Donnan Harvey pictured at the fireplace believed to be built and used in the 17th century.
THE Save the Church Lane campaign is to hold a public meeting in Gallagher’s Hotel, Letterkenny, on Thursday, January 30, at 8pm.
The aim of the campaign is to regenerate the historical Church Lane street and to create a real hidden treasure for tourists in the heart of Letterkenny.
In the past few years many old buildings in the Church Lane have fallen into disrepair and pose a danger to the public an issue highlighted in-depth by the Donegal News.
Campaigners want to create a craft village that will home businesses which sell locally produced goods and services.
This was first envisaged by Letterkenny Town Councillor Jim Lynch over twenty years ago. Cllr Lynch said: “I am delighted with the recent interest in Church Lane.
“Facebook wasn’t around when I raised this project so many times in the past in the town council chambers. At that time I envisaged a special plan for cathedral area and all the streets leading on to the area including Church Lane.
“There are so many aspects to explore and develop in this general area for the tourist, shopper and pedestrian. Look at the transformation that took place in the cathedral car park.”
The Facebook campaign has attracted widespread public support receiving almost two thousand ‘likes’ in its first two weeks generating enormous goodwill.
Campaigner Donnan Harvey said: “The concept is that the whole of the community would be involved in the regeneration of the area and the project belongs not to one individual but to the people of Letterkenny.
“Public participation is a huge part of the Facebook page as former residents of the Lane and people of Letterkenny have shared their stories creating a wonderful sense of nostalgia and pride. It is hoped that the people of Letterkenny will continue to participate in the campaign once the real work begins. We wish to co-operate with property owners so they can fully utilise those magnificent old buildings in such a serene setting.”
The organisers of the Save The Church Lane Campaign have taken the first steps by calling a Public meeting next week where it is hoped a large crowd will attend.
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