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04 Apr 2026
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04 Apr 2026
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Cllr John O'Donnell
A report by the Standards in Public Office (SIPO) Commission into alleged breaches of of the Local government Act by Independent Councillor John O'Donnell, during an undercover RTÉ programme, has been released.
SIPO carried out an investigation to establish whether the councillor had contravened Part 15 of the Local Government Act, 2001.
The commission, in its report, has found against Cllr O'Donnell in respect of all three of the alleged contraventions.
It is a claim the independent councillor denied.
The alleged contraventions in respect of Councillor O’Donnell relate to sections 168, 169 and 170 of the Local Government Act.
The report states: "The commission are satisfied that Cllr O'Donnell contravened section 168 of the Local Government Act in the manner alleged. The Commission is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the contravention was committed intentionally and that it was, in all the circumstances, a serious matter.
The Commission is satisfied, on the evidence before it, that Councillor O’Donnell contravened section 170 of the Local Government Act in the manner alleged. The Commission is satisfied on the balance of
probabilities that the contravention was committed intentionally and that it was, in all the circumstances, a serious matter.
The Commission is satisfied, on the evidence before it, that Councillor O’Donnell contravened section 169(3) of the Local Government Act in the manner alleged. The Commission is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the contravention was committed intentionally and that it was, in all the circumstances, a serious matter."
Councillor John O’Donnell has served as an independent member of DCC since May, 2014.
A hearing of the Commission in relation to the matter took place on Tuesday, 11 September, 2018.
In accordance with the requirements of section 24 of the Ethics Act and section 180 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Commission has furnished copies of its reports to both Councillors, the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The investigation reports, together with full details of the Commission’s findings and determinations are available here:http://www.sipo.ie/en/Reports/ Investigation-Reports/
Geraldine Mullan with her family - husband John, son Tomás and daughter Amelia. Photo Geraldine Mullan
The Easter Sunday parade featuring Rosses Fifers Unite which was held in 2016. Photo: Mary Rodgers
Darragh Wilson shows off his catch from Mulroy Bay
Volunteers are asked to meet at the Warden car park at 4pm, to come prepared, as work will get underway on a new pathway
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