Delicious burgers are a-bun-dant in Donegal, as proved by three local venues who picked up National Burger Awards today. 

The best burgers of Ireland were announced by Kepak ahead of National Burger Day on Thursday 20th June.

The overall winner of ‘Best Burger in Ireland’ was awarded to Handsome Burger in Galway.

But Harvey’s Point, Johnny’s Ranch and Friar’s Rest all triumphed in the high-steaks contest.

Harvey’s Point Hotel at Lough Eske won Best Hotel Burger in Ireland. The Best Independent Takeaway in Ulster was awarded to Johnny’s Ranch at Gamble Square Ramelton. Friar’s Rest in Letterkenny picked up the title of Best Independent Chain at today’s awards in Dublin.

National Burger Day will be celebrated at a number of Donegal restaurants, where customers can get 2 for 1 burgers throughout the day.

Check www.nationalburgerday.ie/map for the list of participating venues.

Damien McCroary has been appointed as new school principal of St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny.

The Castlefinn man, who is a religion and history teacher, is taking over for the retiring Chris Darby.

Mr McCroary has been part of the teaching staff at St. Eunan’s since 2002 and was joint vice-principal since 2017, along with Ms Anne Coll.

Ms McColl, who is also retiring, has been a science teacher at the college since the late 1980s.

Funding of €5,200 has been allocated to three summer events taking place in Donegal this summer, it was announced today.

Cumann Staire & Seanchais na nOileáin, the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School – Migration and Plantation; and the Donegal Town Summer Festival have been granted support from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The funding scheme supports Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools which may not be eligible for the same funding that is granted to larger scale events.

The allocations are as follows:

• €2,200 for the Cumann Staire & Seanchais na nOileáin – a celebration of Gola Island
• €2,000 for the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School – Migration and Plantation
• €1,000 for Donegal Town Summer Festival

Minister Joe McHugh welcomed the funding as “great news for the organisers of these local events in Donegal.”

“These Government investments in local events are brilliant for helping to build a sense of community and attract new visitors to the areas.”

Minister McHugh added: “These festivals and events are vital in showing off what makes each place unique and special and builds a sense of community spirit.

“I wish the organisers of all the events every success and hope to see many people coming to the county.”

It’s been an exciting week for St. Aengus National School in Bridgend as they mark Road Safety Week. 

The school pupils and staff had a star guest when three times Donegal International Rally champion Manus Kelly visited during the week.

Plus, they have received much-welcomed news that new speed ramps will soon be placed on the road outside the building.

The school has led a year-long campaign for the ramps, which included petitions from the Board of Management, parents and children of the school to get the cars to slow down when approaching the school.

The ramps instalment was confirmed to Mr. Séamus McGowan, Principal of St. Aengus N.S. by Councillor Paul Canning.

The school has been very proactive in ensuring road safety with increased safe car parking for both buses and car users. Mr. McGowan commented that “the safety of children is all of our concerns so slow down.”

Over 200 children welcomed Manus Kelly to the school this week as the excitement grows for the Rally.

Manus Kelly visits St. Aengus National School in Bridgend

Manus posed for photos with the excited children and answered some very interesting questions from the children. The children found out the top speed of the car, how much the car cost and could it be driven normally on the road. Oisín from second class, who is a racing enthusiast, asked Manus to “Pop the Hood” to see the engine.

Manus reiterated the motto of the Donegal Rally in making sure that we keep “The Race in its Place.” He pointed out to the children that he only does his rallying on closed roads and he went through the huge amount of safety equipment he has to wear while driving.

Manus reminded the children to obey the stewards at all times this weekend and to tell whoever is driving them to the stages to slow down.

Road Safety Week at St Aengus NS Bridgend

As part of the Road Safety Week, the Road Safety Authority was invited to St. Aengus NS to give safety talks to the children. The hall was turned into a miniature town and the children learned about road safety and awareness. All the children in the school received a safety licence and invaluable safety tips for all road users.

Principal McGowan commented: “The children of St. Aengus wish Manus and his team the best of luck this weekend. Hopefully next year when he returns to the school we will be talking about the “Drive for 5”.”

There is great sadness in Muff following the sad passing of a popular resident, John Putt.

Mr Putt, a much-loved character in the border village, died suddenly on Tuesday at Warren View Manor.

He was well-known as a Tidy Towns hero, an active member of the community and a friendly face to many.

Formerly of Lancaster and Tooban, Mr Putt is survived by his wife Mary, sons John, Peter and Michael and his eleven grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Funeral details were released in the obituary notice:

“His remains will be reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home on Sunday, 23rd June, from 2.00pm to 6.00pm and on Monday 24th June from 5.00pm to 7.00pm followed by removal to St. Mura’s Church, Fahan to repose overnight.

“Requiem Mass Tuesday, 25th June, at 11.00am followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

“Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul c/o any family member or Shaun Murphy Funeral Director.”

AS A PLAYER and a manager, Declan Bonner has tasted both sides of Ulster final emotions.

Bonner leads Donegal back to the final this Sunday aiming to retain the Anglo Celt they collected 12 months ago.

It’s Donegal’s eighth Ulster final in nine years with Cavan the latest team to stand in the opposite corner.

“It’s a great place to be,” says Bonner.

“…but only if you win it because there is no lonelier place in the world than sitting in a Clones dressing room as a losing player or manager. There is no better feeling than going in and the Anglo Celt is in the middle of the floor.”

Bonner took the Donegal job for a second time in 2017 after a year that saw heavy defeats to Tyrone and Galway in the Championship.

Many wondered if Donegal’s time as a contender had passed, but not Bonner.

He says: “I believed in what was out there. I saw a lot of young lads who were out there, the Stephen McMenamins, the Eoghan Bans, the Ryan McHughs, Eoin McHughs and Jamie Brennans…all of those lads had success at underage level.

“I knew the type of individuals that were there. Having the experienced players on board was vital. They are really professional in everything they do. That mix was really important. I knew there was a real opportunity.”

Donegal took the title last year with a win over Fermanagh, but Bonner knows the perception from a wider audience – and has set about putting that right.

He says: “Last year, we clocked up decent scores, but we felt we didn’t get the respect we deserved because the saying was we didn’t beat Tyrone or Monaghan.

“It was important for this group to beat one of those teams.

“We beat Tyrone. But it was an Ulster semi-final at the end of the day. Whether that’s Tyrone, Derry, Antrim, Down, whoever, it was a semi-final and there is no silverware handed out so we need to get ready for the final.”

Listen to the full interview below …

DONEGAL’S GERALDINE McLaughlin was on fire last Saturday night in their gripping extra-time win over Cavan.

In all, McLaughlin scored 14 points as Maxi Curran’s Donegal saw off the Breffni after extra time.

Donegal came from five points down late in normal time, with five points from McLaughlin in the first half of extra time catapulting Donegal towards the win.

Eleven of McLaughlin’s 14 points were scored from play.

Jerome Quinn Media was on hand at Killyclogher to capture some of the Termon woman’s magic moments …

In the prestigious Antrim Rovers Summer Football Festival, Finn Harps Girls emerged as Plate winners in a hugely competitive tournament.

This is the first time ever that any female time representing Finn Harps has won an inter-club tournament. Congratulations to all the girls at the Academy – they have entered the history books of the club!

The tournament took place in the excellent facilities of Allen Park, Antrim. A well organised two-day tournament saw over 100 teams participate with the girls taking centre stage on Sunday.

Harps Girls began their day with a cagy 0-0 draw against Larne FC who compete in the Belfast League. Captain Lexi Campbell ably commanded the Harps defence and Kerry McCready made a few great saves to keep the score level. Grace Masterson and Alisha Ferry performed admirably as well.

In the next game against another Belfast League club, St. Mary’s FC., Harps, although dominant were defeated with a last-minute goal. This game saw fine performances from Aoife Slevin, Clara McGuinness, Elizabeth McGee and Lauren Ferry.

The third and final group game saw Harps face a physically strong Carrick Rangers team. This game saw the excellent Ella McHugh become the first scorer ever for a Harps female team when she found the net midway through the game. Great performances in this game also from Marie Sweeney, Tess McFadden and Ava Boyle.

The semi-finals saw Harps face St. Mary’s FC., who had earlier defeated them. However, on this occasion the more determined Finn siders dominated the game with outstanding team performance, culminating in a beautiful team goal finished by the super-sharp Ella McHugh.

The final pitted Harps against North Belfast FC. Both teams had chances in the early exchanges with Harps hitting a post and Belfast just shooting over. Harps grew in confidence as the game wore on and after a few great blocks by the Belfast defence speedy Sara Thomas broke through and finished superbly to put Harps a goal up.

This was how the game finished much to the delight of those present who had witnessed some great skilful football from the Finn Harps.

Captain Lexi Campbell, who was a power of strength throughout the competition and is a great on-the-pitch organiser, was presented with the prize much to the delight of the girls and Coaches Aisling Barron and Micheál Doherty.

Finn Harps Academy Girls train on Sundays in the Academy grounds, Crossroads, Killygordon and new members are always welcome. It’s a great way to improve your football skills and to make friends. Contact the club office for further details.

An online appeal has been launched to help a young Donegal mother during her devastating cancer battle.

Sonya Hamilton Mc Closkey, who is originally from St Johnston and lives in Ballybofey, was recently diagnosed with cancer of the breast, lymph nodes, pancreas, liver and lungs.

The 35-year-old had been struggling with pain and illness for the past two years. But it was only in April 2019 that she received the crushing diagnosis.

Sonya is married to Ballybofey man Michael McCloskey and together they have five young children.

She has spent the past few weeks in an oncology ward, separated from her family as her four youngest children are too young to visit the ward. She was taken to Galway University Hospital on Tuesday in the hope of having a procedure on her liver.

While she is unable to undergo chemotherapy, Sonya has discovered one option which could give her the fighting chance she needs.

The strong young mum has been in contact with Oncologica, a UK company which carries out specialised tests to determine the most successful treatment options for cancer patients.

“At the moment this is Sonya’s only choice to give her a fighting chance,” Sonya’s sister Lorraine wrote in the GoFundMe appeal, which was launched today.

Sonya’s family are fundraising to cover the €2,000 cost of having a sample of her biopsies sent to Oncologica.

The online campaign has raised an amazing €3,000 in just four hours, as almost a hundred people offer their support to the Hamilton-Mc Closkey family.

Sonya, Michael and their children are well-known in the Twin Towns area. Sonya once ran her own mobile phone shop in Ballybofey.

“Everyone who has ever met Sonya knows she is a giver. She gives her everything to her family and everyone she knows. Her life is completely selfless. Her children are her priority. Trying to fight this is all Sonya can do,” Lorraine said.

If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe page, please click here: https://www.gofundme.com/qap9y-sonyas-battle

The funeral of Patrick McGinty, who died in a tragic quad bike accident, will be held this Friday.

Large crowds are expected at the funeral of the popular Mountcharles man.

Mr McGinty, aged in his 40s, was involved in a quad bike accident in his hometown on Sunday evening. He suffered serious head injuries and was transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where he died on Monday morning.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Nancy and will be greatly missed by his sisters, brothers and a wide circle of family and friends.

Funeral mass for Mr McGinty will take place on Friday 21st June at 11am in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mountcharles, with burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.

OLLIE HORGAN has been busy in attempting to recruit some new blood for Finn Harps’ survival push and has been in talks with a former Rangers and Dundee United prospect.

Horgan recently attended the PFA Scotland Showcase and Exit Trail at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling, where a host of out-of-contract players were on show.

Horgan was among the crowd and has since held discussions with Mati Zata about joining Harps for the remainder of the 2019 season.

Zata, an 18-year-old midfielder is one of a number of players Horgan has been in touch with since being in Scotland.

Zata spent the latter part of the 2018/19 season on loan at Tayport from Dundee United.

Previously, he spent time at Rangers as an underage player having been given a two-year scholarship at Ibrox when he was 16.

Zata has won two caps for Zimbabwe Under-23s.

Harps are currently bottom of the Premier Division table on goal difference. UCD, with whom they are tied on points, have three games in hand.

Harps return to action from the mid-season break on Friday-week when they host Sligo Rovers at Finn Park.

A planned strike involving hundreds of healthcare workers in Letterkenny University Hospital has been deferred.

Significant disruption was expected at the hospital on Thursday as staff planned a 24-hour industrial action.

The strike was deferred this Wednesday evening, as SIPTU representatives confirmed that emergency talks will be held at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tomorrow.

The dispute involves SIPTU members in a variety of positions at the hospital, including health care assistants, maternity care assistants, laboratory aides, chefs, and surgical instrument technicians, and staff working in portering, household and catering services.

The dispute is centred on the HSE’s failure to implement pay increases arising from an agreed job evaluation scheme.

The strike was due to be carried out by 10,000  health support staff nationwide, 700 of which are based in Letterkenny and Sligo Hospitals.

Motorists in south Donegal are being advised of a bad oil spill that occurred this evening.

Gardai in Ballyshannon say the spill happened between Ardara and Killybegs.

The wet conditions has resulted in the spill spreading and drivers are advised to exercise caution.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) is pleased to announce the launch of the Certificate in Access Studies Summer Programme 2019.

This four-week full-time programme will run from Monday 1 July to Friday 26 July and is geared towards adult learners and school leavers interested in progressing to third level study.

Learners on this programme will have an opportunity to study Information Communications Technology, Learning Skills and Mathematics.

The programme is available free-of-charge and is also available to Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) students with 160 credits.

This programme is the perfect fit for people keen to kick-start their third level journey and may be of interest to people that lack the confidence to take the first step on the education ladder.

The programme is based at the Letterkenny campus and is available for the first time as a summer study option. The programme is being offered during the summer to accommodate the growing demand for programmes that meet the needs of the region.

This ‘gateway’ programme supports adult learners transition into third level education. The Access Studies programme has been the foundation for many student success stories.

One such example is Cathal McGinley. Cathal began his third level journey at LYIT in 2013/14 when he undertook the Certificate in Access Studies programme, he then progressed to the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Performance, now the BSc (Hons) in Sports & Exercise, and has subsequently gone on to study a Masters in Exercise Physiology at the National University Galway (NUIG).

Cathal is fulfilling his ambition and attributes his academic success to the Access Studies programme at LYIT.

He commented: “Choosing to study on the Access Studies programme was a big leap of faith, I left school at 15 but this programme gave me confidence and belief in myself, and provided me with the opportunity to pursue my interest in Sport.

“I look back now and realise that it was a brave thing to do.

“I am now completing my Masters in Exercise Physiology in NUIG and I can’t wait to begin my career in this field,” he added.

“The Access Studies programme is where my third-level journey began and I am so glad that I took the chance on myself.”

This programme will cover a broad range of subjects and is an access programme into third level study. Students who successfully pass this course with an overall average of 50% or over will have the opportunity to progress to any course of their choice (except Nursing) at LYIT.

Quotas will also apply in some instances.

If you are interested in following in Cathal’s footsteps why not visit the LYIT website for further information on the Certificate in Access Studies.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 12 noon Wednesday 26 June 2019.

Kick-start your future, apply today to join the Access Studies programme at LYIT.

The scrapping of plans to build a  €1.5 million Sea Survival Training Centre at Greencastle has been criticised as  “outrageous” today by Donegal Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn.

There was shock and disappointment following confirmation from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) that they do not intend to proceed with building the new state of the art facility.

Answers are now being demanded from the Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed.

Senator Mac Lochlainn is seeking a commitment from the Minister that his department will ensure that BIM has the financial resources to deliver on this project that had been first announced in 2016.

Senator Mac Lochlainn said: “This is an outrageous and reckless decision. This €1.5 million centre was announced back in 2016, just before the general election by government politicians including Minister Joe McHugh.”At the time, it was stated that the new centre would include the development of a fifteen metre simulator pool, an elevated platform equipped with a wave machine, water spray unit and fans capable of simulating the type of extreme weather conditions fishermen are often faced with.

“And that the centre would also be equipped with two changing areas, a self-contained heating unit which can maintain water temperatures of 23-28 degrees Celsius, as well as a water treatment unit and a new classroom which can accommodate sixteen students.

“This would allow the college to replicate weather conditions and provide a more extensive training course with the only other centre of its kind to be found in Cork at the other end of the island.”.

Senator Mac Lochlainn said he will not accept that this promised centre was “just another pre-election political stunt”.

He added: “I have submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed and I am demanding answers from BIM. I have also requested that the Minister ensure that his department officials meet with BIM to establish how they can ensure that the financial resources are available to make this essential centre a reality.

“Surely we have learned from too many tragedies at sea how important it is to train and test our fishers in surroundings that accurately reflect the tough conditions that they will face at sea.”

A Taste of India in Letterkenny is gearing up to feed all hungry Rally fans with exciting offers this weekend.

The multi-cuisine takeaway, on Lower Main Street, is a hotspot for hungry customers who want a varied menu to satisfy every craving.

From authentic curries to fast food favourites and pizzas – you’ll get a top feed here. 

Taste of India is located at the heart of Letterkenny’s entertainment scene – just across the road from McCafferty’s Bar – and offers late night opening

Taste of India Express

A Taste of India has a packed menu of exceptional Indian dishes and delicious vegetarian options.

But their fresh kebabs, hoggies and munch boxes really tickle the taste buds late into the night.

As a top Tuesday treat, the takeaway offers buy one get one free pizzas. So you pay for one and get two!

All special offers and meal deals are just a tap away, as Taste of India have a handy app for all collections and deliveries. Get 15% discount on online orders over €20.

Download the app now for all the latest offers: https://tasteofindia-italianpizza.com and discover all the tasty deals for yourself.

You can order through the app or call 074 91 25753

For most, it’s the dread of life where tempers are tested inside and outside the family car.

Where families try to beat the clock every school day in life as they take on the gauntlet that is the school run.

For one man, it has become a privilege thanks to the thought and anonymous generosity of the people around him.

It would do your heart good to watch Paul Dillon sitting with his elbow out the window of his 11-year-old Limerick registered Black Ford Focus waiting at the school gate for 3pm to arrive so he can collect his wanes from school.

Celebrity status

An hour earlier, Paul pulled on to one of the two blue disabled parking bays at Kernan’s in Newtowncunnigham.

A couple of his workmates are on their lunch break and go out to meet Paul.

They give him a hand onto his wheelchair. His arrival into the shop is greeted with smiles from staff and regulars alike in doing a bit of shopping or even in for a bite to eat.

Paul Dillion and his two bodyguards Jonathan Mc Carron and Leo Tinney pictured at Kernans in Newtowncunningham this week. Photo Brian McDaid.

Paul makes his way into the diner and takes a wee tour around the restaurant having a yarn with this one and that before he gets his workmates to hold his wheelchair steady as he slides himself over on to the seat and into stall No 1, then the slagging and craic begins.

Liverpool will get a mention at least twice, and the big win this year, Paul is a massive reds fan and of course, everyone around him will rubbish them.

Paul’s presence in Kernan’s lifts the spirits of people.

Someone waves at him from one of the isles in the supermarket and Paul waves them over to hear their craic.

They stand yapping with a basket half full of messages in the diner as waiters get the all-day breakfast out past the crowd that has gathered around Paul.

Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease on the 2nd of January this year.

Since then the wider community around his home in Newtowncunningham have rallied to make his home more adaptable and accessible for his wheelchair.

Everyone is very focused on making Paul’s life and his families life as normal and as comfortable as it could possibly be.

Run around

A friend of Paul’s Dominic Robb who is a motor mechanic based in Newtowncunningham made the suggestion that he would go looking for a good run around car for Paul and get it fitted out to suit Paul’s needs to give him a bit of Independence so he could a take a spin up to Kernan’s for a yarn with friends and workmates and get him out of the house a bit more.

Paul Dillion proudly showing off his Ford Focus which has been adapted to suit Paul driving needs. Photo Brian McDaid.

Test drive

In the last few weeks, Dominic got a car sorted and landed out to Paul one evening and they both headed off up to Letterkenny with Dominic driving as Paul watched on.

On the way back Dominic got Paul into the driver’s seat and they set off cautiously back to Newtowncunnigham.

By the time Paul got to Newtown, Dominic was well impressed with Paul’s progress behind the wheel of his automatic Ford Focus so the two boys headed on down the road as far as Bridgend a spin before returning back to Newtown.

Paul Dillion pictured in his Ford Focus as he heads to collect his children from school in Newtowncunningham. Photo Brian McDaid.

Since then Paul is out every day in the car and the simplest things like going to collect his two girls from Scoil Cholmcille gives Paul a great feeling of achievement and also gets him out and about thanks to the adaptions made on the car

The car had 110,000kms on it when Paul got and it hasn’t cooled since.

Cinema trips, taking the girls to dancing lessons, even taking the missus to the hairdresser, and even going for a litre of milk are all on Paul list.

But most of all, up to Kernan’s to meet people is something that Paul has always done and enjoyed the banter from behind the butcher’s counter, be it in Kernan’s or in McGee’s butchers in Letterkenny before that.

This weekend Paul will be taking a wee break from behind the wheel and will be parking up his Focus today, Thursday, as Paul, Emma and the kids will be heading to Disneyland in Paris for a well-deserved family holiday.

Happy motoring folks.

Donegal Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has said that a 2013 agreement between Ireland and the UK on Rockall should be void.

A agreement, co-signed by Ireland at the UK, recognises the exclusive economic zone of the UK. That includes Rockall, the tiny rock which lies some 400km off the coast of Donegal.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Mac Lochlainn claimed that the agreement was in contravention of the constitution as it was not brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

He said that the Irish government should fight for rights to fish in the waters around Rockall.

“I’m not so brazen as to claim far away territories but we certainly must insist always on the right to everything, the fishing resources or whatever resources that are around Rockall, as a shared resource,” Senator Mac Lochlainn said to Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed.

He asked why Ireland is not uniting with Iceland and Denmark to contest the bilateral agreement to the UN to ensure that Rockall is a shared space.

“My fear is, whatever about the EU Fishery Policy, after Brexit, we’ve got a serious problem on our hands,” Senator Mac Lochlainn said.

The debate was raised more than once this week in the Oireachtas. On Tuesday, Tanaiste Simon Coveney stated that the issue of Rockall did not arise in the 2013 agreement on the exclusive economic zone.  He told Pat the Cope Gallagher TD that sovereignty over uninhabitable rocks such as Rockall is irrelevant for the purposes of establishing boundaries between continental shelves and EEZs of neighbouring states.

A major new obstacle has been installed at the Fanad Arch gate, just weeks after An Bord Pleanala upheld an appeal to restore access to the iconic attraction.

Locals have battled for two years to clear the blockage placed on the main path to the Great Arch. They achieved a victory in May when An Bord Pleanala agreed that the barrier was against the ‘right of public use’.

However, a new grid has appeared at the site, which residents say makes it impossible for visitors to access the Arch by this route.  

New grid placed at the Fanad Arch access gate, June 2019

The Tirconnail Tribune reports that a new grid has been placed across the gateway despite the preservation group’s call to Donegal County Council to request the owners to remove all ‘obstacles’ or ‘works undertaken to immobilise public use’  to be removed immediately.

Kerri Coll led the two-year battle by the Great Arch Action Committee against Donegal County Council’s decision that works carried out in June 2017 did not require planning permission.

She told the Tribune that their appeal has been fully vindicated by An Bord Pleanála’s decision.

She said: “Our committee has always felt that the attitude of the Council was ridiculous and entirely heedless of the effect of this closure on the local community.

“The people of Fanad have suffered the loss of a much-cherished amenity, and local tourism had been hit by the exclusion of visitors from the enjoyment of the walk out to the stunning rock arch, a natural marvel much frequented since before Victorian times.

“When the heavy obstruction appeared in June 2017, the Council refused to do anything, even saying in its Section 5 Declaration that it is not a development that requires planning permission.

“Everyone knew that was ridiculous and now An Bord Pleanála has proved us to be right. We call on Donegal County Council to meet its legal obligation and immediately commence the procedures enforcing the removal of the huge concrete blocks and barbed wire that close off the old entrance to the pathway.”

The Great Arch Action Committee also intends to make this a front-line issue for newly elected local representatives to take up with the Council as soon as they take up office.

Ms. Coll makes it clear: “We expect their full cooperation in ensuring that this long-established path is reopened in time for the coming tourist season as well as for ourselves and our families to enjoy once more.”

The Pollett Great Arch is as old as the ocean itself and along with the Seven Arches further south on Lough Swilly is one of the precious tourism gems on the Donegal landscape.

The future plans for three Donegal Community Hospitals have been cast in doubt once more due to a lack of commitment from the Department of Health.

Funding security for St Joseph’s Stranorlar, Ramelton and Lifford Community Hospitals may not come until 2021, according to the latest revelations in the Dáil.

Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope said he was shocked and bewildered by a response he received from the Minister for Health this week.

“Following recent assurances given by Government, HSE and the Department I certainly felt I would have received a positive answer regarding these three community hospitals but the reply I was given lacked any funding commitment and postponed any real commitment until early 2021,” said Pat the Cope.

The downgrading of three Community Hospitals has been subject to much debate since January 2016.

Pat the Cope questioned the Minister over the issue again this week, but he was told that: “These projects will be progressed when funding becomes available and the timelines confirmed on receipt of funding. In the short term the HSE will invest minor capital in both units 2019 & 2020 in order to deal with HIQA compliance issues.”

Deputy Gallagher commented: “Unfortunately, there is absolutely no commitment to invest major investment which is urgently required for all three Community Hospitals , the current Capital Plan runs from 2016 to 2021, so therefore by extension if only minor funding will be available from 2019 until 2020, and the reality whereby the current Capital Plan expires in mid-2021 there is little or no actual prospect of funding being provided for these three community hospitals.”

“The other realities which we all know, is that the current capital plan of the HSE and Department of Health is grossly underfunded due to overspends on other capital projects elsewhere in the state.”

The Fianna Fáil TD slammed recent assurances on the hospitals as a “public gimmick”.

He said: “I firmly believe we are no further advanced now than what we were when the original decision was taken in 2016 to downgrade these hospitals, in the absence of a funding commitment and an actual plan for the upgrade of all three community hospitals, then there is no guarantee for future of the long stay accommodation units and services in these hospitals.”