Plans to open a new wildlife sanctuary in Inishowen took another step closer this week as the 22-acre site was given the go-ahead.
It is hoped that the site, which is based in Dundrean in Burnfoot, could be opened within the next two months.
The person behind the sanctuary, Buncrana solicitor Killian McLaughlin, is building with the aim of creating a worthy habitat for a range of different Irish animals including the rare red squirrel, foxes, hedgehogs, red deer and birds.
The sanctuary, which could attract up to 24,000 visitors per year, will incorporate a reception building, vehicular entrance with car park, rehabilitation units, open viewing areas and a below the water viewing area.
The site will also host a visitor centre and a score of enclosures for wildlife homed in the facility.
It is understood that visitor numbers will be kept to a minimum once the sanctuary opens, with a view of using the facility to educate school children to the rich diversity of wildlife across Donegal.
Cllr Nicholas Crossan, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal County Council, said he believed the development will be a great attraction for Inishowen.
He told Donegal Daily: “The site is very near completion, with the launch possibly in the next six weeks, that is the hope because Killian (McLaughlin) is not ready to go yet, but he will be very shortly.
“I think it will be a fabulous attraction and unique wildlife sanctuary for the area and for educational purposes, I think it will be a great idea for the Donegal area.
“And especially now, when climate change is a big topic of discussion, it will be interesting to learn and watch how these beautiful animals, that people don’t realise are in their own backyards, live and survive in the wild,” Crossan added.
“It will be fantastic to teach children more about nature and the spot itself is a cracking spot that has been kept as natural as possible.”