Donegal’s Four Masters GAA seeks clubhouse planning after funding gain

Donegal Town’s Four Masters GAA Club has sought planning permission from Donegal County Council to construct a new club house.

The Páirc Tír Chonaill club has applied to Donegal County Council for the extension of duration of planning permission granted in 2021, for the construction of a two-storey clubhouse with a gym, and all associated site works.

Rhatigan Architects posted an online statement which said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Four Masters GAA on their proposed new clubhouse development.

“This is a fantastic project for the club and the wider community, with the potential to provide valuable facilities for players, members, and future generations.

“It’s great to be involved in a project that supports the continued growth of the club and strengthens its role at the heart of the local community.”

Four Masters GAA Club, in partnership with the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, were awarded €2 million in funding in June, with the backing courtesy of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) Fund, which supports the development of a new state-of-the-art clubhouse and community facility at Páirc Tír Chonaill.

When the funding was announced, Pat the Cope Gallagher TD of Fianna Fáil said: “This is a hugely significant investment for Four Masters GAA Club, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and the wider Donegal Town community.

“The new facility will provide a lasting legacy and create an inclusive space that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”

The development will include a large accessible gym, a fully compliant Changing Places facility, community meeting rooms, an accessible kitchen, a large event space and lift access throughout the building. Developed in partnership with the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, the facility will provide important opportunities for inclusion, participation, health and wellbeing across the region.

The project has also been designed with a strong focus on sustainability and community partnership. The building will achieve an A1 BER rating and incorporate low embodied carbon construction, rainwater harvesting measures and biodiversity enhancements.

In addition, the facility will be shared with local educational partners including Abbey Vocational School, The Glebe National School, Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala, Killymard National School, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí and St Francis’s National School, ensuring it becomes a valuable resource for the wider community.

Donegal County Council has set a decision due date on the submitted extension of duration application for December 23.