• Comments received were broadly supportive or reinforced earlier themes

• No new concerns emerged

Next Steps

The Northwestern Development Partnership will review the consultation results alongside technical, environmental, and planning considerations. NWDP will continue to engage with Donegal County Council and other relevant stakeholders as the work progresses.