Pensioner describes ‘shock’ upon returning to Ballyshannon 36 years later

The lady highlighted the business closures and dereliction that have happened in the town in the three decades she has been living away

Published 7th Jun 2026, 14:02 BST Ballyshannon | Donegal Live The lady highlighted the business closures and dereliction that have happened in the town in the three decades she has been living away Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

A pensioner described her “shock” upon returning to Ballyshannon after 36 years living abroad.

The lady, who made the comments at the cost-of-living public meeting held in Letterkenny, pointed to the business closures and dereliction in the town.

Having returned in 2019, she described how most of the amenities that were once there are gone and how life doesn’t seem as prosperous for her young grandchildren and they may move away.

“We are absolutely shocked,” she said. “When my husband and I left Ballyshannon there were five bakeries, there is none now. There was industry; they’re all gone. There are no big shops in Ballyshannon, no completely walkable pavements. Every single street has derelict houses; it is not good enough. We are raising our children to either emigrate or go on the dole.”

Father-of-three raises issue of rising childcare costs at Letterkenny meeting ‘There can be change and we have to hold on to that hope’ The event was hosted by Sinn Féin TD, Deputy Dáil Leader and Finance Spokesperson, Pearse Doherty and Sinn Féin TD, Chief Whip and Spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Padraig MacLochlainn.

“We know so many young people are forced to go abroad and we want to give people hope that there is a chance to have a life and raise your family here,” Teachta Doherty responded. “I have four children myself and I am really worried that they don’t see Ireland as a place where they can grow up.

“Young people are telling me that their lives are being put on hold by this government. We need young people and representation in Ballyshannon. A big problem here is that the Fine Gael and Labour government got rid of town councils. I would strongly argue that the concept of regional development doesn’t exist in the government's mantra anymore.

“We talk about Donegal being the forgotten county; that's the reality and it's political. I think Donegal is the best place in the world and that determination to find a way is in us all. It is the heart and soul of the Irish nation.”

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