'We can’t buy houses every other planning authorities can but we can’t' - Cllr Gallagher

A councillor has said the housing situation in the county is set to worsen with concerns being raised that Donegal County Council (DCC) is the only authority in the country that cannot buy houses. 

The issue was raised at the Glenties Municipal District meeting in Dungloe on Tuesday.

Sinn Féin Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher said: "We can’t buy houses every other planning authority can but we can’t."

Family left unable to sleep at night due to cars crashing into their garden

Letterkenny family ‘plagued’ by fifteen incidents in 22 years

Ms Gallagher said that the reason that DCC cannot buy houses anymore is related to mica: "This is down to mica and the department won’t say what level of mica is acceptable."

Meanwhile, Cllr Independent Councillor Michael Mc Clafferty has forewarned of a 'hell of a housing situation' as contracts with hotels and B&Bs housing Ukrainian refugees are due to expire.

He said: "We are heading into a crisis unless alterations are forthcoming."

New Letterkenny mayor pays emotional tribute to late brother Manus Kelly

Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly elected mayor of Letterkenny-Milford area after taking seat won by his late brother

He added that many constituents have been contacting him in relation to housing.