A major retail park in Donegal Town proposed by Bennett Commercial Development has been granted planning permission.

The €40 million retail development is expected to create 250 jobs when complete, while approximately 150 jobs will be sustained during an 18 month construction phase.

The development, located less than 500 metres from the Diamond in Donegal Town, includes six large units with a floor space of more than 7,000 square metres, approximately half of which will be occupied by an as-of-yet unidentified anchor tenant.

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The infrastructure in the area, which is located adjacent to the N56 Donegal to Killybegs road, will also be upgraded to include new footpaths, pedestrian crossings and new and improved junctions.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan has today offered her congratulations to the construction firm. She said: "Bennetts first purchased land in Donegal Town in 1998 and have experienced many lows in that time having endeavoured to get ambitious and progressive developments off the ground. I congratulate John White and his team for their persistence.

"This bodes well for Donegal Town and its hinterland coming a fortnight after news that Michael Kelly has been given the green light to proceed with a major commercial development in the heart of the town. I'm delighted and really feel that this is a huge boost for the area."

The Minister said that she hope these approvals will act as a catalyst for further investment and progress. She concluded: "Today's news would indicate we are moving in the right direction."

(VB)