McHugh blasts goverment

Donegal North East Deputy Joe McHugh yesterday hit out at what he describes as ‘utter contempt’ shown by the government to the members of the RNLI in Inishowen. This comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the lease of the foreshore in Buncrana to the Donegal County Council, who wish to build a breakwater on the foreshore to stop the shore silting up. He said: “Once again, the people of Donegal are being treated like second class citizens by this country’s government. The RNLI provides an invaluable service to the people of Donegal, yet they are being literally ignored by the Department of the Marine.” The RNLI cannot access their boat at ‘Ned’s Point’ whenever the tide is low, therefore, there is serious concerns regarding safety. The lease of the Buncrana foreshore is imperative to ensure the safety of water users. The deputy said: “The health and safety of everyone from Donegal to Portrush is being put at risk by this haphazard approach. This debacle has been ongoing for almost a year now and it’s high time we got some answers.” Patience is seen to be wearing thin among the local community and Deputy McHugh feels that this is hardly surprising. He said: “Everyone involved has been told that the contract is sitting in the state solicitors’ office, awaiting a signature. This form of bureaucracy is unacceptable and I intend to put this matter to the minister, in the form of a parliamentary question.” Deputy McHugh said this case further highlights the attitude of government officials towards Donegal. He said: “As the voice of opposition for Donegal North East, I feel that it is my duty to counteract the neglect being shown to Donegal by the current government.” Liam Magee, Lough Swilly RNLI operations manager, said: “We’re delighted Deputy McHugh is behind us and will fight our cause in the Dáil. The foreshore lease is long overdue. “The RNLI has demonstrated its commitment to the Swilly by spending over 600,000 euro on a new boat, tractor and building at Ned’s Point. This hasn’t cost the Irish taxpayer a red cent. It’s about time the government acted.” A government spokesman said: “The Chief State Solicitor’s Office is aware that the department is giving this matter urgent consideration and is expecting to receive final definitive instructions from the department necessary to finalise the draft lease.”