Donegal International Rally Preview and Derelict Sites Inquiry

Highland Radio has been busy preparing the public for this year’s Donegal International Rally, outlining travel routes, parking arrangements and safety briefings for the expected crowds that will fill County Donegal over the next three days. The station highlighted the logistical details that will help thousands of visitors navigate the event, from road closures to emergency services.

The rally itself has already seen a strong start. On the first stage through Gweedore’s Sleeghan stretch, five‑time World Rally Championship winner Kris Meeke set a time of 6:51.3 in his Toyota Yaris Rally 2, four seconds ahead of the field. Fellow competitors Josh McErlean and Callum Devine followed in second and third places with times of 6:55.3 and 6:57.1 respectively, while Cathan McCourt and Michael Boyle completed the top five. The early results show a diverse mix of manufacturers on the podium and hint at a competitive weekend ahead.

Amid the rally excitement, a local caller raised a different issue on Highland Radio’s programme: why County Donegal has not collected derelict sites levies since 2024. Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, councils can register neglected properties and levy owners to encourage remedial action. The levy is intended to generate revenue for community projects, but Donegal’s decision not to apply it in recent years means those funds have been unavailable. The caller pointed out that this omission could affect local services and development plans.

The question highlights a broader pattern seen across Ireland, where many councils have struggled to enforce derelict site levies consistently. RTÉ Investigates has reported on similar cases where state bodies themselves own registered sites yet the levy is not applied, effectively leaving the State without the intended revenue stream. In Donegal’s case, the lack of levy collection may leave a gap in community funding that could otherwise support infrastructure and public amenities.

The rally promises high‑speed action and international stars, while the derelict site issue underscores ongoing challenges in local governance and fiscal management. Readers interested in the full details of the rally coverage and the derelict sites investigation can consult Highland Radio’s preview programme and RTÉ Investigates’ reports.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.