A new case of Covid-19 has been detected in Donegal this week. 

The number of known cases in the county has risen to 466.

The number had not increased in a week since rising to 465 on Tuesday 30th June.

The latest update is just the third increase in the case number in Donegal in approx 46 days.

Data from Letterkenny University Hospital continues to show that there are no confirmed Covid-19 patients currently receiving treatment onsite.

No new Covid-19 deaths were reported in Ireland on Monday – making it the first time there have been no deaths in two consecutive days since March.

Four new cases of the virus were confirmed by the Department of Health on Monday. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland is 1,741, with 25,531 cases confirmed since the outbreak began.

JOBS: Due to expansion, a Donegal based delivery company is currently recruiting for experienced Courier Drivers in Letterkenny.

The candidate will need to be available for an immediate start. Experience is essential.

Key responsibilities of a Courier Driver include: 

– To manage and organise designated delivery notes into route order and loading vehicle accordingly.

– To assist in the unloading of pallets and sorting of orders.

– Deliver orders to customers, maintaining a high level of customer service.

– Deliver high standards of customer care at all times.

– Collect returns within company guidelines.

– Report unauthorised collections/returns to Supervisor/Manager as appropriate.

– Ensure all documentation is correct and submitted on time.

– Maintain the Company vehicle, ensure it is clean, well maintained and has fuel, oil and is roadworthy, reporting any faults as they occur.

– Observe legislation and Company procedures while driving and ensure health and safety at work.

Knowledge, skills and attributes required to become our Courier Driver: –

– Hold a current full clean driving licence.

– The job role requires you to maintain the highest standards of customer service.

– Delivery Driver experience is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.

– Have good communication skills with both Customers and members of the public.

– You will need to portray a positive image while dealing with customers and ensure you observe and live the company values.

– You must be organised in approach and able to schedule work and meet deadlines.

– Have a good working knowledge of appropriate geographical areas is required.

– Smart appearance is essential.

– Be able to handle boxes in the region of 25kg, and deliver to multi floor businesses.

To apply, please send a CV with COURIER 101 in the email subject line to donegaldailyjobs@gmail.com

Closing date for applications: Friday 17th July 2020

Gardaí are investigating a sinister attack on a young man in Letterkenny town centre. 

An 18-year-old was set upon by three youths, described as being in their late teens, on Tuesday evening near the Regional Cultural Centre near the Port Road.

Two girls and one boy are suspected of carrying out the random assault where the victim sustained minor injuries, including a black eye.

Gardaí have described the incident as a ‘sinister attack’ and are now seeking to trace the suspects.

The three youths left the scene on foot and turned left in the direction of the Station Roundabout.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the attack, or saw the three people, to come forward.

A special appeal has been made to taxi drivers who may have been sitting in the taxi rank at Mr Chippie and may have had dashcam footage. The time of the attack was 7.50pm on Tuesday 30th June.

Anyone who can help provide information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 916 7100 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

A DONEGAL businessman jailed for nine weeks last year arising out of illegal dumping has brought a High Court action alleging another waste disposal company is operating a waste facility without proper planning permission.

The Irish Times is reporting that the case was brought by Jim Ferry.

Mr Ferry was the subject of earlier proceedings by Donegal County Council over the operation and storage of waste at a site at Rossbraken, Co Donegal by his former company, Ferry Refuse Collection.

The council claimed, instead of properly disposing of the waste, Mr Ferry illegally buried it on the lands. Waste collection and storage ceased at that site in 2017.

Mr Ferry, who said he made every effort to deal with the breaches of his Waste Facility Permit and remove waste from the site, was jailed for nine weeks last year over his failure to comply with certain court orders.

In his own proceedings, the businessman claims, while he was dealing with the council, he brought to its attention that other waste operators were involved in illegal activities.

Represented by Eanna Mulloy SC, instructed by solicitor John Geary, Mr Ferry claims another waste facility, located a few miles from where his former business was based, is operating without proper planning permission.

The matter was briefly mentioned before Mr Justice Charles Meenan on Monday and was adjourned to a date later this month.

Gardai investigations are continuing into a tyre slashing incident where 26 cars were damaged in Ballybofey.

The incident on Saturday night/ Sunday morning saw 26 cars damaged while parked in estates off the Donegal Road. 

Tyres were slashed on most cars, while other vehicles were also found to have paintwork damaged.

Gardaí have today confirmed that one male was arrested on Monday in relation to the matter. He was detained at Letterkenny Garda Station for questioning and later released pending further investigation.

Gardaí conducted door-to-door questioning in the aftermath of the incident and are continuing to appeal to the public to report any information. They are appealing to anyone to come forward if they noticed anything suspicious between midnight and 2am on Sunday 5th July in the following areas: Glenpatrick Park, Coill an Airgid, Carrick Crescent, and Sessiagh View.

Anyone with relevant information can contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Members of the public are being asked to report ungenuine begging in the Letterkenny area.

It comes after reports of individuals approaching people near the Main Street and asking for money for bus tickets.

The number of recent incidents has led gardaí to suspect that the begging is not genuine.

Begging is legal in certain circumstances in Ireland, however gardaí have the power to move on anyone begging near ATMs, night safes or shop entrances

Begging is also a crime if a person is doing so in an aggressive, intimidating or threatening manner.

In light of local reports from Letterkenny, people are now being asked to report to gardaí if a person is demanding money with menace and/or putting people in fear.

An appeal has been launched to find a valuable bike which was lost along the road in North Donegal.

The bike fell from a cycle carrier last Wednesday 1st July while it was being transported from Finvola Park in Dunfanaghy to Marble Hill beach.

It is thought that someone picked it up from the road and it is now in their possession or has been sold on.

The bike is a silver grey ‘Specialized’ Rockhopper model, and has been described as being in very good condition and is very valuable.

Gardaí are asking anyone who saw the bike, or if they have been offered the sale of the bike, to get in contact with Milford Garda Station on 074 915 3060.

THERE have been no new COVID-19 related deaths recorded in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health in the last 24 hours.

The death toll remains at 554.

The department’s daily figures are mostly comprised of hospital deaths and where a patient had previously tested positive for the virus.

The latest figures on the department’s dashboard show the total number of confirmed positive cases of the virus now stands at 5,756, with nine positive tests recorded over the weekend.

The BBC has reported that a number of people from several families have tested positive for Covid-19 in Co Down. It’s thought up to 16 people could be affected.

A DECISION on planning permission for a proposed development of a new facility for a football club in Dunfaghy has been deferred.

Donegal County Council has sought a number of additional items of documentation from Dunfanaghy Youths FC relating to their proposed development at Lurgabrack, Dunfanaghy.

A decision on the application had been due to be made by the local authority this week.

However, the Council wrote to the club at the end of the week with a request for further clarification on a number of items relating to the application. Consideration of the application has been deferred as a result.

Among the nine items of information and documents required by the Council include: an assessment of the landscape character; an ecological report; reports regarding waste material; a survey regarding trees/vegetation to be removed as part of the development; a landscaping plan; revised plans to provide for pedestrian access, car park.

The proposed development of Dunfanaghy Youths FC

The Council has also sought clarification regarding the finishing colours of the spectator stand and clubhouse and have asked for a revised plan to include the provision of an additional means of a fire escape from the meeting room/canteen area.

The proposed development, on a 1.52 hectare site at Lurgabrack, hit the headlines last month when Donegal Daily exclusively revealed that former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill was among those to lodge objections to the plans.

O’Neill, a resident in London, owns the derelict Horn Head House, near to the site Dunfanaghy Youths hope to develop into a new home.

Martin O’Neill during his time as the Republic of Ireland manager

The two-time European Cup winner, originally from Kilrea in County Derry, outline environmental and safety concerns.

However, a planning submission containing over 120 signatures was subsequently lodged with Donegal County Council in support of the club’s plans.

Dunfanaghy Youths FC has been homeless since the summer of 2019, when they had to vacate a pitch at Kill, Dunfanaghy.

Club official Danny Ferry told Donegal Daily recently that a rejection of permission for this development would sound the death knell for the club.

Horn Head House, owned by Martin O’Neill and his wife, Geraldine. Pic: www.buildingsofireland.ie

“We have exhausted all the possible options at this stage. If this is unsuccessful the club would go to the wall,” he said.

Dunfanaghy Youths had around 130 registered players in 2019. They won the Donegal Youth League and the John Gorey Curran Cup during 2018

The proposed development is to consist of a playing pitch, a training pitch, spectator stand, clubhouse and associated facilities.

Dunfanaghy Youths celebrate winning the Donegal Youth League in 2018

Job Vacancy: GDC (Irl) Ltd are an established Donegal based construction company who specialise in the construction of Quality Housing Developments.

Due to continued expansion we now have an opportunity for an Estimator/Quantity Surveyor to join our team.

The role will be based at our Head Office in Muff, Co Donegal with travel to sites as required.

The Role

• Estimating for new housing projects, at planning stage and during the construction phase.
• Assist with subcontractor procurement and ensuring subcontractor’s compliance with all
  Health & Safety legislation and industry standards.
• Communicate with subcontractors including reaching agreement on interim payment
  valuations and final accounts.
• Quantify work requirements including take-off’s and thereafter assist with procurement.
• Dealing with statutory bodies and utility providers.
• Cost control and cost forecasting during the construction phase with the ability to report to
  senior management.
• Ensuring projects are delivered in compliance with all statutory requirements including
  Health and Safety and Quality Standards.

The Person

• Requires a relevant Qualification in Quantity Surveying/Construction Management with a
  proven experience in a similar role.
• Be familiar with the use of digital measurement and estimating software.
• Have a good commercial and contractual awareness with a good understanding of correct procurement methods.
• Have a good practical and technical background in the construction sector.
• Be a strong communicator with good people skills, ambitious and a team player.
• Ideal candidate will have a full clean driving licence.

Terms negotiable depending on experience.

Closing date for applications 5pm 17th/July/2020

If you think you are the person for this role and would like to join our team please forward your CV and cover letter marked for the attention of the Managing Director to GDC (Irl) Ltd, Kilderry, Muff, Co Donegal F93 XA 38, or by email to daniel.doherty@gdcirl.com.

The atmospheric surrounds of Glenveagh Castle will be the backdrop to a special Other Voices concert taking place tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm.

Artists Neil Hannon, Cathy Davey, and Eve Belle will be performing live from the National Park as part of the second series of Courage.

The concert will be available to view worldwide, free of charge, with the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Intel and RTÉ. Watch here from 8pm: https://youtu.be/esrU7ixjA_k

Viewers can look forward to seeing veteran chamber pop musician Neil Hannon from Derry, who’s been making music under the moniker The Divine Comedy since the early 90s. Dublin Singer-songwriter Cathy Davey and up and coming alt pop musician Eve Belle from Gaoth Dobhair complete the line-up.

Other Voices founder and director Philip King said: “We are delighted to present this second season of Other Voices Courage as part of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is about bringing people together through music, and recognising the essential and powerful contribution that artists continue to make to our lives.”

SHEEPHAVEN divers had a busy week of diving last week, with dives on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning. 

Wednesday’s diving was at St John Point, where Kevin Boylan welcomed the first day of July by leading a sequence of two dives at one of the most highly rated shore dives in the country.

At that location divers can step into a choice of sites that are a comfortable 20 metres, but with deeper depths available if required.

St Johns contains some unique marine life for the Donegal coast due to its limestone features, of particular note there are Sea Fans, which look like little Christmas trees.

Thursday diving was an evening shore-dive at Portnablagh, while Saturday mornings dive was a boat-dive from Mevagh to Melmore Head.

It is a while since Sheephaven divers were able to do a boat dive and they got an absolute cracker for the first time out, following the ebbing spring tide out from Raveny Island towards Melmore headland.

In addition to observing a variant and abundant marine ecosystem the divers also got to do a wreck dive on the remains of the little trawler that has lasted another winter of Atlantic storms.

Sunday mornings trainees dive and snorkel was conducted in Portnablagh before the forecasted gale came rolling in with westerly winds reaching 100kph later in the day.

But before that the in-water conditions were really good, with at least 10 metres of horizontal visibility and 12 degrees Celsius.

The divers got over 30 minutes bottom time with a maximum depth of 10 metres, while the free-divers took full advantage of the conditions to get deeper and longer one-breath dives.

Of particular interest to the free-divers was the Long-Reef that runs parallel to the Perches that protect Portnablagh harbour, which at a depth of 8 metres makes for an excellent location for a sequence of free-dives.

A great week of summer diving in Donegal.

THERE has been one more Covid-19 related death in the Republic of Ireland.

This is the country’s first death rom the coronavirus in three days.

There have now been 1,742 deaths since the outbreak.

Another 24 new cases have been notified to the Department of Health, bringing to 25,538 the total number of infections.

A MOTORIST in Donegal was arrested for drug-driving today.

Gardaí responded to reports of dangerous driving in the Ballyshannon area.

The vehicle in question was stopped and the driver was tested.

The test showed positive results for the presence of cocaine and cannabis.

Court proceedings will follow.

THE probation act was applied in the case of a Donegal man who spat in the face of a Garda.

Christopher Dunleavy (23) of Magheraclogher Bunbeg was charged with assault in relation to an incident on August 18, 2019.

Letterkenny District Court heard that Dunleavy was involved in a ‘number of alleged public order offences’ on the night in question.

At 00:20am, Dunleavy was in the process of bring arrested at Port Road, Letterkenny, when he spat on the cheek of one of the Gardaí.

Dunleavy later said he had ‘no memory’ of what had happened and said he was ‘ashamed’ of his actions.

Mr Hayes, representing Dunleavy, said his client was currently serving a prison sentence.

“This was a particularly low point in his life,” Mr Hayes said. “He has suffered loss of employment and was estranged. He suffered from serious depression and anxiety, but he accepts that that doesn’t excuse his behaviour.

“He has been made aware of what happened. There was an immediate apology and he is utterly ashamed.  He was very intoxicated and couldn’t remember the incident. He finds it hard to believe that he spat, but he tendered an immediate and fulsome apology. The offence occurred during a difficult and chaotic time during which he demonstrated very poor decision making.”

“He has since been incarcerated and he has no history of assaultive behaviour.”

The court heard that Dunleavy was engaging with counselling services in prison.

Judge Paul Kelly said Dunleavy’s actions amounted to ‘disgusting behaviour’.

Judge Kelly applied the probation act.

The Australian Embassy Head of Mission has paid tribute to young nurse Mary Ellen Molloy during a visit to Donegal.

Ms Molloy (aged 26) lost her life following a tragic road accident in Australia in December 2019.

The beloved Ardara woman was a staff nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The late Mary Ellen Molloy, RIP

The Australian Embassy Head of Mission Robert Owen-Jones visited Mary Ellen’s grave last week to lay two wreaths as a mark of respect from both the Australian people and from staff and patients at Royal Melbourne Hospital. 

Mr Owen-Jones’s tour around Donegal involved a number of visits to the Australian diaspora and to sites of importance to both Donegal and Australia.

This was the Head of Mission’s first regional visit outside of Dublin. During his visit, he stopped in Bundoran to meet with some of his fellow countryfolk Julian Farmer, Adam Cross, and Noah Lane from Foam, Bundoran who have made Donegal their home where he was warmly welcomed with some Australian tucker and made to feel home at in a Donegal sense of the way.

Pictured with Robert Owen –Jones Australian Embassy Head of Mission are Julian Farmer, Adam Cross, & Noah Lane from Foam, Bundoran.

This was followed by a visit to the Orphan Girls Famine Memorial at the Ballyshannon Workhouse. Mr. Owen-Jones met with local historian Anthony Begley who shared stories about the orphan girls who had left Ballyshannon to be transported to Australia during the famine. The Head of Mission placed a wreath at the memorial.

Robert Owen–Jones Australian Embassy Head Of Mission, laying a wreath at the Orphan Girls Famine Memorial in Ballyshannon to remember the 19 orphan girls who were shipped to Australia during the famine.

Travelling on to Donegal Public Service Centre, Cathaoirleach Cllr Rena Donaghey and Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. Noel Jordan along with Chief Executive Seamus Neely and Director of Service Garry Martin formally welcomed Head of Mission Robert Owen-Jones to County Donegal. The Cathaoirleach invited the Head of Mission Robert Owen–Jones to meet with Donegal Municipal Members.

L to R Garry Martin Donegal County Council, Seamus Neely Chief Executive, Donegal County Council , Robert Owen-Jones Head of Mission , Cathaoirleach Cllr Rena Donaghey, and Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Noel Jordan.

L to R, Garry Martin, Cllr Michael Naugthon ,Cllr Tom Connaghan, Cllr Barry Sweeny, Robert Owen–Jones Australian Embassy Head of Mission, Cathaoirleach Cllr Rena Donaghey & Cllr Niamh Kennedy at Lough Eske Castle

He then went on to visit Ardara, followed by Arranmore Island, accompanied by Head of Economic Development in Donegal County Council,  Anne Marie Conlon, where he had an opportunity to see how remote working can be achieved in Donegal.

In the afternoon the delegation travelled to Letterkenny to the County Museum to meet with more Australian citizens who have made Donegal their home.

Members of the Australian community living in Donegal who met with Head of Mission Robert Owen–Jones in the County Museum in Letterkenny.

The final call was to Fahan, where they were met by Cllr Albert Doherty Cathaoirleach of Inishowen MD who accompanied the group to the Mass grave at St. Mura’s Church Of Ireland  were there lies the remains of two seamen  who were aboard the SS Laurentic that sank in Lough Swilly on 25th January 1917 where a  wreath was laid in their memory.

The one sale that everyone has been waiting for is here…

McElhinneys Biggest Ever Summer Sale starts online tonight Tuesday the 7th July and in store Wednesday the 8th, with the biggest and best deals like you’ve never seen before helping you come out of lockdown with your bargain of the year.

You’ll find unmissable deals across the entire store, including:

• Grab 60% off Caroline Kilkenny, Fee G, AX Paris, Silvian Heach, and up to 60% off in Guess Clothing and Kevan Jon, PLUS Half Price offers from Exquise, Joseph Ribkoff, Rant & Rave, Vero Moda, Vila, Only and many more in their Womens Department on the 2nd floor
• Enjoy 50% off must-have Menswear, including Ted Baker, Calvin Klein, Lyle & Scott and selected Tommy Jeans
• For the kids, discover 3 for 2 on ALL Name It, plus up to 40% off Mayoral, Guess, Under Armour and more
• Find a designer deal in the Jewellery Department with amazing handbag offers including; 40% off selected Michael Kors, 30% off Ralph Lauren, up to 40% off Guess and 30% off Fiorelli, plus amazing offers on Jewellery Brands
• In Ladies Footwear, nab yourself 40% off Michael Kors, Sorel, Alpe and selected Tommy Hilfiger, plus 25% off most other brands!
• Treat your Home to a Summer update with 50% off The Fine Bedding Company Soft & Cosy Duvet, 20% off Shannonbridge, plus 20% off South Row furniture for a limited time only!

Find all these amazing deals, and so much more in store and online from the 7th July. This unmissable sale has something for everyone, and once the deals are gone, they’re gone!

The team at McElhinneys are looking forward to welcoming you instore and online for their best and biggest ever Summer Sale.

Shop online with FREE Fast Delivery on orders over €49 and easy returns at www.mcelhinneys.com

A Letterkenny mother is calling for better access to paediatric rheumatology care to ease the pain of hundreds of children undergoing treatment.

For a child with arthritis, travelling in a car to Dublin is an agonising journey.

Kelli Bogan’s daughter Tanika (aged 17) has to visit Crumlin Children’s Hospital every six weeks to see the paediatric rheumatology consultant.

The day often begins at 5am. Tanika has to prepare her ligaments and joints for the long sit in the back of the car.

Along the way she often has to stop to stretch her legs at the side of the road. Other times she tries lying down on the seat to find some comfort. The pain drives her to tears at times.

Tanika Bogan travelling to Dublin last month.

Once Tanika and her mother Kelli arrive at the hospital, they often have a four hour wait to see the consultant. After their appointment, it’s back on the road to suffer through another trek home.

“It’s not fair anymore, children and parents can’t deal with this,” Kelli told Donegal Daily. “We need the paediatric rheumatologists to treat the patients around Ireland. Would it not make sense for them to come to Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Cork every six weeks? If the consultants came to us there would be so much less stress.”

An estimated 1,200 children and young people live with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) – the most common childhood inflammatory disorder. There are just two consultant paediatric rheumatologists in the country, who are both based in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

“For the size of our country, we should have five to six paediatric Rheumatologists but we have two. It’s no good. They are campaigning for a third but we need more and we need them to travel to different parts of Ireland,” Kelli said.

Tanika was diagnosed with JIA in 2012 after living with unexplained complaints for years. In primary school, she struggled with fatigue and lacked the energy to keep up with her friends.

“Mornings were a nightmare for her, she couldn’t get up, she was so tired. In the early days, even eating cereal was a struggle,” Kelli said.

Tanika’s diagnosis opened up a whole new world for her. She began on various treatments, injections and medication to relieve symptoms.

JIA is referred to as a silent disease. Tanika may not show obvious signs of illness, but she continues to suffer from fainting spells, fatigue and issues with blood pressure. Regular paediatric rheumatology visits are essential, but the specialist care she needs is not available locally. This must change, her mother says.

Kelli adds: “There are an awful lot of kids with arthritis in Letterkenny but they are not equipped for them at the hospital. The GPs try their best and Crumlin is more than good to us, but I’m frustrated that nobody can help my child in Letterkenny.

“I want to be the voice for this. Other parents are as frustrated as I am. We need a fairer government to help us get someone to Donegal.”

FINN Harps striker Benny Igiehon has been busy working on his fitness during lockdown and now the Englishman has launched a new podcast series.

Igiehon signed for Harps just before the Covid-19 shutdown and spent the last four months in Ballybofey.

In a new podcast, Igiehon interviewed Niall McGonagle, the manager of the Finn Valley Centre in Stranorlar.

The Finn Valley Centre housed some frontline HSE workers during the lockdown.

“They had frontline staff working in a local hospital coming in from other areas,” McGonagle explained on the ‘Above Covid’ podcast.

“They needed somewhere to house them. They were working in a Covid ward and couldn’t go home to their families. it was nice to be able to help.”

McGonagle’s wife, Rachel, gave birth to their second child, Ferdia in recent times and as the centre has reopened the Finn Valley team are in the process of undertaking a €70,000 upgrade to the track.

Igiehon was added to the Harps squad in late February. While his signing wasn’t officially unveiled by the club, Igiehon – who played for Sligo Rovers in 2017 – made his first Harps appearance in a 2-1 defeat to Cockhill Celtic in the Ulster Senior League.

Igiehon has previously played for Scarborough Athletic, Boston United, Alfreton Town and Larne FC.

Listen to the full interview below …

Historic buildings in Ramelton will undergo major repairs this year under a €200,000 grant from The Heritage Council.

The newly announced funding will deliver much-needed support for a heritage-led regeneration of 14 buildings in the town this year.

The Heritage Office and Conservation Office of Donegal County Council in partnership with the Ramelton Georgian Society, Dedalus Architecture and the local community and property owners were awarded €200,000 under The Heritage Council’s Historic Towns Initiative. 

This is the second success for Donegal County Council under the Historic Towns Initiative following its award of €200,000 under the scheme last year for Church Lane, Letterkenny.  The award will be augmented with €50,000 in funding from Donegal County Council as well as private investment by property owners.

“Fourteen historic buildings along Castle Street, at the Market Cross and the House on the Brae on Bridge Street will benefit from a total investment of over €420,000,” said Collette Beattie, Conservation Officer, Donegal County Council.

‘The House on the Brae’, which is in the guardianship of the Ramelton Georgian Society, will undergo significant conservation works under the Heritage Council’s Historic Towns Initiative.

“The conservation works planned under the Historic Towns Initiative include roof and chimney repairs, installation of cast-iron rainwater goods, reinstatement of timber sash windows and doors, the repair and reinstatement of historic shopfronts using traditional materials and informed by best conservation practice. 

“In our application, we worked closely with Joe Birney, Jean Winston and the Ramelton Georgian Society and grade one conservation architect Duncan McLaren of Dedalus Architecture who will provide conservation supervision for the project.  The initiative also has the support of the local residents, businesses and community groups.  The works will be completed by November and we look forward to working with all these stakeholders to ensure that the initiative is a success.  The Historic Towns Initiative will also help inform the public realm scheme being designed by the Regeneration & Development Team of Donegal County Council.”

“There is a growing recognition that the survival and successful regeneration of our towns and villages needs to be based on, and informed by, an appreciation of and investment in our built heritage” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. 

“The Historic Towns Initiative is local authority and local community-led and has heritage considerations at its heart.  Experience has shown that places that have a strong civic pride in their historic buildings, employ best conservation practice, and make wise land-use decisions are those that make the most attractive places to live, work and visit. 

“For decades, historic buildings and streetscapes in our towns and villages have been overlooked. 

“Initiatives such as the Historic Towns Initiative underline the importance of our built heritage and emphasise the opportunities that historic buildings present to accommodate new uses and to bring life back to our historic towns and villages. 

“Ramelton has a very rich history and this is manifest in, and communicated by, its historic buildings.  We hope that the Historic Towns Initiative in Ramelton this year and the award-winning initiative on Church Lane, Letterkenny last year will inspire other heritage-led initiatives in towns and villages elsewhere in the county.”

The Ramelton Historic Towns Initiative contributes to the achievement of Action 1 (Repair of Historic Buildings and Streets) in the recently-launched Ramelton Action Plan.  All 14 buildings that are the subject of the Ramelton Historic Towns Initiative are Protected Structures or included on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.  A Protected Structure is a structure that is protected under the Planning & Development Act and is considered to be special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. 

The planned works are also taking place within a zone of archaeological potential which is protected under the National Monuments Acts in the historic town of Ramelton. 

Five other towns countrywide benefitted under this year’s Historic Towns Initiative this year: Ballina, County Mayo (€140,000); Clones, County Monaghan (€103,000); Roscommon, County Roscommon (€157,000); Sligo, County Sligo (€200,000) and Tralee, County Kerry (€200,000).   

Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage said: “Firstly, as many people know, I am committed to heritage-led regeneration of our towns and villages, so I am truly delighted that one of my first roles as Minister is to congratulate the six successful towns that will benefit from the Historic Towns Initiative 2020.  We are in unprecedented times and our communities have been confronted with challenges and hardships that are both unique and extraordinary. My hope is that funding such as this can, through heritage-led regeneration, bring economic benefits to our historic towns helping them to prosper once again.  We wish to put built, cultural and natural heritage at the front of both government policy and the recovery of the country and so I look forward to working with The Heritage Council and the Department on similar initiatives over the coming months and years.”

Every local authority can submit one application to the Historic Towns Initiative each year. 

“Each of the successful towns submitted a plan-led application with a clear vision, clearly achievable actions and the promise of strong public engagement” explained Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council.

“The Heritage Council is very pleased to, once again, administer the Historic Towns Initiative in 2020. Working with partners to preserve our built heritage is an important Heritage Council priority and we very much look forward to working with Minister Noonan in this, and all aspects, of the care of our rich heritage.”  Chairman of The Heritage Council, Michael Parsons added: “It is wonderful to be in a position to support such a range of projects across the country. The Heritage Council is delighted that Minister Noonan has taken up this brief and given his strong support for this joint initiative.”

If you think that your town meets or is working towards meeting the criteria for the Historic Towns Initiative, please contact the County Donegal Heritage Office on (074) 917 2576 or by e-mail at heritage@donegalcoco.ie