Donegal County Council passes emergency motion supporting Garvaghy Road residents

Donegal County Council approved an emergency motion on Monday afternoon expressing solidarity with residents of Garvaghy Road and urging that communities not be dragged back into past sectarian division.

Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry McMonagle, who tabled the motion after two days on the road, told the plenary that locals are “living in fear” of renewed violence and recalled the Drumcree dispute of the 1990s, which claimed 21 lives. He criticised the PSNI’s security response and accused the DUP of backing an Orange Order application to march the route, describing it as “very damaging to the peace process”.

The motion, signed by 12 councillors, was seconded by Sinn Féin Cllr Terry Crossan and welcomed by Cathaoirleach Cllr Gary Doherty, who said the people of Garvaghy Road have endured “far, far too much” and deserve peace, dignity and respect. He stressed that no tradition gives anyone the right to impose fear or sectarian provocation on another community.

Independent Cllr Tómas Seán Devine, whose family lives on the road, condemned the renewed push for the parade, calling it a “disgusting” hate‑fest. The council affirmed its support for the residents’ wish to live free from sectarian discrimination and harassment.

Council’s stance

The motion underscores Donegal’s commitment to maintaining the peace process and rejecting any attempts to revive the “dark old days” of sectarian conflict.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels.