Ava Maguire delves into the archives to bring you the news and images from yesteryear.
50 years ago – January 17, 1976
Tourism main topic as Donegal and Fermanagh Councils meet
HISTORY was created in Lifford last Friday, when a joint meeting of Fermanagh District Council and Donegal County Council was held to discuss matters of mutual social and economic benefit to both counties, with special emphasis on the development of tourism, St Angelo Airport, Enniskillen and the improvement of cross-border telephone communications.
This was the first time such a meeting was held in the Republic, though members of Donegal County Council have crossed the Border twice, travelling to Enniskillen and Strabane to discuss subjects of common interest.
Mr Sean McEniff, chairman of Donegal County Council, who initiated the Cross-Border talks, presided at what was a very friendly and amicable debate.
While members were attending lunch at the Inter-County Hotel, after the agenda had been completed, a phone call was received that there was a bomb in the Motor Tax Department. The staff evacuated the offices and a search was carried out by the Gardaí, but the call turned out to be a hoax.
Strict security regulations were in operation for the meeting. A Garda check-point was set up outside the Garda Station and all cars were searched. At the County Council Offices members of the Social Branch were in attendance; in fact for most of the meeting they were the only members of the public attending.
Brian Gleeson, Toni Forrester, Anne Condon and Daragh O’Connor at the Letterkenny Chamber Showcase Event in the Wine Buff in Letterkenny. Photo: Clive Wasson.
Wild mink threat to farmers in South-West Donegal
SOUTH-West Donegal is threatened by the dangers of wild mink. The spectacular increase in the numbers of these predators over the past two years has alarmed stock owners all over the area, and brought them together at a special meeting in Carrick on Sunday night to work out a campaign to combat the grave dangers posed for their fish stocks, poultry and even young lambs.
It is hoped to alert the entire section of the county to the serious situation that has arisen and bring out a widespread campaign that will bring the Mink under control and eventually lead to their extermination.
The Carrick meeting was called by the parish priest of Glencolmcille, Father James McDyer and also present were Dr. Ronald Clarke, Derry Chairman; and Mr. John Kerr, Secretary of the Donegal Game Council. There were representatives from all over the South-West, from Glencolmcille, Kilcar, Ardara and Glenties districts.
Fr. McDyer pointed out the increasing menace developing in their midst from these wild mink and said that this intolerable situation cannot be permitted to continue. The huge increase in numbers had alarmed them and they are a deadly threat to their fish, poultry and young lambs. Action should be taken now, he urged and asked that it be undertaken in every parish in South-west Donegal.
Mr. John McGill, Ardara Angling Club, explained the menace of these mink to fish stock.
Judy and Lance Ball at the Donegal Football League dinner dance.
Thirty Loreto Convent pupils in Young Scientists Competition
OVER thirty students from Loreto Convent Letterkenny, took part in the ” Young Scientist of the Year” competition in Dublin, at the week-end, to participate with their own special displays, ideas and interests.
They had with them impressive displays on topics that ranged from “Toys” to “The Teenage Mind.” In all there were thirteen projects from this go-ahead school, and they included: “Were Grandma’s Cures Better Than Ours?”, “Sleep and Dreams”, ” Gweedore—A Living Gaeltacht”, “Diseases from Animal to Man”, “20th Century Killer (A research into cigarette smoking)”, Spina bifida, and “Letterkenny- A Growing Town.”
With such a volume and range of subjects, it is evident that an immense amount of hard work went into the preparation of the exhibits- and everyone considered it well worthwhile.
25 years ago – January 19, 2001
Health Board to create 600 new jobs
THE North Western Health Board is expected to approve a budget of almost £53 million more than last year.
Announcing details at a special meeting of the NWHB in Killybegs yesterday afternoon, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pat Harvey said that the additional monies would translate into 600 new jobs this year. In total the board has £256 million to spend in 2001.
The new positions will be created through medical and dental staff (30), nurses (109), carers and home support staff (217), clinical staff (130), paramedics (73), administration staff (19), and technical and maintenance staff (10).
Of £53.75 million increase £31.388m is to maintain services at 2000 levels allowing for pay and prices increase. The remaining £22.3m will allow a number of service developments to be progressed. The additional funding will ensure that the new and extended day service unit in Letterkenny General Hospital will be fully operational with oncology and haematology at consultant level coming on stream during the year.
Members heard the extended theatre facilities, much enhanced equipment together with additional consultant appointments will improve all aspects of surgical procedures available at Letterkenny.
Green Party candidate Frank Gallagher launches his campaign for the local elections, also included is Eamon Ryan TD, Minister Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Opposition grows to Bunbeg harbour plan
ONE of the most famous landmarks in Gweedore will be destroyed if a major residential and commercial development planned for Bunbeg Harbour area gets the go ahead, locals have warned.
As part of a major development for the area a Derry-based property developer plans to demolish the 150 years old Bunbeg storehouse adjacent to the local pier and replace it with 48 apartments and five commercial units to include an underground car park for 63 vehicles.
Locals claim the tranquillity of the picturesque area will be ruined by the development and that insufficient infrastructure is in place to support the project. They are also deeply concerned about the density of the project in just an area of just over one acre. A number of locals have already submitted objections to Donegal County Council.
The North West Chairman of An Taisce Ms. May McClintock from Letterkenny said she was “horrified” to learn of the plans and would oppose the proposed development.
A planning application was submitted to Donegal County Council before Christmas by Louise McLaughlin from Limavady Road, Derry to demolish the existing building locally known as Gweedore Hostel. It is understood the property has been sold subject to planning permission being granted.
American university Falcarragh plan meets ‘serious problems’
PROPOSALS to locate the campus of an American university at Ballyconnell estate in Falcarragh have received a set-back with confirmation that Údarás na Gaeltachta are unlikely to provide funding towards an English language college in the Gaeltacht.
In a statement issued this week, Údarás Board member Brian O’Domhnaill called on Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure every effort was made to deliver visible projects to Ballyconnell estate during 2001.
He explained that six proposals had been submitted to Údarás to utilise the facilities at Ballyconnell, including one from Sacred Heart College in Fairfield, Connecticut.
“The introduction of a third level college would not only be advantageous to the local area but indeed to the whole of the North West and the Donegal Gaeltacht through developing education at home. I will be pursuing this issue constantly in the coming weeks,” Mr O’Domhnaill said.
“Representatives from Sacred Heart College will meet with Údarás officials in Galway towards the end of the month and every effort must now be made to land worthwhile projects to Ballyconnell estate.
“The estate is in a poor state of repair and I believe if this deal falls through Údarás will sell Ballyconnell,” Mr O’Domhnaill added.
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