A call has been made to ensure that the Newmills Corn and Flax Mills centre does not remain closed to visitors this summer.
The centre remained closed last year despite continual works being carried out at the facility.
Now councillor Jimmy Kavanagh is calling on the council to liaise with the Office of Public Works to ensure the centre is fully functional and staffed for the tourist season in 2023.
Councillor Kavanagh raised the issue at the latest meeting of the Letterkenny and Milford Municipal Authority.
He said he would eventually like to see the centre being put on the same track as Glenveagh National Park and the Glebe Gallery which receive large volumes of visitors.
“The Minister visited here on 16th February last and he said only way it (the Mill) would progress was if get numbers up but can’t get numbers up if place is closed,” said Councillor Kavanagh.
He added that there had been talk of a shop including a souvenir outlet at the centre but nothing had come to pass.
Newmills Corn And Flax Mills
He added that the mill must firstly open and then it should remain open until October and beyond to cater for the likes of school tours adding the mill was a “very important part of our industrial and social history.”
He added “This is an excellent facility on our doorstep. As far as I am concerned they have committed to it.
“We know their plans and we should ensure they honour their commitments. The only way to progress it is to have it full opened and to have the guides there.”
He was seconded in his motion by Councillor Michael McBride.
Councillor McBride said the motion was very timely and he agreed with the motion one hundred per cent adding the mill was a great asset.
He said he was encouraged when passing by the facility last week to find that its car park was being freshly tarred.
