Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray, newly elected Mayor of Inishowen, has welcomed the finalisation of a €17 million funding application for the new Buncrana Leisure Centre.
Donegal County Council is seeking funding for the project under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund.
Cllr Murray welcomed the news that the application has been finalised and uploaded today.
It’s been a decade since Buncrana’s public swimming pool closed, and the council has already secured planning permission for a new state-of-the-art complex.
In an online update to constituents, Cllr Murray said: “I understand that our application is one of only two swimming pools that have planning permission in place so it’s a very exciting position to be in.
“I want to publicly thank the council staff who have invested so much time into putting together such a strong and detailed application. I also want to thank all the schools, community groups, and sporting organisations who have written letters of support to strengthen the application. Also to the leisure centre committee who have assisted the council throughout this process and never allowed it to slip off the agenda.
“It’s now up to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to adjudicate on the application but I’m very proud of the effort that’s been put in by everyone involved.
“The pool is a priority for our community, and that’s been reflected in this application. Beir bua!”
Cllr Murray was appointed as Mayor at the Inishowen AGM this afternoon. He takes over the role from party colleague Cllr Terry Crossan, who was elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach for this year.