Ernan McGettigan is a native of Donegal Town, educated at Hugh Roe and Barnesmore National Schools and Summerhill College, Sligo. He completed his education by obtaining a diploma in Meat Technology at Thomas Danby College, Leeds and Hollings Faculty, Manchester Polytechnic. He joined his father Michael and brother Diarmuid in the family business on the Diamond in 1978. He has been married to Mary for 28 years and they have two children, Ava (25) and Aaron (22).

Ernan has been involved in many community based initiatives. Having been instrumental in the formation of Donegal Town Community Chamber in July 1999 he served as its chairperson for six years. As a Director of the Chamber, he is involved in many of its Sub Action Groups and in particular the Economic Action Group which is tasked with the provision of a Community Enterprise Centre for Donegal Town and the surrounding area.

Ernan has held the position of Donegal Town Mayor for two terms of office. In this role he has actively promoted Donegal Town and the surrounding areas and has been involved in negotiations with most sections of Donegal County Council, Public Representatives, various state bodies and community groups. In his role as Mayor he has organised successful fundraising events raising E16,000 towards the provision of an Enterprise Centre in Donegal Town.
Achievements Include:
• Mayor of Donegal Town,
• Member of Playground Development Sub-committee,
• Chairperson Christmas Lights Action Group,
• Member of the Tourism Action Group,
• Member of the Pan Celtic Festival Committee,
• Special Olympics Volunteer,
• Member Donegal Town Festival Committee,
• Member of the Tidy Towns Committee,
• Vice-Chairperson of the St. John Bosco Club,
• Founder member of Donegal Bay Sub-Aqua Club in 1988.
 
In 2004 I ran a successful campaign and was very close to being elected as an independent councillor. Five years later the economic climate has completely changed and we will have a reduction of one councillor representing us in Lifford.

It is now more important then ever that we have strong independent representation to fight our case at council level, and remember that a vote for me will ensure your voice is not curtailed by party politics.

I will endeavour to help create the best environment for economic and social
development for the Donegal Electoral Area. In doing so, I would hope to correct the imbalance which exists between the South-West Area and the more progressive parts of the County. I firmly believe that all elected representatives, regardless of party membership, should work together for the betterment of the whole area.

A vote for me will ensure that at least one member of this electoral area will strive for you to make this happen.

Ernan with his wife Mary and children: Aaron and Ava.

Ernan has been a Volunteer Water Safety and Swimming Instructor with the St. John Bosco Club for over 30 years. As a result over 5,000 children have learned to swim and a number of them have become swimming instructors themselves.
 
Jobs
Donegal County Council must prioritise the South-West by providing:
• Business start up units to keep entrepreneurs in the area,
• Broadband,
• Support small indigenous industries,
• Promote retail development,
Tourism
• Appointment of a County Tourism Officer,
• Development of coastal walkways,
• Cleaner and safer beaches.
Health Service
• To lobby for better Health Services.
Education
• To lobby to protect our children’s education for the future.
Housing
• I will strive to ensure that the Council meet their obligation in provision of
Housing particularly in the current economic climate.
Crime
• To provide more funding for crime prevention.
Other Issues
• Revenue collected in an area to be used for the development of that specific area,
• Working closely with Youth Councillors on various issues relevant to our youth,
• Provision of sufficient car parking areas,
• Being involved in the food industry I am conscious of the problems associated with farming and fishing industries. I will strive to ensure their survival.
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