A pensioner has appeared at Dungloe District Court in connection with one of two gorse fires that raged through parts of the north west of Donegal at Easter last year.
Anthony O’Donnell (71) of Glen Lodge, Drumnacart Mountain, Burtonport, is charged with causing over €300,000 in damage.
He is accused of arson damaging by fire property, namely on the home and oil tank of Ann Beggs, damage that had a combined value of €220,000.
The defendant is also charged with arson to the value of €21,500 caused to the rear dwelling house of Eugene Morgan and oil tank destroyed on the same date at Drumnacart, Annagary.
He is also charged with arson with extensive damage to the rear of the dwelling house and garage of Stef Bullon to a combined value of €70,000 at Rannyhaul, Kincasslagh.
The defendant is also charged with arson by damaging a shed belonging to Nancy McLaughlin containing two vintage tractors. And he is charged with arson on an oil tank belonging to Liam Cummins containing oil valued at €800 at Drumnacart, Annagary.
Garda Siobhan Campbell told the court she arrested the defendant at his home at 10.20am on Tuesday morning.
The pensioner made no reply to the charges.
Inspector Seamus McGonigle said the DPP had elected for trial on indictment in the circuit court and asked the court for the case to be adjourned for two months for preparation of a Book of Evidence.
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case until May 12 and the defendant was remanded on continuing bail until that date.
The defendant was represented by solicitor, Cormac Hartnett.
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