Donegal without Ministerial representation: Letterkenny Chamber demands action

Letterkenny Chamber is extremely dismayed that with the formation of the new Government, there is no Minister representing Donegal.

The announcement came in the wake of the news that Charlie McConalogue missed out on a cabinet position in the new Dáil. Fianna Fáil’s McConalogue served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine since September 2020.

“This glaring omission underscores the persistent neglect of this county by successive governments, despite repeated assurances about regional development,” Letterkenny Chamber said.

“For years, we have called for a serious focus on Donegal. We have listened to numerous government ministers speak about their commitment to regional development, but this decision demonstrates that these promises are nothing more than lip service.

“Last year, Letterkenny Chamber, alongside other key stakeholders, made a comprehensive submission to the Review of the National Planning Framework (NPF). However, it is evident that Letterkenny and Donegal are being sidelined in favour of cities in the south of the country. This lack of prioritization leaves Donegal trailing woefully behind other regions.”

Claire McDonough, President of Letterkenny Chamber, expressed her deep frustration: “We are once again being left behind. The absence of a Minister or any representation for the North West at the cabinet table underlines the centralist view of Government. We are tired of hearing warm words during ministerial visits while the reality is that the North West region will continue to lag unless urgent action is taken.”

“Our members work tirelessly to create employment, and we all strive to make this region the best it can be, but it feels like we have one hand tied behind our back. Letterkenny and the North West have the potential to be an economic powerhouse, but only if we see real, committed, year-on-year investment in infrastructure, housing, and key industries.”

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Letterkenny Chamber has called on the government to finally deliver for Donegal by addressing the county’s critical infrastructure deficits and economic challenges:

Critical Infrastructure Deficit
Donegal remains the only county in Ireland without motorway or rail access. Without strategic investment in infrastructure, the region will continue to lag behind.
Investment in Key Enabling Infrastructure
An immediate stimulus package of €570 million (representing 2% of the region’s GDP) is required for the Northern and Western Region. This investment is vital to address the persistent lack of funding in infrastructure.
Support for Letterkenny as a Centre for Growth
Fully designate Letterkenny as a Centre for Growth and an Urban Centre of Scale in the North West. This recognition is essential to drive development in the region.
City Status for NW City Region
Officially recognize the North West City Region as the fourth-largest urban agglomeration on the island of Ireland. Parity with other cities is needed to unlock the full economic potential of the North West.
Support Emerging Industries
Invest strategically in renewable energy, RegTech, and FinTech industries. Improvements in broadband and energy infrastructure are critical to positioning the North West as a hub for innovation.
Address the Housing Crisis
Tackle the region’s critical housing shortage, compounded by the Defective Concrete crisis. The lack of affordable and available housing is stifling economic growth and recruitment. A comprehensive, all-agency approach is urgently needed to ramp up housing developments, including social and private sector solutions.

In conclusion, the Letterkenny Chamber President added: “It is time for action, the government is tasked with looking after all its citizens. The regional imbalance has gone on for far too long. We are calling on all our elected representatives to take action and deliver what is needed to secure the future development of this county with urgency.”