Last night Padraig held a public meeting in Gweedore for local people to raise any concerns that they had regarding council matters.

The following issue were raised: Litter, Noise Pollution, Signposting, Housing Grants, Paper Banks and the Back of Errigail Road.

Litter (raised by Harold Doherty, Maghealosk, Bunbeg)

Harold questioned the effectivness of Donegal County Council’s litter policy. He said that continued neglect of the issue will have a negative effect on tourism and consequently on jobs. ‘We live in a beautiful coastal area which attracts a lot of tourists and visitors from all parts but yet people continue to litter on the roadsides, on beaches and even on the side of the Errigal road which is so scenic and beautiful.

Why must it be like this? he asks. Many people depend on tourism for a living.

Why can’t we learn from Glenties? They succeeded in convincing everybody of the importance of being litter free. We need tourists he says and in this economic crisis we must make our area more attractive.
A very lively debate followed ranging from provision of bins at gatherings, proper signposting, disco litter, fastfood outlet litter etc.

Noise Pollution (raised by Nellie Tim Rousin)

Nellie Tim Rousin raised the question about the right to have a nights sleep, free from interuption, free from noise, free from disturbance. ‘it’s a scandal what is happening at her home in the early hours and on up the Derrybeg Strand Road. Why aren’t the politicians helping us? she realised that the issue was in the courts but she said that people should raise the issue at every opportunity. Cuidigh linn in ainm dé.

Signposting

Why –after spending so much money on  new signs– is the area so badly signposted? people cannot work out where they are going and the duel system of colouring only makes it worse. What the council has done in west Donegal would not be accepted anywhere else in the county. Whatever happened to the sign for Gweedore on the High Road in Letterkenny? Is the council trying to hide the Gaeltacht areas?

Deontais tithíochta/ housing grants

Níl daoine sásta deontas na dtithe a bheith ag imeacht. Bhí achan duine tógtha faoi seo agus faoi na táillí forbartha. cad chuige? Nach bhfuil muid ábalta na billiúin a thabhairt de na bainceanna?
 
Pádraig’s supporters at the launch condemed outright the phasing out of the Gaeltacht grant for new houses. They were very concerned at the effect it would have on first time buyers especially when you consider the damaging imposition of development Charges. They felt it was totally unfair to young people starting off in life. Young people have to be supported if at all possible. Let us do it and the country will be better for it. 

Paper Banks

What about the paper bank and plastic bank now out of use in Dungloe/ Where are these banks going? Relocate to Gweedore. Why not? Lets put preasure on the county council to do it. Pádraig will raise this at council level - maith thú - well done

Back of Errigal road

Long debate on this issue; need for maintenance; deteriorating & needs work now. Cutbacks from €350,000 to €50,000 bad decision. Lets ‘rattle the cans’ and protest