The Ritz Cinema building has been saved but what will happen to it?
Following Donegal County Council’s decision to reject the proposed demolition of the iconic Ritz Cinema in Ballybofey, members of the Facebook group ‘What Should Happen To The Ritz’ have again called upon the Butt Hall Committee to hold a public meeting on the matter.
The application to demolish the Ritz was rejected on December 15th on the grounds of “its architectural and social value. Demolition would contravene the County Development plan which aims to preserve, protect, enhance and record the architectural heritage of Donegal”.
Following this decision the group campaigning to save the building are now calling on the BHC to publicly meet concerned citizens with the aim of discussing the future of the much loved cinema.
Paul Anderson, who set up the Facebook page upon discovering the application to demolish the Ritz said the Butt Hall Committee has been repeatedly asked to meet with members of the public who want to see the building restored to its former glory.
“They have instead chosen to stay silent on the matter. Considering they are a charitable organisation initially set up to benefit the local area they are obligated to respond to concerns the public may have. It is time that they met with the local people; and became accountable for a building which is sorely in need of refurbishment and which is currently being left to dereliction.
“Members of the community have been calling for action to be taken as the building has fallen into a state of disrepair and many feel the matter is one of urgency. The question being asked now is ‘what happens next?’ Will the Butt Hall Committee agree to engage with concerned citizens? Will an independent engineer be employed to survey the building and, crucially, does the County Council have a role to play considering they refused demolition?
“One thing is for certain – this issue isn’t going to go away. People in the Finn Valley area hold the building close to their hearts and there is a keen interest in what happens to the Ritz. Calls are being repeatedly made for action to be taken before it is too late.
“The ball is very firmly in the Butt Hall Committees court.”
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