Unanimous Vote Clears Way for Dissolution of Buncrana Leisure Centre Co-Op

The long-awaited redevelopment of Buncrana Leisure Centre has taken a decisive step forward after members of the Buncrana Community Leisure Centre Co-Operative Society voted unanimously last Thursday night in the Lake of Shadows Hotel to dissolve the organisation and transfer ownership of the centre and its site to Donegal County Council.

Rosina McLaughlin, chair of the Leisure Centre Committee, confirmed that “the vote was passed for the dissolution of the leisure centre co-op”, with members also endorsing the transfer of both the premises and the site to Donegal County Council.

Ms McLaughlin explained that the decision triggers the formal winding-up process. “The co-operative society and the charity will be wound up, and then the site will be passed over to the DCC,” she said. “We will remain on the voluntary committee to make sure that the project goes ahead.”

The Extraordinary General Meeting came just days after Minister of State Charlie McConalogue announced that up to €2 million has been allocated to complete the detailed design of the new leisure centre — the first significant movement on the project in years.

“Minister McConalogue was there and he has pledged €2 million now to get it to the tender stage,” Rosina said. “We would hope then that the money will come for the bills.”

Rosina said the committee is encouraged following last week's allocation of funding.

“It’s progress we’re delighted to see it,” she said. “Unfortunately, it’s going to take another couple of years, but at least it’s on the move and Minister McConalogue has committed to it. We’re hoping that if the government gives €2 million, they’re not going to abandon us. We do feel confident that we’ll get the money.”

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The co-operative society, which owns the building and site, has been preparing for this transition in recent weeks. Members were notified in writing of the board’s proposal to pursue voluntary liquidation — a legal requirement for winding up a co-operative society. It does not mean the organisation is insolvent or unable to pay its debts; rather, whatever small debts it has will be settled from the sale and distribution of its assets.