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Leisure Centre 'struggling to survive' 13.06.08

COUNTY Councillor Rena Donaghey who has continuously been lobbying to have upgrading works done to the Leisure Centre in Buncrana has again tabled a motion to the monthly meeting of Donegal County Council, which was debated in the chamber earlier this week.
Cllr. Donaghey asked that Donegal County Council proceed immediately with appointing a design team for the refurbishment works for Buncrana Leisure Centre.
The local councillor stated it is totally unacceptable that two years after tenders have been received by Donegal County Council they lie on a shelf gathering dust.
“I am not prepared to wait any longer, I am asking that this work be progressed without further delay. Our Leisure Centre is totally outdated and struggling to survive. Usually the problem is lack of funding but in this case money has been allocated three years ago.”
According to the Fianna Fail councillor, the leisure centre is managed by a hard working voluntary committee who are doing their best to keep the centre open to a growing population in a fast growing town.
“The centre accommodates a huge
Cllr. Rena Donaghey
number of national schools and groups in Inishowen and in this day and age the current facilities simply don't meet the need and demand. In an age where we experience so much obesity and are spending so much money to combat it in youngsters and adults facilities such as these are of paramount importance.”
In reply to her motion, councillor Donaghey was told that before progress can be made on the design of the refurbishment of Buncrana Leisure Centre, the submissions already received need to be assessed, ranked, and short listed before the design team appointment can be made.
And she was told that this has not yet been done due to staff turnover issues, which, she was told, continue to hamper progress.
Councillor Donaghey who received full support for her motion in the chamber was told it is expected that work to progress the appointment of consultants will be possible in June 2008.
She insisted however that she still wants the work expedited and started straight away.
“I don't want to have to come back in a months time again seeking a start date,” she concluded.
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