Is there light at the end of tunnel for Donegal Town cinema?

The Donegal Town cinema saga has taken a new twist, and it could potentially lead to a positive outcome. 

A prominent For Sale sign has been placed in Drumlonagher, announcing the sale of the 1.8 acre site with full planning permission for a cinema. The initial planning permission granted in 2019 has not yet expired, so perhaps this could be an attractive prospect for any potential buyer. 

There was major disappointment earlier this year when rumours of the site being sold began circulating. It had been understood that plans had simply been on hold due to Covid-19 and the restrictions of the last few years.

But with the restrictions lifted and the clock ticking on planning permission time limits, questions were being asked and not being answered. 

Then in April, rumour spread that the site had been sold by the owner - to Lidl Ireland, who had recently carried out major work on the adjacent site. 

This was a major kick in the gut for the Donegal Town community who had mounted a well-supported community campaign played a huge role in driving the project over the line to getting planning permission in the first place. 

It remains to be seen if the site will be sold, and if the new owner is keen to develop it with the original plans. 

If so, Donegal Town could yet have its a two-storey, five-screen cinema with shop, restaurant and parking. 

Having had their hopes dashed too many times, most people are remaining tight-lipped, and adopting a wait and see approach. 

Lack of Balance

Town Mayor Pauric Kennedy has previously expressed his concern about the lack of balance between the number of housing developments and the lack of amenities, especially for young people.

As well as hoping that the cinema project will see the light of day in the near future, Mr Kennedy wants more focus on sporting and cultural facilities. 

“There are currently five big housing developments underway in Donegal Town,” he said. 

“Of course we need houses but what happens when you build all these homes and there is nothing for people to do? No entertainment for young people? You end up with anti-social behaviour problems. We need amenities for the people who are already living here, for the people who are going to be living here in the future and for the visitors to our town.”

The mayor’s late father, Cllr Peter Kennedy campaigned for a leisure facility that included a swimming pool and extensive sports facilities for Donegal Town.

“My father had that vision and he never stopped trying to achieve it,” said Mr Kennedy.

“That is what I would like to see, a cultural and sports complex that all the clubs and organisations can use, something what would be a great and much-needed facility for the town.   

“I am asking the government to think about looking at the same type of model as they used with the Primary Care Centre, where it is built by a private company and then leased.”