CE Report July

Chief Executive’s Management Report

July 2026 Council Meeting

Report to Meeting of Donegal County Council on 20th July 2026

Management Report – July 2026

1.Planning, Communities & Culture

1.1 Community Development

1.1.1 Accessible Boardwalk at Lisfannon Beach

The accessible boardwalk at Lisfannon Beach was officially opened on Monday, 22 June. The €24,000 project was funded through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme Seed Fund, supported by the Department of Health, and delivered by Donegal County Council on behalf of the Local Community Development Committee.

The official opening was attended by Elected Members, public representatives, Council officials, local agencies, community organisations, environmental and disability-sector representatives, the contractor and members of the local community, reflecting strong support for the project.

The investment aligns with the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme objective of reducing health inequalities through place-based, locally responsive initiatives. It also supports the Healthy Ireland Framework’s focus on improving health and wellbeing, prevention, community participation and environments that enable healthier choices.

The project provides safe, inclusive and more independent access to a valued coastal amenity for wheelchair users, people with disabilities, older people, families with young children and those with mobility challenges.

The project strengthens inclusive access, supports the objectives of the health agenda and reinforces Donegal County Council’s commitment to accessible, sustainable and welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors.

New Access at Lisfannon Beach with accessible Boardwalk

1.2 Refugee Response Unit

1.2.1 Number of Refugees

There is a total of 7,113 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine currently living in Donegal, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (26th June 2026).

There are 29 International Protection Centres across all 5 MDs in Donegal, providing accommodation for 2,185 people, of which 930 are children.

as of 21/06/2026

One IPAS Centre is due to close at the end of July / early August 2026. The Department of Justice manages all commercial accommodation. All contractual elements are managed by the Department.

1.2.2 Offer a Home

Donegal County Council’s Refugee Response Unit manages properties pledged under the Offer a Home Programme (OAH). There are 774 refugees accommodated in 254 homes under the Programme in Donegal, and 346 applications are awaiting accommodation placements.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was reduced from €800 per month to €600 per month in June 2025. A further announcement in March 2026 stated that the

Former access to Lisfannon Beach

ARP would be extended until March 2027, in line with temporary protection measures. The announcement also confirmed that the payment would be reduced from €600 to €400 per month, effective from September 2026.

Since the introduction of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 on 3rd March 2026, and alongside the ARP reductions, 15 OAH properties have been lost, and 43 refugees have been displaced. Most have found alternative accommodation, either through ARP or private rental, but at least two families of 6 people are currently homeless and staying temporarily with friends.

Since the reduction and introduction of RTB changes, several property owners have confirmed that they will take back their accommodation (2 confirmed) from September 2026, and others have confirmed they will continue until March 2027, but will likely not continue after that time, as they are not landlords and will take their properties back for personal use. Should property owners withdraw from the Programme, there would be no alternatives available, which could result in those affected potentially presenting to Donegal County Council as homeless, although they are not entitled to homelessness support.

The Refugee Response Unit has been guiding affected BOTPs on their options. When properties are unavailable, the rent supplement is the main alternative.

The Refugee Response Unit continues to secure training, upskilling, and employment opportunities for BOTPs so they can support themselves and rent privately. This will take time, and the OAH/ARP scheme is essential to this process, providing families with secure accommodation. A Ukrainian-trained orthodontist has had their professional qualifications validated and has successfully transitioned into active practice in Donegal.

1.2.3 Integration

The Refugee Response Unit Integration Support Workers are providing ongoing support to the LAIT Cohort, particularly in Education and Training, Employment and Skills, Health and Housing, and Community Engagement.

The team continues to conduct audits with LAIT cohort groups to elicit detailed information, understand local needs, and guide the refugee response team in delivering targeted support.

A Family Literacy Programme will commence in September 2026, called ‘Understanding School Together’, funded by the 2026 Adult Literacy for Life - Collaboration and Innovation Fund. Donegal County Council LAIT will act as the lead organisation with Donegal ETB as the main delivery partner. The aim of the project is to support the LAIT target group, parents/guardians of first- and second-year secondary school students, in understanding how schools work in Ireland and in building confidence in communicating with schools. The Programme will be delivered across all 5 Municipal Districts in Donegal.

1.2.4 Africa Day

The Refugee Response Unit also secured funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support two Africa Day events in the County on May 24th, 2026. Africa Day 2026 was celebrated in Donegal on Sunday, 24th May 2026, with a series of family-friendly activities in Buncrana and Letterkenny. The events highlighted African

culture, food, music, and heritage, bringing local communities together in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Both events highlighted traditional music, dress and local African food, reflecting the richness and diversity of African cultures represented in the county. The celebrations were part of wider efforts supported by the Local Area Integration Team to promote inclusion, interculturalism and community connection. The events were delivered in collaboration with The Exchange and Africa People Collaboration Donegal.

1.2.5 Refugee Week

iSportFest 2026

17th June 2026 · Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny · Refugee Week Ireland Courage

iSportFest 2026, Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny

200+

6+

4 hrs

iSportFest 2026 demonstrated, in the most tangible way possible, what Refugee Week Ireland means by courage. Over two hundred people, many navigating extraordinarily difficult personal circumstances, chose to show up, to try something new, to laugh, compete, and connect alongside their neighbours. That takes real courage. And it was met with equal courage from the coaches, volunteers, and community members who turned up to welcome them.

The festival offered a diverse, rotating Programme of inclusive, low-barrier activities that successfully bridged cultural barriers and brought participants together through shared physical experiences.

In a single morning and afternoon, we reduced isolation, built new friendships, introduced refugees to Irish sporting culture, and gave Irish sporting culture a chance to be genuinely enriched in return. We showed that Aura Leisure Centre, Donegal Sports Partnership, and Donegal County Council are not just facilities and institutions; they are places and people who believe that sport belongs to everyone.

The 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention reminds us that the right to safety and dignity is not a favour; it is a commitment. iSportFest put that commitment into action. Every try on a hurling pitch, every basket scored, every dance step shared was a small act of courage multiplied across two hundred people. That is what Refugee Week is about. That is what we achieved.

"Courage brings people together, bridges divides and stands in solidarity." Refugee Week Ireland 2026.

1.3 Cultural Services

1.3.1 Creative Ireland

1.3.1.1 Creative Ireland/Cruinniú na nÓg

Donegal County Council’s Culture and Creativity Team successfully delivered over 40 events across the county as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, the national day of creativity for children and young people, on 6 June 2026. The programme provided a diverse range of creative opportunities for children and young people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Young people exploring their creative side in the great outdoors at the Golan Pad, Milford.

Credit: Paul McGuckin

1.3.1.2 Ireland’s EU Presidency 2026

To mark the commencement of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026, Donegal County Council raised the Irish and EU flags at County House, Lifford. Donegal has been twinned with Poland for the Presidency period and a programme of cultural and community events will run from July to December 2026, supported by funding through The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Culture, Communications & Sport. The programme of events will celebrate our culture, Polish heritage, promote intercultural understanding, and strengthen links between Donegal, Poland and the wider EU.

A flag-raising ceremony at County House, Lifford, as Donegal County Council marks the beginning of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Credit: Donna El Assaad

1.3.2 Arts Office

1.3.2.1

39th Earagail Arts Festival

The 39th Earagail Arts Festival will take place from 10–25 July 2026, with events staged across the county. The programme includes music, visual arts, family-friendly events and youth activities, showcasing local, national and international artists. The festival continues to be supported by Donegal County Council alongside a range of national and international funding partners.

EAF 2026 Paddy Glackin Image TG4 – ‘Bothy Band fiddle player Paddy Glackin will perform alongside poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh, sean nós singer Noleen Ní Cholla and piper Robbie Hannon at Dámhlann an Ghleanna, Gort a’Choirce on Thursday, July 23rd as part of Earagail Arts Festival’.

1.3.2.2 17th Irish Aerial Dance Festival

The 17th Irish Aerial Dance Festival, presented in partnership with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre and An Grianán Theatre, will run from 13–25 July 2026 in Letterkenny. The festival will attract over 200 participants from Ireland and abroad and features an intensive programme of aerial dance training, workshops and performances led by internationally recognised tutors.

IADF Kathryn Cooley Wall Running Class - ‘The annual (Fidget Feet) Irish Aerial Dance Festival takes place in the Aura Leisure Centre and in An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, from July 13th to 25th’.

1.3.2.3 Donegal Mela

The third annual Donegal Mela, will take place in An Grianán Theatre and the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny from 21–23 August 2026. It will celebrate Indian culture and heritage through music, dance, film, visual arts, crafts, food and family events. Delivered in partnership with the Indian Community Centre Letterkenny, the event also promotes cultural diversity and inclusion through participation by Irish and African artists.

1.3.3 Heritage Office

As part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan, the Heritage Office, in partnership with the County Donegal Heritage Forum, hosted a highly subscribed seminar on vernacular architecture on 4 July 2026. The event, with over 140 registrations, focused on raising awareness of traditional buildings, conservation best practice, and traditional building skills, with contributions from a range of national experts and practitioners.

The Weaver’s Cottage in Ionad Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche is a traditional two-storey farmhouse that exhibits many features of County Donegal’s vernacular architecture.

Photograph: Joseph Gallagher

Preparations are also underway for National Heritage Week 2026 (15–23 August),

Donegal Mela 2025 Henna Tattoos

which is themed “Heritage at Risk.” The Heritage Office is coordinating local participation, producing a county event guide, and supporting organisers through promotional activities. Registration is now open on the www.heritageweek.ie website. If you know of someone who owns an historic property or heritage site and would be willing to open it up for a day during Heritage Week, contact the County Donegal Heritage Office. It is anticipated that over 100 events will take place across County Donegal during Heritage Week. A lunchtime event for Heritage Week organisers will take place in the Donegal County Museum at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

2.Environment & Climate, Property Mgt. & DCBS

2.1 Environment

2.1.1 Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) on Local Radio

June

As the silage making season gets underway, Donegal County Council would like to remind all farmers in the county to check floors & joints in silage pits, collection channels & that tanks have space to take all effluent. Store bales outside of yards at least 20 metres from watercourses and not more than two high. Don’t spread slurry on land, which is waterlogged, flooded, likely to flood or if rain is forecast within 48 hours. Remember slurry and fertiliser lost by overland flow to waters is of no benefit to your crops.

July

“The EPA’s recent Water Quality in Ireland report, using the latest monitoring data for rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters, shows no major change in water quality in 2025. Nutrient levels remain too high in a large proportion of water bodies with agriculture the main source of nitrogen entering our waterways, while phosphorus originates mainly from both agriculture and wastewater. Farmers and contractors are asked to follow the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations, when applying fertilizer and pesticides or disposing of sheep dip at this busy time of year, while homeowners should ensure their septic tanks are compliant with best practice”.

2.1.2 Farm Inspections under the National Agriculture Inspection Plan (NAIP)

Donegal County Council completed 41 farm inspections in Quarter 1 of 2026 under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations, focusing on areas of the county where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality.

These inspections focused on farmyards, slurry & soiled water storage capacity, fertiliser use and minimisation of soiled water. Farmers received advance notice through the post giving at least a week to prepare for the inspection, and a final report was issued after completion. The main issues continue to centre around collection and holding of farm effluent and the control of soiled water in farmyards.

Farm inspections in June will focus on the application of slurry and on sheep farms as the disposal of spent sheep dip is a key water quality concern.

Donegal County Council completed 66 farm inspections in Quarter 2 of 2026 under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations, focusing on areas of the county where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality.

These inspections focused on farmyards, slurry & soiled water storage capacity, fertiliser use and minimisation of soiled water. Farmers received advance notice through the post giving at least a week to prepare for the inspection, and a final

report was issued after completion. The main issues continue to centre around collection and holding of farm effluent and the control of soiled water in farmyards. Farm inspections in July will focus on the application of slurry and on sheep farms as the disposal of spent sheep dip is a key water quality concern.

The target number of inspections for 2026 is 214.

2.1.3 Bathing Waters 2026 Season

The 2026 Bathing Season commenced officially on the 1st June and the Council’s Central Lab will be carrying out sampling at all designated bathing waters. The assistance of all stakeholders, including local farmers, is key to retaining the Excellent water quality status required for the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards As in previous years, forecasted heavy rainfall events will lead to the posting of Prior Warning Notices at certain bathing waters to protect bathers & forewarn of a potential drop in water quality.

2.1.4 Septic Tank Inspections under the National Inspection Plan

The EPA recently published its annual Domestic Wastewater Treatment System (DWWTS) inspections Report for 2025 confirming that Donegal County Council completed 126 full inspections with a failure rate of 67%, which is slightly above the national average of 59%. The main causes were defective tanks and percolation areas, unauthorised discharges (grey water) and failure to operate & provide power to secondary treatment systems.

The EPA, through its audits and report assessment activities, continues to monitor local authorities progress in closing advisory notices, (issued to owners of noncompliant systems) with particular focus on local authorities with advisory notices that remain open for greater than two years.

Given the increased value and access to grant funding, the EPA have demanded greater enforcement by local authorities on these Advisory Notices and a number of cases have been recommended for prosecution in Donegal in 2026, to ensure these failed systems are fixed to protect the environment and public health. Donegal County Council’s inspection programme is ongoing as well as follow-up inspections on systems previously deemed non-compliant but not recorded as resolved.

2.1.5 Caravan/Holiday/Camping Parks

During the busy summer tourist season, Donegal County Council will be conducting inspections of caravan parks focusing on wastewater treatment and the provision of proper waste segregation and collection service, including a food waste (brown) bin. Any business such as a hotel, caravan or camping park, or Guest House discharging domestic sewage from a septic tank or other disposal unit by means of a percolation area, soakage pit or other method, is required to apply to the Council for and obtain a licence under Section 4 of the Water Pollution Act. If a company discharges a trade effluent, they are legally obliged to hold a licence.

2.1.6 Bathing Waters 2026 Season

In accordance with the Bathing Water Regulations, Donegal County Council is required to put up a Prior Warning Notice giving a 'prior warning' of potential

pollution events at certain bathing waters. Some bathing waters are more likely to experience water quality problems when it rains, based on previous monitoring experience, so when heavy rainfall is forecast by Met Eireann, as was the case in early June, Prior Warnings were put in place at a number of bathing waters in the county. This warning advises that there is a possibility of an increase in the level of bacteria in the bathing water due to heavy rain, and to take certain precautions to reduce the risk of illness.

A Do Not Swim notice is based on confirmed sample test results and states that bathing is prohibited as a precaution to protect public health, (none of which were issued this season as yet).

Donegal County Council is carrying the planned sampling and testing programme and any Prior Warning Notices issued will be removed when monitoring results indicate that bathing water quality is at satisfactory levels once again.

2.1.7 ADI – Anti Dumping Initiative

The Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) introduced in 2017 aims to encourage collaboration between local authorities, communities and other state Agencies to tackle the problem of illegal dumping. It is an annual program run in conjunction with local authorities and community partnerships coordinated by the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA’s).

Since the launch of the initiative in 2017, 2200 projects have been successfully delivered across all 31 local authorities and the removal of 26,400 tonnes of waste and funding of €23 million has been provided.

The focus is usually on the four key areas and project proposals are assessed based on their potential impact in these areas;

• Prevention

• Abatement

• Education and

• Enforcement

Projects delivered in Donegal in the last few years have included; bikes for Africa, a household waste management project delivered by VOICE Ireland, the production, translation and distribution of pocket guides, paint reuse projects, reduced price bulky waste days, resources to support targeted enforcement work, cinema advert campaigns delivered in the three main cinemas in the County (Bundoran, Letterkenny and Lifford), a Monster SUP initiative, multiple clean ups and resources for community groups.

The Environment team will be working with individuals and groups throughout the County again this year on what is hoped will be another very successful year for ADI project delivery in Donegal.

2.1.8 Increase in Litter Fine

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has advised that the onthe-spot litter fine under Section 28 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 will increase from

€150 to €250 with effect from 1 September 2026.

The increase is being introduced through the commencement of Section 36 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2026 and reflects the Government's continued commitment to tackling litter pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices.

The increased penalty is expected to act as a stronger deterrent against littering and will support Donegal County Council in our ongoing efforts to maintain cleaner communities and environments.

2.1.9 Translation of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) Pocket Guide

In 2022 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) funding was secured to deliver a project that involved visiting more than 1600 houses throughout the County to provide information and carry out a household waste survey. As part of this project a pocket guide full of useful information was produced and provided to households. The guide provides information on waste minimisation, recycling and waste management services and infrastructure, information on how to report illegal waste activities such as dumping and burning and links to useful websites such as mywaste.ie and repairmystuff.ie.

This initiative has been developed over the years and the pocket guide is now available on the Council website in twelve different languages Reduce, Reuse, Recycle | Donegal County Council.

In quarter 2 ADI funding has been secured to further enhance the reach of this project by making hard copies of the guide available in libraries and Public Service Centres throughout the County. This project demonstrates the positive, proactive steps being taken to ensure households have access to information so that informed decisions can be made about waste management practices.

2.1.10

€793,100 Funding Announced for 25 Community Groups in Donegal to Undertake Climate Action Projects

Donegal County Council welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, of approved funding under the Community Climate Action Programme Fund, with a total increased allocation of €793,100 for County Donegal.

The funding will support 25 successful community groups across the county in delivering a range of capital projects aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change. The Community Climate Action Programme is designed to empower communities to take meaningful local action while contributing to the delivery of the five-year Climate Action Plan for County Donegal.

The funded projects will focus on five key themes:

• Community Energy

• Travel

• Food and Waste

• Shopping and Recycling

• Local Climate and Environmental Action

This investment will enable community organisations to implement small, medium and large-scale initiatives that enhance sustainability, reduce carbon emissions and promote climate resilience at a local level.

Among the successful applicants are Wild Inishowen, Glenswilly GAA, Gweedore Celtic FC and Grúpa Chósta Fhánada, reflecting the strong engagement from a diverse range of community groups across the county.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Paul Canning, welcomed the funding announcement:

“I am delighted to see this significant investment of €793,100 in community-led climate action initiatives across County Donegal. This funding recognises the commitment and innovation of our local groups in tackling climate change at grassroots level. I would particularly like to acknowledge the dedicated staff of Donegal County Council’s Community Climate Action Unit, who have supported local groups throughout the application process and played a key role in ensuring the success of this programme. Together, we are building stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.”

Donegal County Council will continue to work closely with all successful groups to support the implementation of their projects, ensuring that communities are equipped to take meaningful, lasting climate action.

2.1.11 Green School Programme

The 2026 Donegal Green Schools Awards Ceremony took place on May 26th at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, with 38 schools from across the county in attendance. The event recognised the significant work being undertaken by students, teachers and school communities in promoting environmental awareness, climate action and sustainable practices through the Green Schools programme. Schools in Donegal continue to demonstrate leadership in environmental action, having been among the first to engage with the programme nationally. Donegal County Council, in partnership with An Taisce, continues to support schools through guidance, resources and ongoing assessment and programme delivery.

2.1.12 MINDSET Project Mission Identification Workshops

On 27th April and 13th May stakeholders from the Carndonagh Decarbonisation Zone gathered in the Colgan Hall & IDP Offices in Carndonagh for workshops on identifying missions to explore the MINDSET project, an Interreg NPA funded project.

The aim of the first workshop was to work with local stakeholders on identifying missions using the Regional Mission-Oriented Innovation (Reg MOI) approach. A presentation was given on the Reg MOI approach to help build capacity within the local DZ community. The key objectives guided the session: capacity building on the concept of RegMOI, systems mapping and identifying “Missions” that could be considered for implementation within the decarbonisation zone.

This workshop was then closely followed by a further workshop on the 13th May, during this workshop stakeholders were asked to further develop and prioritise “Missions” that could be implemented under the MINDSET project and to create a portfolio of “Missions” for the Decarbonising Zone.

RegMOI addresses the lack of bottom-up approaches in innovation, offering a framework for communities to collaboratively tackle societal challenges such as climate action, housing, and skills development at the local and regional levels.

MINDSET Webinar 11th May

From Vision to Reality: The Fundamentals of Mission-Oriented Innovation. A webinar introducing the MOOC From Vision to Reality: The Fundamentals of Mission-Oriented Innovation, a foundational course designed to support those working on complex societal challenges took place on 11th May. Local stakeholders from the Carndonagh Decarbonisation Zonewere invited to and attended the webinar delivered by our Swedish partners.

Mission-oriented innovation (MOI) offers a practical framework for tackling grand challenges by aligning public, private and civic actors around clear, ambitious societal missions. This course introduces the core ideas and principles of MOI, explains how it relates to and differs from more traditional innovation and policy approaches, and shows how missions can be translated from high-level vision into concrete, measurable action. The webinar, presented on the structure, content and learning journey of the MOOC, and explored how the course can be used to design, govern and deliver missions at local, regional or organisational level. These events marked significant steps in engaging with and building awareness among local actors as part of Donegal’s climate action strategy.

2.1.13

€300,000 Funding Secured for Decarbonising Zone Projects

The Climate Action Unit have received confirmation that our funding applications to the Northwestern Regional Assembly Decarbonising Zone Scheme have been successful. The Scheme offers 100% grant funding to Local Authorities in the Northern and Western Region for two types of projects: -

Project type 1

Grant amounts up to €50,000 towards strategies/plans and project pipeline development

Project type 2

Grant amounts up to €250,000 for project implementation (shovel ready projects with consents already in place)

Each Local Authority was allowed to submit a maximum of two applications under the Scheme - one per Action:

• Action 2.4.1: Climate Change adaptation and disaster risk prevention

• Action 2.7.1: Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure

Projects must be undertaken on Local Authority owned or Public Lands and delivered by the Local Authority.

The funded projects are:

1. An Fál Carrach / Gort a Choirce DZ – Invasive Species Survey and Management Plan, Woodland and Corncrake Study and Blue Green Infrastructure Audit - €50,000.

2. Carndonagh Decarbonistaion Zone – Development of Wetland and Walking Trail along Ballywilly Brook - €250,000

2.1.14 Signing of the New Local Authority Climate Action Charter –May 2026

2.1.15 Water Safety Update

With Summer upon us and two mini heat waves already experienced so far this year, it is timely to remind the public of the dangers associated with leisure activities in, on or near water.

While air temperatures may be rising, sea and inland water temperatures around Ireland remain relatively low. This contrast presents a hidden but significant risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia for anyone entering, or unexpectedly falling into, the water.

Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures are often below 15°C cold enough to trigger cold water shock. This immediate and involuntary response can cause gasping, panic, and a loss of breathing control, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.

Over the summer, many people will visit waterways and coastal areas, and for some, it may be their first swim of the season. To reduce risk, always enter the water gradually, take time to acclimatise by splashing yourself, keep swims short, and stay within your depth. Swim with others, remain together at all times, swim parallel to the shore and ensure everyone exits the water safely.

If you are planning an activity in or on the water:

• Check weather and tide conditions before setting out and carry a reliable means of calling for help.

• Always wear a properly fitted and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

• Avoid consuming alcohol, as it impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time.

• Inform a responsible person of your plans and expected return time.

If you fall into the water or get into difficulty, remember: Float to Live

• Stay calm and resist the instinct to panic or thrash.

• Tilt your head back, allowing your ears to submerge.

• Relax and focus on controlling your breathing.

• Use gentle movements of your hands and legs to remain afloat.

• Once breathing is under control, signal for help or swim to safety if able.

If you see someone in difficulty:

If you observe someone struggling in the water or along the coast, or believe they may be in danger, call for assistance immediately dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Lifeguard Service:

Donegal County Council provides a weekend lifeguard service during June and the first two weeks of September. A full seven-day service operates throughout July and August, while Bundoran and Rossnowlagh beaches are covered seven days a week from 1 June to 14 September

2.1.16 County Donegal Group Water Scheme Sector

Donegal has a considerable high number of Group water Schemes (GWS) within our rural water sector. The status of Donegal’s GWSs is listed below;

• 304 no. Public GWS’s receiving their water from Uisce Éireann

• 4 no. Private GWS’s serving more than 50 consumers

• 16 no. Private GWS’s serving less than 50 consumers

2.1.17

Group Water Scheme Taking in Charge Requests

There are 83 GWS’s which have submitted Taking in Charge requests to Donegal County Council and 40 have been Taken in Charge by ÚÉ (plus an additional 18 Orphan GWSs). The promoters or trustees of any group water scheme that wishes to be considered for taking in charge should do so by writing to the Rural Water Liaison Officer, Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford or by emailing ruralwater@donegalcoco.ie.

2.1.18

Flood Relief Schemes

Updates were provided to the members of the Flood Relief Schemes at the monthly Municipal District Meetings.

2.2 Defective Concrete Blocks

Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme - Monthly Activity Report as at 30th June 2026

Background

Donegal County Council, as a Designated Local Authority, are tasked with the Administration of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

The Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme offers financial assistance to support affected homeowners in designated local authority areas to remediate their dwelling, where their dwelling had been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction.

The Enhanced Scheme has been in operation since 3rd July 2023.

The primary legislation which underpins the Enhanced Scheme is the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022.

This report provides an update on the implementation of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme and covers the period up to and including 30th June 2026.

Table 1

DCB Scheme Overview as at 30th June 2026

2.2.1 DCB Amendment Act 2025

Donegal County Council acknowledges the enactment of the DCB Amendment Act and the Dwellings Damaged by Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Regulations 2026.

The Regulations bring into operation a number of key amendments to the existing legislation.

Applicants are respectfully requested to initially review all relevant information on the Council’s website and the Online Portal and to reach out to the Community Facilitators, if required.

Retrospective Payments - to provide for an application for an increase in the amount of a grant for remediation of certain dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks; eligible applicants can apply via the Online Portal.

Increased Timelines for Remediation Works - to amend the time limit for the payment of a grant for remediation. The Council has updated the Timelines for all eligible applicants.

Adjacent Remediation Option - Where the approved remediation option is the demolition of the relevant dwelling and the reconstruction of the dwelling, a relevant owner may apply to Donegal County Council, for approval to construct a new dwelling within the curtilage of the effected dwelling to replace the approved remediation option. This is referred to as an adjacent remediation option or a ‘sideby-side remediation option.’ To avail of this option, a member of the affected household must have a disability as defined under Section 2 of the Disability Act 2005, and among other conditions, the relevant dwelling must have certain adaptations.

Section 15 of DCB (Amendment) Regulations 2026 provides more information.

An applicant may contact the Defective Concrete Block Grant Section via email: dcb@donegalcoco.ie to request an application form.

There is no need to include any personal, or sensitive information in the initial email; a member of the DCB Team will reply to advise on what exactly is required to make an application under this provision.

Ancillary Grant - Section 10 of the Principal Act has been amended to provide for relevant owners to make an application to the Designated Local Authority - Donegal County Council, for ancillary grants allowed for under the Principal Act. Previously, relevant owners who had received the maximum remediation grant amount under the scheme were excluded from applying for ancillary grants under Section 22 of the Principal Act. This exclusion has now been removed.

See Section 5(a) and Sections 14(a) to (c) of DCB (Amendment) Regulations 2026 for more information.

Please see the Online Portal to submit a claim.

Change of Relevant Owner - Section 24 of the Principal Act has been amended to allow a person in certain specified circumstances to be regarded as a relevant owner under the Scheme. These circumstances include where the person is, or was, married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting with a relevant owner.

See Section 18 of DCB (Amendment) Regulations 2026 for more information.

Damage Threshold for Attached Dwellings - An amendment to the act provides that where a relevant dwelling that has not met the damage threshold for entry into the Scheme, and is attached to another relevant dwelling that has received a grant determination under the Principal Act, the relevant owner of the dwelling that has not met the damage threshold can notify Donegal County Council, that they are seeking a determination that their dwelling is deemed to meet the damage threshold.

Section 7 of DCB (Amendment) Regulations 2026 provides more information.

An applicant may contact the Defective Concrete Block Grant Section via email: dcb@donegalcoco.ie to request an application form.

There is no need to include any personal, or sensitive information in your initial email; a member of the DCB Team will reply to advise on what exactly is required to make an application under this provision.

Ancillary Grant - Section 10 of the Principal Act has been amended to provide for relevant owners to make an application to the Designated Local Authority - Donegal County Council, for ancillary grants allowed for under the Principal Act. Previously, relevant owners who had received the maximum remediation grant amount under the scheme were excluded from applying for ancillary grants under Section 22 of the Principal Act. This exclusion has now been removed.

See Section 5(a) and Sections 14(a) to (c) of DCB (Amendment) Regulations 2026 for more information.

Please see the Online Portal to submit a claim.

SEAI Data Sharing – Applicants and their Competent Building Professionals should be aware that the Council, as a Designated Local Authority, are party to a Data Sharing Agreement with the SEAI in respect of Remediation Works as set out in legislation

Reimbursement of fees associated with the cost of engineers reports as required under the Principal Act for transitional applicants – There are a number of provisions contained within the Regulations relating to the Reimbursement of Engineer Report Fees. The Council is currently reviewing these provisions with a view to implementation of same. Further updates will be provided on the Council’s website in due course.

2.2.2

Transitional Applications

At the commencement of the Enhanced Scheme, Donegal County Council had 1,296 applications received under the Previous Scheme which required transitioning to the Enhanced Scheme. These applications are referred to as “Transitional Applications”. Donegal County Council had issued approval to 849 applications prior to the commencement of the Enhanced Scheme.

2.2.3 Referral of Applications to the Housing Agency

Under the provisions of the Enhanced Scheme, the technical assessment of validated applications is the remit of the Housing Agency. The initial step for an application, following validation and referral to the Housing Agency, is the Housing Agency’s Determination of Damage Threshold of the relevant dwelling.

The average timescale for Determination of Damage Threshold by the Housing Agency is 60 days.

For applications that meet the Damage Threshold, the Housing Agency provides an indicative timeline for determination of the Remediation Option & Grant Amount. The Determination of Damage Threshold and the Remediation Option Grant as decided by the Housing Agency is communicated to the applicant by the Council’s DCB Grant Office.

Where it is deemed by the Housing Agency that an application has not met the Damage Threshold or where an applicant is not satisfied with the Approved Remediation Option, the applicant may submit an Appeal to the Independent Appeals Panel.

2.2.3.1 Overview of Referral of Applications to the Housing Agency Table 3 Determination of Damage Threshold as at 30th June 2026

2.2.3.2 Remediation Option & Grant Amount as at 30th June 2026

To date, the Housing Agency has decided the Remediation Option Grant on 52% of the applications which have been determined to have met the Damage Threshold under the provisions of the Enhanced Scheme.

These Remediation Option Grants are summarised below.

The Housing Agency has advised the Council of 36 Appeal Determination Remediation Option Grants and this information is incorporated in the table below.

Table 4

2.2.4

Payments to Applicants

Donegal County Council fully recognises the importance of timely processing of valid Payment Claims under the Defective Concrete Blocks Enhanced Scheme, to ensure cash flow for all parties involved.

To date, Donegal County Council has processed valid Payment Claims and issued payments to applicant homeowners to a value of over €258m.

2.2.4.1 Payments Issued by Period

Overview of Payments issued to applicants by period.

2.2.4.2 Payments Issued by Category

€20,000,000

€18,000,000

€16,000,000

€14,000,000

€12,000,000

€10,000,000

€8,000,000

€6,000,000

€4,000,000

€2,000,000

€0

Value of DCB Grants Paid per month

€258,061,850

2.2.4.3 Payment Claims Submitted – 4 Week Rolling Period

Average No. of days from Claim Submitted to Claim Paid (this includes time for submission of Further Information where the initial Payment Claim submitted was incomplete)

Average No. of Days from a Valid Claim Approved to Claim Paid

2.2.5 Overview of Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme

2.2.5.1 Overview of Applications received under the Enhanced DCB Scheme

No of Applications Received Applications Received under the Enhanced DCB Scheme

Application Overview

Applications Received under the Provisions of the Enhanced Scheme 1446

Principal Private Residence (PPR) 1341

Residential Tenancy Board (RTB)

Applications Deemed Ineligible 19

Applications Withdrawn by Applicant 70

2.2.5.2 Active DCB Applications by Municipal District

2.2.5.3 Remediation Option & Grant Amount as at 30th June 2026

Total No. of Grant Amounts decided and notified to applicants (Previous Scheme & Enhanced Scheme) 1505

Total Value of Grant Amounts decided to date (Previous Scheme & Enhanced Scheme) €536,991,19 5

No. of Confirmation of Grant Amounts from the Previous Scheme as calculated / recalculated under the Enhanced Scheme by Donegal County Council (Transitional Applications) 685

Value of Grant Amounts from the Previous Scheme as calculated / recalculated under the Enhanced Scheme by Donegal County Council

€242,657,733

Number of Confirmation of Grant Amounts received from the Housing Agency under the terms of the Enhanced Scheme 820

Value of Grant Amounts decided by the Housing Agency €294,333,462

2.2.5.4

Commencements & Completions

No. of Commencements notified by Applicants to the DCB Grant Office 1011

No. of Dwellings currently undertaking Remediation Works 627 No. of Dwellings Fully Remediated 384

Letter of Assurance Issued 122

2.2.5.5

Assistance to Applicants

The DCB Grant Office continues to actively engage with applicants across the full scope of the Scheme. This includes Validation of Enhanced Scheme Applications, Ancillary Grant Applications, Notification of Decisions, Validation of Payment Claims, Processing Payments, Change of Competent Building Professional and all other general queries.

The DCB Section of Donegal County Council’s Website is updated regularly and contains all the information and links that an applicant may require at various stages of the application process.

The telephone clinics are available every Tuesday and Thursday (9am – 12.30pm) to assist applicant with any queries. The DCB Grant Office Team follow up on applicants’ queries outside of the specific telephone clinics.

Applicants can also submit queries via email to dcb@donegalcoco.ie and a member of the team will be in contact with the applicant.

The Community Facilitators play a vital role in supporting and guiding homeowners and families who are most vulnerable and / or applicants who may not have the necessary facilities to submit an online application. There are currently four Community Facilitators available to assist applicants throughout the county.

3. Housing, MD Services & Capital Projects

3.1 Housing, MD Services

3.1.1 Approved Housing Bodies (AHB’s)

Approved Housing Bodies (AHB’s) and Donegal County Council continue to work in partnership to deliver quality social housing around the county.

Several AHB projects are currently in progress across the county which are funded via the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) or the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) funding streams as follows:

3.1.2

Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) ERDF Social Housing Scheme

Donegal County Council has recently submitted an application under the Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) ERDF Social Housing Scheme. The application has successfully progressed to Stage 2 of the assessment process, following completion of the initial eligibility and administrative checks.

As part of Stage 2, site assessments of the proposed properties are being undertaken to inform the next phase of evaluation. The Council continues to engage with the assessment process and facilitate all requirements as requested.

3.1.3 Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People

In 2026, Donegal County Council received a funding allocation of €4,932,554 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to fund private home grants for adaptations and improvement works for eligible older people and people living with disabilities across the county.

The grants are administered through the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People (up to €40,000), the Housing Aid for Older People Grant (up to €10,700) and the Mobility Aids Grant (up to €8,000).

Donegal County Council continues to process grant applications on an on-going basis to ensure that necessary adaptation and improvement works can be undertaken to make homes safer, more accessible and better suited to homeowners needs, enabling many people to continue living independently within their communities.

Ardán Rua, Killylastin, Letterkenny

Before After

Donegal County Council continues to retrofit its housing stock through the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme having received an allocation of €10.07m from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to carry out energy retrofits to 265 social housing units in 2026. Since the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme in 2021, this is the largest allocation that Donegal County Council has received.

Works carried out under this programme create warmer, healthier and more energyefficient homes that enhance our tenants’ lives while reducing energy consumption, supporting wider climate action objectives and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Council's housing stock.

3.2.1

Social Housing Delivery Pipeline

Donegal County Council’s overall social housing delivery pipeline is summarised below. These figures reflect the Council’s pipeline, and includes in-house projects, turnkey developments, Part V’s and AHB developments.

Summary Table

Photo 1. SI House at Ballyliffin

Photo 2. Radharc Na Tra Breige, Malin (9 units)

Photo 3: Social Housing Units at Barrick Hill, Carndonagh (21 units)

Photos 4: Ongoing Development at Kilderry, Muff (38 Units)

Photo 5: Social Housing Units at Rockytown, Buncrana (54 units)

Photo 6 and 7: Social Housing Units at Oran Hill, Letterkenny (30 units)

Photo 8: Ongoing Development at Lifford Common (60 units)

4. Human Resources, Economic Development & Emergency Services

4.1 Economic Development Division

4.1.1

UNESCO Learning City Region

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday 26th June at Ulster University by all partners committing to working together to further develop the North West Learning City Region.

4.1.2 Lifford Common Development

The Lifford Common Development is near completion with 12 acres of land available for economic development purposes. Photos below taken approximately 8 weeks ago with site outline in red encompassing all sites:

4.1.3 Donegal Craft Village

Funding application to the Artist Workspace Scheme submitted, awaiting decision. Works continue upgrading of signage in line with Donegal branding. Final design proposals submitted to tenants with the aim of starting installation works in coming weeks.

Concept photos below (final design to be confirmed):

4.1.4 EU Interreg NPA Project SUB

The Tourism Unit in Donegal County Council delivered a series of Professional Training Courses for tourism businesses funded under the EU Interreg NPA project SUB.

This training programme was designed to enhance the skills and operational capacity of biking and other tourism businesses in Donegal, Ireland.

The training courses ran from April to May 2026 with a mix of online and in person modules across the county and topics covered included:

Applied AI and Emerging Technologies for Tourism SMEs Training; Training on Digital Marketing Campaign Development; Professional Photography and Visual Asset Creation Training; Business Clustering and Inter-County Learning Visits Facilitation.

4.1.5 Donegal Tourism Brochure 2026

For the first time, the Donegal Tourism brochure 2026 has been fully translated into the Irish language in line with Donegal County Council Tourism Unit’s commitment to promoting the language and culture of Donegal and in line with the Official Languages Act, 2021.

An advertising campaign as Gaeilge with TG4 in partnership with Udarás na Gaeltachta and Donegal County Council’s Rannóg na Gaeilge is planned for the Autumn 2026.

A launch of that advertising campaign and the Irish language brochure will take place in the Autumn.

4.1.6 Inishowen Area – One @ One late-Night Pilot

TFI Local Link along with the Nighttime Economy Project is operating the One @ One late-night transport service (Route 959) on selected weekends throughout the year.

The service departs Buncrana at 1.00 am and serves the following locations before terminating in Greencastle:

• Clonmany, Ballyliffin, Carndonagh, Culdaff, Gleneely, Moville and Greencastle

4.1.7 CPMR Atlantic Arc Commission General Assembly Quebec

8th & 9th June 2026

Cllr Jack Murray attended the Atlantic Arc General Assembly in Quebec, Canada where he took part in a panel discussion on the role of regions in securing economic security and democracy in a time of global shocks.

From Donegal's perspective the assembly noted that regions are key partners in delivering economic security. Local government sitting closest to citizens is uniquely positioned to build trust, support informed public debate and ensure that communities remain resilient in the face of global shocks.

4.1.8 Blue Bioeconomy – Steering Group

19th June 2026 – Killybegs - Blue Bioeconomy Scoping Report Launched BIM and Donegal County Council launch blue bioeconomy report to drive seafood sector innovation

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, in partnership

with Donegal County Council, today (Friday, 19 June 2026) launched a new report assessing the potential of Ireland’s blue bioeconomy.

The Blue Bioeconomy Scoping Report assesses industry needs, supports, and international best practice, identifying a clear set of priority actions required to unlock growth in this emerging sector. A key outcome is the creation of a northwest Blue Bioeconomy Steering Group to guide implementation, strengthen collaboration and ensure industry input.

4.1.9 SVNP – Smart Villages Network Project

The Smart Villages Network Project officially launched at the Guildhall on the 7th May 2026.

• A €4.9 million PEACEPLUS-funded cross-border initiative, managed by SEUPB, was officially launched at Derry-Londonderry’s Guildhall.

• Project aims to drive digital innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion across the North West City Region.

• Led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the project unites ERNACT, Donegal County Council, Ulster University and NWRC.

• SVNP supports rural communities through digital transformation and inclusive growth until 2029.

• Hosted by Jeananne Craig, the launch gathered government, funding, partner and community representatives from across the region. Senior officials from Northern Ireland and Ireland highlighted the vital role of cross-border collaboration in strengthening rural communities and supporting sustainable regional development.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning said: “What makes this project especially valuable is that it is not only about buildings or technology, but also about people. It is about creating welcoming places where communities can learn new skills, start businesses, access services and connect across borders. That is the real value of this investment.”

• Each hub will be equipped with advanced technologies and sustainability upgrades, alongside tailored training, mentoring programmes, and innovation activities designed to accelerate both digital and green transformation.

• Speakers at the event emphasised the project’s role in bridging the rural–urban divide, improving access to digital services, and creating new economic opportunities.

The Smart Village Network Project represents a significant investment in the future of the North West City Region, supporting peacebuilding, shared prosperity, and long-term sustainability through innovation and collaboration.

Find out more about the project on www.svnp-hubs.com

4.2 Local Enterprise Office

Local Enterprise Office Donegal is embedded within the Local Authority and mandated to deliver enterprise development and business support functions on behalf of Enterprise Ireland and local government. Its core mission is to enable entrepreneurship, provide expert advice, deliver enterprise supports, and foster local economic development.

For 2026, Local Enterprise Office Donegal remains focused on strengthening business resilience and supporting sustainable growth throughout the county. Key priorities include supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, export development as well as the digital and green transition alongside continued support for Donegal's national award representatives.

4.2.1 Programme and Support Activity Highlights

Since the start of 2026, Local Enterprise Office Donegal delivered a broad range of supports across financial assistance, training and advisory services, reflecting a strong level of activity throughout the year. Against a target of 33, Local Enterprise Office Donegal recorded 16 approvals under Financial Support Packages, supporting 15 jobs commitments and achieving 48% of target.

Within Established Activity, Business Expansion recorded four approvals supporting nine jobs, while Market Explorer Grants saw two approvals. Microfinance Ireland reached nine approvals against a target of 19, achieving 47% of target.

Productivity Measures performed strongly overall, with 63 approvals against a target of 105, achieving 60% of target. Within this, Lean for Business recorded ten approvals against a target of 15 (67%), Green for Business: 16 approvals against 27 (59%), Energy Efficiency Grants; 15 approvals against 18 (83%), Digital for Business; 11 approvals against 27 (41%), and Grow Digital Voucher; 11 approvals against 18 (61%).

Capability Development continues to be a strong area of delivery. Training recorded 812 attendees against a target of 900, achieving 90% of target, while the Start Your Own Business programme has already exceeded target, recording 94 attendees against a target of 90 (104%). The Mentor Development Programme also surpassed target with 120 approvals against 90 (133%), and Animation/Networking/Awareness activity reached 692 against a target of 720, achieving 96% of target. The proportion of training clients availing of additional supports stands at 4%, against a target of 25%, achieving 16% of target. Mentoring recorded 132 approvals against a target of 270, achieving 49% of target, with 20% of mentoring clients availing of additional supports against a 30% target, achieving 67% of that goal.

Overall, performance against annual targets indicates sustained demand for LEO supports, with particularly strong delivery in Start Your Own Business, the Mentor Development Programme, and Energy Efficiency Grants.

4.2.1.1 Four in a Row for Donegal as Niche SSP Wins at National Enterprise Awards

Niche SSP, supported by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, was among the winners at this year's National Enterprise Awards, taking home the Regional Award North-west. The awards, now in their 26th year, took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin recently and are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate excellence among Ireland's small businesses.

Niche SSP won the northwest Regional Award at the National Enterprise Awards in Dublin. Pictured at the event are: Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, Grace Korbel, Local Enterprise Office Donegal, Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Ciara McGlynn, Niche Specialist Staffing Partners, Gareth McGlynn, Niche Specialist Staffing Partners and Brenda Hegarty, Local Enterprise Office Donegal.

This marks the fourth consecutive year a Donegal business has been recognised at the National Enterprise Awards, following wins by Seabound in 2025, Living Green in 2024 and Silver Strand Rope Works in 2023.

Niche SSP is a 100% export-oriented recruitment business based in Donegal that supplies the largest construction companies in the US with the top 10% of preconstruction talent. The company focuses exclusively on Preconstruction and Estimating, using an AI-based CRM, a dedicated Preconstruction Podcast and best-inclass training to better connect employers with high-quality Estimators. Niche SSP was awarded the Best-Established Enterprise Award at the Donegal Enterprise Awards back in December 2025.

4.2.1.2 Site Visit to PEM Technology Gateway, Sligo

Local Enterprise Office Donegal joined the Donegal Engineering Network on a site visit to the PEM Technology Gateway in Sligo. The visit included a tour of the facility and discussions around the challenges and opportunities facing engineering and manufacturing businesses in the region.

4.2.1.3

New Cohort of Ambition Accelerator for 2026

Following a strong recruitment drive and an online information session held on Thursday 18th June, Local Enterprise Office Donegal is compiling the 2026 cohort for its award-winning Ambition Accelerator Programme. AMBITION is open to female entrepreneurs at start-up or growth stage with links to Donegal, supporting them to validate and develop their business ideas.

The 2025 cohort delivered strong outcomes, with 94% of participants saying the programme met expectations, 96% describing it as inclusive, supportive and wellfacilitated, 92% rating the workshops and coaching as highly useful, and 95% saying they would recommend it to others. The 2026 cohort will begin the programme in September, building on a strong track record of impact for female-led enterprise in the county.

4.2.1.4

Ongoing Business Supports Clinics

Local Enterprise Office Donegal continues to deliver regular in-person and online business supports clinics, giving an overview of the supports and services available to small businesses in Donegal and explaining the Grant Aid process and criteria, with one-to-one advice available on specific queries. Grant Aid is available to microenterprises that meet national criteria, and these clinics give prospective and existing business owners the opportunity to assess their eligibility and understand the application process. Further information is available from the Local Enterprise Office team on 074 9160735 or info@leo.donegalcoco.ie.

Acting Assistant Head of Enterprise, Philip O'Kennedy hosting a Business Support Clinic.

4.3.1

Operations

(i) Incident Activity

The number of incidents in the County and the fire brigade mobilisation activity for May and June of 2026 are detailed in Table 1 below.

Table 1 - Operational Data for May & June 2026

4.3.2

Training

Members of the Service attended the following out of County training courses during May and June of 2026:



10 no. new members of the service attended a 10-day QQI Breathing Apparatus (Initial Wearers) training courses at Dundalk Fire Station, Co. Louth. 3 No. Donegal County Council Fire Service instructors provided training.

 2 No. members of the service attended a three-week QQI Firefighting Skills Course at Sligo Fire Station, Co. Sligo.

 1 No. Member attended a 3-day NDFEM Fire Service Trainer (Assessment) course in Birr, Co Offaly.

 I No. member of the service attended an NDFEM Managing Fire service Incidents Module 2 course at Tullamore Co Offaly

 2 No. members of the service attended a 2-day NDFEM Compressed Air Foam Systems Trainer Course at Tullamore, Co Offaly.

 4 No. members attended a 1-day CFR(A) refresher training course.

Members of the Service attended the following in County training courses during May and June 2026:

 12 No. members of the service attended a 3-day National Incident Command Course conducted by Donegal County Council Fire Service at HQ.

 60 No. members of the service attended a ½ day Smoke alarm Installation Course conducted by E.I. Electronics at Letterkenny and Donegal Town

 11 No. members attended a 1-day Initial Compressed Air Foam Systems course conducted by Sidhean Teo separately in Bundoran and Carndonagh.

Statutory Fire Safety

Table 2 below shows the number of valid Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) applications received in conjunction with the number of applications granted for each of the two-month periods from January to June 2026.

Fire Safety

Received 16 31 19

Decisions made 36 36 22

Table 2 - Summary of FSC’s received and decisions made.

At the end of June 2026, 40 FSC applications were waiting to be assessed, while 41 FSC applications were waiting for further information from the applicants Technical Agent.

Table 3 below sets out the type and frequency of other activities that the Fire Prevention Section was involved in during May and June of 2026.

May and June 2026

Inspections and Auditing carried out (Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003, Annual Licensing, DSA 1972, Explosive Stores, Pyrotechnics, BCA 1992 & 2007)

Table 3 – Fire Prevention Activity Data (Excludes FSC’s)

1 For this two-month period as part of its Community Fire Safety programme, Donegal Fire Service facilitated 61 no. Fire safety presentations whilst 7 No. home fire safety visits were also undertaken.

Community Support Centres - Emergency Generator Training

Training was organised by the NDFEM at Monaghan Civil Defence HQ on the 11th June 2026. The training focused on the use and maintenance regime of the new emergency generators outlining standard weekly and monthly checks which will be supplemented by a video. The generators are an asset of each Local Authority, redirection of the generators to other counties must be co-ordinated by the NDFEM.A 3 year maintenance contract is in place. An app will be provided to DCC to allow the fuel levels of the generators to be monitored remotely.

It is planned that Civil Defence will conduct a live exercise to mobilise one the emergency generators to a suitable community support centre currently fitted with a change over switch to test the logistical and operational requirements prior to an event occurring.

Severe Weather

There were 11 weather warnings issued by the Met Éireann Weather Warning Alerting Service for Donegal between the 1st of May 2026 and the 30th of June 2026. These warnings varied between rainfall, wind, thunderstorms, hailstones

 Status Yellow – 11 No. warnings issued.

 Status Orange - None.

 Status Red – None.

One Number DCC SWAT meeting was held on 25th June is response the Yellow weather warning and the possibility of Thunder/Lightning storms and flooding. One number National severe weather and flood coordination meeting was held on 26th June 2026.

Yellow Warning 25th an 26th June 2016

A yellow thunderstorm warning issued Thursday 25/06/2026 from 15:00hrs to 09:00hrs. Intensive thunder and lightning occurred throughout the County, resulting in substantial power outages, it was estimated 5000 homes were affected.

On Friday 26/06/26 a further yellow storm warning was issued from 18:00hrs to 22:00hrs indicating the possibility of thunderstorm, localised flooding and hail damage. Some localised flooding occurred which resulted in some damage to a number of roads.

5. Roads & Transportation

5.1.1 TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project

An application for development consent for the project was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála on the 7th of May 2026. The EIAR/CPO for the TEN-T PRIP Donegal was published on 14th May 2026, marking the commencement of the development consent process. The consultation period lasted for a period of eight weeks, and members of the public including affected landowners had the opportunity to make submissions to An Coimisiún Pleanála on the application and CPO. The consultation period concluded on the 10th July 2026. An Coimisiún Pleanála may, at its absolute discretion, convene an Oral Hearing.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has indicated on its website that it is due to make a decision on the application by the 12th of November, 2026.

NRO staff including the land liaison team continue to engage with land/property owners impacted by the project. This team are available to any landowner or for other public queries that may arise in respect to the CPO process.

If Donegal County Council receives approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála, it will proceed with land acquisition, advanced works, and the construction tendering process. The earliest date for commencement of the project is 2028 subject to funding and procurement processes.

Further details of the project CPO and all published documentation are available on the project website www.donegal-ten-t.ie as well as on the An Coimisiún Pleanála website from start of consultation period.

5.1.2 A5 Western Transport Corridor

Further to the legal challenge in respect to Section 2 and Phase 1B of the A5WTC (54km of the overall 85km project from south of Strabane to Ballygawley), a Northern Ireland High Court Judge ruled against the decision to allow plans to proceed on this section. DfI served a Notice of Appeal to the NI’s Court of Appeal against the judgement. A court appeal hearing took place in December 2025. The judge referred matters back to the High Court, which were heard in February 2026. The Court of Appeal resumed in June 2026. A decision could be made in Q3/Q4 2026.

Separately, DfI are currently progressing a new route options assessment for Section 1 of the A5WTC between Newbuildings and Sion Mills. Public Engagement events were held on 27th and 28th May 2026. The deadline for submissions to the proposed route options concluded on 7th July 2026. The 2009 route option together with a number of options east of Strabane are currently being assessed. All options include a connection to the proposed Ten-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal.

5.1.3 Greenways

The following greenways continue to be developed in 2026. Progress is subject to funding and a number of projects have received limited or no funding in 2026.

• The Burtonport to Letterkenny Greenway (Ghlasbhealach Ailt an Chorráin go Leitir Ceanainn) (Limited Funding 2026)

• The Three Trees to Carndonagh Greenway

• The Buncrana to Carndonagh Greenway (No Funding 2026)

• The Bridgend to Buncrana and Newtoncunningham Greenway

• The Carrigans to Lifford Greenway

All these projects have been identified by Donegal County Council as strategically important and are specifically listed in the County Development Plan for advancement.

They all offer significant potential benefits to the county including local connectivity, safe non-vehicular transport both within rural communities and between urban centres. In addition they represent a valuable new tourist resource with significant economic benefits for the whole of the county.

5.1.4 Barnesmore Gap Greenway Outline Program (January 2026)

The EIAR and CPO Barnesmore Gap Greenway project is expected to be published in the coming weeks. Ongoing engagement with landowners and key stakeholders has formed a central part of the project’s development to date and will continue as the scheme moves forward. In parallel, the Voluntary Land Acquisition process, as provided for under the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, has now commenced, with affected landowners being invited to submit compensation claims.

There has been recent engagement with the IFA in respect to this and other Greenway projects in the county in light of concerns raised around the country on other such schemes. It is recognized that the current Greenways are important projects for the county and are established infrastructure goals within DCC policy and plans. It is also acknowledged that DCC has fully and correctly implemented the Greenway Code of practice. DCC through the NRO will continue to apply the Greenways Code of Practice including ongoing significant consultation and discussion with affected landowners. It is also very clear that CPO is required for these and any major linear infrastructure project not just in respect to a small percentage of objectors but also in respect to probate and ownership issues and ensuring full and unrestricted access to all the lands for construction.

5.1.5.1 N56 Letterkenny Traffic Management and Active Travel Project – Polestar to Creamery Roundabout

The Contractor, Whitemountain Quarries, (T/A Breedon) was appointed on 17th November 2025 to construct Section 1 from Ballyraine Roundabout to Creamery Roundabout, with an initial contract duration of 44 weeks, subject to conditions of contract. The contract is currently in week 35 and, to-date, is progressing on programme and on budget.

5.1.5.2 Other Active Travel Projects

Three other active travel projects are currently at design stage, these are N56 Cappry to Ballybofey, N56 Phort na Bláiche, N56 Dunkineely. It is hoped these will go to planning in the second half of 2026 subject to resources.

5.1.6 Pavement Asset Repair and Renewal (PARR) 2026

The Donegal NRO is currently progressing two PARR Contracts on the national primary roads network, the first of which, N15 Liscooley to Castlefinn, commenced onsite on 14th June and is currently programmed for completion early in September.

The second PARR Contract N15/N13 Ballybofey to Stranorlar is now in the post tender / pre-appointment phase, and is currently programmed to commence onsite towards the end of July. The proposed construction programme for this contract will extend into 2027, with a programmed break in construction activities during the Christmas shopping period, before recommencing in mid-January with proposed completion currently programmed for early Q2 2027.

5.1.7 Minor Projects at Design Stage

The following projects are being developed through the Design and Environmental Phases working towards the Statutory Procedures in 2026 and 2027:

• N13 Bridgend to County Boundary (TEN-T) Route Improvement Project –currently progressing through TII PMG Phase 3, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and associated studies are currently progressing on programme for completion of Phase 3 by year end.

• N56 Doonwell Drumbrick Road Scheme - This Scheme has progressed through TII PMG Phase 3 and it is expected that the Statutory Procedures will commence in Q3 2026 with the submission of a Natura Impact Statement and CPO to ACP for assessment.

• N15 Corcam Bends Road Scheme- This Scheme is progressing through TII PMG Phase 3 and it is expected that the Statutory Procedures will commence in Q4 2026 with the submission of a Natura Impact Statement and CPO to ACP for assessment.

• N56 Gort an Choirce go An Fálcarrach scéim bhóthair: This Scheme is progressing through TII PMG Phase 3 and it is expected that the Statutory Procedures will commence in Q3 2027. The Statutory Procedure to be utilized has yet to be established.

5.1.8 Bridges

The TII funded Regional Bridge management team will continue routine maintenance of all bridges on National Roads through the TII Bridges Term Maintenance Contracts. TII funding has been provided for the replacement of N13 Castlecooley Bridge, with consultant procurement and preliminary design to be completed by Q4 2026.

5.1.9.1

N15 Laghey Roundabout Road Safety Improvement Scheme (RSIS)

This safety scheme focuses on addressing a high collision location on the N15 at Laghey. The scheme replaces the current N15/R232 T-Junction with a Roundabout. Donegal County Council awarded the construction contract early January 2026. The project is progressing in line with the programme and is expected to reach completion Q4 2026.

5.2 Central Technical Services (CTS Division)

5.2.1

Urban Speed Limits

Donegal County Council completed a non-statutory public consultation on proposals for implementing new speed limits within urban areas including a proposed 30km/h speed limit within the urban core of some of our towns and villages in the county in May 2025. The Council has since received a DoT circular with direction on next steps.

The requirements of the DoT Circular and feedback received from the initial nonstatutory consultation were taking into account and workshops were held with each MD on proposals for urban speed limits. Plenary Council gave approval to commence the statutory public consultation stage of the speed limit process in June 2026. The consultation process commenced on 22 June 2026 with open events held in each MD to provide additional support and opportunity for public engagement. In accordance

with the legislative requirements, engagement is ongoing with AGS and TII. Workshops are being arranged with MDs for early September to update on the feedback received during the consultation process and to present the final proposed Speed Limits.

5.2.2 Fintra Bridge and Road realignment

This landmark Regional Road project is progressing extremely well with the contractor on target to complete in September 2026, 10 months ahead of schedule.

5.2.3 R250 Droichead an Churraoin and Road Realignment Scheme

Patrick J Tobin & Co Ltd T/A Tobin Consulting Engineers has been appointed as the consultant for Phase 2 to 7 of the TII Project Management Guidelines for the development and delivery of a suitable solution at Droichead an Churraoin. Route option report has been finalised and presented to the GMD. Landowner discussions are ongoing and preliminary design and preparation for the NIS planning process are underway for this €3M Regional Road Bridge replacement and road realignment project.

5.2.4 Glenmore Bridge

Tender documents have issued to the DOT for approval to proceed to tender to appoint a contractor for the project. Land purchase is nearing completion.

5.2.5 Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF)

Donegal County Council was successful in securing 4 projects under the recent funding announcement on the HIIF. These are listed below.

Ref Project

HIIFC1

DL003 Infrastructure Project to facilitate 300 New Residential units at Kiltoy, Letterkenny

HIIFC1

DL006 Aghilly Road Project, Buncrana

Site Specific Flood Risk Assessment – exploring optimum solutions for storm water attenuation in the area.

Indicative Cost Band < €10m €50,000

Upgrade and realignment of Aghilly Road (c. 890m length). Includes drainage and Active Travel infrastructure.

Indicative Cost Band < €10m €200,000

HIIFC1

DL007 Drumacrin Road Project, Bundoran

HIIFC1

DL011 Letterkenny Northern Network Project

Distributor road with Active Travel infrastructure (c. 620m length).

Indicative Cost Band < €10m €100,000

Infrastructure upgrades to existing local road (c. 2.3km length) and new road from N56 road roundabout (c. 1.5km length). Includes SUDs and Active Travel infrastructure.

Indicative Cost Band €10-20m

€100,000

Funding is managed allocated annually based on delivery progress. Allocations are actively reviewed and may increase or decrease depending on performance, expenditure and overall availability.

The HIIF offer of funding has been formally accepted by the Council. A meeting has also taken place with the Housing Activation Office (HAO) official who manage the programme on behalf of the government. This meeting focused on actions needed from both DCC and the HAO in ensuring the projects awarded were delivered successfully. These actions include the HAO establishing governance processs, project management approval processes, payment processes and regional utilities teams which may take a number of months.

The Council see this stream of funding as an important avenue in delivering important infrastructure that will support the development of housing. In this regard the Council is establishing a dedicated team within Road Design that will manage these HIIF projects. This team will initially consist of a Senior Executive Engineer, Executive Engineer and an Assistant Staff Officer. This team will report to Cliodhna Campbell, Senior Engineer for the CTS Division. A steering group will also be established that will be constituted with representatives from Roads, Housing and Planning which will support the delivery of these and future projects.

The consultant for the Letterkenny Northern Network Project has been appointed (early July) to develop the project through Phase 5 detailed design with a view to progressing through tender for construction during 2027. Part 8 approval for an amendment to the project will be considered at the July 2026 Plenary Council meeting. Land negotiations are progressing well.

The Kiltoy Project has been handed over from Housing to the HIIF team in Road Design and a consultant brief will be prepared and tendered over the next few months.

Consultant briefs for both Aghilly Road and Drumacrin projects are currently being prepared for tender. Road Design HIIF team will develop the Drumacrin Project through the Part 8 process in the meantime. Aghilly Road already has planning approval.

5.2.6 Letterkenny Southern Network Project

Phase 3 of the project has now commenced with route alignment design commenced and engagement ongoing with relevant stakeholders.

5.2.7 NTA Active Travel Programme

Both the Letterkenny Kilmacrennan Road Active Travel project and Bundoran Ballyshannon project are progressing well with completion expected in Q4 2026.

The Lifford Active Travel project contractor has now been appointed and will commence construction of the project in September.

Ballybofey Western Corridor Phase 1 – Drennan Road will progress through the Part 8 planning process during Q4, while other SRTS schemes are in development and will be reviewed with Greenschools / local MDs before commencing the Part 8 planning processes.

Contractors are currently being appointed for the SRTS Round 3 High Speed locations and for the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme (Round 1).

Bus Stops on National Roads are currently being reviewed for Round 2 in consultation with NTA BSEP Manager and TII.

5.2.8 ZEVI Regional EV Infrastructure Strategy

The consultant is well progressed with the Strategy for Region 7 (Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Clare County Councils). Agreement has been reached between ZEVI, the consultant, Region 7 and other regions nationally on the final format and content of the Strategies. Consultation with Elected Members is planned in the coming months to allow delivery of the final Strategy reports in Q4 2026.

Site inspections have recently commenced on mapping of all public EV charging infrastructure within the County. Inspections are due to be completed by end of July 2026 and will be used by ZEVI in developing a national map of public EV charging assets.

5.3 Roads Areas

5.3.1 Restoration Improvement and Restoration Maintenance

Donegal County Council Roads Areas are working through the RI and RM programmes, with 117 bitmac overlay contracts having been awarded to date under the RI programme, with an increased percentage of those being ‘warm mix’ contracts.

One particular problem experienced this year is that Contractors are withdrawing from awarded contracts, on the basis of escalating costs due to the conflict in the Middle East., such that the Council are required to either award to the next lowest tenderer, or retender altogether. To date we have had to retender/reaward 26 contracts. The resulting increased costs means that identified schemes have to be paired back to suit available budgets.

5.3.2 TII Emergency Pavement Scheme

The TII have recently announced that in 2026 , they have agreed to fund patch repairs under the Emergency Pavement Schemes programme on the N3, N13, N15 and N56 to the value of €505k . This will allow for the patch repair of deteriorating surfacing at 19 separate locations. These are currently out to tender with a view to early completion.

5.3.3 Other Works

There remains a poor level of maintenance funding afforded to the National Roads network which has more or less remained static since 2018, despite rising costs on labour and materials, and there is currently no allocation maintenance programme in place for the various greenways/cyclepaths being developed Countywide under the various programmes.

6.Finance, Corporate Services & Information Systems

6.1 Finance

6.1.1 Capital Account – Income & Expenditure 2023 to June 2026

The chart below shows income and expenditure on the Capital account for the past three years, together with income and expenditure for the first six months of 2026.

Capital 2023-2026

6.1.2 Revenue Account – Income & Expenditure 2023 to June 2026

The chart below shows income and expenditure on the revenue account for the past three years, together with income and expenditure for the first six months of 2026.

Revenue 2023-2026

6.1.3 Revenue Account 2026

The chart below compares the monthly prorated budget with the actual monthly spend.

BUDGET V SPEND BY MONTH 2026

Expenditure Budget

Capital Account Income & Expenditure Summary by Service Division

Year to Date to 30/06/2026

Account Income & Expenditure Summary by Service Division Revenue Account Income & Expenditure Summary by Service Division

to Date to 30/06/2026

6.1.6 Analysis of Debtors January to June 2026

Analysis of Debtors - Periods 01/01/2026 to 30/06/2026

Trade Debtors

John G. McLaughlin Chief Executive