Plans for Old Courthouse in Letterkenny open to public consultation

Plans for the proposed development of the Old Courthouse in Letterkenny have been made available for public consultation.

The building is a protected structure and is intended to become a tourist attraction. Members of the public are now invited to have their say.

The project is focussing on the change of use extension and modification of the building in order to provide flexible space with multi-functional capacities for: a tourist/visitor attraction and integrated Tourist Information Point; interpretation, exhibitions, conferences, education and learning; multi-purpose civic, cultural, community use and social gatherings and events; café; retail/gift-shop; and ancillary offices, storage and public conveniences.

‘‘This is an important milestone in the project to secure the planning consent for the reuse the Letterkenny Courthouse as the ‘Discover Donegal Centre’ which will offer an exciting tourism experience for visitors alongside multi-use space that can help meet the needs of the community,” Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Gerry McMonagle said. 

“The public have been so engaged in this project to date and this has helped to shape the plans that are now on public display.” 

Councillor McMonagle is encouraging the public to take part in the design process by viewing the plans or coming along to the next in the2 series of public drop-in days at the Courthouse on Thursday, April 10, 2025 between 3pm-8pm.

A physical model of the proposed building will be available and 3D visuals will also be present.

Liam Ward, Director of Service for Community Development and Planning Services said: “The Courthouse project is supported by the THRIVE programme through NWRA which enabled the appointment of Robin Lee Architects.

"The next step, subject to approval of the Part 8 proposed development, involves the submission of the project to the competitive Strand 2 of the THRIVE programme for capital monies to deliver the project to site as a best practice example of urban regeneration and as a superb asset for Letterkenny and its community.”

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The plans and drawings for the proposed development are available for public consultation and submissions can be made until 4.30pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.  The plans are also available at https://bit.ly/LKYCourthouse, at the Council’s Offices at Letterkenny Public Service Centre or County House, Lifford.