Work on a major new €1.4 million development at Letterkenny Community Centre is set to begin later this week.
The ceremonial first sod turning will be performed by Cllr. Kevin Bradley, Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, at 3pm on Wednesday.
The new community building, with two new state-of-the-art dressing rooms, will be built beside the existing astroturf (4G) playing pitch which has been a huge success since it was completed in 2019.
Funding for the project is coming from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, who has approved a grant of €300,000 from the Community Centre Investment Fund and a further €100,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund, with Donegal County Council providing a grant of €200,000.
The balance must be met by the Community Centre, and a number of fundraising initiatives are in the pipeline.
The community building will be suitable for public events, meetings, and functions and will be able to host events for up to 70 people. It will also be available for birthday parties.
There are also plans to erect a stand in the future.
Lee Downey, chair of the Board of Management at the centre, said: “We would like to give thanks to Minister Humphries and other local public representatives that worked hard to ensure we get this funding.”
Liam O’Donnell, centre manager, explained: “The community is growing and there is an urgent need to expand and refurbish our facilities.The development includes a new changing facility and new community room at Pearse Road, with plans to add a viewing stand for our soccer pitch at a later date.”
More details will be released at the turning of the sod ceremony.
Background
Letterkenny Community Centre is a local non-profit recreation centre located in the heart of Donegal’s biggest town.
Founded in the 1980s, it offers a variety of facilities to the community including a basketball court sized main hall, fitness gym, football pitches, and various rooms for classes, which are available for hire.
Income comes from membership fees, the commercial use of the venue, and fundraisers, including a monthly raffle. Pobal – which supports community initiatives – has been a major backer over the years.
As part of the fundraising drive to bring the project to fruition, the centre is calling on the local business community and individuals to get behind them and ensure the gap in the finance required is bridged.
Sponsorship packages, including signage at the centre, are now available.
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)