Donegal County Council Approves Urgent Budget Plan for 2026

UPDATE: The Donegal County Council is meeting today, November 21, 2025, to finalize its Draft Revenue Budget for 2026, which proposes a staggering expenditure of nearly €224,035,000. This urgent budget review comes as the Council faces significant inflation and economic pressures that have eroded financial resources since the last commercial rate increase in 2018.

Chief Executive John McLaughlin has emphasized that a 5% increase in commercial rates is now necessary to maintain essential services and support local economic growth. “The cost of living crisis has severely impacted our budgets,” McLaughlin stated. He acknowledged the burden on businesses but underscored the necessity of this increase to fund critical infrastructure, housing, and job creation initiatives.

The proposed budget prioritizes key areas such as the maintenance of roads, housing improvements, and tourism development, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Donegal. McLaughlin reassured the public that the Draft Budget is structured to support ongoing and future projects vital to the region’s development.

Among the budget allocations, €925,000 is earmarked for the Development Funds Initiative, with additional funds designated for public lighting and housing estate maintenance. These provisions aim to bolster local infrastructure and community services amidst rising operational costs.

As Donegal navigates these financial challenges, the Council is actively seeking additional funding sources and partnerships to ensure comprehensive service delivery and sustainable development. McLaughlin highlighted the importance of collaboration with regional partners, including Derry City and Strabane District Council, to leverage investments that can stimulate growth in the North West.

This budget meeting is critical not only for local governance but also for the residents of Donegal, who are facing increasing costs for basic necessities. With inflation affecting household budgets, the Council’s decisions today will have a direct impact on community welfare and economic stability in the region.

The Council’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of housing and climate action is evident in the budget’s strategic framework, which aligns with their new Corporate Plan for 2024 to 2029. Plans include significant investments in social housing, improvements in rural areas, and initiatives aimed at combating climate change.

As the meeting unfolds, all eyes are on the Council to see how they will balance financial sustainability with the pressing needs of the community. With local businesses and residents anxiously awaiting the outcome, the implications of today’s decisions could resonate throughout Donegal for years to come.

Stay tuned for live updates as this urgent meeting progresses and decisions are made that will shape the future of Donegal County.