LAUNCH OF BUNCRANA URBAN DISTRICT/TOWN COUNCIL: A SHORT HISTORY and the Donegal County Archives collection of Buncrana Town Council archives.
Front: L - R: Niamh Brennan with Joseph Doherty, Nicholas Crossan, Dermot McLaughlin, Peter McLaughlin.
Back: Michael Grant, Hugh Henderson, Paul Bradley and Paul Doyle.
The Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Nicholas Crossan, launched Donegal County Archives’ booklet Buncrana Urban District/Town Council: A Short History and Buncrana Town Council Archives Collection on Wednesday 15th October at 2 PM in Buncrana Civic Offices, St Oran’s Road, Buncrana.
Seamus Canning (Buncrana Town Council's last Town Clerk), Peter McLaughlin (Buncrana Town Council's last mayor), Niamh Brennan (archivist, Donegal Co Council), Nicholas Crossan, Leas Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council and John McLaughlin, (Director of Roads & Transportation, Donegal Co Council) at the launch.
The launch celebrates the publication by Donegal County Archives (Donegal County Council) of an illustrated booklet which tells the story of Buncrana Urban District Council/ Town Council and its work in the development of the town of Buncrana over one hundred years. The collection of historic archives held by Donegal County Archives relating to the history of the Town Council was also launched.
Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Nicholas Crossan, in launching the book and collection of archives, reminded guests that the centenary of Buncrana Town Council was celebrated only this year, in March. He stated that the existence of its own local authority for over 100 years gave Buncrana a unique identity and history, and this is evident from the booklet which highlights the extensive collection of surviving archives from Buncrana. The duties of the Town Council were wide ranging and included planning, housing, roads, water supply and sewerage infrastructure, economic development, and the development of tourism and leisure facilities for the town and environs. The archives collection and the historical booklet reveal the great role the former Town Council played in the development and modernisation of this attractive bustling seaside town and its beautiful hinterland.
Cooperation between the Archives Service and Buncrana Town Council resulted in this great collection of historic documents being transferred to the Archives over the past few years.
The archivist, Niamh Brennan has catalogued the collection of archives, and has researched and written the book as part of the Archives Service’s activities to commemorate the Town Councils of Donegal. The Leas Cathaoirleach acknowledged the great work done for the Town Council over many years of service by the Council members and staff in working for Buncrana and in preserving the records, including the last town mayor, Peter McLaughlin, and the last two Town Clerks, Paul Doyle and Seamus Canning. The result of all this hard work is an historic collection that reflects the history of the town of Buncrana and which is preserved for present and future generations to further explore, research and enjoy.
Mr Paul Doyle, former Town Clerk, spoke about his years working in the Town Council and of preserving and organising the great colletion of records; while the archivist, Niamh Brennan, talked about the value of this unique archive as a resource for family, local and academic research.
A PDF of the booklet is online at http://www.donegalcoco.ie/archives under Publications
For a copy of the booklet please contact Niamh Brennan, Archivist, Archives Service, Donegal County Council, Three Rivers Centre, Lifford, County Donegal
Tel: +353 74 9172490
E-Mail: [email protected]
