Proposal to name Letterkenny Courthouse after Frank Grimes - Donegal News

A PROPOSAL has been put forward to name the old Letterkenny Courthouse after the late businessman Frank Grimes. In 1971, Mr Grimes founded the Four Lanterns food business chain along with his brothers Vincent, Gerry and Paddy. At the peak of its success, the Four Lanterns had 12 outlets and employed around 350 people. It still […]

A PROPOSAL has been put forward to name the old Letterkenny Courthouse after the late businessman Frank Grimes.

In 1971, Mr Grimes founded the Four Lanterns food business chain along with his brothers Vincent, Gerry and Paddy.

At the peak of its success, the Four Lanterns had 12 outlets and employed around 350 people. It still runs two outlets in Letterkenny today.

The naming proposal was brought to the July meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District (MD) by Cllr Michael McBride.

The old courthouse is currently undergoing a €7 million refurbishment which will transform the building into a tourist attraction and a historic town centre.

Cllr McBride described Mr Grimes, who was from Ballinrobe, as “a proud Mayo man” who came to live in Churchill with his family.

Mr Grimes and the Four Lanterns provided employment at a time when jobs were difficult to find, according to the Independent councillor.

“He was a hard worker who believed in giving back to the community,” said Cllr McBride.

He said Mr Grimes was a “generous” sponsor of local sporting organisations and his name was also ” synonymous” with the Donegal International Rally.

“If you played football, it is likely you wore a jersey sponsored by the Four Lanterns at some point in time,” said Cllr McBride.

He said naming the courthouse in Frank Grimes’s honour would be a “fitting tribute” to him.

The motion was seconded by 100% Redress Cllr Tomás Seán Devine.

In response, Cllr McBride was informed that a design team has been appointed to the Letterkenny Courthouse project and as marketing and branding is part of that process, it would be premature to confirm a name at this stage.

Expressing his disappointment, Cllr McBride said he had consulted with the Grimes family and felt responsible for putting the motion forward.

He added that he had followed normal protocols for the naming of landmarks after local figures.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Ciaran Brogan said the Letterkenny Courthouse had been discussed at a workshop in recent weeks and expressed that the issue should not become “divisive”.

The motion was ultimately passed and Cllr McBride was informed that his proposal would be taken to the visitor experience consultant and considered as a member’s recommendation for the courthouse.

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