Donegal County Council has opened a public consultation process on the proposed development of the old courthouse building in Letterkenny.
It is proposed to redevelop the historic building as a tourist attraction and as an asset for the community. The plans for the project are now available for public consultation through the Part 8 planning consent process, and the public are invited to have their say.
The project focuses on the change of use, extension and modification of the Protected Structure and site to provide flexible space with multi-functional capacities for:
- a tourist/visitor attraction and integrated Tourist Information Point
- interpretation, exhibitions, conferences, education & learning
- multi-purpose civic, cultural, community use and social gatherings and events
- café
- retail/gift-shop and;
- ancillary offices, storage and public conveniences.
- All associated ancillary works to include site drainage and utilities, connection to public water supply and other services, enhancements to existing public realm, enhancements to public lighting, landscaping, development related signage & public art, connection & discharge to the public sewerage network.
Welcoming the progression of the project, the Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Gerry McMonagle said: ‘‘This is an important milestone in the project to secure the planning consent for the reuse the Letterkenny Courthouse as the ‘Discover Donegal Centre’ which will offer an exciting tourism experience for visitors alongside multi-use space that can help meet the needs of the community. The public have been so engaged in this project to date and this has helped to shape the plans that are now on public display.”
Cllr McMonagle is encouraging the public to continue to take part in the design process by viewing the plans or by coming along to the next series of public drop-in days. This will take place at the courthouse on Thursday 10th April, any time between 3pm-8pm. There will be a physical model of the proposed building available and 3D visuals to give people a real sense of what is proposed.
Liam ward, Director of Service for Community Development and Planning Services said, “The Courthouse project is supported by the THRIVE programme through NWRA which enabled the appointment of Robin Lee Architects. The next step, subject to approval of the Part 8 proposed development, involves the submission of the project to the competitive Strand 2 of the THRIVE programme for capital monies to deliver the project to site as a best practice example of urban regeneration and as a superb asset for Letterkenny and its community.”
The plans and drawings for the proposed development are available for public consultation and submissions can be made until 4.30pm on Wednesday 7th May 2025.
You can view the plans and get involved in the following ways:
- View the plans and make a submission at https://bit.ly/LKYCourthouse or by scanning the QR code
- Call in to see the plans in the Council’s Offices at Letterkenny Public Service Centre or County House, Lifford.
- Call into the Courthouse on Thursday 10th April 2025, anytime between 3pm-8pm to meet the team and find out more.
- Find out more about the THRIVE programme at www.bit.ly/4hsCO9i
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