STUDENTS at ATU Letterkenny have come up with ideas for the future of the town’s former courthouse.

Donegal County Council welcomed the presentation of a graphic design pilot project by the second-year students from the Design and Creative Media Department at ATU Letterkenny, coordinated by lecturer, Joe Coll.

The project explored interpretative themes and styles for the proposed Discover Donegal Centre concept for the Revival of the Courthouse Project, Letterkenny.

This engagement highlights the Council’s commitment to fostering innovation, education and community-driven design in shaping future projects across the Council, whilst tapping into a pipeline of emerging talented youth.

The Revival of the Courthouse Project seeks to bring new meaning to an old building through the development of a tourism-led and community-based project.

This exciting project has been funded in stages by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

The project focuses on the adaptation of the historic courthouse building with the aim of attracting more visitors to Letterkenny’s town centre and to the wider Northwest region.

Over the last year, the Council has worked with Dr. Chris O’Malley, Vice President, Regional Development and Engagement, Eve-Anne McCarron, ATU’s External Engagement Manager, Dr. Lorna Ross, Head of Department for Design and Creative Media and the wider ATU team to explore opportunities in how ATU can become more active partners in emerging regeneration projects across the Council.

The regeneration project will require more detailed design and planning in the future. However, this project has shown that ATU can positively contribute towards the revival of the courthouse.

This collaboration has further strengthened relationships between the Council and ATU Letterkenny.

This relationship provides students with opportunities to showcase their work and provides the Council with a perspective from young innovative minds.

Cllr. Gerry McMonagle of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District said: “This partnership approach with ATU Letterkenny is a fantastic example of how local government and education can work together to inspire creative solutions for regeneration and tourism projects.

“The students’ work brought a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to the storytelling of the Discover Donegal Centre, and we’re excited to see these ideas evolve as this project develops.”