The Launch of the new brochure and an official re-opening of the Donegal Craft Village took place in the Craft Village courtyard, Lurganboy, Donegal Town yesterday.
The event, hosted by the Mayor Councillor Frank McBrearty and Donegal County Manager, Mr. Seamus Neely, was attended by the Elected Members, public figures; staff involved in the refurbishment project, contractors as well as the Craft Village tenants.
The Craft Village was constructed in 1986 and has been since very popular amongst the locals, as well as the tourists.
The refurbishment works commissioned by Donegal County Council was put out to tender in November 2012. It has been agreed that the tenants would temporarily cease trading and vacate their premises for the period of the reroofing works. The work started on site on Monday 7th January 2013 and the contractors were appointed to vacate the site by 8th March 2013. During this period the buildings remained closed for its usual business.
The renovation works involved the removal and disposal of the existing pitch roof coverings and the construction of a new insulated panel roof to all the units. Remedial and replacement works were also carried out to decayed timber, rain water drainage, fascias, barges, flashings, chimneys and parapets.
The Mayor Councillor Frank McBrearty stated: ‘This was another positive economic development supporting the small business sector in South Donegal where the Councillors are pleased to be taken the lead role with supporting the craft industry.’
As initially intended, all tenants were back in their premises and open again for business on Friday, 8th March 2013. In the recognition of these major improvements, Donegal County Council has also commissioned a new brochure that will be available in both – printed and PDF format.
The brochure features all six artists: Claire O’Presco – Handweaving, McGonigle Glass, Michael Griffin – Raw Studio, Niall Bruton – Jewellery & Sculpture, Johnny McCabe – Painting Artist, a new addition to the Craft Village since 2012 – Sandrine Salvador – ‘The Enchanted Earth’ Ceramics and ‘Aroma’ Coffee Shop & Mini Bakery.
Donegal County Manager, Mr. Seamus Neely: ‘This re-launch is a great opportunity to refresh the profile of the Craft Village that will add to the tourism product our County has on offer. Donegal County Council will be strongly involved in the marketing activities promoting the Craft Village as part of the Donegal Tourism Ltd marketing campaign. The centre will also be cross-promoted on the new tourism website govisitdonegal.com, supported by the social media channels’.
Information on the Donegal Craft Village is also available on: www.donegalcraftvillage.com
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