Councillors unite in their support for Twin Towns - Donegal News

COUNCILLORS of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District (MD) have voiced their support for the Twin Towns.

This follows a recent report by The Irish Times on Ballybofey and Stranorlar which focused on vacancy and dereliction in the two towns.

According to the GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report for Q2 2026, Ballybofey has the second-highest commercial vacancy rate out of the 80 towns examined, standing at 34.5 per cent.

The commercial vacancy rate in Donegal was recorded at 20.7 per cent in June 2026.

Separately, a survey undertaken by Donegal County Council recently found a total of 96 vacant or derelict properties in the Ballybofey and Stranorlar area.

At today’s meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar MD, councillors expressed their disappointment with the article, as they claimed it did not highlight what the Twin Towns have to offer.

Sinn Féin councillor Gary Doherty said: “I felt it gave completely the wrong impression of Ballybofey and Stranorlar. As we all know, and as everybody in the north west knows, Ballybofey and Stranorlar are thriving, vibrant towns.

He added: “At the same time, there are reasons why these negative headlines do keep coming up and I very much welcome that we’ve now got these 96 vacant or derelict properties identified. I think the focus now needs to be on the next stage of that process, how many of those are we actively progressing on getting back into use.”

Independent Cllr Frank McBrearty said the report “didn’t highlight what the Twin Towns have to offer.”

He said: “We have golf club and golf course, the Finn Valley Centre with international star atheletes. The senior [Donegal football] team plays in Ballybofey.”

He added that Finn Harps FC, which is being considered for a multi-million takeover by Filipino businessman Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Razon Gonzalez, and the River Finn as other positive attributes to the town.

“There are three fantastic hotels, that’s a credit to have, and there’s other accommodation to stay in the twin towns as well,” said Cllr McBrearty. “You can come and stay in Ballybofey and visit the rest of Donegal very easily right around the county.”

Separately, Cllr McBrearty highlighted the sporting achievements of the Twin Towns and called on Donegal County Council to place greater emphasis on Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club.

Councillor Martin Harley and Cathaoirleach Patrick McGowan also added their support for Ballybofey and Stranorlar.

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