‘Victim of its own success’ – action sought on Downings parking shortage before next summer
A Donegal councillor has warned that Downings could face the same serious parking problems next summer unless urgent action is taken to provide a new public car park.
Cllr Declan Meehan made the comments at Tuesday’s Letterkenny–Milford Municipal District meeting, where he called on Donegal County Council to begin identifying and obtaining land in Na Dúnaibh.
His motion sought a publicly advertised expression-of-interest process to identify suitable land for a public car park.
He said the coastal town has become a victim of its own success, with parking issues coming to a head during summer 2026.
“We are all aware of the congestion and the sheer numbers of visitors who come to Downings, particularly during the busy summer months and bank holiday weekends."
Cllr Meehan said the lack of parking was creating serious problems in the town, with cars double parked and private properties obstructed.
He also raised concerns about vehicles blocking operations at the Mulroy Coast Guard.
“The beach itself acts as a car park, which, in my opinion and the opinion of residents, is unsustainable,” he said.
Cllr Meehan said the Downings Town Team had identified parking as its number one concern.
“It’s incredibly important. We have seen the impact of this lack of parking at its worst in the summer just past,” he said.
“It’s imperative that the council work with the Town Team. That can only be resolved through the acquisition of land in the town.”
The council response stated that there was a recognised need for additional car parking in Na Dúnaibh.
However, it said there was currently no funding available for the construction of a car park.
The Roads and Transport Section said it was not in a position to acquire land until a suitable funding source had been identified.
The section said it would liaise with other directorates within Donegal County Council to explore potential funding opportunities.
Cllr Meehan said the response was not fully satisfactory.
“This is not a new problem by any means. It’s an issue affecting the town there for years, if not decades,” he said.
“It needs a coordinated solution from the council departments. We need to raise the funds necessary from the council or an external funding source.”
Cllr Meehan also warned that parking pressures could increase further when work begins on the water sports facility centre at the Main Street car park.
The site is beside Downings Blue Flag beach and is currently occupied by a public toilet block of approximately 40 square metres.
“Downings is a victim of its own success,” Cllr Meehan said.
“It’s an excellent amenity for visitors and locals alike.
"The council should assist in that further development by tackling this issue of car parking.”
He said the matter needed to be treated urgently.
“Otherwise, we will be coming into 2027 with the exact same issue,” he said.
Proposed Downings Water Sports Facility and Public Amenities
In a separate question, Cllr Liam Blaney asked when the steps to the beach and public lighting in Downings would be completed and opened to the public.
The council said the steps had been completed and handrailing installed. They should be opened to the public next week.
The lighting is expected to be installed by the end of September.
Access onto Trabeg Beach in Na Dunaibh from Cnoc na Muirleog
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