'Country areas completely neglected': Glenfin's Martin Scanlon to stand in local election

Glenfin man Martin Scanlon has declared his candidacy for the forthcoming local elections.

Scanlon will stand as an Independent in the Lifford-Stranorlar area.

Scanlon points to the decline of population numbers in his home parish, which had dwindled down from 3,600 at the turn of the century to its present 1,300.

“Country areas have been completely neglected with no effort being made to curb the depopulation that has been taking place,” he said.

“ I believe that, within the county, there is an over emphasis on developing Letterkenny at the expense of other areas. The Lifford-Stranorlar area has been neglected with the Twin Towns now having the highest rate of vacant properties in the county.

“Is it any wonder given that, even along the main Glenties to Ballybofey road there are large areas that does not have public water. There is no sewerage system, virtually, no public transport, a third world internet service. Our cars are wrecked from driving through potholes, and many rural parts have no waste collection service.”

Scanlon says that the local area council in Glenfin has 'worked tirelessly' in its endeavours to improve services, but are not getting the necessary support.

He cites the reduction and withdrawal of vital services from both St Joseph's Community Hospital in Stranorlar and Lifford Hospital as further highlighting the area's standing.

Scanlon's own home is blighted by Mica and has aired his frustration at the ongoing defective concrete blocks saga.

He said: “I believe that both the Government and Donegal County Council have dragged their heels on the Mica issue. I believe that if the Mica problem was in Dublin 4 that it would have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion years ago.

“I am just a young man, trying to rear a family. I believe that the current group of Councillors that represent us have let us down badly.”