Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, visited County Donegal on Friday, 15 May 2026, to inspect progress across four social housing developments. Located in Letterkenny, Kilmacrennan, and Lifford, the schemes will deliver a total of 131 new homes for families across the county. Minister Charlie McConalogue also attended the visit, alongside TDs Pat the Cope Gallagher, Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Charles Ward, and Niall Blaney.

The Minister was welcomed to Letterkenny by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, and the Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Ciaran Brogan.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning stated that the visit highlighted the scale of delivery currently underway across Donegal: "These developments represent real progress for communities across our county and demonstrate our shared commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality social homes. The delivery of 131 homes across Letterkenny, Kilmacrennan and Lifford will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families who need secure, modern accommodation."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said; "I was impressed with the progress of the four developments I visited. The delivery of these 161 new social homes is an essential for Donegal families and reflects my commitment to increasing the supply of high quality social housing. These homes will provide security, stability and help build new communities for people to grow up and grow old."

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"I am backing local authorities like Donegal County Council with record levels of funding and support."

The ministerial visit commenced at Windyhall, Letterkenny, where 21 homes are being built through a competitive dialogue turnkey acquisition process, with McHugh Bros (Builders) Ltd delivering the scheme.

At Oran Hill on the Kilmacrennan Road in Letterkenny, the Minister viewed a council-led in-house development of 30 homes currently under construction by Lowry Construction Limited.

The Minister also performed the official sod-turning ceremony at Ard Na Glaise, Kilmacrennan, where 20 homes are being developed on Council-owned land as part of a design and build project by M.L. Quinn Construction Ltd.

The tour concluded in Lifford, where 60 social housing units are under construction as part of a broader development of Council-owned land at Lifford Common. This scheme is being led by Donegal County Council's Economic Development Section, with John O'Donnell Construction Ltd serving as the main contractor.

During the site visits, Senior Executive Architect Claire Burke outlined the design philosophy for the council's in-house projects, emphasizing a focus on high-quality, sustainable, low-energy, and low-maintenance properties. The schemes utilize standard house designs aligned with the Department's Design Manual for Quality Housing to ensure long-term value, accessibility, and sustainability for residents.

Senior Engineer John Gallagher acknowledged the continuous backing received from the Department of Housing, Local Government, TDs, and elected representatives in advancing the county's housing agenda. He also noted the support provided by Uisce Éireann for these social housing initiatives.

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G McLaughlin, commented that the ongoing projects highlight the local authority's focus on expanding housing delivery to meet regional demand: "Donegal County Council is committed to progressing an ambitious housing programme that responds to local need and supports sustainable community development. We value the continued support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, our elected members and delivery partners as we work to bring these important projects forward."

The Minister's schedule concluded in Lifford with a meeting alongside Donegal County Council's Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Committee to review the current status and progress of the redress scheme.