Major progress on two major projects in Stranorlar has been welcomed.
The long-awaited Town Park, proposed for Drumboe, and a multipurpose full size all-weather pitch for Stranorlar, to be located near the new Finn harps stadium and Finn Valley centre, have advanced.
“I have been driving both project for a long time and am delighted that we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” said Cllr Patrick McGowan .
“The Town park which is the subject of a part 8 planning is now complete and will be out before Councillors this Wednesdays for adoption.
“I will be recommending to all my colleagues next week to support this fantastic project.
“I know everyone will be pleased to learn that the Council has recommended that the town park 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 go for walks in one of Ireland’s most varied woodlands.”
The Council has secured €1.2m peace 1V for a multipurpose all-weather full size pitch to add to 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,” Cllr McGowan said.
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 .
Cllr McGowan said: “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 County Council management and 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, Francis Coyle, myself and others will take really take off.”
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