Council confirms Shared Island approach over Coleraine Leisure Centre funding

CAUSEWAY Coast and Glens Borough Council has confirmed “discussions” have been held over a joint leisure centre funding bid with Donegal County Council.
Last week the Chronicle reported how the two local authorities were considering an application to the Irish Government’s Shared Island fund.
Donegal Council is seeking cash for a replacement leisure centre in Buncrana. Causeway Coast and Glens Council need upwards of £25m for facilities in Coleraine.
While an Inishownen-based councillor had revealed “communication” between the two local authorities had taken place, an approach to Causeway Coast and Glens Council for confirmation that a bid was under consideration and to establish whether contact had been made with fund administrators, went unanswered.
However in a response received on Friday a spokesperson said: “Council can confirm it is in early stage discussions to explore joint funding opportunities with Donegal County Council.”
According to the Irish Government, the Shared Island initiative aims to “harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to foster cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.”
It’s thought a joint leisure centre funding application would play up the shared sea-order between Donegal and Causeway Coast and Glens and the addition of a wet-weather visitor attractions on the cross border tourist trail.
A project to replace Coleraine’s 50-year-old Leisure Centre has been an agreed Council priority for many years.
The council hopes construction act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Railway Road area of town alongside redevelopment of facilities at Coleraine Football Club.
Should it fail to attract external funding, the council may be forced to borrow cash.
The cost of servicing loans would inevitably be passed to ratepayers or result in cuts to council services.