The project to reconstruct the Buncrana Leisure Centre now only needs Government funding to begin construction.
The existing Leisure Centre was closed in 2015 for refurbishments, but never reopened due to the state of the building.
It was recommended that a new structure be put in place – one that Donegal County Council received planning permission for at the start of 2024.
The new state-of-the-art design for the building is now complete, and an application was sent this week from Donegal County Council to the Minister for Sport, seeking the €17 million required to bring the project to life.
The application was made under the Government’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) – with local Councillor Jack Murray saying the Buncrana Leisure Centre project is one of only two applicants to the fund nationwide with planning permission already approved.
Cllr Murray says that a decision from Minister for Sport Catherine Martin on LSSIF recipients is due in the coming month.
“An incredibly detailed application was submitted by Donegal County Council to the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This included numerous letters of support from community and sporting groups and educational facilities in Inishowen. With contingencies included, the application seeks some €17million. It is a fantastic example of the local community working together with the local authority for the good of our people,” Cllr Murray said in a statement.
“The LSSIF specifies swimming pools as one of its objectives so it’s the perfect fit for the leisure centre. It should also be noted that our pool is one of only two leisure centre applications that have planning permission in place. The argument for funding this project couldnt have been put any stronger to the Minister for Sport’s desk.”
“Further, it is anticipated that the leisure centre, when constructed, will require annual subvention/financial support from the council. Through numerous motions that I have moved within the council, there has been unanimous cross-party support for this.”
“While we wait with baited breath for the funding announcements from the LSSIF (which are due this month) I am very proud of the joined up efforts of our council staff, the leisure centre committee and the local community.”
“We’ve left nothing on the pitch in this campaign. I just now hope that the Minister agrees with us all and releases the funding we deserve.”
