The Development Plan sets out a strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Donegal from 2024-2030. It guides future planning decisions and public investment decisions around housing, urban regeneration, transport, economic development, and built heritage.  The Plan also contains Area Plans for key settlements in Donegal. 

The Proposed Variation (No. 1) to the County Development Plan 2024-2030 was published for public consultation between the 16th of January and the 13th of February 2026.  As originally published it included New Area Plans An Clochán Liath, Ballyshannon, Bridgend, Carndonagh, Donegal Town and Killybegs, related amendments to Chapter 17 Area Plan General Introduction and amendments to the Buncrana Area Plan, Letterkenny Plan and Ballybofey/Stranorlar Area Plan.

A Chief Executive’s Report listing the persons/bodies who made submissions, summarising the issues raised, and giving the CE’s response/recommendation to said issues was prepared and submitted to the Elected Members. The Members considered said CE Report before making Proposed Material Alterations (PMAs) to the Proposed Variation at the Special Council Meeting of the 27th April. The PMAs were then subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment, Appropriate Assessment and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. It is intended to publish the Proposed Material Alterations and associated revised Environmental Assessment for Public Consultation in June 2026.

Separately in June 2024 the Minister of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage issued a Draft Ministerial Direction.  This has the effect of freezing the parts of the development plan highlighted in yellow in the plan and on otherwise on land use zoning maps (all other parts being in effect). Following public consultation, the Minister is still considering a recommendation from the Office of the Planning Regulator to issue the Direction with minor amendments.