Donegal Town progression 'very pleasing' says MD Cathaoirleach 

Cllr Tom Conaghan (Ind.) said that he has never seen Donegal Town so busy as he did this summer, “which is a good sign and very pleasing”, but progress needed time, energy, effort and patience as well.

He was reflecting on the many positive things that were in the pipeline including plans for a new one way system and development of the Diamond area, as he chaired his first full meeting of the Donegal Municipal District since his election of Cathaoirleach in July

He said: “I know that people were complaining about camper vans down at the pier and it being closed off and no room for visitors for parking, but you can’t turn a blind eye to it either.

“It has just come to the stage now where there is going to have to be an area for these people. I know that we have one out at Clar heading out the Ballybofey Road, but it’s not been used as such. 

“The way it is being managed is very good and I think it is the only way that you can do these kinds of things.       

He agreed that more people seemed to be coming to the town, not alone to visit but also in terms of accommodation as other south Donegal areas that hosted visitors, like Bundoran, were also catering for many Ukrainian refugees, who have been based there, since coming to Ireland.

“That is not a bad sign, but in saying that, I wouldn’t like to see anything in terms of movement from Bundoran. They are making a great effort there and thanks to work from Cllr Michael McMahon, there are a couple of new (housing) sites and other tourist schemes coming up and that is a great thing.

He added that the attraction of Sliabh Liag as a tourist attraction and the likes of cruise ships coming into Killybegs has also had a positive knock on effect for Donegal Town and the modern visitor was going to take in as much of an area as they can when visiting this part of the north west and the Wild Atlantic Way. 

“I am very positive about the development around the town and am glad to hear that developments to improve the attraction and use of the Diamond are formulary back on track,” he said.

“But I think that with progress we also need time, energy, effort and patience as well as cooperation from groups and the council themselves. We have a great town that is moving forward, but we also have many areas that need improvement.” 

At this month’s MD meeting he asked if it was possible to have all roads that have no markings surveyed in Donegal Town and a date prepared for when the job will be done. 

He believed at present that there are a lot of road safety concerns where roads/junctions are not marked.

TULLYEARL JUNCTION NEAR DONEGAL TOWN

He added: “To be honest, one of the areas I would be highlighting is coming into the Tullyearl junction, coming from Ballyshannon and Laghey and markings on the far side of it.”  

In response, Acting Area Manager for Roads and Transport Mark Sweeney said:

“Earlier this year the area roads office arranged for road marking works to be carried out at various locations around Donegal Town. We will meet with Cllr Conaghan to ascertain the areas of concern and make arrangements for additional road marking works to be carried out.

"It is difficult to provide an exact date for when these works will be carried out as any works are subject to the availability of the lining contractors and are weather dependent. We will however do our best to get these works done as soon as possible.”

Dr Warnock’s grave 

Referencing another hot topic of debate around the town recently, he said that the maintenance of Dr Warnock’s grave at the Old Abbey Cemetery was important as he was someone who had contributed hugely to the town. 

The area in general was abundant in terms of its contribution to the town’s history and heritage as well as an attraction to visitors wanting to find out more.

DR WARNOCK'S GRAVE AT THE OLD ABBEY CEMETERY IN DONEGAL TOWN 

He said that Senator Sharon Keogan followed up a request by myself to the OPW regarding the upkeep of Dr Warnock's grave in the Old Abbey Graveyard, Donegal Town. 

The response is that it is the Heritage office of DCC that are responsible and therefore when will the upkeep works take place on Dr. Warnock's grave, he had asked at the September meeting.

Donegal Town One-Way traffic system contractor appointed

Arrangements are currently being made to have a pre-start meeting with the Contractor to discuss a start date and programme duration

In reply to the question he was informed:

“The Council is responsible for a number of graveyards throughout the county and the Old Abbey graveyard is one of these graveyards. The roads office is allocated funding each year for the maintenance of these graveyards but the budget would not facilitate the works that may be necessary in this instance. 

“Given the specialist nature of the works that may be required, the matter will be examined on a cross directorate basis, in conjunction with any relevant external individuals or agencies as required. Additional funding will also need to be sourced.”