By Diarmaid Doherty
PLANS for the development of a new community hospital in Lifford have received a major boost with the news that work on the introduction of necessary infrastructure at a green field site is to commence.
Donegal County Council has been in negotiations with the HSE over the possibility of developing a new community hospital at Lifford Common.
The site, which is in excess of 30 acres, is located on the main Letterkenny road adjacent to the Applegreen Service Station.
The council also has plans to develop 60 social housing units on the site.
Donegal County Council received consent in July for the provision of enabling infrastructure on the lands.
The council now plans to proceed with the procurement of works for the construction of this enabling infrastructure in the coming weeks.
They hope to commence work in April 2024 and complete the work in November 2024.
Local councillor Gerry Crawford said the news is a major step forward for the local community.
“It’s very good news because this land has now moved from being just a green field site to a service site,” he said.
Cllr Crawford said he first proposed the purchase of the site in a motion back in 2000.
“The fact that this land is now in the ownership of the council is showing its value now,” he said.
He added that Donegal County Council has been in active engagement with a number of parties, including the HSE, over possible developments at the site.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)