Happy Birthday!!!
Members of the Buchanan family who gathered in Dom’s Pier 1 last Saturday night to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Maureen Buchanan. Photo: Jason McGarrigle
Keeney Construction Reports significant progress in discussions with interested body
Keeney Construction has reported significant progress with its proposals for the development of a new shopping centre in Donegal Town. Laurence Blake, Project Manger with the Company informed the Times that both he and Planning Consultant, Derek Scott, have had a number of very encouraging meetings with adjoining landowners since acquiring the Mart. He said that Keeney Construction is taking a very broad view of the area’s development potential and is preparing a Master Plan for it in consultation and partnership with officials in Donegal County Council.
It has also been confirmed that a sub-committee will be formed by the mart to discuss the design of the new facility on the outskirts of the town. Derek Scott said that ‘as soon as this sub-committee is set up, a series of meetings will be arranged to finalise the design and thereafter a planning application will be prepared and submitted to Donegal County Council.’ He said that Keeney Construction Limited had agreed to submit an application within ten weeks of signing a contract with the Mart and he saw no reason why the terms of that contract could not be agreed and signed within the next few weeks.
Representatives of Keeney Construction have also had a number of meetings with Donegal County Council officials and the NRA since the successful shareholder vote. Given the huge numbers of jobs and employment spin-off benefits that the proposed development will generate in the town, both Blake and Scott are confident that the County Council will assist them in delivering favourable planning decisions for the shopping centre and the new mart. Blake said that ‘we are now more confident than ever about the success of our proposal.’
Donegal Times spoke with Mart Secetary, Shay Carbin, who said that the Mart solicitor had been in contact with Keeney’s solicitor to draw up a contract – when the committee receives the draft it will meet with Derek Scott and consortium to discuss design of new mart. He hopes this will happen within the next few weeks.
John Durcan, Chariman, Bosco Committee confirmed that some of its members have met with Keeney - but would not comment on outcome.
Major marinas should be developed at three locations in Donegal, according to a report commissioned by Donegal County council, released at the beginning of February.
The County Donegal Marina Development strategy recommended that Fahan, Burtonport and Killybegs be developed as full purpose marinas, with boat stations and angling facilities designated for Ballywhorisky, Tory Island and Bonagee.
The study, which cost €123,000 was prepared by Deloitte in association with Crest Nicholson Marinas UK. Ltd and DFP Construction Service.
The report stated that all six facilities should be developed to provide a total of 453 berths at a cost of between €6.6 million and €7.1 million.
Donegal Town was one of the locations looked at by the consultants, but they concluded that it did not meet the criteria necessary to successfully develop and sustain a marina. So back to the drawing board for the Donegal Town Enterprise Group for whom the construction of such an amenity was a priority.
The Darkness!
We’re delighted to see rock band The Darkness winning a prestigious Brit Award last week. However no awards for the ESB for the darkness at the Cottages in Laghey where some street lights has been out for the past four weeks. Repeated attempts by one resident to contact the Cork helpline has proved futile.
Permission for House and Apartments
requested for Rossylongan
A planning notice in a recent Democrat in the names of Pat McCosker and Sean Harvey requested outline permission for the construction of 23 detached dormer dwelling houses and 12 two storey apartments. Among the usual add-on ancillaries looked for - one slightly unusual one – a shoreline walk.
A notice in from Cathal McCosker, Mountcharles TD, gives further information and revised plans to a previous application ie. Now 18 houses, reduced from 19 and 12 apartments, presumably at the above location.
Sian Breslin is applying for retention of a dormer type dwelling house, domestic garage/store and septic tank at Finnadoos/Drumadoney, Donegal P.O.
Also looking for retention are Mr. And Mrs. S. Williamson, to retain roofing over existing yard and alley at Mavourneen’s Home Thoughts, Quay Street, Donegal Town.
Pioneer Dinner Dance in Central
At the recent Pioneer Dinner Dance in The Central Hotel: Front: Sophia Meehan, Margaret Glackin, Margaret McMenamin Back: Mary Margaret Martin, Evelyn Dunnion Photo: Jason McGarrigle
(more photos in print edition)
Revenue investigation of NI bank accounts may have implications for Donegal customers
Many Donegal residents may be affected by the Revenue Commissioners’ recent disclosure of their intention to investigate undisclosed bank accounts held outside the State.
While the Revenue will be seeking to investigate all accounts held outside the state, it is expected that the majority of cases will relate to bank accounts held in Northern Ireland.
Because of its close proximity to the border, it is anticipated that a significant number of Donegal residents who hold, or have held, Northern Ireland based bank accounts will be affected.
Many of these customers may have family accounts dating back many years. Other Donegal residents may have set up accounts to allow them participate more effectively in cross-border trade and counter disadvantages occurring because of the fluctuations of two different currencies.
Northern Irish based banks have begun the process of notifying their Southern based customers and the Revenue has said it will begin a comprehensive investigation of such accounts with effect from 29 March 2004.
Michael Meehan from Quinn Meehan & Co. in Donegal Town said he had already been contacted by a number of Donegal residents who are concerned by the development.
He added that there were significant advantages for individuals who disclose their bank accounts before that date. “Making a disclosure to Revenue in respect of these accounts before the formal investigation begins can help to significantly reduce penalties, avoid prosecution and avoid publication of your name in the quarterly list of tax defaulters,”.
While these issues can cause a lot of stress for the people concerned, Michael said that a full liability to tax might not arise in all cases “In many cases the money held in these accounts was received from a tax exempt source, for example certain gifts or has already been included in tax returns. In such circumstances no income tax liability should arise on those lodgements. However the interest earned in the accounts might be subject to tax, but this will obviously only be a fraction of the underlying income,” he explained.
Kevin Sharkey opens new Exhibition at ‘That Gallery’
Kevin Sharkey and Ade Antigha, curator, ‘That Gallery’ pictured in front of ‘Sleeping Nuala’
at the opening of the Dubh Exhibition. The exhibition is running for the next month,
Tuesday - Saturday, 10-6pm Photo: Jason McGarrigle
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