by Louise Doyle
FUTURE plans for Letterkenny’s former courthouse have divided public opinion.
A public event was held in the old courthouse building, on Justice Walsh Road, on Thursday last to garner people’s opinions on the building’s redevelopment into a tourist attraction.
By using the historic courthouse building as a major tourist attraction, it is hoped increased visitor numbers will travel into Letterkenny’s historic town centre and to the wider north west region.
But taking to online platforms following the event, some people questioned the plans.
One person wrote: “Was disappointed by what I heard and how far it gone and the direction it seems to be going. Apparently, the questions were put to tourists outside of Letterkenny and the USA to see what they would like. So it seems that the building is to be developed towards the tourist market. We all know that the tourist market is really only three months in the year. So what happens for the rest of the year?”
Another person commended the efforts of Donegal County Council, but added: “Letterkenny does need more visitors on rainy days but look at what’s happening in Limerick – after a €30million spend. The International Rugby Experience opened only in May of last year and is now set to close at Christmas. At the moment it’s hard to see the tourism numbers year-round to make it self-sustaining. It’s tempting to dream of a Living Arts Centre with rehearsal rooms, creative business desks. Maybe a quirky music exhibition offering.”
Another person wrote: “It would make a fine art hub, studios and café/restaurant.”
Another contributor questioned why Donegal was being turned into a tourist centric.
“In the absence of much industry, they’re happy to make Letterkenny and Donegal into some sort of Disneyland where tourists come to gawk at the natives. Do we really need another tourist office?”
Another comment read: “Another fine mess. Letterkenny sure is a mess. I don’t even bother to go uptown anymore.”
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