Donegal TD calls on Taoiseach to push for Ballyconnell Estate transfer

TD Charles Ward has asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin for urgent intervention in the proposed transfer of Ballyconnell Estate in Falcarragh to ensure it is completed.

The proposed transfer from Údarás na Gaeltachta to Donegal County Council has been under discussion since 2018.

“Eight years later, despite continuous efforts to progress this matter, the local community is still waiting,’ Deputy Ward said, “this is about much more than transferring an estate; it is about unlocking an opportunity for Falcarragh, Cloughaneely, and the wider Gaeltacht in Donegal.”

The Donegal Deputy and his colleague, 100% Redress Party Councillor Denis McGee, have urged the Taoiseach to intervene and ensure the transfer is completed, stating: “The community has waited long enough.”

“Ballyconnell Estate could be a county-wide facility with public access to its grounds, trails, and heritage,” Deputy Ward said. “It could support tourism, recreation, employment and the retention of our young people and our language.

“The local GAA club is hosting the All Ireland Gaeltacht competition in 2029, an event that only comes around every 20 years or so, and they urgently need access to a field within the Estate to provide the best possible experience and facilities for visiting teams from all over Ireland. Without this additional space, it puts the holding of this event in jeopardy.”

In response, the Taoiseach said he will follow up, stating: “The local authority should resolve this. My understanding is that the estate should be transferred to local authorities, so that it can be developed and opened up for community endeavour and for recreational amenity as an economic asset to the area, and that has happened in many other places; I can recall Spike Island.”