Proposals to demolish the old Ritz Cinema building, one of Ballybofey’s most well known landmarks, have been rejected by Donegal Co. Council.
This week's Finn Valley Post reveals that the planning authority has ruled that the building is of “architectural and social value” and to permit its demolition would contravene the County Development Plan.
One of the objectives of the plan is to “preserve, protect, enhance and record the architectural heritage of the county” and also to “facilitate appropriate revitalisation and reuse” of buildings such as this.
According to the Council, the building is the only commissioned structure in the Republic of Ireland by Belfast architect John McBride Neill, and is “a striking period building” which is an “eye-catching element of the architectural heritage of Ballybofey.”
A number of local people had expressed opposition to the proposals but no formal objections were received by the local authority before the statutory deadline.
The planning application had been submitted by the Butt Hall Committee.
The building has been vacant since 2008 and is in a state of disrepair.
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