Project Ireland 2040: Revamped Donegal Town Diamond reopens to the public

On Friday, June 28, 2024, the Donegal Town Diamond reopened to the public after undergoing a comprehensive restoration project. There is still a small section of paving that needs to be finished later in the month, so this is only a partial reopening.

The famous Diamond area has been renovated with new entertainment space, paving, lighting, and seating as well as a community canopy that can be used by the public, companies and other organisations.

Together with additional funding from Donegal County Council, these projects have been made possible by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media's Outdoor Public Space Scheme under Project Ireland 2040. The new design of the space was led by the local architectural firm Paul Doherty Architects Ltd., with Axis Construction Ltd. based in Dungloe serving as the main contractors.

The overall framework and policy for Ireland's social, economic, and cultural development is called Project Ireland 2040. It is comprised of the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework, two companion documents and is outlined below.

"Project Ireland 2040 is the government’s long-term overarching strategy to make Ireland a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future. The strategy ensures the alignment of investment plans with the stated National Strategic Objectives for 2040 in a considered, cohesive and defined manner. This represents a shift from the approach of the past, which saw funding spread thinly across sectors and public investment decisions. Alongside the development of physical infrastructure, Project Ireland 2040 supports business and communities across all of Ireland in realising their potential."

The revamped Diamond in Donegal Town.

Building a better Ireland for all of us is the goal of Project Ireland 2040. There will be about a million more people living in Ireland by the year 2040. Hundreds of thousands of new jobs, new housing, improved social and cultural amenities, increased regional connectivity, and improved environmental sustainability will all be necessary as a result of this population growth. The goal of Project Ireland 2040 is to provide these.

You can find out more from the government website here.