FOOTBALL Special is hoping to move back to its “spiritual home” of Ramelton after having to temporarily relocate to Letterkenny.
It is the first time in 75 years that McDaids, who own the soft drinks company, have not traded from the heritage town.
The firm was forced to move due to the compulsory purchase by Irish Water of Football Special’s storage and distribution building.
A planning application has now been lodged for a replacement unit at Swilly Bottling Stores located at the junction of Ramelton’s Aughnish Road and Castle Street.
It will allow McDaid’s to get back to business along the River Lennon where Football Special was first developed in the 1940s.
Irish Water has purchased the McDaid’s site in order to build a new pumping station.
Heritage Minister Darragh O’Brien announced last month that €50 million is to be invested in wastewater infrastructure in Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan.
For anyone who has never tried it, Football Special is some tasty gear.
Seamus McDaid of Football Special Ltd said that while the change over has been disruptive, he and his staff were looking forward to getting back home.
“This is the first time in 75 years that McDaids have not traded from that site in Ramelton and one that we hope is as short a stay as possible.
“Ramelton will always be our spiritual home and this application is to build a replacement store whenever Irish Water are finished their works.
“Irish Water have assured us this new building will be environmentally suitable and fit for our business purpose.”
Donegal County Council has indicated that it will deliver its decision on the planning application on April 3.
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