DONEGAL, Ireland–Donegal Town could have a new €1 million civic center in the near future, thanks to the local credit union.
The Donegal Democrat reported that a proposal for the project, which would house the library, Family Resource Centre and Foróige, is being put to members of Donegal Town Credit Union at their Annual General Meeting.
The new building, which would be community-owned, members have been told, would be built in the heart of the town, next to the credit union's new premises which were opened just over a year ago, the Donegal Democrat reported.
Architect Declan McCabe told the Democrat that, although the project is at a very preliminary stage, the new building will cost in excess of €1 million.
“This is a significant project, a two-and-a-half-story building with a footprint of around 10,000 square feet…If it goes ahead, it will be done to a high standard. We are looking at a long-term sustainable development, in keeping with the quality and specifications of the credit union premises.”
The front elevation features an elegant mixture of stone and glass, which will add to the amenities of the area. “The design of the building was inspired by the shape of the Bluestack Mountains, such a stunning feature of the landscape around Donegal Town,” McCabe told the Democrat.
“By integrating the building into the landscape of Miller's Hill, it will evoke a mountain range.”
The building will also house a public café and there will be meeting/exhibitions spaces both inside and in front of the premises.
If members vote in favor of the project, a trust will be set up, made up of local people.
The credit union will donate €600,000 toward the cost of buying the site and starting construction. The trust will then borrow, at a special low rate of interest, the rest of the funds needed from the credit union, the Democrat reported.
Space will then be leased out by Donegal County Council for the library, and Tusla Child and Family agency for the FRC and Foróige. Income from the leases will be used to repay the credit union loan.
The idea is the brainchild of the credit union's CEO, Liam Kelly and Councillors Tom Conaghan and John Campbell.
The credit union has been in discussions with the county librarian Eileen Burgess, members of Donegal County Council as well Foróige and Donegal Family Resource Centre (FRC).
The credit union’s board “decided that this was something that was worth pursuing as the credit union’s 50th anniversary is in 2017,” according to a CU spokesperson.
If the project goes ahead, the credit union hopes that, as far as possible, all associated works and materials will be provided by local businesses, the Democrat reported.