By Chris Ashmore

A motion calling for work to start on a controversial development of 28 apartments in Ballybofey was withdrawn at Monday’s meeting of Donegal Co. Council.
However, the project is still very much alive, and the Finn Valley Post has learned that a decision is due to be made on September 3rd about whether it should proceed.
Donegal Co. Council, which owns the site, wants to build apartments as part of its commitment to provide social housing, and to assist one parent families and single people.
But local people feel that the development of apartments in the residential area would be out of place, and almost 1,500 signatures have been collected in a petition opposing it.
According to the plans - a copy of which have been seen by the Finn Valley Post - the proposed development envisages the construction of 26 apartments in one block. It is planned to build four one bedroom apartments, and eight two bedroom apartments on both the first and second floors with two penthouses, each with two bedrooms, on the third floor.
The plans also provide for 85 car parking places, 26 bicycle parking places, a bin storage area, ESB substation and landscaped open space.
Speaking on behalf of residents in the area, Susan Boyle, questioned whether it was the right location for apartments. “We do not have a problem with social housing as long as it integrates into the community. But we do not believe these apartments should be built in this area.”
Cllr. J.J. Reid, who had tabled a motion calling for the work to proceed, said he had reservations about the density of the development and said that there are questions to answer. He withdrew the motion. The matter will now be discussed at an electoral area meeting in September.