Rathmullan was a hive of activity last night for the official opening of the new Rathmullan public conveniences, information hub and changing rooms at what was once known as the Old Potato Store site.
This new building has transformed this well-known site into a welcoming space for visitors and one that the local community can be proud of.
Rathmullan has for generations welcomed visitors to enjoy and experience the hospitality of this stunning seaside village and this new development will go a long way in enhancing the visitors experience in Rathmullan and also in meeting the needs of the local community.
This new iconic building was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Gerry McMonagle and Mayor of Letterkenny MD Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh.
Speaking at the opening Cllr. McMonagle thanked those involved in the construction of this new building which he described as inspirational in its design.
“Previously this location housed the old potato store, the Councils Roads depot, storage containers and portaloos and in a short period of time the area has been transformed into a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to this wonderful seaside town” said Cllr. McMonagle.
He thanked McCabes architects and their team, the contractors, Active Maintenance Solutions, sub contractor Newtownstewart Construction and Brian Gallagher the Stonemason, whose work he said will be admired for years on this iconic building.
He also thanked Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club and Rathmullan District Resource Centre as well as the management and staff of Donegal County Council. There was a special mention for James Kelly, Engineer who made a significant contribution to supervising the build.
Cllr. McMonagle explained that Rathmullan is an important tourism destination along the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal and said that the village has a strong tradition of warmly welcoming visitors.
Some of the crowd at the opening of the new Public Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Information Hub in Rathmullan. Photo Clive Clive Wasson
He added “Donegal County Council is fully committed to supporting the development of the tourism sector but we can’t do this without the support of the trade and the community sector. And this support has been very forthcoming here in Rathmullan”.
Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh Mayor of Letterkenny MD described this new facility as a very welcome asset to the village that will further enhance the harbour and provide for locals, visitors, commercial and recreational harbour users.
“This building will provide services for those using the ferry and will provide an information hub for visitors to better discover Rathmullan while here and for discovering its hinterland.
“This is an attractive building, sympathetic to its surroundings, blending in comfortably and is very fitting for the prominent location on such an historic pier, a building which will perhaps inspire further development in the vicinity”.
Crowds at the opening of the new Public Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Information Hub in Rathmullan. Photo Clive Clive Wasson
He added “this is another important investment by Donegal County Council in the development of our tourism sector and this will undoubtedly add positively to our visitors experience to this beautiful part of Donegal”.
John Gallagher from Rathmullan Sailing Club and The Way Forward delivered a welcome address and Minister of State Mr. Joe McHugh TD also spoke at the event.
The Blessing of the Boats was performed by Rev Susan Moore and Father Collum with songs from the Colmcille Gospel Choir. Refreshments were sponsored by Kinnegar and Marine Harvest.
John Gallagher from Rathmullan Sailing Club and The Way Forward speaking at the opening of the new Public Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Information Hub in Rathmullan. Photo Clive Clive Wasson
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Liam Ward, Director of Service, Community, Enterprise and Planning Services and Mick McGlynn at the opening of the new Public Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Information Hub in Rathmullan. Photo Clive Clive Wasson
Some of the crowd at the opening of the new Public Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Information Hub in Rathmullan. Photo Clive Clive Wasson
Locals and visitors at the opening of the new Public Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Information Hub in Rathmullan. Photo Clive Clive Wasson