Tony McCarry of the Donegal Community Games committee has been nominated for the National Communications Director position.

McCarry’s name will go forward at the National Community Games AGM this weekend in Athlone.

ChairmanManus O’Donnell and PRO Tony McCarry will be flying the Donegal flag at the event.

McCarry has been involved with the Fanad Community Games committee since 2014 and joined the Donegal committee in 2015. In 2016, he became the Ulster PRO and a member of the National PR Committee. His involvement continued until 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted activities. In 2021, he became the Donegal PRO.

Co-Secretary Sinead Hagan noted that this year is particularly special for Tony. In 1974, at the age of eight, Tony McCarry won a gold medal in the 100-metre race at the Mosney National Finals (pictured below).

County Chairman Manus O’Donnell extended his best wishes to Tony for the weekend, describing him as a dedicated worker who always strives to improve the experience of sports for young and old.

The post Donegal Community Games PRO nominated for national position appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Amnesty International Letterkenny will host another ‘Picnic against Apartheid’ this Saturday with a focus on the Israel-Gaza War.

The event is part of a campaign organised by Amnesty to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for justice and an end to Israel’s regime in Palestine.

The gathering will feature guest speaker Talha AlAli, a Palestinian psychotherapist who’s also an activist, hip-hop artist and a human rights defender. Talha was born a few months before the start of the first Intifada, lived his teenage years in the West Bank during the second Intifada and started fighting for political change and social justice in the early 2000s through music and theatre. Then he became involved in work with civil society NGOs. Through his career, Talha worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. Worked with ActionAid, and Amnesty International Ireland.

Supporters will gather at An Grianán Plaza in Letterkenny this coming Saturday, 21^st September from 2.30pm – 4pm.

The post Amnesty Letterkenny to share solidarity with Palestine at ‘Picnic Against Apartheid’ appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: A bronze brooch, similar to the one discovered in Donegal. Pic: National Museum of Ireland (NMI).

Two historical items discovered in Donegal over the past 12 months could be up to 1,000 years ago.

The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) confirmed to Donegal Daily that articles discovered in the county and reported to them included a bronze brooch and an iron axe.

Both items are currently undergoing ‘conservation and study’, so aren’t available to be viewed or photographed at present. Similar discoveries in the south of the country were reputed to date from the 12th or 13th century.

“Archaeological objects have been discovered and reported in counties across Ireland over the last 12 months, including Donegal, where reported objects included a bronze brooch and an iron axe,” an NMI spokesperson said.

“The National Museum of Ireland works closely with colleagues in local museums in this process. Conservation and research are ongoing on these and other objects acquired over the past year.”

An Iron axe, similar to the one discovered in Donegal. Pic: National Museum of Ireland (NMI).

Members of the public who find archaeological objects, by whatever means, are legally obliged to report the discovery to the National Museum.  

“It is part of the National Museum of Ireland’s remit to collect and preserve these objects on behalf of everyone in the State, so that they are available for generations to come.”

Earlier this month, we reported that a number of batches of human remains from Donegal were among the archaeological finds handed into the NMI since July 2023.

The post Objects found in Donegal could be up to 1,000 years old appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) is seeking nominations of local community groups or social enterprises in DLDC’s Community Recognition Awards 2024.

These awards celebrate the invaluable contributions of community and voluntary groups and social enterprises across County Donegal.

Pictured: Máire Níc Giolla Chomhaill; Emma McGarvey, The Cope; Mairéad Nic Géidig, James Coyle, Máirín Níc Giolla Eannaig; Padraic Fingleton, CEO of DLDC at last year’s DLDC Community Recognition Awards 

The Community Recognition Awards 2024 aims to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of local groups that work tirelessly to positively impact our communities. DLDC invites the public to be part of this celebration by nominating those who have made a real difference to the people of Donegal.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors ATU Donegal, Highland Radio, PGIM Ireland, and Tata Consultancy Services.

The ‘Community Recognition Awards Ceremony’ will take place in the Finn Valley Centre, Stranorlar, at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 8th. Attendees will enjoy a meal, followed by the presentation of awards, music, and dancing.

Award Categories:

DLDC is excited to present five categories this year, each recognising different aspects of community support and engagement:

1. Best Social Inclusion/Peer Support Campaign
2. Outstanding Community Partnership Award
3. Best Community Organisation / Social Enterprise – Small
4. Best Community Organisation / Social Enterprise – Large
5. Best Sustainable Practices Award

To nominate a deserving group, visit www.dldc.org or follow our social media channels for direct links to the nomination platform. Closing date for entry is 27^th Sept, 2024.

Access the nomination form directly at https://form.jotform.com/242382888111358

Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of community and recognise the organisations making a lasting difference in Donegal!

The post Nominations sought for Donegal’s Community Recognition Awards appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A pedestrian has been critically injured following another road traffic incident in Co Donegal.

The incident happened on the outskirts of the village of Ballyliffin on the Inishowen Peninusula this evening.

It is understood just one vehicle was involved in the incident.

A number of emergency services are at the scene.

The road, the R238 close to Annagh Crossroads between Ballyliffin and Clonmany, has been closed.

Donegal County Council has issued a travel warning for motorists in the area.

They have warned that local diversions are in place and that HGVs should divert via R244 at Drumfree toward Carndonagh.

This is the latest serious incident on Donegal’s roads in recent weeks.

A total of six people have lost their lives in the county in less than a month since August 19th.

So far this year 14 people have been killed on Donegal’s roads compared to 10 for all of last year.

The post BREAKING: Pedestrian critically injured following Ballyliffin collision appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal Daily is an affiliate partner of Travel Department and TDactive holidays and will receive a small commission on holidays booked through our referrals.

There’s a very good reason Lake Garda (or Lago di Garda) has become, arguably, Italy’s most popular destination.

Northern Italy lays claim to some of the country’s most precious holiday gems.

And we have an online exclusive on Lake Garda for October 2024 departures! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to avail of the offer.

1. Choose your guided group holiday:

• Lake Garda, Venice & Verona

This holiday includes return flights from Dublin, half-board accommodation for seven nights in the beautiful lakeside town of Riva del Garda. Enjoy a a half day excursion on a boat trip around Lake Garda or a full day excursion to the medieval city of Bolzano. Explore Venice, taking in St. Mark’s Square and Basilica and discover the fair city of Verona!

2. Book using the code WINTERSUN50DD to get €50pp off Lake Garda Holidays departing in 2024 and 2025. Hurry, offer ends 23rd September 2024!

3. Pack your bags and enjoy your trip!

Check out the T&Cs here: https://www.traveldepartment.com/donegal-daily

Why Lake Garda? Here is our guide to the 5 best things to do in Lake Garda:

1. Discover the spectacular Lake Garda scenery

“Encircled by beautiful mountains, Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful European lakes,” says Renate. “This is an ideal holiday location for many people.” 

Lake Garda straddles three provinces; Verona to the southeast, Brescia to the south west and Trento to the north. Italy’s largest lake, it is just over 50km long, 20km wide and would take you about 3 hours to drive around its circumference (160km). Up until the end of World War 1, the northern part of the lake belonged to Austria and the landscape is arguably more Austrian than Italian. Renate will guide holidaymakers on a Lake Garda boat trip, the excursion is an incredible opportunity to witness the beautiful historic towns along the lake’s scenic shores.

2. Explore the towns in Lake Garda

Many of the Lake Garda towns are so picturesque, it’s hard to pick a place to stay! Situated on the northern end of Lake Garda, you can explore Limone. Set against a backdrop of jagged cliffs, you can wander down its cobbled streets, discover its wonderful boutique shops or relax with a coffee in one of their waterfront cafés whilst taking in the stunning lakeside views.

Riva del Garda is surrounded by imposing mountains and sparkling blue water, this town is known for its medieval towers, Renaissance churches, and narrow cobblestone streets. The Bastion, a Venetian fortress, was built on the steep slopes of the nearby Mount Rocchetta and affords a splendid view of the city and the northern part of the lake.

The town of Malcesine is famous for its medieval Scaligero Castle and we highly recommend taking a trip in the cable car, which will bring you 1,800 metres above sea level and you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views.

3. Experience Lake Garda food and drink 

Lake Garda is bordered by three magnificent regions, each with their own unique character and influence on the region’s gastronomy. The area is renowned for its olive oil, with olives grown locally, producing a light, delicate oil that pairs well with the region’s freshwater fish. The Alto Garda area is well known for its distinctive lemon houses and the citrus fruits grown in this area are also incorporated into the gastronomy offering and can be seen in the Limoncino liqueur produced in the region. 

Renate says that many tourists always enjoy sampling Lake Garda’s local produce. “The local wines are always very popular. So too are our pizzas and seafood dishes (which include trout and sardines). But most of all, the tourists love our ice cream. It’s world famous!”

4. Relax and enjoy free time in Lake Garda 

Another benefit of Travel Department’s Lake Garda holidays is that there is ample time to explore at your own pace. The Lake Garda region offers a huge variety of activities for holidaymakers – the narrow northern corridor is a paradise for boating activities and the surrounding Dolomites are a perfect getaway for hill walkers and nature lovers as well as those simply wishing to relax in beautiful surroundings. However, Renate has one recommendation of how to use the free time. “While you can explore Lake Garda by boat, I would recommend a swim in the amazing crystal-clear waters or even to just dip your feet. It’s an experience you won’t forget!”

5. Take a day trip from Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the perfect base to explore some iconic Italian sights. On a full day excursion to Verona, holidaymakers can enjoy the mesmerising sight of the city’s Roman Amphitheatre – the third largest in Italy. It is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world. Today, it is used for beautiful opera performances. There is also an opportunity to visit Juliet’s Balcony – said to be the setting of the world’s most famous love story. You can also stroll through the beautiful Roman squares and shop for souvenirs in your free time.  

On the full day excursion to Venice, there will be a guided tour of the city, which will include famous landmarks such as St Mark’s Square and the Doges Palace. “It is always very nice to guide people through Venice,” says Renate, “after all, this is one of the most famous cities in the world. Venice is unique and beautiful. You can’t compare it with any other city.”

To avail of unmissable discounts on your 2024 or 2025 break, visit https://www.traveldepartment.com/donegal-daily or call us on 01 637 1698 and quote ‘Donegal Daily’ to talk to a member of our sales team.

Donegal Daily is an affiliate partner of Travel Department and TDactive holidays and will receive a small commission on holidays booked through our referrals.

About Travel Department:

Travel Department is one of Europe’s leading escorted tour operators with over 25 years’ experience of crafting beautifully curated, inspirational itineraries to worldwide destinations, all accompanied by expert local guides. They offer a wide range of guided group holidays from City Breaks to Solo Travel to active and adventure holidays (including Walking, Yoga and Photography holidays) with their sister brand, TD active Holidays.

With multiple departure airports across the UK, you can fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. In Northern Ireland they fly from Belfast (plus Dublin and Cork) and for passengers from the South they depart from Bristol and a range of London airports. 

The mood is upbeat, friendly, and light-hearted with conversations, storytelling, and sometimes even a little singing and dancing extending late into the evening. It makes for a fun, inclusive group where everyone feels welcome. 

Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide. With Travel Department you see more!

The post Lake Garda calling with exclusive winter sun deals from Travel Department! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A pedestrian in his 80s has been killed following a collision near Clonmany this evening.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the incident.

The collision, involving a van and a male pedestrian occurred at approximately 18.20pm at Annagh on the R238.

The pedestrian, aged in his 80s, was fatally injured.

The local coroner has been notified, and arrangements will now be made for a post-mortem examination.

The road has been closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. It will remain closed overnight. Local diversions are currently in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

This is the seventh person to die on Donegal’s roads in less than a month since August 19th.

To date this year a total of 15 people have now died on Donegal’s roads, compared to ten for all of last year.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The post Gardai confirm pedestrian, 80s, is dead following Inishowen collision appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Donegal District Court Judge has said that motorists in the county must have their vehicles roadworthy and drive appropriately.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham was speaking at Wednesday’s sitting of Falcarragh District Court, heard at Letterkenny courthouse.

Judge Cunningham was referencing the case of Sam Scott, a 21-year-old of Ballyboes, Falcarragh, who was brought before the court having overtaken an unmarked garda car on a continuous white line.

On December 3, 2023 at Meenacuing, Falcarragh, gardai were travelling in the unmarked garda car when they were overtaken by Scott.

The car failed to stop when signalled to do so. Sergeant Jim Collins told the court how the vehicle continued to travel at speeds reaching 110km/h, ignoring the blue lights and siren of the gardai in pursuit.

The car did stop and Scott was cooperative and apologetic when spoken to by officers.

Scott was charged with two counts of dangerous driving, contrary to Section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as substituted by Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act (No 2) Act 2011.

Solicitor for Scott, Mr Donough Cleary told the court that his client has no previous convictions.

“What we are dealing with here is a little bit of over-enthusiasm in the overtaking department,” Mr Cleary said.

“No-one was discommoded here. He has now learned his lesson.”

Mr Cleary said his client lives at home and has since secured work in Dublin in the groundworks industry. Due to this, he is anxious to maintain his driving licence.

“He is lucky that there were no oncoming vehicles,” Judge Cunningham said. “That type of driving is just not acceptable, particularly with the number of road deaths and serious injuries caused on our roads.”

Judge Cunningham said she would give Scott an opportunity.

“I sincerely hope that this is a lesson to him in terms of overtaking manoeuvres that are not safe,” she said. “It just should not happen.”

Scott was convicted on a lesser charge of careless driving. Judge Cunningham fined Scott €300, allowing five months to pay.

Scott was also charged with having no NCT on the vehicle, for which he was fined €150.

Judge Cunningham said: “I am not going to disqualify on this occasion, but on this occasion only.

“If he comes back before the court, I would adopt a very different approach.

“Suffice to say, all cars should be roadworthy and driven at the appropriate speed to protect yourself and other road users.”

The post Judge slams Falcarragh man for “overtaking manoeuvres” appeared first on Donegal Daily.

This Friday 20th September, Letterkenny will once again welcome a group of visitors from the town of Rudolstadt, Germany.

The visit is the latest chapter in the ongoing relationship that began back in 2018 when Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh first proposed the idea to twin Letterkenny with the town from the state of Thuringia in Germany.

Letterkenny man, Karol Kerrane has been a resident of Rudolstadt for a number of years and it was his friendship with Jörg Reichl, the local Mayor that started the connections between the towns.

Since that first meeting, many friendships have developed between the civic leaders and local people in the two towns with students from Colaiste Ailigh, St Eunan’s College and Errigal College all involved in exchange programmes with schools and colleges in Rudolstadt.

A delegation from Letterkenny travelled to Rudolstadt for St Patrick’s Day celebrations in March this year highlighting the deep connection between the two towns. The weekend was filled with a colourful program that was organised by the Rudolstadt city administration in cooperation with local partners.

A delegation of 55 visitors from Rudolstadt will arrive in Letterkenny on Friday 20th September 2024 for a long weekend visit.

The group will get an immediate opportunity to immerse themselves in all aspects of Irish culture, arriving just in time for Culture Night 2024.On Saturday the group will visit Inishowen to see Dunree Fort and Military Museum and then the Famine Village on the Isle of Doagh before returning to Letterkenny.

On Sunday the group will visit the Fanad peninsula and will take a tour of the Lighthouse at Fanad. They will visit Portsalon Beach before moving on to Rathmullan and finally returning to Letterkenny where the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will provide an evening’s entertainment at Dillon’s Hotel.

There will be an opportunity to visit local schools on Monday.

The Mayor of the Letterkenny & Milford Municipal District Cllr Gerry McMonagle will host a reception for the delegation on Monday evening.

The visitors leave for Dublin on Tuesday for a meeting with the German Ambassador before flying home.

The post Letterkenny to host 55 visitors from its Twin Town, Rudolstadt appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Gaoth Dobhair man has been handed 120 hours of community service after being found behind the wheel while almost five times the legal drink-drive limit.

Philip Mitchell, who was uninsured, has also been put off the road for four years after he appeared before Falcarragh District Court.

On August 7, 2022 at 2.12am, Gardai were on mobile patrol in the Derrybeg area when they observed a white Combo van being driven erratically.

Gardai followed the vehicle and the driver turned the lights off before making a left turn into the townland of Cotteen.

Gardai believed that the motorist was attempting to evade them and continued to follow the van. After being stopped, Mitchell, a 35-year-old of Cotteen, Derrybeg, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

A test showed a concentration of 108 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, where the legal limit is 22 microgrammes.

Mitchell also appeared in connection with an incident on December 23, 2021. At 3.26pm, Gardai received a call from a woman who reported a road traffic collision. A white van, being driven by Mitchell, collided with the vehicle she was driving,

Gardai made a lawful demand for documents, but no driving licence or insurance were produced, the court heard.

The court was informed that Mitchell has one previous conviction for drink driving, for which he was disqualified from driving for two years.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Mitchell, said his client ‘fully accepts’ the position he is in.

Mr Gallagher said these incidents occurred during a time when he had ‘a deep, depressive episode’.

“He has sought assistance and that is ongoing and continuing,” Mr Gallagher said. “He is supported by friends and family and he has participated in the ProSocial Driving Course.”

Mr Gallagher said a probation report has deemed Mitchell to be a low risk of reoffending and asked the court to take on board the positive report.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said that while the probation report has highlighted steps taken by Mitchell, the matters before the court were ‘serious and relevant’.

For driving without insurance, Mitchell was put off the road for a total of four years and issued with a €250 fine.

Mitchell was given 120 hours of community service, in lieu of four months in prison, on the drink-driving charge.

The post Gaoth Dobhair driver five times over limit gets 120 hours community service appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Convoy is calling on local residents to consider volunteering their time and skills to help those in need.

SVP will host an information meeting in SVP North West Regional Office in Raphoe from 7pm-8.30pm on the 24th of September for people interested in joining the conferences in the following areas: Raphoe, Convoy, Drumkeen, Manorcunningham, Newtowncunningham, Lifford, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Killygordon, Castlefinn, St Johnston and Doneyloop.

For more information, please call membership support officer Orla Beirne on 087 775 7426 or email: orla.beirne@svp.ie

Orla said: “Volunteers are our greatest strength, they know the issues in their communities and can address immediate needs as well as helping families and individuals, young and old, move towards self-sufficiency and equal opportunity through friendship and support. Offering a little help at the right time can give people hope for the future. Volunteers sharing their time and skills can change lives forever.”

The post SVP in Convoy seeking volunteers to make a difference in East Donegal appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal County Council is to increase the number of farm inspections it carries out next year in areas where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality.

The council’s Environmental Officer, Paul Gallagher, told Tuesday’s meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District (MD) that almost 150 surveys will have been carried out by the end of this year. However, he said, this figure will increase to 215 in 2025.

Mr Gallagher also told the meeting there were ‘no breaches’ recorded across the MD and there was ‘excellent water quality’ in the current bathing season. 

“I can report that no serious incidents took place this year,” he said.

The council recently commenced a programme of farm inspections, under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations, focusing on areas of the county where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality.

These inspections focus on farmyards, slurry and soiled water storage capacity, fertiliser use and minimisation of soiled water. Farmers receive advance notice through the post and will be given at least a week to prepare for the inspection.

The post Donegal farm inspections to increase next year over poor water quality appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Seven Donegal players have received nominations for this year’s PWC GAA/GPA All Stars. 

St Eunan’s Ciaran Moore (main pic) has also been nominated for a Young Footballer of the Year award.

The seven other Donegal nominations are Shaun Patton, Peadar Mogan, Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonigle, Michael Langan, Brendan McCole and Oisín Gallen. The only surprise is that Mogan, who received a number of Footballer of the Month awards, has not been shortlisted for Player of the Year.

Described as the ‘find of the season’, Moore is one of three nominations in the Young Footballer of the Year category alongside Oisín Conaty (Armagh) and Johnny McGrath (Galway).

Armagh’s Barry McCambridge has been nominated for Footballer of the Year alongside Galway duo Paul Conroy and John Maher.

All Ireland champions Armagh have 11 nominations from the list of 45, while beaten finalists Galway received eight. 

The winners will be announced in November and the full shortlist is as follows:

Goalkeepers (3)
Blaine Hughes (Armagh)
Shaun Patton (Donegal)
Niall Morgan (Tyrone)

Defenders (18)
Aaron McKay (Armagh)
Barry McCambridge (Armagh)
Aidan Forker (Armagh)
Paddy Burns (Armagh)
Peadar Mogan (Donegal)
Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
Caolan McGonigle (Donegal)
Brendan McCole (Donegal)
Johnny McGrath (Galway)
Dylan McHugh (Galway)
Liam Silke (Galway)
Craig Lennon (Louth)
Donal McKenny (Louth)
Brian Ó Beaglaioch (Kerry)
Tom O’Sullivan (Kerry)
Seán Bugler (Dublin)
Brian Stack (Roscommon)
Daniel O’Mahony (Cork)

Midfielders (6)
Niall Grimley (Armagh)
Ben Crealey (Armagh)
Michael Langan (Donegal)
Brian Fenton (Dublin)
Tommy Durnin (Louth)
Paul Conroy (Galway)

Forwards (18)
Rian O’Neill (Armagh)
Conor Turbitt (Armagh)
Oisín Conaty (Armagh)
Rory Grugan (Armagh)
Cillian McDaid (Galway)
John Maher (Galway)
Rob Finnerty (Galway)
Shane Walsh (Galway)
David Clifford (Kerry)
Paudie Clifford (Kerry)
Con O’Callaghan (Dublin)
Cormac Costello (Dublin)
Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo)
Aidan O’Shea (Mayo)
Oisín Gallen (Donegal)
Darragh Canavan (Tyrone)
Sam Mulroy (Louth)
Diarmuid Murtagh (Roscommon)

PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year Nominees
Barry McCambridge (Armagh)
Paul Conroy (Galway)
John Maher (Galway)

PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year Nominees
Oisín Conaty (Armagh)
Johnny McGrath (Galway)
Ciarán Moore (Donegal)

The post Seven Donegal players nominated for 2024 All Star Awards appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Any mist and fog will clear later this morning to leave a dry day across Ulster with long spells of sunshine. 

Highest temperatures of 20 to 23 degrees in a light to moderate easterly breeze.

Tonight will be dry with mostly clear skies. Winds will be light and variable and areas of mist and fog will form overnight. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees.

Tomorrow morning, mist and fog will clear and it will be another dry day with long spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees in a light to moderate easterly breeze.

The post Another sunny day ahead with highs of 23 degrees – Met Éireann appeared first on Donegal Daily.

He was a renowned figure as both a teacher and a councillor in Letterkenny for decades.

And now the late Jim Lynch has been immortalised in a new mural on the town’s Church Lane.

Captured by artist Ciarán Dunlevy, the mural of the late Councillor Lynch also recalls his time as a stalwart and heritage officer of the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter committee.

Jim, a former Mayor of Letterkenny, had a genuine love for the Cathedral Quarter and its aims.

This mural on Number 3, Church Lane, is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to his town.

The post Jim’s love of Letterkenny lives on in stunning new mural appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Nature conservationists in Letterkenny are campaigning to save a decades-old native Irish Oak tree that is due to be cut down for a cycle path.

Active Travel works in the Ballyraine/Creamery area of the town will include the removal of vegetation to make way for greener, sustainable transport paths.

However, An Taisce Donegal Local Association says the felling of trees would be detrimental to the local environment. The group is seeking to have the cycle path diverted around the tree instead.

Ribbons and posters have been stapled to the Sessile Oak tree on the Ramelton Road near Orchard Grove. The posters say ‘SAVE ME PLEASE’ and feature a poem, saying “cycle round me and let the wildlife enjoy me as well, cyclists will come to no harm I assure you.”

Ballyraine Oak Tree

Noel Foley, Chairman of An Taisce Donegal Local Association, said that representatives met with a member of the roads design team on the 4th of September “but seemingly failed to change the decision to route the cycle way along the path that has been chosen and to fell the tree.”

“With regret, all we can do now is make people aware of the majestic beauty of this tree before it is gone.”

He said the sessile oak holds the status of Ireland’s National Tree since 1990.

“This particular tree is a fine example of the species. It is in its prime, producing acorns,” Mr Foley explained.

“It is an iconic tree that commands the landscape when approached from any direction in all seasons.

“It has been a witness to many changes in its sixty or seventy years or so and survived them all. If left to grow it would last more than another century. Its absence will be an impoverishment.”

Ballyraine Oak Tree

Foley adds: “Donegal County Council also plans to fell the line of maple trees in the Ballyraine Linear Park opposite Georgie Sweeney’s shop.

“In the normal course of events we would be lamenting that loss, but the plan to fell the oak ‘puts that in the shade’.”

However, a spokesperson for the council told Donegal Daily planning approval was obtained for the works in 2020 and, during the public consultation process, they received no submission in relation to the Oak, or any other trees nearby. 

“As part of the subsequent detailed design process, DCC have considered all alternative options with regard to retention of this and other trees within the works,” the spokesperson explained.

“However, in order to provide the required safe infrastructure, it is not feasible to retain the tree in question.”

The council will also liaise with the local community in the area to agree the most suitable use of the various trunk sections of the felled tree as well as any other possible initiatives to ‘preserve or continue its memory’. 

“For example DCC intend to harvest the acorns from this tree prior to removal and replant a number of them in the local area. These acorns will also be offered to local residents who may wish to plant them themselves.”

Read the full response from the council below:

“The N56 Letterkenny Urban Active Travel project is a vital project delivering improved safety, function and active travel facilities on the N56 through Letterkenny. The planned works between the Polestar and Creamery roundabouts include the provision of segregated pedestrian and cycling facilities as well as providing new signalised junctions at both the Ballyraine and Creamery roundabouts.

Statutory consent through the Part VIII planning process was received for this project in 2020. Full public consultation was carried out as part of this process. No submission was received in respect to the oak tree in question or other trees within the works area.

As part of the subsequent detailed design process, DCC have considered all alternative options with regard to retention of this and other trees within the works. However, in order to provide the required safe infrastructure it is not feasible to retain the tree in question.

During the design process since planning consent in 2020, Donegal County Council has met with many stakeholders to discuss the impacts of the project. Most recently we have been contacted by An Taisce who raised some concerns over the removal of the oak tree. DCC explained the nature of the works and the planning and design process undertaken. Through these discussions, it was accepted that the tree could not be retained. It was agreed that care should be taken during removal of the tree to retain the majority of the trunk sections. This will allow for other alternative uses of the trunk and truck sections after removal. DCC will liaise with the local community in the area to agree the most suitable use of these as well as any other possible initiatives to preserve or continue its memory. For example DCC intend to harvest the acorns from this tree prior to removal and replant a number of them in the local area. These acorns will also be offered to local residents who may wish to plant them themselves.”

The post Anger over plans to fell iconic Letterkenny Oak for ‘green’ cycle path appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Lough Swilly RNLI were tasked last night to assist a woman who was cut off by the tide near Portsalon.

The volunteer crew launched their Inshore Lifeboat at 7.49 pm and quickly made their way to the casualty. 

“A coast guard unit was also on scene and they removed the casualty and reported all was well with her,” a Lough Swilly spokesperson said.

“The Inshore Lifeboat was stood down and the crew made their way to Ned’s Point to refuel and make ready for service.”

Remember if you’re in difficulty in or on the water or see someone in trouble, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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The Letterkenny town labour catchment area is now the third largest in the Western Region.

Up from 4th position in 2016, there are now over 23,500 workers living in the catchment.

This is one of the findings of a new report carried out by the Western Development Commission (WDC), following in-depth research into the commuting patterns of those at work in the region.

The town labour catchment is defined as an area from which a town draws most of its workforce. 

With over 23,500 workers living in the Letterkenny town labour catchment, this is approximately 2.4 times the number of workers living in the town itself.

The Letterkenny town labour catchment covers a large area, but is completely confined to within County Donegal, the report added.

Deirdre Frost, Policy Analyst at the WDC noted, “This is significant in the context of the revision of the National Planning Framework, where urban centres such as Letterkenny will be expected to grow in importance.”

The different labour catchment areas in County Donegal.

While the Letterkenny labour catchment extends to large parts of the county, it excludes southeast areas of Donegal, which form part of the Ballybofey/Stranorlar labour catchment.

Northern Donegal includes the smaller labour catchments of Buncrana, Carndonagh, and Moville – a new labour catchment and the Northern Ireland (Derry) labour catchments since 2016 . In west Donegal there are the catchments of Bunbeg/Derrybeg, Dungloe and Killybegs.

Of those living in the Letterkenny labour catchment, 46.6% (10,942) are employed within the town and 53.4% (12,500) are employed outside the town in centres ranging from nearby Lifford (2.4%) to centres further away such as Dublin city (1.1%).

Key employment destinations outside the town are Donegal Rural (21%), Northern Ireland (5.6%) and Ballybofey/Stranorlar (2.8%).

The impact of greater numbers working from home may explain the increased popularity of more distant workplaces. For example, the numbers citing Dublin as their work location have increased from 198 in 2016 to 257 in 2022.  There is also an increase in the number of those living in the Letterkenny labour catchment and reporting their workplace somewhere in Northern Ireland, up from 957 in 2016 to 1,314 in 2022.

The age profile of those living in the Letterkenny catchment is the second youngest of the catchments after the Galway city labour catchment, with 16.4% aged under 30 years. The average for workers in the State is 17.6%.

Those at work and living in the Letterkenny town labour catchment have increased their rates of third level education, with 57.2%, up from 51.5% in 2016.

Within the Letterkenny town labour catchment the single largest employer is the ‘Education, Human Health and Social Work’ sector and accounts for 29.9% which is much higher than the State average (23.8%).

Both the ‘Wholesale, Retail and Commerce’ (23.6%) and ‘ICT and Professional Services’ (17.6%) are important employment sectors.

‘Manufacturing Industries’ (8.7%) is the fourth most important sector, lower than the State average of 13.4%.

 Commenting on the findings, the CEO of the WDC, Allan Mulrooney said:

“This is very valuable information as it provides robust analysis of travel to work patterns across the North West and in centres such as Letterkenny. It provides detailed data which will inform decisions on commuting and employment patterns and enterprise location”. Comparing these data with the original WDC analysis will be of particular value to policy-makers in the context of the revision of the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and County Development.

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The late Mary Rose (Mosie) Dullaghan is to be remembered at a special ceremony in Doonwell this Friday night.

The hugely popular Glenswilly woman passed away recently after a brave battle with cancer during which she showed remarkable courage.

Doon Well eld a special place in Mosie’s heart and she often visited the holy well.

Now, instead of a month’s mind mass, they would like for friends and family to gather there this Friday to remember Mosie (nee Kelly).

Everyone is welcome to join Mary Rose’s husband Owney as well as her children Chris, Donna and Kathy and all her family at Doon Well this Friday to remember her.

Everyone is also welcomed to Wilkin’s in Churchill afterwards for refreshments and to recall some undouted fond memories of Mosie.

May she rest in peace.

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Independent TD Thomas Pringle has pressed the Housing Minister on whether revisions to caps and rates in the defective blocks redress scheme will be made retrospective to people who have already availed of the programme.

Addressing Minister Darragh O’Brien in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said living in a home with defective blocks is a crisis for a family to deal with and they need that clarity.

“When the scheme was being announced, people were advised to continue with the old scheme and that the new conditions would be made retrospective for them and they’d be able to benefit,” he said.

“That actually isn’t happening and that is a problem, and it’s causing huge distress to many homeowners in Donegal who in good faith went ahead with the scheme and now they’re not benefitting from that scheme.” He also asked the Minister to reconsider the decision.

In his response, the Minister said he will bring a memo to Cabinet within a matter of weeks and said he intended, as part of the proposal, that it would also apply to those who are in the scheme and works that are in place and under way.

Deputy Pringle asked would it also apply to people who have completed works as part of the scheme, who did it in good faith and worked under the old scheme while this new scheme was being implemented and enacted. He also pointed out that construction costs have seen over 20% inflation.

“It’s vitally important that everybody would benefit from this because everybody bought into this scheme on the good faith that that was going to happen, and now they’re worried that it’s not going to happen,” Deputy Pringle said.

In his response, Minister O’Brien said he will bring a memo to Cabinet with options for Cabinet to decide upon, and the memo is being prepared at the moment. He said residents and affected homeowners will see an increase in the cap and an increase in the allowable costs, the application of which is subject to a Cabinet approval which he expects in the coming weeks.

The Minister also said he would take on board the points that Deputy Pringle raised, and that will also form part of their considerations.

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