Exchange shared at Donegal MD meeting regarding Island House in Killybegs

Tense, but brief exchanges were had at October’s Donegal Municipal District Meeting in Donegal Town regarding why Island House in Killybegs has not been opened.

Island House, which is part of the Killybegs 2040 Regeneration Project, was officially opened in June of this year, but is still not in operation despite the official ceremony taking place.

Cllr Michael Boyle and Cllr Jimmy Brogan questioned the Director Designate of the Municipal District of Donegal, Garry Martin, about why Island House was not open for operation, with Cllr Boyle stating that there had been a lot of rumours spread about why it was not open.

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In response, Mr Martin said: “The contractors have not signed the building over to the council. There are still some works understating. Our colleagues in the regulation team were contacting the architects. It is close, I have been told that, but it has been close for a while. There are no delays on our side at the present time.

Killybegs-based, Cllr Niamh Kennedy stated: “We signed a short-term lease for August 1, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. The toilets are there and are ready. The tourism office is complete and ready to operate, but we can’t until the documents are signed. It has been a stressful time.”

Cllr Kennedy quickly rejected rumours about possible reasons for why Island House has not opened.

“Do we know what the problem is?” asked Cllr Boyle. “I want to hear from the horse's mouth (Garry Martin). I was not getting it from the tourism committee.”

Concluding the exchange, Cllr Kennedy commented: “There were rumours floating around that there were no escapes upstairs, which is totally wrong. It is 100%.

“There are rumours going around just because it is not open.”