DAMIEN/ BLAKE

A quick update on a number of issues from the last few weeks here on the site:

• The Fleadh Cheoil Programme on RTE continues this week on Friday at 7:30 on RTE1. The first two weeks have been excellent, and the town comes across really well. I’m sure that this year’s Fleadh Cheoil will be an even bigger success
• Brian McDaid has returned successfully from Monte Carlo. He’s raised a huge sum for the Donegal Hospice, and his fundraising continues. You can read more about his trip on minitomontecarlo.com or donate to the hospice through their website on donegalhospice.com
• The public consultation period on the proposed variation to the Letterkenny development plan for the area of Town Centre Extenstion has ended. All submissions will now be assessed, and brought to the members at a forthcoming meeting of the council.
• Following November’s visit of the New Zealand All Blacks to Letterkenny and Rathmullan, interest in Dave Gallaher remains high. There’s still a good bit of traffic coming into this website for the pages I’ve written about the trip, most of which comes from outside Ireland
• This site has been nominated for two awards at the Irish Blog Awards. See this post for more info.
• I recently met Brian Cowen, Minister for Finance, when he visited the North West. I raised a number of topics with him, including:
  • Letterkenny General Hospital
  • Cancer Services for the North West
  • St Eunan’s College
  • Infrastructure to the North West
  • Cross Border Co-Operation

  On a similar note, Minister Michael Martin is in Derry today dealing with similar issues of North-South Co-Operation, with particular regard to business and enterprise. These developments will be vital for the future growth of Letterkenny, Buncrana and indeed the rest of Donegal.

• Applications for the Affordable Housing programme close on the 10th of February. More info here. I have a number of application forms, if you are seeking to apply then get in contact with me. Interest has been extremely strong in this programme.
• Congratulations to Fr Eamonn Kelly, who has been appointed Administrator of St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny. Fr Frances McLoone, who has served the Cathedral for many years, is moving parish. I’d like to wish Fr Kelly good luck in his new position; I’m sure he’ll get on great.

With Brian Cowen, TD, in Buncrana on Saturday January 28th, 2006