Positive developments in Donagh
Editorial Department • Published 19 Jan 2012 13:00
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Dear Sir, - It has become an unfortunate fact that the village of Donagh has become so well-known publicly throughout Fermanagh and indeed nationally due to the McDermott brothers abuse case. However if anyone bothered to visit and spend time in the village these days, they would be made very aware of what a stronger community it has become, despite these traumatic and unforgiveable acts. Nothing that would ever be said or done could possibly diminish what Donagh has had to deal with, but the Donagh Development Association and Donagh Community Forum has strived to ensure that the victims, their families and the residents, are receiving every avenue of support and help available. To be able to achieve this, it is paramount that they continue to co-operate and communicate with the PSNI, Nexus, our local councillors and the Western Trust, all of which has been evident from this all started.
There has been a great disappointment and confusion as to why then a former Donagh resident and victim of this abuse case, has publicly declared "that politicians should be doing more to change the "culture" of non co-operation with the police in the community of Donagh." One must question if he is attempting to disparage our politicians, Donagh community or both? There would be no dispute that in the past, relations between the Police, politicians and Donagh would certainly have been strained. However, one of the most positive outcomes would be that this "culture" has certainly changed for the better. In fact, DDA alongside the community forum would not hesitate to publicly acknowledge their thanks and appreciation to the members of the PSNI and the various bodies with whom they have closely worked with, to ensure the community are being safeguarded and protected as much as possible. All organisations/groups obviously must adhere to appropriate rules and procedures to maintain its operations, so it would be foolhardy to suggest that progress happens overnight. It doesn't, and progress certainly isn't possible without negotiations of both parties. So when Mr. Connolly stated that "15 to 20 people were in counselling now", is this not to be considered progress when compared to situations of 15/20 years ago?
Similarly, he speaks of a campaign to remove chicken houses in Donagh, of which DDA were not made aware of until reading the paper, as at no time had he ever spoken to anyone in DDA in relation to this campaign. For countless years the people who live in Donagh tolerated these buildings but were never in an appropriate position to lobby for their abolition, as there always had to be consideration given to those who were employed at the chicken houses. However, when the circumstances changed, Donagh alongside their supporting councillors, especially Ruth, followed procedure and are now in a position to put together a viable plan for consideration on what this vacant area can now be used for, since their removal in October/November. This is just another example of what is being achieved by the residents and their Association, working together with other organisations, no matter what their creed, religion etc.
For all those who reside in Donagh and who have children, it is natural they want the future to be optimistic, safe, secure and as Mr. Connolly stated "live in a society where there is a fair, accessible and accountable justice system for all." So to encourage this, it makes sense not to publicly criticise the work already operating and instead support it, and become a part of it. Mr Connolly should know that DDA are only too willing to meet and speak further with him about his misconceptions, rather than have to read about them in next week's paper.
Yours faithfully,
DONAGH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
This letter appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Jan 12
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