€50,000 grant for Teen Zone in Drumboe will help offer 'something for everyone'

The approval of a €50,000 grant to support the development of a dedicated Teen Zone within the new Drumboe Woods Park in Stranorlar will create “a more inclusive and balanced community environment.”

This funding from Norma Foley TD, Minister for Children, will be used to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for teenagers to meet and socialise - an area specifically designed in response to needs identified through engagement with local secondary school students and the Donegal Youth Council.

The Teen Zone, currently being developed by Donegal County Council, will be a key feature of the new public park, which is being developed to cater for all age groups and will include a playground for children under 12 years, the inclusion of a dedicated Teen Zone and an area for older persons.

“This €50,000 investment is a strong commitment to our young people,” Pat the Cope Gallagher TD said. “By giving teenagers their own space in the heart of a shared public park, we’re creating a more inclusive and balanced community environment.

“This will greatly enhance the facilities available for all age ranges and will provide teenagers with their own dedicated space to meet friends and hang out.”

The decision was also warmly welcomed by Cllr Patrick McGowan, who has been advocating for such a facility for some time.

He said: “The inclusion of this Teen Zone represents a vital step in ensuring the park offers something for everyone, and that teenagers in particular have access to a space that reflects their interests and needs. This funding forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth infrastructure and inclusive community development.

“Drumboe Stranorlar is the only one outside the major centres. BASICC (Ballybofey And Stranorlar Integrated Community Company Development Officer at Ballybofey And Stranorlar Integrated Community Company) and Donegal County Council are working over the last few years to attract funding for a new state-of-the-art Townpark for the Lifford-Stranorlar MD.

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“BASICC and the Council have already secured €50,000 under town and village renewal to carry out an overall design which is progressing well. In addition, €500,000 Peace plus funding for a new play park in the new park has been secured. Other funding opportunities are being considered to develop this park in phases over the next few years. Donegal County Council members and staff, along with BASICC, are committed to building a new Town park that will be both innovative and all-inclusive for everyone in the Lifford Stranorlar MD and wider community.

“Great credit must go to John Deeney, Kathleen Brown and all the team at Donegal County Council for their work on this application. This is a project I have had in my sights for many years and I'm delighted it is starting to come together.”