Donegal planning decision sparks sectarian row

A major row has erupted in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal over claims that Northern Ireland Protestants have seized control of a seaside town.

Catholic publican Daniel Devine has claimed that Northern Protestants who holiday in the area were responsible for blocking a planning application for a new pier in the town.

Mr Devine has painted a huge Union Flag on the front of his pub and erected a sign declaring: "A Protestant town for a Protestant people".

Mr Devine claims that of the 182 people who formally objected to his proposal to develop a new pier in the town, 80 were from "out of town" and the vast majority of the remaining 102 were Protestant residents.

Jim Moore, the chairman of the Dunfanaghy Community Action Group, said he was appalled and disgusted Mr Devine had played the sectarian card.

"This is about whether an area of public foreshore in Dunfanaghy should remain in the hands of the public, or whether it should be handed over to an individual to put development on it for his own gain."

Catholic Parish Priest Father Paul McGeehan said it was disappointing that religion had been raised as an issue.