By Dionne Meehan

THE owner of an award-winning food truck in Ramelton said it is “insane” that his business now faces the threat of closure after receiving an urgent enforcement notice from Donegal County Council.

For the past seven years, Ramelton native Johnny Patterson has been operating his chip van ‘Johnny’s Ranch’ from Gamble Square.

Situated in the heart of the heritage town, over time it has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors to the town year-round, all eager to sample his famous fish and chips.

However, recently the local businessman’s fortunes took a downturn when his chip van became the target of repeated vandalism.

Left feeling intimidated and mentally exhausted, last week brought about Mr Patterson’s biggest setback to date when he was served with an urgent enforcement notice from Donegal County Council under the Planning and Development
Act.

Already burdened by rising input costs and the struggle to keep his business running, years of his hard work now hang in jeopardy.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Patterson said: “The closure order is for an unauthorised development on Gamble Square, which is a chip van on four wheels.

“It is just insane.”

‘POWER OF THE PEOPLE’

Posting the letter online in an appeal for support, Mr Patterson urged the public to help save his business from closure.

“We need your support.

“Power of the people is more than the people in power.”

Showing his support to the local businessman, Cllr Declan Meehan described the issues raised as “frustrating” and “concerning”.

“No business, or individual, should have to face this kind of sustained pressure,” Cllr Meehan said.

He committed to raise these concerns through the appropriate channels, in the hope that common sense prevails.

Meanwhile, local resident Mary Fisher has launched a petition calling on Donegal County Council to rethink their decision.

“Johnny’s dedication goes beyond just business,” Ms Fisher said.

“He has been a constant source of support for local causes, generously donating free food to good causes and events, helping to foster a close-knit community spirit.

“His contributions to our village cannot be overstated, as he tirelessly works to bring people together, often becoming the thread that binds our community.”

Ms Fisher said if this move by Donegal County Council goes ahead, it will risk dismantling not just a business, but a community hub loved and cherished by many.

‘SENSELESS ACT’

“This senseless act stands to strip away a pivotal piece of what
makes Ramelton so special,” she said.

“The decision to close Johnny’s Ranch seems to be based on the perspectives of only a few individuals, disregarding the overwhelming benefit Johnny’s business brings to our town.

“It’s time to unite and show what Ramelton has always been—a tight-knit community that supports its own, especially when unjustly challenged.

“We urge the Donegal County Council to reconsider this decision and recognise the value Johnny’s Ranch brings to our community.”

If you wish to sign the petition you can do so via https://chng.it/V5RJBmC2q7