The Letterkenny Regional Sports and Activity Hub has been allocated €8.7 million under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Atlantic Technology University (ATU) received planning permission for the complex that will be located at Knocknamona about one mile from ATU’s Donegal campus on Letterkenny’s Port Road.
The complex planned is one of 35 projects across Ireland that has been allocated €173 million in grant funding.
Welcoming the announcement made by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, Donegal minister, Charlie McConalogue said the latest allocation will be invested in phase one of the Letterkenny Regional Sports and Activity Hub.
When completed the hub will include a GAA pitch, five-a-side pitches and a pavilion centre comprising a spectator stand, changing areas, studios, meeting rooms, multi-purpose spaces and ancillary spaces.
“This is a unique and exciting project for Donegal ATU and the community of Letterkenny. Cricket Ireland and Donegal Ladies Gaelic Football Association are key partners and it’s great to see different sporting bodies coming together. Local schools, clubs and organisations have also supported the funding application,” the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine commented.
“In September, Minister Byrne announced that 89 clubs across Donegal would be receiving €12.26 million through the Community Sports Facilities Fund. This was the fourth highest allocation in the country and represented a record investment in sports clubs locally.
“When the allocation of €1.3 million for 45 clubs for equipment earlier this year is also taken into consideration, Donegal has received €13.72 million through the Community Sports Facilities Fund in 2024. This latest funding announcement of €8.7 million for Donegal demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in sporting facilities,” the Donegal minister added.
“By investing in this ambitious project that will be developed on a 42-acre site in Letterkenny, the Government is making sure that people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have access to top-quality sports facilities. The more people that can be encouraged and inspired to engage in physical activity, the better,” he said.
Pat the Cope Gallagher has also welcomed the announcement.
He congratulated all involved with the project and hoped this funding will progress the project.
“The new development will greatly enhance the sports facilities of the regional as a whole .
“If elected to represent Donegal in the 34rd Dail, I will certainly support the call for further funds as the over cost of the project when complete will be in the region of €27M with a contribution of €8M from Atlantic Technological University.”
