Green light for shopping centre
By Laura Glenn
A massive new retail development has been approved for Buncrana.
An Bord Pleanála has given Dublin-based Palladio Properties the go-ahead to construct a 6,528 square metre integrated development at Ardaravan.
The ambitious new project will comprises one main-anchor retail outlet and five smaller units.
There will also be 438 parking spaces, split into two storeys.
The unit will be situated next to the Aldi store and Milltown Business Park.
The news means that – with Jansu confirming they are still committed to Buncrana – there is a greater possibility of the town securing a big shopping centre.
There had recently been media reports suggesting the Jansu site at the shore front was up for sale.
He said: “Everything remains as is. Jansu are the sole owners and remain in discussions with anchors.”
Also, if planning permission is sought for the former Fruit of the Loom site at Ballymacarry – which is thought to be highly likely – there may well be a third major development in the town.
Major retail anchors such as Dunnes Stores will now be spoilt for choice.
Inishowen councillor Pádraig MacLochlainn welcomed confirmation of the Ardaravan plans and said it was “great news for Buncrana and Inishowen”.
He said: “It is fantastic that we’re going to have two new and exciting developments in the town – and there might well be a third – in the next 18 months to two years.
“From what could have been a negative story last week [Jansu], something positive has developed now.
“We have three huge locations here and there is every possibility we’re going to see unprecedented development in Buncrana in the very near future.”
When the Jansu project was first proposed, there were concerns over the rezoning of the site.
However Councillor McLochlainn said it was “a no-brainer”.
He said: “From my perspective we were never asked to make the planning decision about the shore front.
“There was a massive site there with big, ugly factory buildings and we inherited that legacy as councillors.
“It was a decision we had to make. All we were asked to do was to rezone the location by the planners.
“My allegiance has always been to Buncrana. The only potential for the site and the community was to rezone it.
“The big picture now is that we have three great locations for developers and there are exciting developments on the table which have received planning permission.
“We should have a major name in retail in the town soon.
“Some councillors who were opposed to Jansu have taken their eye off the ball here.
“However, right now in Buncrana we are moving in the right direction.
“In spite of our differences on the council – which are only natural – we are working well together.
“Hopefully all these sites can be developed as soon as possible and bring much-needed jobs and revenue to Buncrana and Inishowen.”
