Donegal County Council has officially broken ground on the €500,000 Drumboe Community Park Development in Stranorlar, marking the start of the project’s first phase.
The project will deliver a new All-Ability Playpark and accessible pathway for children, families and the wider community.
It’s one of 32 projects and initiatives being delivered through the council’s €7.6 million PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan.
The council says the Drumboe facility has been designed with accessibility and inclusion at its heart, to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children, families and individuals from all backgrounds and abilities can meet, play and participate together.
Pic – Clr. Patrick McGowan Cathaoirleach of the Lifford–Stranorlar Municipal District who turned the of the Sod for the new Drumboe Park on Friday morning pictured with Paddy Doherty( Divisional Manager of the Community & Enterprise / Community Development Division) Clr. Martin Scanlon, Pat the cope Gallagher TD, Clr Martin Harley, Pauline Smyth Peace Manager , Kathleen Browne Marie Mulhern (Donegal County Council). Photo by Gerard McHugh
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Release in full –
Ground Broken on €500,000 Drumboe Community Park Development
Despite the damp weather, there was a strong community turnout at Drumboe Woods, Stranorlar, for the official groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of Phase 1 of the Drumboe Community Park Development.
Supported by an investment of €500,000 through Theme 1: Community Regeneration and Transformation of the PEACEPLUS Programme, the project will deliver a new All-Ability Playpark and accessible pathway, creating a modern, inclusive outdoor space for children, families and people of all ages and abilities.
The ceremony brought together local residents, community and Tidy Towns representatives, elected representatives and members of the wider community. Pupils and staff from St Mary’s Primary School and Robertson National School, Stranorlar, also attended to mark the beginning of a development that will provide an important new recreational amenity for the area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Patrick McGowan welcomed the commencement of works:
“While the weather may have been damp, it certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm for what is being delivered here in Drumboe Woods. This represents an important investment in our community and its future, creating a welcoming and accessible space that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
The Drumboe development is one of 32 projects and initiatives being delivered through Donegal County Council’s €7.6 million PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan. The programme supports community regeneration, inclusion and positive interaction, creating shared spaces and opportunities that strengthen connections between communities across the county.
Designed with accessibility and inclusion at its heart, the new community park will provide a safe and welcoming environment where children, families and individuals from all backgrounds and abilities can meet, play and participate together.
The development has been particularly welcomed by local families, including parents of children with additional needs. Through its All-Ability Playpark and accessible pathway, the project will help promote participation, outdoor recreation, health and wellbeing while ensuring the facilities can be enjoyed by as wide a section of the community as possible.
Cllr McGowan thanked all those who have contributed to bringing the project to the construction stage, including the PEACEPLUS Partnership Committee, the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Donegal County Council’s PEACEPLUS and Technical Teams, led by Mr James Kelly and Mr John Deeney, Ballybofey and Stranorlar Integrated Community Company Limited (BASICC), community representatives and local residents.
He also acknowledged the local elected representatives who attended the ceremony, including fellow councillors and Pat the Cope Gallagher TD, together with members of the Laverty family, the original owners of the 13-acre site.
Particular thanks were extended to the local schools for supporting the event and enabling pupils to be part of this important milestone.
“I would particularly like to thank the principals, staff and pupils of St Mary’s Primary School and Robertson National School for joining us. It is fitting that our young people are here to mark the beginning of a project that they, their families and future generations will be able to enjoy.”
Cllr McGowan also recognised the support and commitment of the local community:
“This project is ultimately about people and community. It is about creating a shared space that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible and that will bring people together. I look forward to seeing families and the wider community enjoying everything the park has to offer when the works are complete.”
Construction is being undertaken by W Doherty Construction Ltd, with William Doherty overseeing the works, while the development was designed by architect Marcus Shields of GM Design Ltd.
The project is being delivered by Donegal County Council, with the support of Ballybofey and Stranorlar Integrated Community Company Limited (BASICC).
Once completed, the new facilities will provide opportunities for local families, schools, community organisations and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation within the unique setting of Drumboe Woods, while creating an important, shared community asset for the wider Twin Towns area.
Cllr McGowan concluded: “This development will be a lasting asset for the community, creating an inclusive space that supports recreation, health and wellbeing for many years to come. Investments such as this are vital in building strong, sustainable communities and providing places where people of all ages and abilities can connect, participate and thrive.”
For further information on Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, please visit:
PEACEPLUS | Donegal County Council or email PEACE@DONEGAL.COCO.IE
PEACEPLUS | Donegal County Council or email PEACE@DONEGAL.COCO.IE
