Letterkenny Town Council is looking to buy a vacant building to develop as a tourist project – but may have to splash out €250,000 for the privilege.



The Old Forge at Lower Main Street, which comes complete with tin roof and no windows, has been boarded up for more than 30 years.

But now the local town council is planning to buy the dilapidated building for historic value.

The sale comes just days after a local estate agent offered two houses for the price of one.

Businessman Brendan McGlynn is offering a house on the Gleann Rua estate for €100,000 and throwing in next door for FREE!

However local councillor Jimmy Kavanagh says he hopes the estate agents selling the Old Forge property will knock down the price.

The proposed sale was brought up at the council’s meeting this week and it was agreed to approach the Office of Public Works, Bord Failte and the Heritage Council for funding.

Cllr Kavanagh said the current asking price is unrealistic in the current climate and he hopes the seller will negotiate with the council.

“I am very serious about the council buying the property because I think it is very much part of the dying heritage of the town.

“I am delighted all my fellow councilors backed me unanimously with my motion to seek to buy the property.

“However I do think that during the depressed property market the value of the property will have to be looked at again.

“I never considered the council spending such a large sum but I do think that if we can get it for a reasonable price then we should pursue it.

“It could be a terrific tourist attraction and it holds a lot of historic importance,” he said.

Ends

COUNCIL CONSIDERS SPENDING €250,000 ON ‘SHED’ FOR TOURIST PROJECT was last modified: by

Tags: