Deputy Ward urges Taoiseach to intervene in Ballyconnell Estate transfer

Donegal Deputy Charles Ward has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to intervene in the stalled transfer of the Ballyconnell Estate in Falcarragh to Donegal County Council.

The local authority has been negotiating with Údarás na Gaeltachta about taking over the estate since 2018, but talks have reached an impasse. Ward, alongside 100% Redress Party colleague Cllr Denis McGee, is pressing for progress.

Ward said the delay is preventing the community from unlocking opportunities for Falcarragh, Cloughaneely and the wider Gaeltacht, noting the estate could become a county‑wide facility with public access, trails and heritage sites, supporting tourism, recreation, employment and language retention.

The estate recently hosted the popular Dreadwood Halloween event, and Falcarragh GAA plans to use its grounds for the All‑Ireland Gaeltacht competition in 2029. Ward warned that without access to the estate’s field, the event – which occurs only every 20 years – could be jeopardised.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Liudmyla Shalimova / Pexels.