DONEGAL Education and Training Board plays a pivotal role in the lives of communities in the county, the outgoing chairperson of the education body stated during his final speech before completing his term of office this week.

Addressing the annual general meeting of the Donegal ETB, Letterkenny Cllr. Donal Coyle pointed out that the ETB is the largest educator in the county and provides “a fantastic service ably led by an excellent chief executive, Anne McHugh, and her staff.”

He also acknowledged the role and contribution of board members and for putting their faith in him.

He also praised what he termed was the “invaluable work” done by teachers, SNAs, caretakers and all the ancillary staff who play their part in providing an education for students.

Reflecting on his term in office, he said that it had been a “great honour and privilege” to serve in the position.

He felt that there had been “a lot of progress” during the past two years, notably building works at Finn Valley College and Moville Community College, and he expressed the hope that there will be “visible progress” at the three schools campus in Buncrana as well as at Errigal College in Letterkenny and Mulroy College in Milford.

Concluding, he also expressed a desire for Donegal to host a future annual general meeting of the Education and Training Boards Ireland, something that has not happened for a long time.

“It is only a one day event, I think Donegal and Letterkenny would be ideally sited and well capable of hosting such an event,” he added.

Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh thanked Cllr. Coyle for his work and commented that it is “always important to have a good leader at the top of any organisation.”

Cllr. Michael McBride led the tributes paid to Mr Coyle in relation to his two year term in the position.

He also stated that “this ETB in Donegal is somewhat unique and there is a great team and harmony which comes from the top.”

Cllr. Terry Crossan has now succeeded Cllr. Coyle as Chairperson of the Donegal ETB.