Main pic: An architect’s impression of part of the proposed redevelopment of the centre of Ballybofey.
A local councillor has again raised concern over the future of the €9.8 million Ballybofey-Stranorlar Regeneration Strategy.
The ambitious project, which will see the old Ritz Cinema restored and a new multi-storey car park built behind the town’s shopping centre, was launched four years ago.
In April 2023, it was announced that a lead architect and design team had been appointed.
However, a sod has yet to be turned and Cllr Martin Harley is looking for answers.
For the third month in a row, he raised the matter at a meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District.
At the January meeting, Cllr Harley asked for an update on the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the land (below) for a proposed multi-storey car park behind Ballybofey Shopping Centre.
“It (the project) seems to be being kicked down the road,” he said.
“I feel if it is not done now and the bypass kicks in, this will be forgotten about. It needs to be done before the bypass.”
The site of the proposed multi-storey car park at the rear of Ballybofey Shopping Centre.
Ms Ciara Condon of the council’s Planning Section said she would get updates for Cllr Harley for both the Ballybofey regeneration and the Riverine Project in Lifford.
Funds have already been approved for the impressive ‘SEED Project’ which will see the restoration and redevelopment of the old Ritz Cinema in Ballybofey as an enterprise centre.
The car park opposite will get a major makeover to create a new, high quality, multi-functional civic space with canopy shelters, pedestrian linkages, accessibility and public conveniences (including changing facilities).
And, the site to the rear of the centre will be developed as a multi-storey car park.
The façade of the Shopping Centre will also be enhanced to make it more attractive.
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