A €7 MILLION project to transform the former Letterkenny Courthouse into a flagship community and tourism destination has been officially launched by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.
The courthouse has been vacant since 2018. Once restored, it will serve as an immersive visitor attraction with a relocated Tourism Information Point, a space for exhibitions, conferences and education, and a flexible multi-purpose venue for civic and cultural activities.
Minister Browne said the project demonstrated how strategic investment could “breathe new life into our historic buildings and place them once again at the centre of community life.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD officially launches the THRIVE project, “Revival of the Courthouse Letterkenny”, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of this historic landmark. Photo NW Newspix
He praised Donegal County Council for their “real vision and ambition” in bringing the project forward, highlighting in particular their extensive engagement with citizens and stakeholders in co-designing the building’s future use.
Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, said the investment represented “a demonstration and commitment for real regeneration in the heart of Letterkenny” that would increase footfall and create tourism opportunities for Donegal and the wider northwest.
Pictured at the official launch of the THRIVE-funded “Revival of the Courthouse Letterkenny” project are Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning; Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD; John G McLaughlin, Chief Executive Donegal County Council; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD; Conall McGettigan, Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly; and Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District. Photo NW Newspix
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin, described the launch as “a huge milestone for an iconic property in the centre of Letterkenny” and said it signified the next step in revitalising the town centre.
Pictured at the official launch of the THRIVE-funded “Revival of the Courthouse Letterkenny” project are Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD; John G McLaughlin, Chief Executive Donegal County Council; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD; and Conall McGettigan, Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly with Oireachtas Members and Elected Members. Photo NW Newspix
The revival of the Courthouse Letterkenny is one of 19 nationwide projects funded under the THRIVE -Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, supported through the Northern and Western Regional Programme and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
For more information on the THRIVE scheme, visit: www.nwra.iethrive