President Catherine Connolly made her first official visit to Donegal today, marking her first trip to the county since her election last year.
During her election campaign, President Connolly promised to return to the county.
She fulfilled that promise with a two-day visit, starting at Killybegs this morning before proceeding to the Donegal County Council offices in Lifford.
She was greeted there by Cathaoirleach Paul Canning, Chief Executive John McLaughlin and Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Gaeilge, Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig and Martin Scanlon.
The president addressed a chamber packed with councillors as well as representatives from local community centres, associations, language planning offices and schools.
She reflected on her 17 years as a councillor and how it deepened her respect for elected members and local authority staff, who work hard to deliver essential services to their communities.
“My time in local government copper-fastened my view that decisions affecting people’s lives should be made as close as possible to those whose lives they impact.
“Effective and representative local government is the bedrock of a stable and robust democracy as well as being a key means of empowering local communities.
“It is clear to me as I travel the country local communities on the ground have clearly identified the challenges that they are facing, and equally importantly, the solutions,” she said.
President Connolly was greeted by Cathaoirleach Paul Canning, Chief Executive John McLaughlin and Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Gaeilge, Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig and Martin Scanlon.
President Connolly addressed key issues facing the county, including the defective concrete crisis, challenges in the fishing industry, those affected by the Creeslough tragedy and threats from climate change.
She also highlighted the growing strength of the Irish language and its role as a central part of local identity and culture.
She concluded her address with a promise to return to the county and visit the island communities.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig thanked President Connolly for her commitment to the Gaeltacht. He also spoke warmly of pupils from Scoil an Aingil Choimhéadaí in Keadue, describing them as the future of the language.
Clíona Ní Ghallachóir sang as Gaeilge for those in attendance before the president was presented with gifts from Donegal.
President Connolly then visited Cara House Family Resource Centre in Letterkenny and met with representatives of Donegal Travellers Project.
Tomorrow, she will conclude her visit at the Ardara Community Childcare Centre.
