Funding granted for ‘vibrant inclusive community space’ at old boat yard

Plans will see the Old Boat Yard transformed into a community amenity

placeholder image — Plans will see the Old Boat Yard transformed into a community amenity

Ballyshannon’s Old Boat Yard at the Mall Quay is to get a major makeover thanks to €500,000 funding and ‘a lot of regeneration planning’

Funding of €500,000 has been granted for the repurposing of Ballyshannon’s Old Boat Yard.

Situated at the town’s Mall Quay, plans will see the Old Boat Yard transformed into a fantastic community amenity space as part of the wider regeneration plans.

Barry Sweeny has been working on the regeneration project in Ballyshannon, and has welcomed this latest development.

He said: “I and the Mall Quay Committee are absolutely delighted with the recent confirmation of €500,000 under the Peace Plus Programme to repurpose the Old Boat Yard at the Mall Quay as an amenity space.

“There has been a lot of Regeneration planning in recent years and the Quay area pops up all the time as an area in need. The Mall Quay committee evolved from a series of workshops and their work is ongoing.

“This is a massive step forward to secure this funding in cooperation with Donegal County Council Community Development.

“As a now ex-councillor it's great to see both my work and the work of the committee pay off. It will be a long process of design, planning and construction work.

“Ultimately it will be a vibrant inclusive community space for a variety of uses and activity.”

The committee extends thanks to Martin O'Donnell of Ogma Design for initial design concepts (pictured). They also thank Donegal County Council and the Peace Plus Partnership who secured a total of €7,635,396 for Donegal projects and programmes.

“Massive work, massive congrats,” said Barry.

“Keep an eye out for this project as it evolves in the coming months and years.”