Plans for development of 4G Multi Use games area in Stranorlar 'no longer viable'

Donegal County Council have said it is “regrettable” that they are unable to proceed with the development of a 4G Multi Use games area in Stranorlar.

The development would have provided a state-of-the-art facility in Stranorlar available to clubs/organisations throughout the county, consistent with the Twin Towns designation as a Sporting Centre of Excellence.

This project, under the Shared Spaces & Services Theme of the Peace IV Action Plan, together with nine other projects were approved by the SEUPB with the Letter of Offer conditioning a completion date of September 30.

Having regard to the designation and ownership of the Project site in Stranorlar, applications were submitted to An Bord Pleanala in March and April of last year, with an anticipated turnaround time of six to nine months, followed by a seven-month construction period. However, the plans will not proceed due to the expiration for the drawdown of funding making the project no longer viable.

“It is regrettable that the Council must now confirm that we are not in a position to proceed with the project in Stranorlar,” Donegal Council said. “While favourable decisions from An Bord Pleanala in respect of the Project were received this week, the letter of offer period for drawdown of funding has expired.

“The Council wish to acknowledge the co-operation and guidance of the funders SEUPB throughout this period, however the inordinate delay in receiving the necessary approvals from An Bord Pleanala means that the project cannot be delivered within the Peace IV timelines, and consequently is no longer financially viable, given the scale of monies required to deliver the project.”

Nine other projects, although smaller in scale, have been successfully delivered and completed at various locations throughout the county.