Posted online: Apr 18th, 2008

By Dermot Keys
dermot@letterkennypost.com

The need to address anti-social behaviour at the site of the Old Mart was raised in this week’s Letterkenny Town Council meeting despite the ongoing legal case surrounding its ownership.
Councillors called for the existing building to be demolished in the interest of public safety despite the legal issues surrounding the site. The appeal against the site being awarded to the Mart Committee has been adjourned until July 2008.
The matter was raised by Dessie Larkin who said that action was required in the meantime.
“I can understand people have concerns legally,” he said.
“What I’m saying is that no matter what happens to the site, the building is going to be knocked. It’s a beacon for anti-social behaviour.”
The dangers of leaving the building in its current state were noted, with health and safety being an issue. Residents in the area have complained about the state of the structure and about the ongoing issues with underage drinking and drug use in the area.
Victor Fisher said he knew for a fact that drinking was taking place at the mart and stated that it was only a matter of time before something happened. Cllr Gerry McMonigle also supported the motion to demolish the building, describing it as “an eyesore” and a “magnet for anti-social behaviour.”
The problem has got to the stage where the council couldn’t afford to ignore the issue, according to Cllr Jim Lynch. He supported the destruction of the building but added that the focus should be on retaining the site of at all possible.
“The solicitors should be told to fight this all the way,” he said.
The building could be demolished if an agreement between the Council and the Mart Committee was secured that didn’t prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings. Another possibility is the use of the Register of Derelict Sites to deal with the problem.