MARCH 2007

Plans for Colgan Hall Makeover

Plans are being made for an massive extension to Carndonagh's Colgan Hall. The community hall, which was build in 1914, has already had thousands of euros pumped into it, thanks to the hard work of the Colgan Hall Restoration Fund Committee. The members now want to step up their fundraising campaign and are in the process of applying for planning permission to extend the building. They were recently successful in securing the transfer of the building to the community under a 30 year lease.

The listed building, which is named in honour of John Colgan, a Franciscan Monk born in the townland of Glentogher, is used as a community centre for playgroups, irish dancers, martial arts groups, cubs and bingo-goers amongst a host of other groups in the community and surrounding areas.

Committee Secretary Fiona Fagan said, "We did carry out a community audit and we got an overwhelming response, the community have an appetite for a more enhanced programme of community activities. What we are hoping to do is extend the hall and extend the outside and build a bigger community centre so its a big job and there is a lot to do and a lot of money to raise. It is starting to take some shape we will be looking for €3.1m and to date we have raised around €200,000 some of which we have used for works we have done already. Any work we have done to date has been about preventing decay, in reality the hall was heading for a derelict building but we have been able to renovate it. If we get a decent bite of the cherry then we could be in a position to get funding for this."

Fiona said at the moment the hall desperately needs to be brought up to standard. She added, "We have very limited disabled and kitchen facilities. We cannot accommodate the number of community groups that would like to use the hall. The intention is to enhance what we have to offer."

So far the group has carried out drainage works and have restored windows to the hall. Fundraisers are hoping to coin in the cash by selling paintings of the building. Local artist Sharon McDaid kindly donated a painting of the hall and has authorised a limited edition print of 300 in order to generate funds. To buy a copy visit Neal Doherty's Shop or Donagh Art Studio on Malin Road, both in the town. Alternatively contact 086 1703715.

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