Save our Rowantree Centre, Drumkeeran, Leitrim

Rowanberry Enterprises is a community enterprise organisation with Charitable Status of seven voluntary Directors based in Drumkeeran in County Leitrim who manage four community buildings in the village; The Rowantree Centre, Drumkeeran Community Centre, The Resource Centre and The Cottage.

The Board of Rowanberry Enterprises recently informed our local community of a serious development with our new Financial Lender on the Rowantree Centre on the Main Street in Drumkeeran. This building was purchased by Rowanberry Enterprises Ltd in the early 1990s with the help of funding from the International Fund for Ireland, in addition to Board members own funds and a mortgage. The Rowantree Centre has served our community well since it was developed, with the first floor being used as Offices and the Boardroom as a meeting place from many local Community Groups, while the ground floor provides a Restaurant which has always been a key service to local people, tourists and the many people who pass through the village.

Over the past number of years the income of Rowanberry Enterprises Ltd has reduced greatly, and in-turn mortgage payments had to be reduced which meant that the mortgage fell into arrears; however in the meantime the Loan Book has been sold to a new Lender who is demanding an immediate settlement of the balance of the mortgage. Even though the Board is currently in negotiations with them, there is a strong possibility of us losing the building to a Receiver. Like all Community Groups, and everyone in general, Rowanberry Enterprises have been particularly hit hard financially for the past 18 months due to the Covid-19 Restrictions.

Following on from a Public Meeting held on 18th August 2021 in Drumkeeran GAA Club Grounds, it was unanimously agreed to try and retain the Rowantree Centre as a community building. A key proposal to raise the necessary funds to pay the new Lender is the setting up of a GoFundMe page.

The Board of Rowanberry Enterprises would greatly appreciate all support to resolve this serious development with our Lender, and allow the Rowantree Centre to remain in the heart of the Drumkeeran community.