Creeslough Community Association Links Hub is officially opening

The Creeslough Community Association Links Hub is due to open on Friday, January 12. The official opening will be performed by the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD.

The premises is part of the former Cope Hardware premises in the village’s Main Street and a section of the building has been repurposed and updated into a modern multi-use facility and Community Links Office.

The project was undertaken in the aftermath of the Creeslough Tragedy in October 2022 to give the locality a dedicated space for a range of community, wellbeing and educational events.

The building has already been a hive of activity since August hosting information events as well as courses, classes, festive and community functions.

The Hub features several facilities including a communal area, three offices, a meeting room and kitchen facilities. A spacious yard at the rear of the building also enjoys spectacular views over Ards and Sheephaven Bay.

Community Links Manager, Majella McFadden, describes the importance of marking the opening of the new centre and its role to serve the people of the locality in a number of helpful ways.

“This is another part of the road to healing and this a centre for everyone to avail of,”  Majella McFadden said.

“Everyone is welcome to come along on Friday and have a look around the centre and see what it can offer and what ideas others within the community may have for it. 

“At the end of the day, the centre is here for everyone and it would be great to see it evolve.”

The building had been closed for many years but with funding following the Creeslough Community Initiative, there are already several programmes based in the centre including youth groups, support groups including Citizens Information and MAB’s hosting regular clinics.

Majella added they will continue to assess the needs of the local community as the centre evolves in its role and they have already received tremendous support from many groups and stakeholders including Donegal Local Development Company and Donegal County Council.

It is anticipated the current location on the main street will house the new community hub for a number of years and will remain in place until a new planned multi-million euro community centre is built on grounds to the rear of St Michael’s Church with the services transferring to the new proposed location once completed.

This development recently received part 8 planning from Donegal County Council. The official opening takes place on Friday, January 12th, at 11 am with refreshments being served in the centre following the event and everyone is welcome.