Gardaí are appealing for information in relation to an attempted burglary in Burnfoot in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occurred at Grianan View, Carnshannagh, at approximately 3.53am when the ring (camera) doorbell at the property alerted the residents that someone was at their home. 

“Upon viewing the footage, a figure can be seen on the doorstep,” a garda spokesperson said.

“They were well covered up, had a torch and wore gloves. They tried the door handle and seemed to then search outside for a spare key.”

No damage was caused and nothing was stolen during the incident.

If anybody travelled in that area in the early hours of this morning with a dash cam, they are urged to please make the footage available to Gardaí. 

Any relevant information may be passed on to Buncrana Garda Station on 074-9320540. The Garda Confidential Line may also be contacted on 1800 666 111.

The post Information sought after attempted burglary in Burnfoot appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Fishing issues will be top of the agenda during a public debate in Killybegs this Wednesday 22nd May in Killybegs.

Ten Midlands North-West candidates are being asked to share what they will do for the fishing sector if they are elected to the EU Parliament.

The meeting, which is open to all, will be chaired by Greg Hughes of Highland Radio. The event is co-hosted by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, Killybegs Fisherman’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association.

Candidates will be invited to speak and take questions from the floor.

Those confirmed to attend include sitting MEPs Chris MacManus (SF) and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (Ind). Others confirmed include Senator Lisa Chambers, (FF) Dr Brian O’Boyle (PBP); James Reynolds (TNP), Hermann Kelly (IFP), and Independents Peter Casey, Saoirse McHugh, Michelle Smith, and John Waters. 

The three fishing organisations will also launch their #Fight4Fishing pre-election campaign. They are asking MEPs to fight for the survival of their industry and for a fair share of EU fishing quotas. They are also encouraging the public to ask MEP canvassers about fishing issues and to use the hashtag Fight 4 Fishing (#Fight4Fishing). Their new help sheet provides fishing statistics, graphics to use on social media, and sample questions to ask candidates on the doorstep. You can check it out at ifpo.ie/fight4fishing

The post MEP candidates to address public debate on fishing in Killybegs appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Sponsored Content.

Midlands-North-West European election candidate Peter Casey has heavily criticised last night’s ‘shambolic’ political debate on RTE’s Upfront show.

He described the programme as a ‘heated and chaotic discussion’ that failed to properly address the most pressing issues facing rural Ireland today.

The former Dragons’ Den panellist also expressed his disappointment in independent candidate Saoirse McHugh for resorting to ‘childish behaviour’. 

“Ming Flanagan was, as usual, obnoxious and insulting, constantly interrupting and talking over everyone. Katie Hannon lost control of the debate,” he added.

Casey found it amusing to watch the two Greens struggle to explain what they could offer Ireland.

“At least the official Green Party candidate seemed to know why she was standing! McHugh, on the other hand, could not explain why she was standing and what she would contribute if elected,” he said.

Regarding the live debate itself, Casey stated, the show was a failure and a waste of time because it did not focus on the two most pressing issues concerning the people in Midlands North West: job creation in rural Ireland and the immigration crisis. 

“RTE made a mistake by having eight candidates on the show and attempting to discuss almost half a dozen topics, only giving each candidate six minutes. Under such conditions, it is impossible to have a meaningful debate,” he said. 

The show, he added, should have focused on the immediate concerns closer to home and not the genocide in the Middle East. 

“While it is a tragedy, the people in rural Ireland are not directly impacted by the bloodshed in Palestine – as terrible and tragic as it is, it does not keep them awake at night. What keeps them awake at night is the thought that there won’t be a job in their own community for their child when they graduate from school and university.

“Why wasn’t job creation in Midlands North West the number one subject of the night? How do we attract 5,000 tradesmen to rebuild 10,000 Mica homes? How do we attract the right qualified people to Ireland? How do we stop illegal migrants from coming into Ireland? How would they address the tent crisis, which is in Dublin but will be in Midlands North West shortly? The illegal migrants will realize the beaches are nicer than canals.”

Casey also pointed out that 80% of corporation taxes are paid by American multinationals, who can easily leave due to changes in the US tax code. He questioned why the asylum seekers crisis was not taken more seriously on the show. 

“While illegal immigration may not be the biggest concern for rural Ireland at the moment, there is going to be a tsunami of asylum seekers in the Midlands-North-West as a result of the recent Belfast High Court decision not to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda,” he added.

“These illegal immigrants will be leaving mainland Britain in large numbers to go to Northern Ireland and then head south. Yes, one or two important issues like soil erosion were mentioned, but overall, it was a sideshow with some of the candidates only interested in wasting time on one-upmanship nonsense.”

Casey has already facilitated companies opening in rural Ireland and believes that bringing jobs to Midlands-North-West is more important than discussing soil erosion. 

He emphasised, “Our children are leaving Ireland in droves as they feel they will never be able to buy a house or even get a job. They do not feel they have a future. We need to introduce incentives to encourage our young people to come back home to Ireland. If elected, I will work hard to ensure that incentives are put in place to help make this happen.

“As a businessman, I believe that the most important role of a Member of European Parliament is to help bring employment into the area and to stop jobs from leaving the country. In Ireland, 80% of the corporation taxes are paid by American Multinationals. We need to be passionate and active about protecting this critical source of revenue and job creation in Ireland.

“I have been instrumental in bringing large Multinationals to Ireland, and if elected to represent you, I will work hard to make sure that the large multinational employers in the area know that they are welcome in Ireland and that they can rely on me to help them further expand their Irish-based businesses into Europe. Attracting more jobs and preventing jobs from leaving rural Ireland will be my mission if elected.

“As a strong independent voice, I do not have to follow political party lines. I am encouraging people to vote Independent and to Vote Peter Casey No.1. I will make a difference if elected in the Midlands North West Constituency in June.”

The post Peter Casey lambasts RTE’s ‘shambolic’ Upfront European Election Debate appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Students from Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny were highly commended at this year’s ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) 2024.

Over 1,000 people attended the awards showcase and finals, which took place at the Royal Convention Centre, Dublin, last Wednesday.

The Flora and Fauna LK team promoted biodiversity through social media, presentations, and planting a garden of native Irish flora on their grounds.

The group were made up of Dana Manlagnit, Fiona Bennis, Grace McDonagh and Lauren Ryan. The girls used art, crafts and simple terms to encourage primary school students to be more environmentally aware and to encourage an early interest in activism and biodiversity.

They were among 26 eco-projects to receive awards at this year’s competition.

The awards recognise the work of young people who are tackling key issues in relation to climate and biodiversity loss, taking environmental action in their school or community and coming up with creative solutions to solve environmental issues.

Now in its 25th year, the YEA programme has reached people in every county of Ireland, with a total of over 65,000 young people participating and 6,000 projects entered down through the years.

The post Loreto Letterkenny students awarded for blooming brilliant biodiversity project appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The community in east Donegal is rallying around brave Castlefin cancer fighter, Maisie Simpson (13).

Just a few weeks ago, the GAA loving teen was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. Maisie is currently undergoing treatment in Dublin with her mum and dad, Louise and Paul Simpson, by her side all the way. 

To help the family defray the costs of their stay in the capital, friend Kayleigh Harte has set up a special GoFundMe page.

“She is the most positive little girl, taking everything in her stride, even after losing her beautiful, dark, long hair. She truly is an inspiration,” Kayleigh said.

“Whilst in Dublin, Maisie’s four siblings are being cared for by family whilst also still attending school, where I work with her auntie – someone who I have known since I was a teenager. So therefore a cause close to my heart. I am hoping that this fundraiser will help the family with any financial costs incurred throughout this time, may that be with travel, treatments etc. Any donations are greatly appreciated by myself and also the Simpson/McGrath Family.”

Up until recently, Maisie has been starring for the local Robert Emmet’s U14 GAA team.

“Maisie played for our u13s,u14s and u16s last year and gave her 100% in every training and match,” a club spokesperson said.

“Everyone at Robert Emmets is behind you Maisie and hope to see you back on the pitch in the near future. Below is a donation link for Maisie and her family to cover expenses. If you can support this donation, it would be greatly appreciated.”

To donate, click on the link HERE.

The post Community rallies around brave Castlefin teen appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Fine Gael Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh is set to present a case for increasing the cap on the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme with the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien this evening.

The post Housing Minister to hear case for raising cap on defective blocks scheme appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal County Council’s Culture Division has published its Annual Review for 2023.

Headed by Acting County Librarian and Divisional Manager, Maureen Kerr, the Culture Division encompasses the Library Service, the Arts Service, the Regional Cultural Centre, the Museum Service, the Archives Service, the Biodiversity Office and the County Donegal Heritage Office.

Commenting on the 2023 Annual Review, Maureen Kerr said: “The Culture Division team worked hard to deliver a wide and varied programme of events and services to communities throughout 2023. It saw the launch of the Donegal Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023 – 2027 and rolled out Creative Ireland and Decade of Centenaries programmes.”

“One of the highlights of 2023 was the honour of co-organising and hosting the annual National Famine Commemoration in Milford on the 21st of May, where President Michael D. Higgins provided the keynote address.”

“2023 was also a big year for the team who welcomed a Biodiversity Officer and an Arts and Cultural Diversity Officer. The synergy between all our services, in collaboration with other services within Donegal County Council, allows for the sharing of expertise and delivering better services to our communities and the wider cultural sector.”

For more information on what Culture Division achieved in 2023 and how they support communities visit https://www.donegallibrary.ie/photoslider/annualreview2023/

The post Vibrant range of Donegal’s cultural initiatives unveiled in report appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Gardaí are investigating a burglary that occurred in a Buncrana apartment at the weekend.

The disturbing incident occurred at The Courtyard, Buncrana,  between 11.45am and midday on Sunday.

A resident was in bed when they heard someone enter the apartment and they could hear them rummaging through one

of the rooms. They initially thought it was a family member who had returned home, but later realised that this was not the case. Nothing was stolen from the property during the incident. 

If anybody observed any suspicious activity in that area on Sunday Morning, they are asked to contact Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540. The Garda Confidential Line may also be contacted on 1800 666 111.

The post Buncrana resident awoke to hear burglar in home appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Sponsored Post

You won’t miss a millisecond of the match this weekend as Gallen’s Bar in Ballybofey is the hub of Championship action!

Donegal hosts Tyrone in MacCumhaill Park this Saturday, throw-in at 7.15pm, and you can watch it on any of the 18 screens across Gallen’s bar and beer garden.

After the final whistle, enjoy live music starting at 9.30pm and lasting until late.

Gallen’s Bar isn’t just about sports, though. This newly opened venue boasts a vibrant atmosphere with four bars spread over two floors, including two dedicated cocktail bars and a wine bar.

Enjoy the match in the 20 foot beer garden screen with full commentary

Gallen’s, which opened in March this year

Located on Navenny Street, the bar has undergone a complete transformation from its previous incarnation as Heeney’s U Drop Inn. While some elements of the old bar remain, the rest of the space has been revamped with reclaimed wood and furniture for an authentic, rustic feel.

New Gallen’s Bar

Here’s why Gallen’s Bar should be your go-to entertainment spot:

Monday: Industry night with 20% off all drinks, all day, every Monday with live music from 8pm

Tuesday: Trad night, Irish traditional music every Tuesday from 8.30pm

Wednesday: Weekly pub quiz, a smartphone quiz hosted by Quizkings. Which is free to play + prizes for the top teams.

Thursday: Live music from 8pm

Friday: 3 live music acts starting from 8pm

Saturday: 3 live music acts starting from 8pm

Sunday: 2 live music acts starting from 6pm coinciding with Sister Sundays, ladies’ day every Sunday with promotions on cocktails, prosecco and wine. 

Please note: Gallen’s Bar is an over-21s venue.

For the latest updates on their weekly entertainment schedule, follow Gallen’s Ballybofey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557330707874

Head down to Gallen’s Bar this weekend and experience the perfect mix of sports, music, and good times!

Check out more of the venue in the gallery below:

New Gallen’s Bar

The post New Gallen’s Bar showing Donegal v Tyrone on 18 screens this Saturday! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Featured photo by Paul Sherwood

Renowned painter Ann Quinn says she is ‘honoured’ to be selected for the Anita Young Bursary for a Mid-Career Painter.

The commemorative award, presented by the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), offers a two-week residency, with the use of a studio, at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.

Ann, who is from outside Raphoe, was celebrated for her oil on canvas piece entitled ‘The Byre’ at the 194th RHA Annual Exhibition last weekend.

The RHA Annual exhibition attracts the highest calibre of artists working today.

Ann hails from rural east Donegal and The Byre is based on the family farm where she grew up.

The Byre (C) by Ann Quinn – Winner of the Anita Young Bursary for a Mid-Career Painter in Association with the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and the RHA

This recognition adds to Quinn’s impressive record. She has held solo exhibitions at prestigious venues like Taylor Galleries (Dublin) and the Dock Arts Centre. Her work has been featured in numerous group shows, including the RHA Annual Exhibition for over 16 years.

One of her artworks was selected by writer Cristín Leach for her RTÉ commissioned ’21st Century Ireland in 21 Artworks’ series and the following exhibition as part of the Earagail Arts Festival in 2019.

Quinn’s artwork is not only exhibited but also collected by prestigious institutions like the Office of Public Works, Trinity College Dublin, and the National Self Portrait Collection of Ireland.

She is a seasoned artist residency participant, having undertaken programs in the United States, Spain, and Ireland.

Ann Quinn was elected as an Associate Member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 2022.

She is represented by Taylor Galleries, Dublin and will hold a mid-career retrospective of her work at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny in the autumn of this year.

The post East Donegal artist Ann Quinn awarded prestigious bursary appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Here are all your GAA club fixtures for across the county this weekend.

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division 1
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Round 8), Sean Mac Cumhaill V Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon 15:00, Ref: Michael Mc Shane
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Cill Chartha, (Round 8), Kilcar V Naomh Conaill 15:00, Ref: Enda Mc Feely
Sun, 26 May, Venue: St Eunan’s, (Round 8), St Eunan’s V Bundoran 15:00, Ref: Martin Coll
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pairc na nGael, (Round 8), Naomh Columba V Malin 15:00, Ref: Marc Brown
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 8), Gaoth Dobhair V Downings 15:00, Ref: Robert O Donnell

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division 1B
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Round 8), Sean Mac Cumhaill V Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon 13:30, Ref: Clint Marron
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Cill Chartha, (Round 8), Kilcar V Naomh Conaill 13:30, Ref: Mark Dorrian
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pairc na nGael, (Round 8), Naomh Columba V Malin 13:30, Ref: Hughie Campbell
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 8), Gaoth Dobhair V Downings 13:30, Ref: TBC

Marley Travel Division 2
Fri, 24 May, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 8), Four Masters V St Naul’s GAA Club 20:00, Ref: Mark Dorrian
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Moyle Park, (Round 8), Milford V Termon 15:00, Ref: Seamus Mc Gonagle
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 8), Dungloe V Naomh Pdraig Muff 15:00, Ref: Jimmy White
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Cloughaneely, (Round 8), Cloughaneely V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 15:00, Ref: Pat Barrett
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pairc Aodh Rua, (Round 8), Red Hughs V Fanad Gaels 15:00, Ref: Shane Murrin
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pearse Memorial Park, (Round 8), Ardara V Buncrana 15:00, Ref: Kevin Mc Ginley
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Eamonn Byrne Memorial Park, (Round 8), Killybegs V Na Rossa 15:00, Ref: Cathal Boland

Marley Travel Division 2B
Fri, 24 May, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 8), Four Masters V St Naul’s GAA Club 18:30, Ref: Paul Hardy
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pairc Aodh Rua, (Round 8), Red Hughs V Fanad Gaels 13:30, Ref: Gerard Jnr Mc Hugh
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Moyle Park, (Round 8), Milford V Termon 13:30, Ref: John Ward
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 8), Dungloe V Naomh Pdraig Muff 13:30, Ref: Kenneth Byrne
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pearse Memorial Park, (Round 8), Ardara V Buncrana 13:30, Ref: Declan Callaghan
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Cloughaneely, (Round 8), Cloughaneely V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 13:30, Ref: Martin Mc Cormick

Yes Chef Catering Division 3
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Pairc Naomh Brid, (Round 7), Naomh Brd V Naomh Ultan 15:00, Ref: Stephen Doherty
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Convoy, (Round 7), Convoy V Robert Emmets 15:00, Ref: Connie Doherty
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Letterkenny Gaels, (Round 7), Letterkenny Gaels V Pettigo 15:00, Ref: Anthony Finn
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 7), Burt V Naomh Colmcille 15:00, Ref: Greg Mc Groary
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Carndonagh, (Round 7), Carndonagh V Moville 15:00, Ref: Sean Mc Daid

Yes Chef Catering Division 3B
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Letterkenny Gaels, (Round 7), Letterkenny Gaels V Bundoran 13:30, Ref: Martin Mc Kinley
Sun, 26 May, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 7), Burt V Naomh Colmcille 13:30, Ref: Tony Gallagher

Grand Central Hotel Senior Hurling League
Fri, 24 May, Venue: Setanta, (Round 7), Setanta V St Eunan’s 20:00, Ref: Trevor Maloney
Fri, 24 May, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 7), Burt V Dungloe 20:00, Ref: Noel Mullaney
Fri, 24 May, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 7), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Carndonagh 20:00, Ref: James Connors

The post GAA: All your club fixtures for this weekend appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Today will see a mix of cloud and some sunny spells across Ulster. 

While there will be a lot of dry weather, scattered showers will occur with the odd heavy one possible in the afternoon. Low cloud and drizzle will affect the east of Ulster. A little fresher than recent days in rather brisk northwest winds. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees, best values further south.

Tonight will be dry and cloudy with just isolated showers. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in moderate to fresh northwest winds.

Tomorrow will also bring low cloud across Ulster along with some falls of rain. Cool for the time of year with highest temperatures of just 11 to 13 degrees, all in moderate to fresh northwesterly winds.

The post Mixture of cloud and sunny spells across Ulster today appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The owners of Furey’s Diner in Donegal Town have announced they will close permanently on 3rd June.

Inflation and economic uncertainty were the driving forces behind the difficult decision, Mary and Sarah Furey told patrons last night.

Announcing the closure on Facebook, they said: “This was not an easy decision for us, but we have decided to not renew our lease, especially as a small business we had to take into consideration the future, all small business owners in any line of business knows it has become difficult to continue business with the inflation and the uncertainty of what the future will bring.”

Now in business five years, the Fureys expressed gratitude to their loyal customers – locals, regulars, and visitors alike – for their support over the years. Special thanks were also extended to the dedicated staff for their hard work and loyalty, as well as to suppliers who became friendly faces during deliveries.

Furey’s Diner will serve its last meals on the upcoming Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd.

Customers holding gift vouchers are advised to use them before June 3rd, as they will be valid for both dine-in and takeaway orders. Regular opening hours will continue until the closure date.

“Its an end of an era for Fureys Diner, but when one door closes another one will open, we are looking forward to new beginnings, and a bright future and we wish you all the very best!,” they said.

The post Donegal Town diner to close amidst rising costs and uncertainty appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: Francis fishing the missing bench from the Owenea River yesterday.

A missing street bench was fished from the Owenea River in Glenties this week thanks to two brave local men.

The seat mysteriously disappeared some time ago and it is believed it was thrown over the bridge in the middle of the town. It was only discovered recently when it was brought to the surface during a flood.

Thanks to two brave workers from the local ‘Cope’ store, the street furniture fished out yesterday and is on its way to east Donegal to be restored.

Francis with the rescued street bench.

A spokesperson for the Glenties Community Development Group thanked the men for their dramatic rescue.

“Sincere thanks to Gary and Francis from the Cope for rescuing a lost summer seat from the river today,” they said.

“Then, they loaded up all the seats to be transported to Fleming Steel where they are going to receive some TLC in the form of sandblasting and powder coating before being repositioned on the street. This is all part of our efforts to have the town looking as well as it can as we approach the summer.”

The benches are loaded up before being taken to Fleming Engineering for a much needed makeover.

The post Workers fish missing street bench from Glenties river! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A busy GP practice is seeking a practice nurse to join their team.

Mulroy Practice – Milford Health Centre is seeking the right candidate to fill this part-time role.

The role is part-time and will extend to 3/3.5 days a week.

Salary: On application

Job Description 

Dynamic and versatile practice nurse required to join a busy training GP practice in the Milford Health Centre.   Experience in Women’s Health, Childhood Immunizations, Chronic Disease Management & Cervical Screening skills an advantage.  Some computer skills required but training will be provided in our practice management system.  You will join a supportive multi-disciplinary team in a modern health centre with free on-site parking 15 minutes outside Letterkenny.  

The closing date for applications is 14^th June 2024

Application to:  Please send CV’s for the attention of our Practice Manager, Chrissie Doherty, at admin2@milfordhealthcentre.net

The post Vacancy: Mulroy Practice – Milford Health Centre require Practice Nurse appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A group of Donegal competitors claimed a haul of medals at the annual European Jiu Jitsu Championships held in Barcelona last weekend. 

Four of these fighters train out of Rilion Gracie Ireland headquarters in Letterkenny under head coach Brian ‘Barney’ Coyle from Ramelton and one out of Rilion Gracie Ireland Donegal town under coach Bryan Gorman.

Among the gold medal winners was Tony Davidson took gold in the blue belt master 2 featherweight division. Tony is the well-known chef who run’s Fisk in Downings and this was his second time to claim gold at European level. 

Valentin Ciobanu took gold in the blue belt master 3 lightweight division. 

Ardara-based Igors Dedovs took gold in the brown belt master 2 featherweight division Ramelton-based Bernie Coyle, the only female competitor of the group, secured silver in her blue belt bracket.

Her husband Brian Barney Coyle head coach took Bronze in Black belt master 2 light feather division.

Speaking after the event Barney stated: “This past weekend, we had five Rilion Gracie Ireland competitors take home five European medals at the IBJJF International  European masters that took place in Barcelona. I’m very happy with everyone’s performance over the two day event and it is nice to see that we can  take home medals at this level as there were competitors from all over the globe at this event.”

He added that anyone looking to start their journey in Jiu-jitsu for self-defence or the sporting element to get in touch as new members are always welcome.

For more information you can follow Rilion Gracie Ireland on Facebook and Instagram.

The post Jiu Jitsu success for local club at European Masters appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal has one of the largest number of properties in Ireland in need of renovation and improvement at 46%.

That’s according to a study launched today by the Hardware Association Ireland into the huge potential of empty homes across Ireland. 

Based on CSO figures, the report compares the number of newly built homes per county in 2023 with the applications for the vacant homes grant now at 7,000+. In 2024, rejuvenated empty homes will be the largest type of new homes in 11 counties.

The study illustrates the success of the incentives and the need to accelerate and support the vacant homes process across the country to satisfy the urgent need to make homes available.

The association strongly recommends implementing an urgent strategy to immediately transform the large number of empty dwellings across Ireland. These properties can provide at least 40,000 homes within a short period of time. Areas that make up the largest potential include Roscommon, Leitrim (both 54%), Longford (47%), Sligo (47%), Donegal (46%), Cavan (44%), Clare (41%), Mayo (41%) and Tipperary (40%).

With a backlog in demand for housing at 95,000 units nationally, and the average price of a new build at €400,000 and rising, interest and momentum is building amongst the public to rejuvenate empty homes as part of a solution to the housing crisis, the report said. 

Commenting on this, Chief Executive Officer of Hardware Association Ireland Martin Markey said “The vacant homes strategy is working and the opportunity to unlock at least 40,000 empty homes quickly has huge potential to energise and invigorate communities across Ireland”.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has only received 7,000+ applications with approval granted to 4,500 owners nationwide. There is a €70,000 grant available for buyers of a derelict home and a €50,000 grant to buyers of vacant homes.

A new initiative from the Department allows buyers to combine these grants with an SEAI grant bringing the potential total in grants to €95,000 and €75,000.

The Hardware Association Ireland is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributors and manufacturers. 

The post Donegal has huge number of properties in need of renovation – study appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A man has been remanded in custody following an alleged act of criminal damage in Ballybofey.

Andrew Bladek was brought before Letterkenny District Court in connection with an incident on Sunday night.

Bladek is charged with one count of criminal damage, breaking the sitting room window of a house at Blue Cedars, Ballybofey at around 11.40pm on Sunday.

Bladek, a 23-year-old of Glenpatrick, Donegal Road, Ballybofey, was remanded in custody when he appeared before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham.

Detective Garda Cathal Feely gave evidence of arresting Bladek at Glenpatrick Park at 10.15am on Monday.

Bladek was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and later charged at 3.49pm on Monday.

Detective Garda Feely told the court that Bladek made no reply after caution.

Sergeant Jim Collins objected to bail on behalf of An Garda Siochana and outlined to the court various reasons.

Solicitor for Bladek, Mr Rory O’Brien, said that the accused man enjoyed the presumption of innocence and, while his client availed of his right to silence, he did not cause difficulty for gardai following his arrest.

Detective Garda Feely said this was the case and said that Bladek had made admissions under caution.

Detective Garda John O’Sullivan gave evidence of executing a bail warrant on Bladek and asked the court to revoke bail previously granted.

He said that Bladek was bailed on November 1, 2023 with conditions attached, including that he obey a curfew, remain of sober habits and sign on daily at Ballybofey Garda Station.

Detective Garda O’Sullivan gave evidence of alleged breaches of bail by Bladek.

Mr O’Brien argued that his client had the ‘absolute right’ to bail.

“A charge is not a conviction,” Mr O’Brien said, urging the court to impose conditions and grant bail. “A charge does not mean the commission of further offence.”

Sergeant Collins outlined that there were concerns over the granting of bail.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said that Bladek enjoyed the presumption of innocence but said that, after taking all matters into account, she was refusing the application for bail on the new charge and remanding Bladek in custody.

In respect of the application to revoke previous bail, Judge Cunningham said she was satisfied that there had been a breach of bail.

Noting that, by his own admission, Bladek was not in his house at a time he was supposed to be under a curfew.

Bladek was remanded in custody to appear again at Letterkenny District Court on May 27.

The post Man remanded in custody over Ballybofey criminal damage incident appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Big Snow of 1947 and other extraordinary weather events to hit Donegal will be discussed at next week’s meeting of the Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society.

The snowstorm began on February 23, of that year and continued for several weeks, with the heaviest snowfalls occurring on March 1 and March 2. Temperatures plummeted to -15°C, and the winds were so strong that they created snowdrifts up to six metres high, blocking roads and making travel impossible.

The talk on ‘Weather through the Ages in Donegal’ will be given by Caroline Carr, Assistant Curator of the Donegal County Museum. It starts at 8pm on Monday night in Henderson Hall, Stranorlar (F93 XV29) and will be preceded by the society’s AGM at 7pm.

This talk is free of charge and everyone is welcome to attend. 

Membership of this group is rising all the time, so if you are interested in local history, come and join us. 

Meetings and talks take place on the fourth Monday of the month.

For further information on the society, and updates, go to their Facebook page or email bsadhs@gmail.com

The post Talk on ‘Big Snow’ and other historic weather events next week appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: Rosses AC athletes Bernie Boyle, Helen McCready, Martina Mulhern, Keeva Gallagher and Manus McHugh who all secured podium positions at the Lifford Strabane Half Marathon.

Rosses AC members excelled at the well-established and popular Lifford Strabane Half Marathon that took place last Sunday morning.

It was a victory in the ladies section for Helen McCready in a time of 1:24:13. Next back in 1:47:08 was Brigid Molloy. Patrick Trimble enjoys the longer distances and ran 1:20:25 with Denis Boner having another strong run in 1:33:09. In the Marathon relay section Martina Mulhern, Keeva Gallagher and Bernie Boyle fought hard for 3rd in a time of 1:27:44. At the Kilmacrennan 5k Mark Ward had a fine run to finish 2nd place in 17:10. Paul McKelvey was 4th overall and first M40 in a great time of 17:37. Cathy Breslin ran hard and came away with 1st F50 and 2nd lady overall in a brilliant time of 21:55. Best wishes to Shane O’Donnell who pulled up with an injury while leading the race. 

Congratulations and well done on her super achievement in winning the national 5k championships for Amy Greene, a great achievement. 

The club has a number of juvenile athletes taking part in the Ulster Schools Finals last Wednesday and Saturday. Caoimhe McGonigle, Aileen Logue, Eva Logue, Amber Gallagher have all qualified for the All Irelands Schools in Tullamore on Saturday May 31st. Also competing and representing their schools was Aoife McGonagle, Sheila Gallagher, Josh Broadbent and Niamh Doogan. Well done to all. 

This weekend action moves to the Track and Field live event in Finn Valley on Saturday.

The post Strong Rosses AC showing at Lifford Strabane Half Marathon appeared first on Donegal Daily.