Apartments for Quay Street?

A town house that has been on the market for a long time appears to have been sold. Hugh Dillon’s building on Quay Street that houses Denis O’Gorman’s barber shop is the subject of a planning notice in the Donegal Democrat. It seeks permission, in the names of Jim White, Liam Clancy and Michael Burke, to remove the existing structure and, in its place, create a five storey building to include a commercial unit at ground floor and four apartments over.
The landmark barber shop currently contained within this building on Quay Street is staying in place, despite speculation following the above planning application. Jim White has offered Denis O’Gorman a ground floor unit in his proposed development. “The only difference will be a bigger premises but still retaining the atmosphere of the ‘traditional barber’. Possibly the unit will be closer to Pier 1 but, when negotiating, I emphasised that I must have the same window frontage on to the street as I have at present.” Denis told Donegal Times.
Next year is a milestone for the popular barber shop as the business celebrates 45 years on Quay Street. In June 1957 the late Michael O’Gorman, Denis’ father set up ‘shop’ on the Street and Denis joined him nineteen years ago. Michael died in 1994 and Denis took over ‘The Barber Shop’ - which has gone from strength to strength.

Transport accident causes major disruption

The scene at Mountcharles when a truck transporting a section of wind turbine careered off the road Photo: Jason McGarrigle

A giant wind turbine stem caused major disruption on the Mountcharles road last Monday week, when the monster section fell off a lorry, about half a mile on the Inver side of the village.
The 35 metre stem was being ferried from Killybegs port to a windfarm at Drumkeen at around 6 a.m. when the back end of the special transporter collapsed into the roadside ditch. One lane of the road was kept open by Gardai to allow early morning work traffic through, but, lunchtime, the route was closed to allow a crane lift the truck. The transportation of the giant parts have been causing major traffic distribution since construction started on the Airtricity wind farm in August. The transport of the parts, which are made in Denmark, then shipped to Killybegs, is expected to continue for the next 16 weeks.

Priest cleared of wrongdoing

Fr. Lorcan Sharkey, a former parish priest in Killybegs, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after two separate Garda investigations.
In August 2003, the parochial house in which Fr. Sharkey lived was searched and computer equipment seized. This was examined by gardai and a file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The office of the DPP has since returned the file, finding there was no case to answer.
In a separate investigation, an allegation made by a female parishioner was investigated by Gardai. Again a file was sent to the DPP who directed that no investigation should take place. It had been alleged by the lady that the priest had made ‘unwelcome’ sexual advances.
When this case first surfaced in August of last year, Donegal Times was strongly critical of both the Donegal Democrat and North West Radio for making known the priest’s name.

New station Ocean FM begins broadcasting to the North West

Last day: Sean Perry and Siobhan McGowan lock up the NWR studio for the last time Photo Jason McGarrigle

Saturday October 2nd, 9am. To a background of applause, Station Manager, Robert Walshe, launched the region’s new radio network, Ocean FM, with a policy statement. Laying down aims and aspirations, Robert stressed the intention of being a truly inclusive station, covering in a special way the regions of South Donegal, Sligo and North Leitrim.
His first guest, and who better to launch anything, was Ireland’s most famous radio personality, Gay Byrne. ‘Break a leg’ urged the veteran broadcaster “if you can deliver even half of what was contained in your policy statements, you will be laughing all the way. I wish you all the best as you get set to fly the flag for the north west.”
Next on air with Robert was Westlife’s Shane Filan, who was obviously very impressed with the new studio in Cooloney “it looks very classy –very modern” – Shane spoke of his love for the Sligo area. “It’s a great place to live – I want my kids to grow up and be educated here” To mark Shane’s visit to the studios, the first official record to be played on Ocean was Westlife’s ‘World of our Own’.
Joint Chief Executive of Ocean, Tim Collins, said that, for the first time, each county in the franchise area had got its own station. The essence of local radio, said Tim, is that it is a service for everyone, “we will provide for all, young and old. If you’re 17 or 70, we will have something for you. Whether local news, current affairs or sport, our aim is to provide a high class service.
“We have lovely stations in Cooloney, Manorhamilton and Donegal Town and our signal in South and West Donegal will be much better than up to now. We have negotiated with RTE to put up a new transmitter on their mast and when this comes on stream, the whole of south Donegal, right down to Glencolmcille, will get an exceptional reception.
The mayor of Sligo, Declan Bree, called to offer his best regards. “I wish you well now and in the future - you have a big responsibility in that you are taking over from a highly popular and professional station”. And Declan had a bone to pick “I was disappointed that you didn’t choose the gateway town of Sligo to site your new studios”. But Robert had an answer, and a good point “I look forward to engaging with you about traffic difficulties and parking isues in Sligo.”
Marian Fitzgerald who will present a new weekend ‘Gospel and Jazz’, program said she was “delighted to be on board” as was Fr Eddie Moore who will be the man behind ‘Ocean Legends’ on a Sunday morning.
Daniel Brown was on hand to preview his ‘Ocean Current’ show, due to go out on a Saturday morning. “I will tap in and cover stories that are breaking in the North-West and get under the skin of them”.
In a joint venture, Fr Eddie Moore and the Rev. Alan Mitchell will conduct mass and service an alternate Sundays.
Our own mayor, Ernan McGettigan, rang in to wish the new station well. He thanked NWR for the great service it had provided, saying that it had done a great job for the area. Ernan went on to congratulate Ocean on its new premises in town. “Donegal is probably the best town in the whole north of the country” Mr McGettigan enthused “and new developments planned for each side of town will make it even better”. Ernan revealed that, in his opinion, there was room for both a Dunnes Store and a Tesco in town. He finished “on behalf on the Donegal Town Community Chamber, I welcome you to the area”.
Eileen Magnier, RTE’s North West correspondent “Your’re off to a great start, but in the weeks and months ahead, there will be disappointments. Don’t let them get you down – just keep at it”.
Niall Delany, head of news and sport at the new station “it will be a great step forward to have local news and sport seven days a week, 365 days a year. Also Sean Perry and Donna Ferguson in Donegal will be presenting at least four opt-outs a day.”
And so the new station was launched. An enormous amount of work had been carried out in the final weeks to allow the first broadcast to take place on schedule. We here at Donegal Times wish Ocean all the best.
And while we understand that things are still settling down, could we urge programme planners not to forget the large audience in the region for golden oldies, classic hits and country music, and broadcast at a time that suits this particular market segment. It is also important to keep in mind that we are local radio - slickness has its place as has avante-garde pop, but it does not come before making the older audience feel at ease with the music and chat. We also need at least two dedicated South Donegal news bulletins a day stretching to at least half an hour each.
Remember a lot of elderly people live alone in the North West and the radio is all they have for company much of the time - they should feel it is their friend.

NWR withdraws supreme court appeal

All hindrances to the birth of Ocean FM were removed when, at the beginning of October, North West Radio confirmed it was not proceeding with its Supreme Court appeal, challenging the withdrawal of its broadcasting licence by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
“Our decision has been influenced by concern for our staff whose very difficult situation could only be compounded by the uncertainty associated with the Supreme Court appeal and the awaited outcome” said NWR chief executive, Paul Claffey.

Playgroup grant difficulty

Donegal Times has learned that the legal difficulties regarding ownership, that is currently holding up the opening of the new playground, is also adversely affecting the development of a new premises for Donegal Community Playgroup. If the title document for the old running track area is not produced within the next two weeks, the playgroup will have to return the grant which it received.
The voluntary committee were allocated the grant of €145,000 about ten months ago, having fought for seven years to get it. However they have received a letter from a Dublin based Area Development Board saying if they don’t produce the title document within a short period, it is left with no option but to ask for the money to be refunded.
This pre-school is at present situated in the former Cleary’s school and houses in the region of eighty children, with a waiting list for 2005. It employs three to four people. The premises is due an inspection by the NWHB in the near future and the committee had hoped that their new premises would be well on the way prior to this. After numerous meetings with the Bosco and the council, the development committee of the playgroup had been assured that it would be sorted out. The Bosco chairman attended the playgroup AGM at the end of August and told them they would have the document in two weeks, but to date they have not received anything. They have been offered alternative accommodation which they have not accepted as this would merely be a temporary solution.
The question now is: Are the children of Donegal Town and surrounding areas to lose a state-of-the-art leisure centre and a pre-school facility because neither the Council or the Bosco Club can resolve the legal issues?
When contacted, the Bosco would not comment on either the potential fate of the playschool group - or the offer by Keeney construction to build a new community centre and playing field on the running track site.

Popular teacher retires

AVS Deputy Principal, David Murphy, retired from his teaching post on the last day of September, after 35 years in the job. He was presented with a bog oak lamp by Student Council members Sharon Conaghan, Mountcharles, and Helen McPartlan, Donegal Town. David started in 1970 in Donegal Vocational School and then moved into the new AVS building in 1980. David thanked students, teachers, friends and parents and all who wished him well on his retirement. Photo Jason McGarrigle

Donegal Town looks set to move forward following the rezoning decision taken by the Donegal County Council members on Monday 27th September.
The land at Mullans has been rezoned from ‘Edge of Centre’ to ‘Core Retail’ which will facilitate Dunnes Stores locating there. Millions of euros will be generated in the local economy through the provision of 150-200 jobs during the two-year construction stage, representing an investment of €40 million. Dunnes will create 300 jobs and it is anticipated a further 150 jobs will be created by the remaining units.
Bennett’s publicly acknowledge the tremendous support and encouragement they have received over the last number years and in particular over recent months from the local community, the business and social sectors of the Town. John White, Director at Bennett Construction, paid tribute to the Donegal Town Community Chamber who instigated the Local Area Plan in conjunction with the County Council. He stated “Both the Community Chamber and the Community, Enterprise & Development Officer, Sian Breslin have played a vital role in forming a structured plan and vision for long term growth and employment. Their continuing efforts in attracting and encouraging investors was a positive factor in our decision to persevere with our plans”
Speaking of Bennett’s appreciation for the county councillors and in particular Peter Kennedy, John adds “Peter has being working diligently over the last number of years to bring retail investment, including Dunnes to the Town. We acknowledge his efforts and that of his colleagues Sean McEniff, Brendan Byrne and Thomas Pringle, together with the other councillors who were key to this decision being made.” Local Dáil representatives, including Minister Mary Coughlan T.D., were also thanked for their help.
“Bennetts wish to work in harmony and cooperation with all of the community and also with local developers and contractors”. John emphasised, reiterating what the company have always stated, “We believe there is room for more than one development in Donegal Town”
Bennetts intend to apply for planning in the coming weeks, without objections all could be finalized in 6 months. Taking this into consideration, along with a construction period of two years, it is estimated the target date for opening will be early 2007.
John White concluded, “Our track record throughout the country shows we believe in long term investment and growth - if the town prospers, so do we. We now wish to do what Bennett’s do best, get on with the building and DELIVER..”
With regard to the Drumlonagher site, John White confirmed that they still have their anchor tenants on board – Atlantic Homecare and Elvery’s Sport. He commented that if they have received ‘edge of centre’ zoning it would have put them in a stronger position but ‘mixed use’ is adequate. However he is not happy that Tesco have an observation on this site saying, “This is a situation that has to be dealt with”.

Wedding Bells!!!

Congratulations to Veronica and Enda Mulligan who were married in The Church of the Holy Redeemer, Drimarone,
with reception in Harvey’s Point. Photo Jason McGarrigle

GAA footballer fails to have injunction lifted at high court

A Gaelic footballer who was suspended for 12 weeks last month for alleged misbehaviour during a game, lost his High Court bid for an order which would have permitted him play in last Sunday’s County Intermediate football final. Ms Justice Carroll refused Mr Andrew Gallagher’s application for an injunction requiring the GAA authorities to let him play.
Mr Gallagher (26), an oil distributor, is player-manager of St Naul’s, Mountcharles, and had sought to have his suspension lifted to enable him to play in the final. His proceedings were against Donegal County Board GAA which opposed his application. Mr Gallagher had been given leave last Thursday to seek an injunction against the county board, the Ulster Council and the Central Council of the GAA.
Ms Justice Carroll was told that the Ulster Council and Central Council had not been served with notice of the proceedings and the case proceeded only against the county board.
After refusing the injunction, the judge adjourned an application by the county board for its costs of the hearing. She was told two officials of the board had travelled from Co Donegal to attend court. The judge said she would deal with costs in January next when it would be known if the case was proceeding further.
In an affidavit, Mr Gallagher said there was a melee during a Donegal All County League match between St Naul’s and Burt on July 4th last. He was at the match but was not playing. From the referee’s report it appeared the referee asked a person who was particularly vociferous whether he was the St Naul’s manager and that person said he was.
Mr Gallagher said he personally was never asked by the referee whether he was the manager and had never said to the referee that he was the manager. On July 15th last, he had attended a disciplinary meeting which was adjourned to last month. He denied he had behaved in the manner alleged in the referee’s report.
After the July 4th match, St Naul’s qualified to play Glenswilly in the intermediate championship semi-final. There was also a vital promotion clash in the All County League in which St Naul’s were to play Glencolumcille. Those other two clubs had representatives on the committee which was adjudicating on his case, he said.
In an affidavit, Mr Charlie O’Donnell, chairman of the Donegal county board, said it was proposed and seconded at the September meeting that Mr Gallagher be suspended for 12 weeks and that St Naul’s be fined €1,000.
The committee had acted in a fair and impartial manner in hearing the complaint and in reaching a decision.

Expensive litigation

On Ocean FM last Sunday, Charlie O’Donnell, Chairman of the County Board, expressed his displeasure at the course of action Andrew Gallagher had taken, saying that the Mountcharles man should have excercised all avenues of appeal within the GAA before heading to law. Charlie also said that the GAA would be pursuing Mr Gallagher for costs which he estimated would be in the region of €15,000 to €30,000.

Tom McMenamin, director, Donegal Precision Engineering, whose company manufactured and fitted the new railing over the stone bridge at a cost of approx €10,000. Also in picture is company employee, Marius Warda. Photo: Margaret Gallagher

The Donegal Town Enterprise Scheme was praised today as a key driver in the development of tourism in Donegal Town and environs by Minister Mary Coughlan as she welcomed a grant of €477,513 for a larger waterbus.
“This grant from the International Fund for Ireland is key to the ongoing development of tourism in Donegal through this innovative not-for-profit community company,” said Minister Coughlan.
“The Directors of the company have provided a great vision for the future development of what has already proved a great tourism magnet, and their development plans, now boosted by provision of this grant, will result in a larger waterbus capable of carrying almost double the number of passengers in greater safety and comfort.
“I welcome this grant from the International Fund, both for the development of tourism services that will result and for the recognition it bestows on all those who have given unsparingly in a voluntary capacity for the economic and tourism development of Donegal Town and its environs.
“I look forward to seeing the new boat on Donegal Bay and the completion of the Tourism Centre which is proposed as part of the strategic development of this attraction,” added Minister Coughlan.

Miss Ireland Fashion show in Abbey

Miss Ireland Natasha NiGarbeith and Carmel McGowan wow the crowds in the Abbey at a fashion show to
raise money for the Church fund at Mountcharles Photo by Jason McGarrigle (more photos in print issue of Donegal Times)