Letterkenny Regional Activity Hub gets approval to go to tender while Urban Adventure Sports Park is officially opened
Donegal Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, has announced that the first phase of the Letterkenny Regional Activity Hub at Knocknamona has received department approval to proceed to the tender stage.
Donegal County Council is acting as the lead applicant on behalf of ATU Donegal for the project that will be developed on a 42-acre site.
The initial phases are being funded with a Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) grant of €8.7 million and university funding of €8.65 million.
The first phase will be developed on the lower portion of the lands and will include a full-size football/hurling (multi-sport) grass pitch with perimeter fencing and flood lighting, four synthetic five-a-side pitches with flood lighting, a pavilion building and spectator stand, a sprint track, an entrance road to the development and a carpark.
Confirming the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has given the project the go-ahead to go to tender, the Minister or State for Sport and Postal Policy said: “This is a major step forward in the delivery of this incredibly exciting and unique development that will serve as a massive boost to both ATU Donegal students and the wider Letterkenny community.
"By investing in such ambitious infrastructure, government is ensuring that people of all ages, sporting backgrounds, and abilities have access to top-quality, modern and accessible amenities.
“Our sporting and community clubs in Donegal do exceptional work every single day, and it is priority to support them by providing the facilities they deserve. This project will deliver wide-reaching social, physical, and community benefits, encouraging people of all generations to remain active and engaged.”
The project has garnered widespread backing, securing formal license agreements with Cricket Ireland, Donegal LGFA, Donegal Sports Partnership, Errigal College, Letterkenny Rovers FC, and Letterkenny Rugby Club, alongside 34 letters of support from local schools, clubs, and National Governing Bodies.
“I commend ATU Donegal and the numerous sporting organisations who have collaborated to advance this vision. I look forward to work commencing on the project following the tendering process,” Minister McConalogue commented.
Meanwhile, the Letterkenny Urban Adventure Sports Park at the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park was officially opened on Monday, June 8 by the Mayor of the Letterkenny/Milford Municipal District, Cllr Ciaran Brogan.
The new facility includes a purpose-built pump track for bicycles and skateboards, along with an outdoor performance area designed to host local events and festivals.
The opening was attended by council officials, councillors, Oireachtas members and representatives of the funding partners, including Donegal County Council, the North West Regional Assembly and Donegal Sports Partnership.
Speaking at the opening, Councillor Brogan praised the collaborative effort behind the project, saying: “Over the past five years, Donegal County Council and its partner agencies have made significant investment in Letterkenny Town Park. This investment has been essential in bringing the park up to a modern standard that meets the needs of today’s community.
The Urban Adventure Sports Park, including the pump track and outdoor performance area, was delivered through a partnership between Donegal County Council and Donegal Sports Partnership. Phase 1 received €32,000 and included consultation with local young people on their vision for the project. Phase 2 secured €210,000 from the North West Regional Assembly, bringing total investment in the project to €486,574.