A town park and multipurpose all-weather pitch for the Twin Towns area has moved a step closer.
Local county councillor Patrick McGowan has welcomed the progress after planning for the proposed €1.2M park was adopted.
He said “I have been driving this project for a long time and am delighted that we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
“The decision which was proposed by me at today’s full council meeting means the Council can move to complete to purchase the lands as agreed now with planning being secured.”
The townpark as recommended by council will be stand alone as one proposal was to include the all-weather multipurpose pitch in the park itself in Drumboe but that is not the case now.
The proposed park will be kept for walks, children’s playground, recreational, open space and
which will be very much in keeping with the surrounding area. The civil war monument (Martyrs monument) will act as a focal point as well .
Drumboe is a very relaxing area where people regularly goe for walks in one of Ireland’s most varied woodlands.
In relation to the Multipurpose, all-weather full-size pitch the council has secured €1.2M peace 1v funding which will be constructed at the Stranorlar sports master plan area located next to the existing sports facilities.
Finn Harps new stadium and the Finn valley centre sports master plan area will be enhanced by the addition of this state of the art all-weather pitch which will be available to a variety of sports and will support outdoor training all year round day and night.
The facility will include changing rooms and flood lighting.
The Council are working on management arrangements at present and this will include equal access for all types of sports as was envisaged when applying for under the peace programme
which was zoned almost 20 years ago will.
“Two year ago I approached the land owners at Drumboe and commenced the negotiations which the council are now pursuing, this part 8 is a direct result of that and when adopted will allow the Council to complete the deal.
“The multipurpose full size all weather pitch is something I have been pursuing almost as long as the town park. I persuaded the council some years ago to make an application for funding but at that stage we were unsuccessful so when peace 1V opened and the Council held meetings around the County seeking proposals I convinced my colleagues on BASICC to propose the All weather pitch and which lead to this successful project receiving funding .
“I am very grateful to BASICC , Donegal CO Council managment & staff , LCDC members and staff and of course Peace1V supporting what will be a great facility.
“This will be a massive boost to the County designated Stranorlar sporting centre of excellence.
“All we need now is for the FAI troubles to be settled and a big dream back in 2000 by Alice Bonner, Francey Coyle, myself and others will really take off,” said Cllr McGowan.
