A LETTERKENNY councillor is urging Donegal County Council to do more to address the housing needs of people with disabilities.

The issue was raised at Friday’s Special Plenary Meeting of Donegal County Council.

Cllr Tomás Sean Devine said he was left disgusted after news emerged last week that Letterkenny man Martin Gallagher finds himself homeless.

Mr Gallagher was injured in a collision on St Patrick’s Day that claimed the life of his brother, Anthony.

Mr Gallagher’s story was carried in Thursday’s edition of the Donegal News.

Our story revealed how a funding shortfall has stalled vital accessibility works on his home, leaving the well-known local on the hunt for alternative accommodation.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Cllr Devine expressed his frustration that, even in 2025, the council has no homes to offer someone with a disability.

Cllr Tomás Sean Devine.

“I was appalled to hear the news about Martin Gallagher’s situation to be quite honest,” Cllr Devine said.

“I am in the very same situation as that man; I can’t go up and down my own stairs.

“I am absolutely disgusted that there is no way of getting this man’s house adapted, and even at that, there is nowhere to move him temporarily.

“It is not good enough in this day and age that we have nowhere to offer a man temporary accommodation.

“It is insulting.”

Cllr Devine, pictured right, also highlighted that, although Donegal County Council are building many new houses across the county, none are designed to accommodate people with disabilities.

“It’s all very well saying that 30 per cent of the houses they are building now can be made accessible, but why not make them accessible from the start?” Cllr Devine asked.

“We need them.”

At today’s Plenary Meeting of Donegal County Council, Cllr Devine will once again voice his concerns, noting that despite raising the issue many times, he is repeatedly told houses are only adapted when the need arises.

“Martin Gallagher needs a house,” Cllr Devine said.

“And there are a lot of Martins out there, myself included.”