AN overhaul of Lifford’s Main Street could be on the cards with three buildings in line for possible redevelopment.
A former gambling arcade is to become a bookmakers following the granting of planning permission while a second amusements and an old cinema are up for sale.
Boyle Sports has been given the go ahead to open a branch in a premises which has lain dormant for a number of years. The firm already has two shops in Lifford and it is not clear if any of these will close to make way for the new outlet.
Donegal County Council granted permission for the bookies with only a small number of caveats. One of these was around signage as the former amusements building is of some age.
The local authority said that while the property is not on Ireland’s Record of Protected Structures it does have “unique design in terms of
traditional shop frontage and windows/doors along Lifford Main Street”.
“A plaque along front elevation indicates the construction of this building circa 1941,” according to planners.
Meanwhile a neighbouring building, also a former amusement arcade and more recently a boxing club, is on the market with an asking price of €85,000.
It comes with full planning permission for two ground floor commercial units and three residential units.
The former cinema building which is on the market with planning permission for a commercial premises and apartments.
And in a further potential development on the Main Street planning permission has been granted to turn the former Ritz cinema site into a ground floor commercial unit with five apartments upstairs.
It has an asking price of €95,000 and offers a “ready to go site in the heart of Lifford” according to sellers Franklin Estate Agents.
Gerry Crawford is Cathaoirleach of the Lifford and Stranorlar Municipal District. He described the economic shifts as encouraging.
Councillor Crawford said, “Over the years many towns in Donegal have suffered the long-term impacts of locked up and disused buildings and Lifford is no different in that respect.
“But over this last while we have had the positivity generated by the Riverine Project, the reopening of the army barracks and most recently the delight at the news the greyhound stadium is to return.
Lifford Greyhound Stadium – another of the developments under way in the border town.
“We have also seen a number of buildings that were empty reoccupied and now we have this news which is very welcome.
“I’m not saying that everything is perfect because there is still a large amount of work that needs done but every step is a step in the right direction and hopefully one positive thing can lead to another.”
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