Heated exchange over graffiti at Glenties meeting

A call for councillors to come together against defacing road signs caused a disagreement at today’s meeting of the Glenties Municipal District

Published 10th Jul 2026, 18:31 BST Cllr McClafferty was highlighting the consequences of spray painting road signs | Donegal Live A call for councillors to come together against defacing road signs caused a disagreement at today’s meeting of the Glenties Municipal District 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 discussion about graffiti turned into a heated exchange at the Glenties Municipal District Meeting.

Independent Councillor Michael McClafferty called for a united front from all councillors against the defacing of road signage. Councillor McClafferty described the spray painting of signs as criminal damage and pointed to the costs associated with repairing or replacing them.

Independent Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, who spoke in Irish, stated that: “Graffiti is a legitimate form of protest. A legitimate act of political expression.”

Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig pointed to the “Free Derry” wall and the artist Banksy. Cllr McClafferty heavily disputed Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig’s statement and said: “I am talking about defacing road signage and buildings, not a legitimate form of protest.”

At this stage, Cathaoirleach of the Glenties MD, Fianna Fáil Councillor Anthony Molloy, called for order and for the next item on the agenda to be addressed.

Related topics: Glenties Michael McClafferty Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig Fianna Fáil 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.