Letterkenny Mayor calls for landmark building on vacant Main Street site

The Mayor of Letterkenny says he hopes the vacant site on Main Street can be redeveloped into an attractive landmark building.

Councillor Gerry McMonagle welcomed the recent demolition works on three condemned buildings on Main Street.

Councillor McMonagle said he hopes the site can now be developed into an “iconic building” which will “hopefully attract people to the Main Street”.

The site remains in the ownership of the landowners after Donegal County Council carried out emergency demolition works under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 last month.

The council is continuing to work with solicitors to determine the next steps in accordance with the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964.

Councillor McMonagle commended the decisive action on the buildings, which had been cordoned since June.

“I am thankful we demolished these buildings before anyone was seriously hurt, it was becoming a nightmare situation for health and safety, especially on our main street,” Cllr McMonagle said.

“Hopefully we can move on from it.”

The Mayor has also proposed installing hoarding around the site, covered in colourful murals, to hide it from public view.

He added that the case should set an example for other vacant properties.

“I think it shows our intent to other property owners that the council will take decisive action if necessary, if they don't get their buildings in order,” he said.

Councillor McMonagle added that he would encourage owners of vacant buildings to get the help and support grants to bring buildings back into use.

“We want to increase footfall and make the Main Street a brighter and more welcoming place,” he said.

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Meanwhile, progress continues on the €2 million Letterkenny 2040 – Reimagined Market Square project. The proposed development involves demolishing the existing public space, including the bandstand, and constructing new plazas, water features, improved accessibility, and enhanced landscaping.

The latest update from Donegal County Council said that a tender package is expected to be completed by Q4 2024 and construction is expected to commence in the New Year.