Major €4.5m investment aims to secure the future of Business Park in Donegal Gaeltacht
Some of the current infrastructure has been in place for over 30 years and is reaching the end of its lifespan.
The upgrade works will include a complete renovation of the Business Park's roads with new surfacing, line-marking and new signage.
A new 4km water main network will be installed with new hydrants and valves to provide improved water services.
Comprehensive upgrades will be made to footpaths and lighting columns as well as complete replacement of boundary fencing.
A new drainage system will be implemented with manholes, service pipes and drainage channels, and comprehensive improvements will be made to signage and parking areas throughout the Business Park.
The works will be completed in four phases over an 18-month period between 2025 and 2027.
Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig, Regional Manager of Údarás na Gaeltachta in Donegal, welcomed the major investment.
"Gaoth Dobhair Business Park has survived every challenge it has faced since the sixties.
'This investment will help it adapt to the needs of this era and the future, ensuring it will survive and thrive in the years ahead,' said Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig.
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This investment is essential to ensure that safe continuous services are provided, to meet health and safety requirements, and to keep the business park competitive for new investment.
As well as being an important employment hub, Gaoth Dobhair Business Park serves the diverse needs of the community.
It houses a Public Library and Gallery (Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair) as well as a Créche and Naíonra, Community Playground, County Council Fire Service, Garda Station, Donegal Education and Training Board Training Centre, Health Service Executive Service Centre and various other facilities and services.
Gaoth Dobhair Business Park was established in 1965 when five businessmen and an official from the Department of the Gaeltacht came together to create an Industrial Estate to put an end to the emigration that was damaging the Gaeltacht community.
This was the second rural Industrial Estate to be planned in the Republic of Ireland.
The first company, Amblers Limited, opened in 1968, and by 1970 there were 220 people employed on the Estate. At the peak of employment in 1998, 1,338 employees were working there.
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