Fitness-to-plead assessment for man accused of €9,000 damage at new hospital - Donegal Daily

A fitness-to-plead report has been ordered in the case of a man accused of causing €9,000 of damage to a new hospital in Donegal.Matthew Gallagher, who appeared...

A fitness-to-plead report has been ordered in the case of a man accused of causing €9,000 of damage to a new hospital in Donegal.

Matthew Gallagher, who appeared at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court, is accused of using a metal pipe to damage various items at the facility at Kilmacrennan Road in Letterkenny.

The 25-year-old appeared at court via video link from Castlerea Prison, where he is on remand.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for the accused, said his client is to undergo an “extensive medical assessment” and added that DPP directions are still outstanding.

Mr Gallagher sought that the court directed a fitness-to-plead report for the accused.

Judge Ciaran Liddy consented and the case was adjourned to September 14.

The 110-bed Letterkenny Community Healthcare facility is due to be open towards the end of this year.

Gallagher has been accused of going on a spree of destruction at the facility. He was arrested and has been in custody since May 29th.

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The accused man, of no fixed abode, faces one charge of criminal damage. He is charged that on May 27th, 2026 at Boyle Construction, Kilmacrennan Road, Letterkenny, he did damage property, to wit, 24 windows, 4 glass doors, 8 toilets and 3 sinks valued at €8,850, belonging to Boyle Construction Limited.

The charge is Contrary to Section 2 (1) of the criminal Damage Act, 1991.

Gallagher is also charged that on May 28th, 2026 at Newline Road, Letterkenny, he did have in his custody or under his control, aluminium Playwell Martial Arts nunchucks intending to use to damage property, to wit, a grey Ford Transit belonging to Foroige National Youth Development.

This charge is Contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1991.