by Louise Doyle
THE green light has been given for extension plans at Letterkenny Youth and Community Club.
Paddy Delap, on behalf of Letterkenny Youth and Community Club, lodged plans with the local authority in May for a series of accessible works at the Lower Main Street facility.
Formerly Devlin Hall, the facility is a popular outlet for young people in Letterkenny and surrounding areas.
Proposed plans included demolition of the existing external toilet to the rear of the building and construction of an extension to the rear of the existing building and internal alterations with all other associated site works.
The building is owned by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the youth club is currently leasing the premises.
Donegal County Council this week gave the go-ahead to the proposals, subject to three conditions.
These include that all external finishes shall match those of the existing building in terms of colour, texture and materials, or as otherwise agreed by the planning authority in writing.
It is believed the Council is currently exploring the option of carrying out a major renovation to the centre which could increase its services and capacity.
welcome
Speaking previously, Mr Delap said the bigger plan could be on the long finger as the Council needs to get permission for the development but it would be extremely welcome.
“We do not know if the council is working to buy the centre off the AOH but the plan is to buy the two houses on the site beside the centre and then incorporate it into the one building.
“It would be a fantastic project if we could link up with the Donegal Youth Service on the Port Road.
“The building could be used 100 per cent of the day with the community able to use it during the day, and youth activities at night.
“It would be great for community development while it would also upgrade the whole area too. However, it is out of our hands at the minute but we would go along with the plan because it would make a fantastic improvement to Lower Main Street.
“It could be five, six or ten years down the road, so in the meantime, we are looking for the toilets to be done to further enhance the facilities,” said Mr Delap.
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)