Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty is welcoming news that a planning application to redevelop and construct a number of housing units on the former Ard Scoil Mhuire school site in Gaoth Dobhair has now been lodged.
It’s understood that the application for the site by Charles Roarty proposes to construct up to thirty number housing units and includes plans to build an assisted living residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Commenting on the project, Deputy Doherty said that the proposed redevelopment of the former school would provide much needed additional housing to the area, while it would also help to revitalise a site which – for too long – has cast a dark shadow over the Gaoth Dobhair area.
Teachta Doherty said: “I very much welcome these plans to redevelop the former Ard Scoil Mhuire college site which will see the construction of up thirty housing units as well as a purpose built assisted living unit.
“The assisted living element of the development will provide accommodation for adults with intellectual disabilities and the purpose of the facility is to enable them to continue living independently within their own community by providing personal and emotional assistance and supports in order to meet their individual care needs.
“My colleague, Councillor John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh and I have been working closely with the various stakeholders involved with this project for over two years now, and we’ve been engaging with the local authority, the HSE and others because it’s a project which is widely seen as having the potential to provide a welcome boost to the local area, and crucially for adults with intellectual disabilities.
“The planning application has now been submitted to Donegal County Council and will now go through the formal planning process.
“As many people will be aware, this derelict site has a very troubled past and has been somewhat of a blight on the landscape and a scare on Gaoth Dobhair and the surrounding area.
“It’s hoped that this project will assist families in Gaoth Dobhair by providing much needed additional housing in the locality, including badly needed homes for persons with intellectual disabilities.
“I now look forward to seeing how these plans progress over the coming weeks and months, and I intend to continue to engage and work closely alongside all the various stakeholders in an effort to ensure that this project, if approved, can be delivered in a thoughtful, sensitive and respectful manner.”
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