The Alley Theatre in Strabane will stay closed until at least January 2027, Derry City and Strabane District Council has confirmed. Repair work following water damage was found to be more extensive than first assessed.

The venue shut in September 2024 and was initially expected to reopen in March 2025. That deadline passed, and a revised target of September 2025 was also abandoned after the council announced the extended timeline.

Strabane Drama Festival director Ciara McCay said she is nervous but optimistic that next year's event will go ahead. McCay has received assurances from the council that the theatre will be ready by January 2027 and that the festival will remain unaffected. She noted that, to participate in next year's festival circuit, arrangements must be finalised by October, meaning firm confirmation is needed by September at the latest.

McCay acknowledged some attendees have suggested finding an alternative venue, but described the prospect as logistically difficult and expensive. The nine-night festival needs daily access for technical staff, lighting crews, adjudicators, set builders and stage strikers. She stated that securing another site with the necessary capacity is not a simple task.

McCay expressed frustration at the length of time it took for the council to begin repairs and suggested the same delays would not have occurred in Derry. She added that many people in Strabane want to see the building restored and in use as quickly as possible.