Indian Church group plans redevelopment of Old Customs House at Donegal-Derry border

A branch of the Indian Pentecostal Church has submitted plans to turn the old customs house on the Donegal-Derry border near Carrigans into a meeting hall and community hall.

IPC Gilgal has sought planning permission for the proposed development.

They are seeking the go ahead for the conversion of the former Revenue Customs offices at Dunmore, Carrigans, known as Old Customs House, into a meeting hall with office, canteen and sanitary facilities and community hall.

The application, lodged with Donegal County Council recently, provides for a new part roof extension at the front of the building and an extension to the rear roof section as well as the replacement of the single storey roof to the side of the building.

Connection to the existing septic tank system and association car parking, infrastructure and site development works are also included in the application.

Donegal County Council estimates that a decision will be made by September 17, 2025.

The IPC Gilgal is affiliated with the Indian Pentecostal Church of God in Kumbanad, Kerala, India, and is part of the IPC UK and Ireland Region.

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The Indian Pentecostal Church of God says that it has over 5,000 churches worldwide.

Currently, its worshippers from Donegal gather at All Saints Parish Hall in Newtowncunningham.

The IPC website says that regular activities of the Church, described as a “multicultural community worshipping together”, include the Sunday worship service, fasting prayer, Youth Ministry (PYPA), Sunday School, Sisters' Fellowship, and Cottage Meetings, while scripture is taught, they say, “with passion, life, and relevance to our daily experiences”.

In accounts filed for the financial year ending August 31, 2024, IPC Gilgal showed a profit of €38,122 and assets valued at just under €90,000.