Chief Executive’s Management Report
May 2025 Council Meeting
Report to Meeting of Donegal County Council on 26th May 2025
1. Delegation Meeting between Donegal County Council & Sligo County Council
A delegation from Donegal County Council met with Sligo County Council on 6th May, to discuss items of common interest and opportunities for further engagement and collaboration between our two councils.
The 2024/2025 ORIS Scheme was launched on 17th October, 2024 which provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas. The Council submitted the 6 applications detailed below to the DRCD under Measure 1 following an application and evaluation process:
• Dungloe Tidy Towns - Application for €40,000 to improve and further enhance the Dungloe River and Cope Mountain Looped Walk, providing safer and greater accessibility for all ages and all abilities.
• Rathmullan The Way Forward – Application for €40,000 to improve and further enhance Batts Walk in Rathmullan providing safer and greater accessibility for the community.
• Killybegs History & Heritage Committee - Application for €40,000 to improve and extend the existing forest trail providing an accessible path and associated infrastructure including nature based play area, seating and signage through Glenlee Forest.
• Milford & District Resource Centre - Application for €40,000 to improve and upgrade the Golan Pad Walk in Milford.
• BASIC - Application for €40,000 to extend and consolidate the existing path network in Creggan Woods creating a looped walk thereby providing an accessible path and associated infrastructure including seating and signage through Creggan Woods in Stranorlar.
• Donegal County Council - Application for €40,000 to design information/signage boards which will be installed at trailheads at 7 no. locations across the County.
Donegal County Council has submitted an application to the value of €500,000 under Measure 3 in respect of the Carrigart to Downings Walkway. This project proposal is Phase 2/Final of a phased programme of work to complete the walkway between Carrigart and Downings connecting two rural coastal settlements.
The 2025 CLAR Scheme was launched on April 4th. Clar Measure 1 being administered by Local Authorities provides funding for developing Community Assets and Facilities. Each Local Authority may select 16 applications for onward submission to the Department with maximum available funding of €65,000 in respect of 14 applications and €100,000 in respect of 2 further applications. The Council are currently undertaking an EOI selection process which has a closing date of 14th May, 2025 with the 16 selected applications following evaluation being submitted to the Department before June 13th, 2025
Development Applications Unit
Information relating to the significant levels of activity is set out below. The level
of services relating to other case types (Pre-planning enquiries; general queries; licensing) continues to form a significant part of the service to the community and amounts to approximately 5000 customer calls received per year across the service.
Based on the application numbers received in 2025 to the end of April, it is projected that approx. 2300 applications will be received in 2025.
The enactment of the 2024 Planning Act represents a significant overhaul of the legislation that brings significant new demands on the Service with new time scales for decision making across a number of areas of work including pre-planning advice, timescales associated with large-scale residential and commercial applications, and new responsibilities for monitoring and publishing data on the council’s website. The primary legislation will be followed by amended regulations that will have to be considered and implemented as well. Indications from Government are that the various sections of the 2024 Act will be commenced on a rolling basis over the next 18 to 24 months.
The ePlanning system that enables planning applications to be submitted digitally went line in January 2024. Internal practices have been reviewed and continue to be updated to enable the administration of both ePlanning applications and the traditional hard copy applications. The Planning Service have facilitated several online seminars with agents and architects to introduce the new system and this has contributed to an encouraging high level of use of the new process. The current rate of take up of the ePlanning service by the sector is 95% of all applications that have received by the Planning Service. This is the highest rates of the ePlanning system use in the State.
The continued upward trend in the numbers of new complaints and caseload in the Enforcement Unit remains prevalent and continues to be a significant element of the function of the Planning Service. The total number of historic, unresolved cases remains significant and within this overall caseload the focus is to address current complaints that are not ‘statute-barred’ due to the passage of time, and to seek to resolve contemporary unauthorised development complaints in a timely fashion either by negotiation or by recourse to the court system.
Donegal County Development Plan 2024-2030 has been adopted by Council and is now subject to a Draft Ministerial Direction on certain matters that are being considered by the Minister.
The principal work programme commitment for 2025 is the review of the Strategic Towns Local Area Plan, 2018-2024, involving the towns of Carndonagh, Bridgend, Killybegs, Donegal Town, Ballyshannon, and Dungloe. Consultation with Members has taken place through the Municipal Districts with the aim of having draft proposals on public display by Quarter 3 of 2025. Adoption of new plans for these key towns is likely in mid-2026 following public consultation and other statutory requirements.
Linked to this process is the inclusion of various amendments to residential zonings that have been affected by the Residential Zoned Land Tax and where the lands in question continue to be used for agricultural purposes. In line with recent Ministerial guidance the proposed zoning amendments will be presented for members consideration as a variation to the County Development Plan in the coming weeks.
The preparation of draft byelaws for publication later this year has been the subject of further engagement with stakeholders and Councillors in each Municipal District. With the approval of Council, the draft byelaws will be published for public consultation in Q3 of this year.
Preparation of a draft Development Contribution Scheme that is aligned with the County Development Plan 2024-2030 is at an advanced stage. Following earlier consultation with Members, a further workshop to discuss details of the working document has been arranged for the 23rd May with the aim of enabling approval to proceed to the public consultation stage as soon as possible.
Conservations services continue to provide direct advisory services to property owners of heritage buildings across the county and is heavily involved in securing central funding for vital heritage projects. Details of the value of such funding streams in 2024 are set out below.
(One project was split over two years and therefore the remaining allocation of €50,000 will be drawn down at Easter 2025)
The Major Projects Division has been established to manage the delivery of major projects funded from various sources, including URDF, RRDF, BEDF, Failte Ireland, Shared Island and Peace Programme Funding. It also includes the Building Control and Taking in Charge functions. The range of projects currently being managed are as follows:
Fort Dunree:
In partnership with Fáilte Ireland, this project proposes to transform the Fort Dunree visitor experience, providing new public spaces, refurbishing existing infrastructure and provision of a new glass walkway. A decision on the Council’s application in Aug 2024 to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for development consent is awaited.
This Shared Island, Enterprise Ireland and Donegal County Council co-funded project proposes the development of 7,717m2 Enterprise Space, Alpha Building, Beta Building linking with the Letterkenny 2040 public realm. Following an unsuccessful tender process in 2024 the Donegal 2040 DAC is currently considering options to progress the project.
Lifford Common:
This project proposes the development of a multi-use park infrastructure, football facilities and servicing of lands. Construction has commenced on this project and remains on programme for completion in Q3 2025.
This project proposes a cross-border community park (Lifford and Strabane) over thirty acres including a pavilion, events space, play areas, bridge, and walkways. A funding application under the PEACE PLUS programme has been approved to the value of €16.7 M and arrangements are being made to commence procurement of a design team to prepare construction procurement documents and manage the construction phase.
The Burtonport Harbour to Island Regeneration (Phase 2) project proposes a ferry terminal building and enterprise space in the new harbour environment in Burtonport. Work commenced on site in August 2024 and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2025.
This project proposes the provision of a Public Realm outdoor space, strategic land acquisitions and the modification and extension of Island House to provide a Tourism Information Centre, Office space & public amenities. Construction of the Public Realm is substantially completed & Island House is expected to be completed during Q2 2025.
In partnership with Spraoi agus Spórt, this project will see the delivery of a Coworking Hub, Fablab, Creative Hub and public realm infrastructure. Following approval of the Compulsory Purchase Order in October 2024 land acquisition is now underway. Site investigation works were completed in Feb 2025 and completion of the detailed design/tender documentation is expected in April 2025. DRCD approval is awaited to commence the tender process for the construction contract which is expected in Q2 2025.
Ballybofey & Stranorlar ‘SEED’ Project:
This project proposes a public realm outdoor space, car parking and Enterprise Development in the town centre. The land acquisition process is continuing, and a decision is awaited from An Bord Pleanála on whether an Oral Hearing is needed or not. Detailed design/tender documentation has been completed in 2024. DRCD approval has been sought to commence the tender process for the construction contract for the Ritz building which is expected in Q2 2025.
Letterkenny 2040 – Reimagined Market Square:
This project consists of the demolition and removal of the existing public realm and construction of a new public realm environment. The detailed design and tender documentation have been finalised and DHLGH approval has been sought to commence the tender process for the construction contract, expected in Q2 2025.
Creeslough Community Regeneration Project:
This project consists of the construction of a new community hub building, a multi-purpose community field and a community garden and landscaped public realm. A design consultant has been appointed in March 2025 and are now progressing with the design process.
Ramelton Re-Imagined/Historic Town Centre:
This project consists of the regeneration of public areas throughout the town centre including provision of civic meeting places, green spaces, surface renewal and pedestrian priority improvements. The tender process for the construction contractor is expected to be complete in May 2025 with construction to follow thereafter.
Repowering Buncrana
The overall objective of the project is to regenerate and reconnect the costal edge and historic town centre. The project consists of six key interventions:
1. A new iconic pedestrian bridge over the Mill River
2. The creation of a high performance promenade and Shore Front Green
3. Enhanced connection between the new Shore Front Green environment and the Main Street
4. Enhanced Shore Front walkway and promenade along the Fishing Green
5. Connection of the promenade to Swan Park, Buncrana Castle and Cockhill Road
6. The repurposing and extension of the old garda barracks building to create bespoke office accommodation.
Robin Lee Architects were appointed in Nov 2024 to undertake the design of the project and early scoping work is currently in progress. Acquisition of the former Garda Barracks Building was completed in 2024.
As mentioned previously, major barriers to progression of the Council’s obligations to take in charge private residential estates continue to arise where estates contain on-site wastewater treatment systems (referred to as Developer Provided Infrastructure -DPI) that are not connected to the public network and cannot be transferred to Uisce Éireann following Take Over.
With effect from 1 January 2024, Uisce Éireann have been assigned responsibility
for the remediation of DPI infrastructure however Uisce Éireann would not immediately take charge of any roles that are currently being undertaken by the developers, owners, or users of DPI infrastructure but would continue any roles undertaken by local authorities to maintain and operate such infrastructure.
This remains a significant issue for Donegal as we have one of the highest numbers of private estates containing DPI waste water infrastructure in the Country. Discussions at national level are ongoing and are likely to take a significant amount of time before completion.
Donegal County Council continues to provide support to refugees through the Offer a Home Programme and the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT). The Community Integration Forum (CIF) are working collectively across the mainstream services, NGO, community and voluntary stakeholders for Ukrainian refugees, IP applicants and Those with Status. Issues raised by LAIT at their monthly meetings are brought to the Community Integration Forum for guidance and action.
The Refugee Response Team are currently carrying out an audit to elicit detailed information from refugees in the Offer a Home Accommodation, IPAS and DAC centres. According to the EU Indicators determined to monitor the results of integration. Key policy areas to be considered include employment, education, social inclusion and active citizenship. Outcomes will be monitored and evaluated to measure the success of integration. The results of the audit will guide the refugee response team on how to plan forward across these areas, particularly in,
• Education & Training
• Employment & Skills
• Health & Housing
• Community Engagement
A Numeracy and Literacy Programme will commence in September, called ‘Manage My Home- funded by the Audit Literacy for Life – Collaboration and Innovation Fund. Donegal County Council LAIT will act as the lead organisation with Donegal ETB as the partner organisation. The objective of the Programme is to support target groups with household budgeting, meeting their financial literacy needs and improving their digital literacy.
The LAIT team is surveying the experiences of General Practitioners across the county in treating and supporting members of new communities (such as refugees and asylum seekers).
The survey seeks to identify what the challenges are for GP’s (and their staff teams, where applicable) in supporting members of these groups. The data collected will be used to inform the work of the Donegal County Council’s Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) and to support the work of their Community Integration Forum partner agencies in seeking to address challenges and remove barriers to integration for these groups, providing evidence to support advocacy for improved supports.
There are a total of 8,446 new arrivals from Ukraine living in Donegal, according to the latest set of data from the Central Statistics Office.
There are currently 35 providers of commercial accommodation for BOTPS in Donegal, with 804 people residing. Numbers continue to increase in the county with transfers from the Designated Accommodation Centres that provide accommodation on arrival for 90 days. In addition, many families are looking to reunite and are moving from other countries. Extended family members who stayed in Ukraine initially are now looking to reunite with those who travelled initially.
There are 30 International Protection Centres in Donegal providing accommodation for 2071 people, of which 891 are children.
All commercial accommodation is managed by the Department of Justice. All contractual elements are managed by the Department.
Donegal County Council’s Refugee Response Team manage properties pledged under the Offer a Home Programme (OAH). There are 816 Refugees accommodated in 265 homes under the Programme in Donegal, and 239 awaiting accommodation placements under the Programme.
The reduction in the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) from €800 per month to €600 per month may affect the availability of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. It is expected that some owners may reconsider their decision to accommodate Ukrainians. This could see those impacted presenting as homeless to Donegal County Council.
The LAIT support team continue to provide one-to-one support to International Protection applicants, BOTPS, (Ukrainian) those with Refugee, Subsidiary Protection, or Permission to Remain Status and Programme Refugees.
Supports include access to services, including healthcare, welfare entitlements, language development, cultural orientation, entering employment, education, and training, to enable them to live independently and fully integrate into the community.
The Team undertakes this role through a variety of mechanisms, including identifying needs and gaps in service provision and working with other stakeholders to meet these needs.
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)
Funding is provided from the Department of Rural and Community Development and calls for application to the Fund are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed, i.e. shovel ready. Category 2 projects are those which require further development to become ready for Category 1 status.
Table 1 below provides a summary update on the current status and delivery of projects under the RRDF.
RRDF Funding Call 4 –Project Development Measure
Back to Ballyshannon
Category 2
Category 2 (2020)
Ramelton Reimagined/Historic Town Centre
Repowering Buncrana
Category 2
Category 1 (2022)
Category 2 (3rd Call)
€247,500
€249,159
€7,949,868
• Funding applications for projects identified in both Rathmullan and Dungloe submitted by the closing date of the 14th March 2025.
• Site acquisition completed.
• Team working towards the publication of a planning scheme.
• Further screening to be arranged.
• Scope of the site has been extended to include properties on College Street, Ballyshannon.
• To be targeted for future Category 1 Funding
• Project with CPDU for delivery.
• Project with CPDU for delivery.
• To be targeted for future Category 1 Funding.
• Team support delivery through participation on Project Steering Group. Rathmullan (in partnership with The Way Forward Rathmullan CLG).
Milford Town Centre First Plan
€100,000
• Part 8 approved February 2023.
• Unsuccessful for funding under Call 5 in May 2024.
• Project submitted for RRDF Category 2 Funding Call that closed on the 14th March 2025.
• Town Centre First Plan launched November 2023
• GM Design Associates preparing a statutory planning scheme for the lands at Lower Mount Marian.
• DCC to progress other priority projects identified in the Plan.
• Town and Village Funding application made in May 2025 to acquire key site identified for regeneration in Milford Town Centre.
Milford Town Team
Creeslough Village Plan and Community Regeneration Project (in association with the Creeslough Working Group, Creeslough Community Association and Arup).
Creeslough Town Team
€10,000
Creeslough Minor Tourism Works
Glenties Town Centre First Plan
€50,000
€30,000
Glenties Town Team
BallybofeyStranorlar Town Team
Buncrana Town Team
€10,000
€10,000
• Projects to be targeted for future funding calls.
• Options being explored to establish a Town Team to deliver the Milford Town Centre First Plan with support from the Regeneration Team.
• Village Plan launched March 2024.
• Part 8 for Community Regeneration Project approved in September 2023.
• Project successfully awarded funding of €12.1m under Call 5 in May 2024 (total project value is €13.5m).
• Formal letter of offer and agreement signed and returned to the Department.
• Project with CPDU for delivery.
• Creeslough Town Team established, and first meeting held on the 25th October 2024.
• Funding of €10,000 allocated from the DRCD to support town team capacity building.
• External consultancy services procured to deliver team capacity building training to the Town Team, which is now completed.
• Works being designed in-house and contractor to be procured.
• GM Design Associates appointed to assist with preparation of the Plan.
• First engagement with the Glenties Town Team took place on the 6th November 2024.
• Work ongoing to prepare the Plan.
• Walkability audit undertook in December 2024.
• Workshop with Members of the Glenties MD planned for the 13th May 2025.
• Town Team established in August 2024 to represent the community in the preparation and delivery of the Glenties TCF Plan.
• Town Team established through BASICC to deliver the Ballybofey and Stranorlar Regeneration Strategy with support from the Regeneration Team.
• Funding of €10,000 allocated from the DRCD to support town team capacity building.
• Funding of €10,000 allocated from the DRCD to support town team capacity building.
• Town Team established in September 2024.
• External consultancy services procured to deliver team capacity building training to the Town Team, which is now completed.
• Tender being prepared for consultancy services to assist with the preparation of the Buncrana Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan.
Burtonport Harbour Development
Moville Regeneration
€24,500
• Team responsible for closing out on the legal agreements for land acquisitions and this is ongoing.
• Team support delivery through participation on project Steering Group.
• GM Design Associates appointed to assist with preparing the Strategy.
Strategy and Action Plan
Moville Town Team
Falcarragh Town Team
Bundoran
Downings Action Plan/Project Plan
Design Teams/Steering Groups
€15,000
• First community consultation event held on the 19th September 2024.
• Draft Plan prepared and further consultation event held on the 2nd March 2025.
• Submissions invited to the 16th April 2025.
• Workshop to be arranged with the Members of the Inishowen MD Members to agree the final plan.
• Initial discussions ongoing to establish a Moville Town Team.
• First public engagement event held on the 30th April to explore interest in establishing a Town Team.
• Second follow up event to be held within the coming weeks.
• Funding allocated from Failte Ireland for a Regeneration Strategy/Action Plan/Health Check.
• Tender being prepared to seek consultancy services to assist with the preparation of the Plan.
• Initial preliminary meeting held inhouse to identify planned projects and/or funded projects.
• The Team feed into various Design Team meeting and Steering Group meetings for the delivery of projects being led by CPDU.
Funding is provided from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for towns with a population in excess of 10,000 which includes Letterkenny in this County, with calls for application to the Fund sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed, i.e. shovel ready. Category 2 projects are those which require further development to become ready for Category 1 status.
Table 2 below provides a summary update on the current status and delivery of projects under the URDF.
Call Value of Project (includes DCC co-funding).
Call 1
(Submitted August 2018; Ministerial announcement November 2018; Approved to proceed with expenditure November 2019).
€3m
1 Prepare Letterkenny 2040 Regeneration Strategy
• Status – completed 2022.
2 Letterkenny Urban Regeneration site.
• DCC took possession of the former ESB site and adjacent lands through a CPO in 2023.
• Site to be developed for the Alpha/Beta office accommodation, public realm and housing.
• Land compensation claims ongoing.
3 Sub-Projects
Call 2
(Submitted May 2020; Ministerial announcement March 2021; approved to proceed with expenditure March 2023)
6 Sub Projects
€19.3m (€4.8m DCC co-funding)
3 Public Realm/Linear Park Phase 1
• Status - Opened June 2023.
1. Reimagine public space at Market Square.
• Project with CPDU for delivery.
2. Cathedral Quarter Park and Church Lane Shared Surface Scheme
• Acquisition of strategic site fronting church Lane completed and now in possession of Donegal County Council.
• Valuations obtained and land acquisition offers made on several properties.
• Avison young appointed to take forward all previous engagement and act on Council’s behalf as regards further offers/acquisitions/CPO.
• Council to consider further offers and advance any acquisitions/CPOs.
• Hall Black Douglas appointed as architect-led design team in January 2025.
• AAB Group Accountants appointed to prepare a Scoping/Feasibility Study and Business Plan in respect of the Creative Enterprise Hub element of the project and these services commenced in January 2025.
• Workshop held with the Members of the LMMD in February 2025.
3. Renewal at Lower Main Street
• Valuations obtained and land acquisition offers made.
• Subsequently Council have stepped back from a number of these properties due to private market interest – these are being monitored.
• Council actively engaging with other landowners and will advance any acquisitions/CPOs.
• Re-engagement with Donegal Youth Services carried out in December 2024 and capacity testing exercise at Devlin Hall and adjoining lands commenced January 2025 using in-house architectural resource.
4. Revival of the Courthouse
Visitor Experience Plan/Product Identification and Business Plan
• EPIC Heritage Consulting Ltd appointed to prepare a Visitor Experience Plan/ Product Identification Plan and Business Plan for the development of a major visitor attraction at the Courthouse.
• Interpretation and Business Plan presented to Members of the LMMD in February 2025.
• Community consultation event held on the 18th February 2025.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
• Funding of €10,000 secured in March 2024 from the Built Heritage Investment Scheme for minor repair works and, with co-funding from Donegal County Council, these works have been completed.
(EU) Funding.
• Funding of €199,969 secured under Thrive Strand 1 from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly
Call 3 (Submitted March 2023; Ministerial announcement July 2023; Approved to proceed with expenditure September 2023).
for the purpose of engaging architect-led team to bring the project to Part 8 stage.
• Robin lee, Architects, appointed as architect-led design team in January 2025.
• Workshop with Members of the LMMD held in February 2025.
• Apex Surveys appointed to undertake topographical and building surveys.
• Greentrack consultants appointed to undertake AA and EIA Screening.
• Preparing THRIVE Strand 2 funding application by the closing date of the 30th May 2025.
• Part 8 published and for consideration at the May 2025 Plenary meeting.
• Public drop in event held on the 10th April 2025.
• Workshop planned with the Members of the LMMD on the 13th May 2025.
5. Strategic acquisition to enable a Regional Transport Hub
• Avison Young appointed to take forward all previous engagement and act on Councils behalf as regards further offers/ acquisitions/ CPO.
• Consultation with Local Link ongoing in relation to private bus operators and options for temporary bus hub being advanced in-house.
• Land acquisition offers made in December 2024.
6. Strategic acquisition to enable LK Green Connect
• Part 8 in relation to the Cultural Corridor element of the project approved by Donegal County Council at the November 2023 Plenary meeting.
• In-house team has commenced steps to develop a Part 8 for Phase 2 (from constructed Phase 1 to Pearse Road) and this work is going.
• All landowners engaged.
• Topographic survey completed.
• Tender for AA/EIA screening opened but no tender submission – to re-open the tender again.
• External structural/civil engineering consultative services procured for site investigation services and these works completed.
• Valuation services of Avison Young being engaged in relation to phase 2 (from constructed Phase 1 to Pearse Road) and lands required for the Cultural Corridor element of the Scheme.
Revolving fund for acquisition costs of long-term vacant property or sites
• 46 properties on the program and all owners have been engaged with.
• Number of properties already activated or being activated through the Croi Conaithe and other schemes.
• Several properties currently for sale and these are being monitored.
• Valuation Services engaged in relation to property valuations.
• Council to advance 12 properties for acquisition/CPO.
• Several properties added to the Derelict Sites Register. “The Eat Out’ Outdoor Dining
• Construction completed. .
Letterkenny Cultural Corridor
Youth/Community focused project at Lower Main Street
Design Teams/Steering Groups
• Part 8 approved November 2022.
• Valuation services of Avison Young being engaged in relation to lands required for the delivery of the Scheme.
• Services of Quantity Surveyor being engaged to provide cost estimates for the scheme and these works completed.
• To be targeted for future URDF funding call.
• Early engagements with Letterkenny Youth Club and Donegal Youth Services have commenced.
• Avison Young appointed in Q4 2023 to take forward all previous engagement and act on Council’s behalf as regards further offers/acquisitions/CPO.
• Capacity testing of potential lands available has commenced with engagement ongoing with relevant stakeholders.
• The Team feed into various Design Team meeting and Steering Group meetings for the delivery of projects handed over to CPDU.
The Croi Conaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme opened for applications in July 2022 and Table 3 below provides further details of the applications received to-date.
Table 3: Summary of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Applications
• Deemed not eligible (eligibility criteria not met – vacancy/proposed works). 31
In progress (first technical inspection/awaiting information from applicant). 99
(by applicant)
To date, 51 drop in events have been held to promote the Scheme. Approximately 40 applications are received per month.
Big Donegal Clean-Up Campaign
The launch for the 2025 Big Donegal Clean-Up campaign took place recently at the pier in Donegal town where more than 70 people came together in a celebration of collaboration and community.
The Environment team of Donegal County Council would like to thank everyone who took part with an extra special thank you to the Transition Year students from the Abbey Vocational School and their teachers.
The Wild & Free Adventure Co helped the students on a Monster Stand Up Paddleboard to remove waste from the water and over half a ton was gathered from around the pier.
This campaign sees the Council supporting individuals, groups, businesses and organisations in arranging their own clean-ups. The Council provides bags, gloves and litter pickers while also taking care of the collection of rubbish once it has been bagged.
The Council is also planning to promote clean-ups on its social media pages. Photos can be shared via the following sites:
1. Twitter @DonegalCouncil
2. Facebook @donegalcoco
To sign up for this year’s Big Donegal Clean-Up call 074 91 53900, call to your local Council office or visit www.donegalcoco.ie.
Donegal County Council will provide equipment such as litter pickers, bags, gloves, Hi Vis vests and arrange for the collection of the gathered litter afterwards.
Groups should also register with An Taisce’s National Spring Clean campaign in April and be part of the national campaign https://nationalspringclean.org/
Climate Action Plan Implementation
Reporting on progress made during 2024 in relation to DCC’s Climate Action Plan has been given to the LGMA and CARO in line with national deadlines and Key Performance Indicators.
Donegal County Council’s first annual Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan will be submitted to Elected Members at end of May 2025.
The Council’s Climate Action Team had their 2nd meeting on the 13th March 2025. A number of updates were given by the Climate Action Unit and services and positive discussion around mainstreaming climate action took place.
1. Falcarragh / Gortahork: Launch of EU Pathways 2 Resilience Project Donegal County Council, in partnership with Cill Ulta, Falcarragh are participating in the EU @Pathways 2 Resilience Programme, supported by the EU Horizon Europe Fund and the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change.
We are one of 40 regions across Europe taking part in this new and exciting initiative. By taking part, our aim is to look at how we can build Rural Biobased Resilience in the An Fálcarrach / Gort an Choirce area, supported by a Northwest Bioeconomy Hub (www.nwbioeconomyhub.ie).
Donegal County Council Climate Action Team are pleased to embark on this exploration of biobased climate resilience as part of our commitment to the An Fálcarrach / Gort an Choirce Decarbonising Zone within our Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029.
A sunny Donegal backdrop set the stage for our first @Pathways2Resilience workshop in Gortahork on 14th March. Focussing on the uses and applications of making biochar from green waste and re-using on local farms, the delegates from bio-research and innovation backgrounds provided valuable insights to scaling-up, challenges, and how such techniques can fit into a wider, locally driven circular bioeconomy.
Our next workshops will focus on the wider community in An Fálcarrach / Gort an Choirce including local citizens, farms and businesses to explore possible climate resilience actions and how a strong local bioeconomy can provide resilience against some of the impacts faced due to climate change, such as soil degradation, flood risk, drought and economic losses.
For more information see website – www.pathways2resilience.eu .
2. Carndonagh: Intelligent Cities Challenge – Local Green Deal in Carndonagh
Our Cathaoirleach and Suzanne Bogan, Climate Action Officer represented Donegal County Council as part of the North West City Region’s Local Green Deal Team together with local business KPM Soils, and representatives from Derry City & Strabane District Council at the #IntelligentCitiesChallenge Final Conference in Brussels.
Highlights:
• Cathaoirleach’s participation in the ICC Mayors Business Forum
• Presenting the 2 local green deals developed in the North West Ireland City Region:
i. ‘Grow Eat Compost Repeat’ – A circular economy initiative by Donegal County Council & KPM Soils
ii. ‘Strabane Positive Energy District’ – Advancing clean energy solutions in Strabane
• Engaging with 250+ city leaders, businesses, and EU representatives to showcase our region’s commitment to a sustainable future.
This was a fantastic opportunity to put the North West Ireland City Region on the European stage as a leader in green innovation and digital transformation.
Funding of €15,000 for Donegal Community Climate Engagement Projects
Three Donegal organisations have been successful in being awarded a combined €15,000 under the National Climate Actions Work - Engagement Fund.
• Spraoi agus Sport, Carndonagh received €10,000 for their Biodiversity Action Championships project.
• Barrack Hill Town Park and Greencastle Community Development were each awarded €2,500 for climate and sustainability awareness campaigns.
The funding will support groups or organisations working to bring people together and share information on climate action. The fund is focused on climate engagement, awareness and communications - helping communities to reach new audiences in their locality. It will also provide opportunities for community groups to promote their work and spread the message of community-led climate action.
The funding is part of a national allocation of half a million euros, shared among 96 projects.
For further information: Climate Actions Work – Community Climate Engagement Fund
Success of Bespoke Organic Compost in treatment of Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutia japonica) is an herbaceous perennial native to East Asia. Commonly found on volcanic slopes, its extensive root system allows it to quickly reemerge following eruptions, producing large amounts of nitrogen-rich leaves and carbon-heavy stems. As these decompose, they contribute to new soil formation. Knotweed can grow in a variety of soil types, habitats, and pH conditions but tends to favour disturbed, low diversity, bacterially dominated soils with little organic matter and high light exposure.
In Ireland, knotweed is considered an invasive alien species (IAS) and each year it costs the Irish State and private individuals significant sums to treat and mitigate its impact. It is frequently treated with glyphosates (e.g. Roundup) to control spread. Glyphosates are non-selective and if incorrectly managed can impact adjacent plants and the biosphere more generally.
In 2021, Donegal County Council teamed up with Inishowen Rivers Trust and KPM Soils to pilot at small scale an experimental treatment of knotweed utilising a bespoke organic compost.
In 2022 with the support of the Office of Public Works and LAWPRO, the pilot was expanded. With the new partners onboard, a successful application titled KNOT (knotweed novel organic treatment) was made to the highly competitive Public Services Innovation Fund (PSIF).
The KNOT project included six sites total, five in Inishowen and one in Letterkenny Town Park. With Dr Trish Murphy PhD in the Inishowen Rivers Trust looking after project management and reporting, the scientific and operational lead on the
ground for the project was KPM Soils, led by Kevin Moore and Dr Claire Moore PhD. The treatment method utilises KPM Soils expertise on soil regeneration to establish soil conditions which are less favourable to IAS such as knotweeds and more conducive to native species. Specifically, KNOT aimed to assess the impact of increasing fungal communities in the soil, enhancing organic matter, and providing shade through dense tree planting. Increasing the fungal component of the soil promotes higher ecological succession, creating conditions that may inhibit knotweed growth.
Treatment and monitoring continued on the pilot sites through 2023 and 2024 with promising results achieved on most of the sites. There have also been challenges, particularly regarding hedge cutting activities. Unfortunately, though the pursuit is usually well-meaning, it has unwittingly impacted the cover planting which was placed as part of the treatment process and increased the ongoing risk of knotweed spread.
However, challenges aside, the treatment has shown great potential, and it is hoped to continue the pilot into 2025. Donegal County Council is also exploring the possibility of implementing the treatment method at other strategic sites impact by knotweed within the county.
Donegal County Council are carrying out septic tank inspections across the county and would like to remind homeowners to check the condition of their wastewater treatment systems, for signs of sewage overflows, blockages, pools of effluent on lawns or in nearby ditches and streams. Direct all soiled water from sinks, showers, dishwashers & washing machines to the septic tank, but not rain water, and if it hasn’t been emptied for the last few years, please get it cleaned out by a permitted contractor who will dispose of it properly. Further details on how to protect your health and environment are on our website.
In advance of the summer tourist season, Donegal County Council will be conducting a survey of wastewater treatment provision in businesses offering tourist accommodation.
Any business such as a hotel, caravan or camping park, or Guest House discharging domestic sewage in volume greater than 5 cubic metres in any period of 24 hours to an aquifer from a septic tank. or other disposal unit by means of a percolation area, soakage pit or other method, is required to apply to the Council for and obtain a licence under Section 4 of the Water Pollution Act.
Other trade effluents which require a discharge licence include effluents arising from quarries, cement product manufacturers, fish processors, smolt farms, and various industrial & manufacturing companies.
If a company discharges a trade effluent, they are legally obliged to hold a licence.
Further information and application forms are available on the Council website at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/services/environment/pollutioncontrol/water%20pollut ion/#EffluentDischargeLicences
The 2025 Bathing Season will commence officially on the 1st June and the Council’s Central Lab will be carrying out pre-season sampling at designated bathing waters from late May.
The assistance of all stakeholders, including local farmers, is key to retaining the Excellent water quality status required for the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.
As in previous years, forecasted heavy rainfall events will lead to the posting of Prior Warning Notices at certain bathing waters to protect bathers & forewarn of a potential drop in water quality.
Donegal County Council are carrying out farm inspections under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations, focusing on areas of the county where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality. The target number of first-time inspections for 2025 is 215.
These inspections focus on farmyards, slurry & soiled water storage capacity, fertiliser use and minimisation of soiled water. Farmers received advance notice through the post giving at least a week to prepare for the inspection, and a final
report was issued after completion. The main issues continue to centre around collection and holding of farm effluent and the control of soiled water in farmyards.
For the summer months, the focus of inspections will be on sheep farms, with the disposal of spent dip a key area for attention, given the severe impacts on water quality in some upland catchments
Background
Donegal County Council, as a Designated Local Authority, are tasked with the Administration of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage announced the commencement of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme on the 3rd July 2023.
The primary legislation which underpins the Enhanced Scheme is the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022.
This report provides an update on the implementation of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme and covers the period up to and including 30th April 2025.
At the commencement date, Donegal County Council had 1,296 applications received under the Previous Scheme which required transitioning to the Enhanced Scheme. These applications are referred to as “Transitional Applications”. Donegal County Council had issued approval to 849 applications prior to the commencement of the Enhanced Scheme.
Declaration of Floor Area (DOFA) received from Applicants for Grant Calculations to date under the Enhanced Scheme
Grant Amount Calculated under Enhanced Scheme and notified to applicant
Declarations reviewed by Donegal Co Co and returned to applicant 3
Percentage of Applications reviewed to date by Donegal County Council
1.2 Analysis of Transitional Applications by Approved Remediation Option:
Stage 1- Confirmation of Eligibility & Remediation Option under the Previous Scheme
Option 1
Option 2 - 5 and Blended Options
Key Points:
• Of the 849 Transitional Applications which received Confirmation of Eligibility and Remediation Option by Donegal County Council under the provisions of the Previous Scheme, 62% of applicants were approved for Option 1.
• 70% of all approved applicants have now submitted the required information (Declaration of Floor Area - DOFA, dimensioned drawings) to enable Grant Calculation by Donegal County Council.
• To date 96% of all submitted Declarations have been processed or returned to the applicant for follow up.
Section 2 - Referral of Applications to the Housing Agency
Under the provisions of the Enhanced Scheme, the technical assessment of validated applications is the remit of the Housing Agency. The initial step for an
application, following validation and referral to the Housing Agency, is the Housing Agency’s Determination of Damage Threshold of the relevant dwelling.
The average timescale for Determination of Damage Threshold by the Housing Agency is 60 days.
For applications that meet the Damage Threshold, the Housing Agency provides an indicative timeline for determination of the Remediation Option & Grant Amount. The Determination of Damage Threshold and the Remediation Option Grant as decided by the Housing Agency is communicated to the applicant by the Council’s DCB Grant Office.
Where it is deemed by the Housing Agency that an application has not met the Damage Threshold or where an applicant is not satisfied with the Approved Remediation Option, the applicant may submit an Appeal to the Independent Appeals Panel.
2.1 Determination of Damage Threshold as at 30th April 2025
To date, 98% of applications assessed by the Housing Agency have been determined to meet the Damage Threshold.
2.2 Remediation Option & Grant Amount as at 30th April 2025
To date, the Housing Agency has decided the Remedial Option Grant on 57% of the applications which have been determined to have met the Damage Threshold under the provisions of the Enhanced Scheme. These Options are summarised below:
Remediation Option Grant Refusal by the Housing Agency 3
Section 3 - Payments Processed since the introduction of the Enhanced Scheme
Table 3 provides an overview of Payments issued to applicants since the introduction of the Enhanced Grant Scheme in July 2023.
3.1: Payments Processed since the Introduction of the Enhanced Scheme
*Payments are issued in Stages; therefore, a number of applicants will have received Payments across more than one month listed above.
Where homeowners have been refunded at 90% of their outlay on CBP/Engineers Report Fees under the provisions of the Previous Scheme, the Council’s DCB Grant Office are processing the remaining 10% Engineers Fees balance, on receipt of a subsequent Payment Claim.
4.1
4.3 Remediation Option & Grant Amount as at 30th April 2025
This table outlines the decided Remediation Option Grants which have been notified to approved applicants by the DCB Grant Office.
Total No. of Grant Amounts decided to date (Previous Scheme & Enhanced Scheme) 1129
Total Value of Grant Amounts decided to date (Previous Scheme & Enhanced Scheme)
No. of Confirmation of Grant Amounts from the Previous Scheme as calculated/ recalculated under the Enhanced Scheme by Donegal County Council (Transitional Applications)
Value of Grant Amounts from the Previous Scheme as calculated/ recalculated under the Enhanced Scheme by Donegal County Council
Number of Confirmation of Grant Amounts received from the Housing Agency under the terms of the Enhanced Scheme
Value of Grant Amounts decided by the Housing Agency €193,684,775
The DCB Grant Office continues to actively engage with applicants across the full scope of the Scheme. This includes Validation of Enhanced Scheme Applications, Ancillary Grant Applications, Notification of Decisions, Validation of Payment Claims, Processing Payments, Change of Competent Building Professional and all other general queries.
The DCB Section of Donegal County Council’s Website is updated regularly and contains all the information and links that an applicant may require at various stages of the application process.
The telephone clinics are available every Tuesday and Thursday (9am – 12.30pm) to assist applicant with any queries and the DCB Grant Office Team follow up on applicants’ queries outside of the specific telephone clinics.
Applicants can also submit queries via email to dcb@donegalcoco.ie and a member of the team will be in contact with the applicant.
The Community Facilitators have a role in supporting and guiding homeowners and families who are most vulnerable and / or applicants who may not have the necessary facilities to submit an online application. There are now four Community Facilitators available to assist applicants throughout the county.
Notice of Commencement submitted by Applicants to the DCB Grant Office 579
No. of Dwellings currently undertaking Remediation Works* 491
No. of Dwellings Fully Remediated* 88
Social Housing Delivery Programme
Donegal County Council’s overall social housing delivery programme is summarised below. The overall total of 1,821 social housing units includes projects that will complete post 2026.
Summary Table Projects Completed Or On-Site
at Tender Or Advanced Design Stage (Planning Approved)
Photos below outline progress on site on Social Housing Projects across the county.
The Government have approved a new Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme 2025 with the purpose of increasing the supply of social housing through targeted second-hand acquisitions for four priority categories.
The total national budget is €325 million. Local Authorities will be funded with a capital funding allocation, rather than a number allocation as per the previous programme. Donegal County Council Capital funding allocation is €2 million for 2025.
The funding will focus on four priority acquisition categories only as follows:
1. Tenancy Sustainment (Tenant in Situ)
2. Exits from Homeless Services
3. Persons with Disabilities / Elderly
4. Buy & Renew (Vacant/Derelict Properties)
As a consequence of this, there is now no general house acquisition programme.
In order to be compliant, All-in Costs must align with Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) and where compliant, the Council have delegated sanction to acquire the property. All acquisitions will be subject to audit.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have confirmed that all on-going purchases from 2024 must be recouped under the 2025 capital funding allocation. Given the housing challenges facing the County, and the benefits of acquisitions, the Council are writing to the Minister of Housing seeking an increase in allocation and some flexibility around the rules.
Donegal County Council remains dedicated to delivering the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme within County Donegal and have recently received confirmation of our 2025 allocation of 166 units (average spend of €34,000 per unit totaling €5,644,000) from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Works carried out under this programme are of particular importance to households at risk of fuel poverty and it will remain a key focus in terms of upgrading existing stock to minimise heating costs for tenants and reach our climate targets.
It is notable that approximately 87% of the Council’s overall current social housing stock was built pre-2012. Donegal County Council are currently in discussions with the Department seeking additional allocation of units to continue our ambitious programme to improve our social housing stock which has such a positive impact on our tenants’ lives.
Donegal County Council currently manages 5,489 social housing units, and we continue to allocate new social housing units and casual vacancies to applicants on our waiting list as they become available.
Please see below photograph of the recently completed social housing development at Trusk Road, Ballybofey.
Housing area staff continue to engage with residence groups across the County supporting the good work done by residence in maintaining their estates funded by the estates management budget and the yearly Best Kept Council Housing Schemes Competition.
Please see below photograph taken during the presentation of a certificate to a resident association of a winning Estate under the Best Kept Council Housing Schemes 2024 Competition.
Residents Participating in Estate Management
Donegal County Council and Lowry Construction - Success at Irish Construction Excellence Awards
Donegal County Council and Lowry Construction won the ‘Residential Award’ at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards at a ceremony held in Convention Centre, Dublin on May 1st for the Trusk Road Friendly Housing Project in Ballybofey.
This visionary project set out to create high-quality, exemplar homes for older people, homes designed to adapt as needs change over time, enabling residents to ‘age in place’ comfortably and safely within their own communities.
Cruinniú na nÓg
The annual national day of creativity for children and young people, Cruinniú na nÓg, will take place on Saturday 7th of June, with event bookings from Wednesday the 21st of May. A wide and varied programme will take place in many towns and villages throughout the county, including Arranmore and Tory Islands.
2024 Cruinniú na nÓg performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny performed by members of An Grianán Youth Theatre. Photo: John Soffe
The Right to Read programme promotes literacy and reading development in Donegal. The programme includes the Summer Stars Reading Programme for children from the 2nd of June to the 31st of August; and the Little Library Bag project, launched in May, with bags of books made available to the parents of all children entering junior infants this year. Over 1,800 book bags will be given out free of charge from libraries across Donegal.
An Cathaoirleach’s Concert in support of Donegal Domestic Violence Services
An Cathaoirleach hosted a special concert in support of Donegal Domestic Violence Services at An Grianán Theatre on Friday April 18th.
Over 300 people attended the event which was headlined by the two first ladies of Donegal music, Moya Brennan of Clannad and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan. The event raised €7,500 for Donegal Domestic Violence Services.
Cathaoirleach’s Concert 2025 includes performers Moya Brennan of Clannad and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan. Photo: Daragh McDonoughFly-A-Kite for Diversity
Regional Cultural Centre
Festivals
SOUND! 2025 takes centre stage during May, bringing a bold programme of experimental music, sound installations, workshops, film screenings and boundary-pushing performances to Donegal.
Exhibitions
Three major exhibitions are drawing enthusiastic audiences during April/May: Prototypes for Cyborgs, The Texaco Children’s Art Competition and Between Breaths which offered a contemplative exhibition of Donegal landscapes by Dunfanaghy based artist Charlie Scott.
are a selection of previous
RCC Literary Journal – The Pig’s Back Issue 6 of The Pig’s Back, the RCC led literary journal, was released in April 2025 and features 7 leading Irish short story writers.
The Culture Division of Donegal County Council in partnership with the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies is preparing a major exhibition on the historical context, working conditions and types of employment that Donegal men and women found in Scotland between 1940 and 1990.
The Laurels - Glenties Historic Towns Initiative
Donegal County Council has secured €300,000 in funding from The Heritage Council for The Laurels, Glenties Historic Towns Initiative and this will be supplemented with €60,000 in funding from Donegal County Council and at least €25,000 from the Brian Friel Trust.
works are
Donegal County Council is also one of seven counties in Ireland to secure additional match-funding of €20,000 from The Heritage Council for the appointment of a part-time Community Archaeologist on a contract basis and for the implementation of a community archaeology programme in 2025. Donegal County Council will provide €7,000 in match funding.
Raymochy historic graveyard near Monorcunningham is one of 50 historic graveyards in the guardianship of Donegal County Council and maintained by the Roads & Transportation Directorate. Photo: Joseph Gallagher
Four archaeological monuments in County Donegal will benefit from €207,686 in funding under the Community Monuments Fund in 2025. The Community Monuments Fund is an initiative by the National Monuments Service of the
Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage in partnership with local authorities. This year’s funding will assist with essential repairs, the development of conservation management plans, and projects that build resilience in monuments to withstand climate change. It will also support efforts to improve public access and deepen understanding of Donegal’s rich archaeological heritage. The successful applicants in Donegal for 2025 are:
▪ Ballyshannon Regeneration Group for essential repairs and conservation of Assaroe Abbey ruins, Ballyshannon (€100,000);
▪ Donegal GAP Heritage and History CLG for the completion of the stabilisation of the wall top walkway, rebuilding and stabilisation of parapet at Doon Fort, Portnoo (€50,960.75);
▪ Committee for the Preservation of Finner Graveyard, Bundoran for the preparation of a conservation management plan and the cutting back of vegetation from church ruins by hand to allow for the identification of conservation issues and risks (€28,331.10); and
▪ Dunkineely Community CLG for the conservation and renovation of four wrought-iron gates and supporting pillars at the Old Killaghtee Churchyard, St. John's Point (€28,395).
Funding
a Western Stone Fort and an archaeological monument in Loughadoon near Portnoo.
Biodiversity Office
Donegal is Buzzin’ for Biodiversity Week!
National Biodiversity Week was from 16th – 25th May, spanning International Biodiversity Day on 22nd May and is celebrated across Ireland with the collective aim of connecting people with nature. Donegal County Council hosted several Biodiversity Week events, from engaging guided walks along the River Deele, a Pollinator ID workshop in Buncrana to an Explore Your Shore session at Maghery Strand.
The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) was published in January 2024 and strives for a “whole of government, whole of society” approach to the governance and conservation of biodiversity. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 (Part VA, 59B (a)-(c)) introduced a new requirement for public bodies to consider biodiversity and report on the actions they take for biodiversity. Public bodies must now:
• have regard to the objectives and targets of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) in the performance of their functions, and
• report annually on the fulfilment of this obligation by outlining measures adopted and progress made towards objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
The Biodiversity Office carried out this reporting exercise and submitted Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity Duty feedback report on 30th April.
5. Economic Development, I.S. & Emergency Services
The number of incidents in the county and the fire brigade mobilisation activity for March and April 2025 are detailed in Table 1 below.
Incidents in County Donegal
Mobilisations (By Donegal Brigades) 277
Mobilisations into Donegal by NIFRS 20
Table 1 - Operational Data for March and April 2025
Training
Members of the Service attended the following out of county training courses during March and April 2025:
➢ Members of the Service attended 3 No. two-day Breathing Apparatus (BA) (Refresher) Courses at Dundalk Fire Station, Co. Louth. In total 30 No. firefighters attended. 4 No. Donegal County Fire Service Instructors provided training on these courses.
➢ Members of the Service attended 2 No. two-day Fire Safety Seminars in Portlaoise, Co. Laois. In total 2 No. Senior Fire Officers attended.
➢ 1 No. member of the Service attended a one-week Fire Service Trainer (Delivery) Course at Ennis Fire Station, Co. Clare.
➢ 13 No. members of the Service attended a two-week QQI Using Breathing Apparatus (BA) Initial Wearers) Course at Dundalk Fire Station, Co. Louth. 4 No. Donegal County Fire Service Instructors provided training on this course.
Members of the Service attended the following in County training courses during March and April 2025:
➢ 20. No. members of the Service attended a half-day Emergency Service Driving Standard Theory Test at Stranorlar Regional Training Centre.
➢ Members of the Service attended 3. No. one-week Emergency Service Driving Standard Practical Driving Courses. In total 6 No. firefighters attended. 2 No. Donegal County Fire Service Instructors provided training on these courses.
➢ Members of the Service attended a half-day Emergency Service Driving Standard Practical (Refresher) Driving Course. In total 3 No. firefighters attended. 1 No. Donegal County Fire Service Instructor provided training on these courses.
➢ Members of the Service attended a half-day Emergency Service Driving Standard Practical (Recertification) Driving Test. In total 3 No. firefighters attended.
Statutory Fire Safety
Table 2 below shows the number of valid Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) applications received and the number of applications granted for each of the two-month periods from March to April 2025, both dates inclusive.
Table 2 - twelve months summary of FSC’s received and decisions made.
At the end of April 2025, 39 FSC applications were waiting to be assessed, while 57 FSC applications were waiting for further information from the applicants Technical Agent.
Table 3 below sets out the type and frequency of other activities that the Fire Prevention Section was involved during March and April 2025.
Fire Safety Awareness presentations made 23*
Table 3 – Fire Prevention Activity Data for March and April 2025 (Excludes FSC’s)
*As part of its Community Fire Safety programme, Stranorlar, Buncrana, Moville, Carndonagh, Falcarragh, Letterkenny, Dungloe & Gweedore Fire Brigades delivered a total of 21 No. fire safety presentations while Donegal Town & Letterkenny fire brigades completed 2 No. home fire safety visits.
SWEMS is a new Severe Weather Emergency Management System developed by Galway County Council. It is a system designed to collect and integrate mobile field data, which can be viewed in management dashboards and incorporated into public messaging applications. The SWEMS training was completed on 15th April in the Council Chamber in Lifford.
Met Éireann organised a one-day EFAS training session in Dublin. The training included presentations by Met Éireann and representatives from EFAS. The Major Emergency Management Officer from Donegal County Council attended the training session.
The SEPG Seminar was held on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, at the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development College in Cookstown. Speakers on the day included a HSE representative who delivered a presentation on the HSE response to the Creeslough incident. A tour of the training facility was also provided by NIFRS.
The Donegal Tech Advocates hosted a networking event on 1st May 2025 at the Letterkenny Public Service Centre, bringing together tech entrepreneurs, professionals, and supporting organisations from across the county. Donegal Tech Advocates is an industry-driven network aimed at connecting and supporting the local tech ecosystem, fostering innovation, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge to help Donegal’s tech sector grow and succeed.
Michelle Conaghan from IDA North West presented on the investment and innovation opportunities outlined in the new IDA Strategy. Her talk highlighted how Donegal can position itself for sustainable growth and innovation, with clear pathways for attracting investment and expanding the region’s technological footprint.
The event also featured an engaging joint presentation from Hilary McPartland (North West Skills Forum), Eve-Anne McCarron (Atlantic Technological University), and Vinny McGroary (Donegal ETB). Together, they provided valuable insights into the wide range of training, education, and skills supports available to the tech sector. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of the resources and initiatives that can help local businesses and professionals develop the talent needed to meet evolving industry demands
Attendees praised the event’s interactive format and the open exchange of ideas. The energy in the room reflected the shared commitment among participants to strengthen Donegal’s position as a hub of tech innovation and collaboration. The enthusiasm, willingness to share knowledge, and focus on collective growth are what make Donegal’s tech community such a vibrant and exciting place to be.
A new series of webinars has been launched by the RegTech Supercluster - an initiative to establish the world’s first multi-sector ‘regulation supercluster’ by partners Donegal County Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, ATU, Ulster University, Catalyst and APLHA Innovation.
The first webinar took place on 10th April 2025 and was attended by over 50 people from across Ireland as well abroad. The theme was ‘DORA’ the new EU Digital Operational Resilience Act which came into application in January 2025. We were delighted to be joined by the Central Bank of Ireland to share their insights on DORA as regulator as well as an industry panel of companies based in Ireland and the UK. A recording of the webinar, as well as other events to date, is available at https://www.regtechsupercluster.com/events
ALPHA Innovation partners in Agri-Food consortium to win share of €65m PEACEPLUS fund awarded to boost cross-border innovation, productivity and competitiveness
The submission was one of 8 awarded funding, in what was an oversubscribed and hotly contested call. The initiative involves monitoring and innovating around the production of food of an animal origin (land and sea), with sister labs supporting this activity being located in Donegal (at ALPHA Innovation) and Derry (at Ulster University).
The consortium was awarded almost €6m to deliver impact across a number of priority areas, with partners including Ulster University (lead), ALPHA Innovation, Teagasc, University of Galway, University College Dublin, the Northern Ireland Food & Drinks Agency, and BioInnovate.
ALPHA Innovation is powered by Donegal 2040, an economic development-led engine for growth of Donegal County Council, and supported by Enterprise Ireland.
The official launch of the Golf in Donegal brochure took place at Donegal Golf Club, Murvagh on Friday 9th May by Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD. The event was well attended by golf club representatives from across the county, tour operators and tourism bodies. The event was hosted by Sean Quinn from Highland Radio and included a panel discussion on the current climate in golf and hospitality with Lynn McCool (Donegal Golf Club), John Farren (Ballyliffin Golf Club) and Sheila Russell (Harvey's Point). The new brochure is available for download from www.govisitdonegal.com/golf and at golf clubs across the county.
The Local Enterprise Office of Donegal County Council continues to play a vital role in supporting the growth and competitiveness of small and micro businesses across the county. Its mission is to foster innovation, sustainability, and export potential, ultimately contributing to job creation within the county.
LEO Donegal surpassed its 2024 performance targets, delivering impactful supports that strengthened local enterprise and boosted job creation across the county.129 jobs were created in the LEO DONEGAL Client Portfolio of 250 companies.
Local Enterprise Week 2025 took place in March with strong engagement from the Donegal business community. This year’s programme offered over 20 events focused on learning, networking, and innovation. Organised by Local Enterprise Office Donegal and its partners, the week featured a wide range of expert-led workshops and sector-specific discussions. The programme opened with a business networking masterclass by Kingsley Aikins from The Networking Institute, setting an energetic and insightful tone for the week. Key themes included digital transformation, taxation, engineering, tourism, sustainability, and a dedicated International Women’s Day event.
Local Enterprise Week culminated in the Made in Donegal: Business Summit & Showcase at the Mount Errigal Hotel. Hosted by national broadcaster Ciara Doherty, the event highlighted Donegal’s entrepreneurial talent through panel discussions with leading business figures such as Caroline Faulkner, Willie McCarter, and Edward McDaid. The summit also celebrated leadership in sport, with contributions from Joe Barr, Jim McGuinness, and Patsy McGonagle. The event concluded with a showcase of Donegal’s top artisan food and craft producers, rounding off a successful week of connection, inspiration, and local pride.
Nearly 600 students from 12 schools across Donegal participated in the County Final of the Student Enterprise Programme, where a variety of awards were presented in categories including Junior, Senior, Intermediate, Digital, Green, Innovation, Best Display, and Best Business Plan. The programme, which supports students in creating and marketing their own business ideas, provides valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Cara Coulter from St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, who won the Junior Category at the County Finals of the Student Enterprise Programme 2025 with her business Reading Angels.
At the National Finals in Mullingar on 8th May 2025, Donegal was represented by Cara Coulter and Sophie Coulter from St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, who won the Sustainability Award with their business Reading Angels. Deborah Diaz from Loreto Convent Letterkenny represented Donegal in the Senior Category with Deborah’s Customised Gifts, and Darcie Boyle, also from Loreto Convent Letterkenny, competed in the Intermediate Category with her business Birdy By D.
These students, along with their teachers, showcased their entrepreneurial skills and represented Donegal with pride and professionalism at national level.
The fourth cohort of SCÁLA, the management development programme from Local Enterprise Office Donegal, got underway in April. This initiative supports high-potential start-ups and business expansions within the county, targeting entrepreneurs and senior managers with the ambition to scale their businesses.
The 2025 SCÁLA cohort
With a particular focus on fast-growing sectors such as Tech, Engineering, Manufacturing, Health Sciences, and the Blue Economy, SCÁLA is unique to Donegal and was developed by investors for entrepreneurs. The programme also encourages spin-outs from existing firms and provides participants with access to expert mentoring, peer learning, and potential investment opportunities, contributing to sustained business growth in the region.
Both the Restoration Maintenance and Restoration Improvement programmes have commenced in the Areas. The Restoration Maintenance or surface dressing programme is delivered via a 3 train system that rotates to a pre-arranged programme across the 19 RSS Areas, and is subject to variables such as weather and plant. The Restoration Improvement programme is delivered by combined bitmac surfacing contracts and DCC improvement works. To date a total of 113 Bitmac contracts have been tendered and let across the county.
From 2025, the Roads Areas are making use of the Proworks application to manage the various stages of H&S and Traffic Management that are associated with each individual project under the RI and RM programmes.
The first stage of the implementation of the Speed Limits has been completed with nearly 1,300 poles erected, and 2,278 speed limit signs erected on the local roads, and adjacent Regional/National before 7th February , in connection with the Rural Local Speed Limit review at a cost of €118k.
Preparation is underway to commence the roll out of the next phase in the Urban Speed Limit Review.
Progression of finalisation of the 2025 programme is well under way with Areas Managers finalising details with elected members. The allocation for 2025 is €1.1m for 2025. The DRCD issued revised scheme outline in March of this year, which includes some changes to the eligibility criteria.
2025 is the first year, that the Areas have tendered for the laying of ‘Warm Mix’ as against ‘Hot Mix’ bitmac, and where Stone Mastic Asphalt and Asphalt Concrete are specified, DCC are seeking to lay a minimum of 25% of these materials in Warm Mix Asphalt in 2025, in accordance with the DOT’s RW12 of 2024 circular.
Standard CC-SPW-00900 – Road Pavement – Bituminous Materials was updated in October 2023 to include the use of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) as part of the specification. WMAs are produced at lower temperature, typically 20-40°C lower, compared to equivalent Hot Mix Asphalts (HMA) and as such play a part in the overall decarbonisation efforts.
To date a number of ‘Warm Mix’ contracts have been completed in the Letterkenny MD.
The 2024/25 Winter Maintenance season finished at the end of April. Comparative statistics in relation to previous years are not available yet. Ploughs/Gritters are being returned to the MY for servicing in readiness for next year.
TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project Donegal
The formal Government Consent through cabinet was provided in July 2024. It is planned that publication of the EIAR and CPO will take place in the coming
months, subject to normal process approvals by TII. This project links to the N2/A5 road scheme and is a vital link to Donegal.
Following the Planning Appeals Commission’s Report in respect to the A5 WTC, the NI Assembly Minister announced in October 2024 the intention to proceed with construction of the first stretch of the A5WTC. This would deliver 55kms/34 miles of the A5WTC between Strabane and Ballygawley.
In November 2024, the DfI was served with legal proceedings challenging the authorisation of the A5WTC. The case was heard in March in Belfast and a judgement is awaited.
This challenge has not affected the Vesting Orders from becoming operative on 25 November 2024. On this date, ownership of the relevant properties between Sion Mills (North) and Ballygawley (West) legally transferred to the DfI. However, progress on construction remains on hold subject to the most recent legal process.
Previous funding commitments and general support by all Government Departments remains vitally important to allow the A5WTC advance.
The table below shows the allocations received in comparison to last year’s allocations.
Donegal County Council ran a non-statutory public consultation on proposals for implementing new speed limits within urban areas including a proposed 30km/h speed limit within the urban core of some of our towns and villages in the county.
The consultation ran for two weeks until 26th May.
In total 103 settlements that currently have an urban speed limit of 50km/h or 60km/h with 58 of these locations seeing some change to their speed limits, and of these there are proposals for 43 new 30kph Urban Cores. 45 locations have no proposed speed limit changes.
All of the information was available on our consultation portal www.consult.donegal.ie and we also held in-person drop in events in 7 locations.
12-May Killybegs Niall Mor Centre Killybegs 16:00 to 19:00
13-May Donegal Town Donegal Town Public Service Centre 16:00 to 19:00
14-May An Clochan Liath Ionad Seirbhisi Pobail An Clochan Liath 16:00 to 18:00
15-May Carndonagh Carndonagh Public Service Centre 16:00 to 19:00
15-May Ballyshannon Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon 16:00 to 19:00
19-May Stranorlar The Base Enterprise Centre Stranorlar 15:00 to 18:00
21-May Letterkenny Letterkenny Public Service Centre 16:00 to 19:00
The public will be able to make submissions at these events, by post, by email speedlimitreview@donegalcoco.ie or via the consultation portal.
The term non-statutory means that this is not a consultation that we are obliged to undertake by law as part of a formal process, however, it gives us and the public an opportunity to engage on the issue prior to a statutory public consultation that is planned to take place later in the year as part of a speed limit bye-law process. This will allow us to take feedback received over the course of the consultation into account as we engage with our Elected Representatives and other stakeholders in drafting the bye-laws.
Studies have shown that lower urban vehicle speeds considerably reduces the collision fatality risk for pedestrians or cyclists.
Piers and Harbours
Projects at Rathmullan have recently been completed with allocations from DAFM and DCC. A large quay wall reconstruction project is currently nearing completion at Ailt an Chorrain. It is planned to have a formal event to mark the completion of the Rathmullan project at the end of May.
John G. McLaughlin Chief Executive