Funding to develop derelict buildings could be 'game changer' for Letterkenny

A new pot of Government funding, which is aimed at repurposing derelict buildings, could be a 'game changer' for Letterkenny.

Councillors in the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District have met to explore the possibilities.

The Lower Main Street area is seen as one area in Letterkenny which could be transformed under the scheme.

Letterkenny is the only town in Donegal which qualifies for monies from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

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Donegal County Council has been invited to apply for money under the third round of the URDF with €130million allocated nationally.

“Now that there is a fund, we can take buildings and do something with them,” said Councillor Michael McBride.

“We talk a lot about dereliction in this Municipal District, we are well aware of it and we have a serious problem with it.

“We have many buildings in Letterkenny, particularly the Lower Main Street, and we have to use this opportunity to deal with the massive problem.

“This is the greatest news we could get for Letterkenny and Lower Main Street.”

The news comes on the back of confirmation that contracts for the design and development of the Letterkenny 2040 Strategic Urban Regeneration Site - to include the new Alpha Innovation Centre and Beta Business Centre - have been signed.

This will see the development of a seven-storey digital innovation centre and an eight-storey business and enterprise building, both located on lands between Pearse Road and Port Road.

Councillor Ciaran Brogan believes that the Council could turn derelict buildings into living accommodation.

“That is what is badly needed,” Councillor Brogan said. “Hopefully that could follow with private investment going forward and from the Government going forward.

“We need to carry out an audit on derelict buildings around Letterkenny. This could be win-win for everyone.

“I've never seen as much funding available like this. This could be a game changer. There is an opportunity there and it's all heading in the right direction.”

Liam Ward, Director of Services with Donegal County Council has said that 'very significant work' has already been carried out in surveying derelict buildings in Letterkenny.

In an answer to motions on the matter at a recent meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford MD, Donegal County Council said: “URDF Call 3 is focused on addressing long-term vacancy and dereliction and accelerating the provision of residential accommodation.

“The limited information available thus far in relation to the call indicates that each Local Authority will be provided with a revolving fund to acquire vacant/derelict buildings and/or land and to undertake design and civil works in order to derisk the property and enable onward productive use.”