Council urged to press on with pitch plan in Letterkenny

A new football pitch could be developed in Letterkenny.

This month’s meeting of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District heard fresh calls for the development of a football pitch in the Glencar area of Letterkenny.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Ciaran Brogan proposed that the Council proceed to part 8 stage of planning in providing a football field in the Council owned lands in order to be in a position to apply for funding opportunities when available.

The old reservoir field is currently on a short-term lease to a local farmer.

“We are lacking in recreational and sports facilities,” Councillor Brogan said. “There is a community group who would like to pursue this. It would be a great opportunity for us, as a Council, to explore funding. It is one part of the town that we need to give a strong commitment to.

“We need to make sure that the ducks are in a row when funding opportunities present themselves. 

“It is something that can happen and something that would make a huge difference to many people in the area, not just now but in years to come.”

Supporting the motion, Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle pointed out that Glencar Celtic Football Club has been without a permanent home since 2008.

‘This is something we need to act on,” Councillor McMonagle said.

In response, Donegal County Council said that the future use of the site ‘is currently being determined’.

A spokesperson said: “Donegal County Council do not develop football fields in general however we are available to assist any local club or community group to identify suitable funding to explore the planning and development of a football field at this location should the site be available.”