Stranorlar Presbyterian Church granted permission for Church Hall extension

Stranorlar Presbyterian Church has been given planning permission for the extension of its church hall by Donegal County Council.

Reverend Robert Orr was the listed applicant for the application, on behalf of the trustees of Stranorlar Presbyterian Church, at Meeting House Street, for the approved planning permission consisting of the construction to the northern and eastern sides of the existing church hall.

The extensions will provide space for a new accessible entrance, a meeting room, toilets and a kitchen, and storage space.

Donegal County Council granted planning permission for the proposals with three conditions, including conditions made for the interests of visual amenity, and to prevent flooding and ensure the protection of waters.

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Stranorlar is reputedly the second-oldest Presbyterian community in Ireland, according to the National Built Heritage Service, with a community established in 1649, seven years after Carrickfergus. 

The National Built Heritage Service states that the Presbyterian congregation in Stranorlar officially dates back to 1709 when the first minister was appointed, but it could trace its roots to the area back to at least 1675 when a meeting house was in existence. 

Stranorlar Presbyterian Church at Meeting House Street is one of two Presbyterian churches or meeting houses in Stranorlar, with the other being the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Main Street.