WORKS have begun on a major public realm transformation of Letterkenny town centre, with the sod officially turned on the Letterkenny 2040 – Reimagined Market Square project on Monday, June 8.
The development, located at Market Square, Castle Street and Main Street, will see the existing bandstand, walls, steps, trees and rear embankment removed and replaced with a modern shared-surface environment featuring two public plazas, a water feature, traffic calming measures, improved accessibility, new seating, lighting and cycle stands.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, who turned the sod, said he was delighted to see work getting under way. “It is and always has been a great focal point in Letterkenny,” he said of Market Square.
Pictured at the official turning of the sod on the Letterkenny 2040 – Reimagined Market Square project are Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning; Garry Martin, Deputy Chief Executive, Donegal County Council; Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District; Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD; Cllr Gerry McMonagle; Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD; and Cllr Pat “the Cope” Gallagher. Photo – Clive Wasson
The project is jointly funded by Donegal County Council and the former Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), with Minister for Housing James Browne TD confirming an allocation of almost €3 million.
“It will play a vital role in positioning Letterkenny as an attractive location for people to live and invest in as well as to visit,” Minister Browne said, adding that the investment demonstrated the government’s commitment to sustainable urban regeneration.
Night time visualisation of redesigned Market Square. Image – CGI
Deputy Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Garry Martin described the project as a major step in the regeneration of Donegal’s largest town. “It shows the scale of ambition and commitment being shown by both the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and Donegal County Council,” he said.
Among those attending Monday’s sod-turning were Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD, Cllr Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, and council officials and community representatives.
The redevelopment is expected to enhance the town’s capacity to host civic and social events while improving accessibility for people of all abilities.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, officially turns the sod on the Letterkenny 2040 – Reimagined Market Square project, alongside Council officials, elected representatives, project partners and community representatives. Photo – Clive Wasson