Public representatives had ‘no control’ over apparent sale of cinema site

Donegal Town is coming to terms with news that the site of the proposed cinema has apparently been sold. 

Public representatives and Donegal County Council have come in criticism as a result.

However, the site was privately owned by the individual who had secured planning permission. This means that the project was not within the remit of councillors or council management.

Cllr Tom Conaghan (Ind) said: “I was extremely disappointed to learn that the cinema would not be going ahead in Donegal Town. Like a number of other people, I have tried to make contact with the developer.

“The decision to apparently abandon the project is entirely a matter for the owner. Myself and other local representatives had no control whatsoever over this decision.

“Planning is still live and will not expire for 18 months so I had hoped that it would go ahead.”

Cllr Conaghan said he believed a cinema such as the one proposed would have been a fantastic amenity for the area.

“I do hope that the new owners would establish a business and create much needed jobs for the town,” he said, adding: “I have always - and will continue - to support any such projects that are good for Donegal Town.”

Anger

Meanwhile, there is much anger and upset in Donegal Town and surrounding areas following reports last week that the cinema site had been sold. 

It was particularly disappointing for the people of the town given that a community campaign played a massive part in driving the project forward. People are now left feeling that all they have achieved with their efforts is to have increased the value of the site for the owner, and they have been left with nothing.

The Save Our Cinema campaign began in 2017 when it emerged that a planning application for a cinema, associated access and parking facilities had been turned down.

WJ Dolan Construction had applied to Donegal County Council in September of that year for the construction of a two-storey, five-screen cinema with 714 seats at Clarcarricknagun, Donegal Town. The 1,900 square metre development adjacent to Lidl would have included a shop, restaurant, and 159 car parking spaces.

The people of Donegal Town came together to express their frustration and to join the campaign to reverse this decision.

Speed limit rezoning and a number of other factors ensured that a resubmitted planning application was successful, with the good news being announced in November 2019. Construction never got underway.

Mr Dolan has not responded to our calls.

A spokesperson for Lidl Ireland said: "We have no news to share on this at present."