A number of Orange Lodges in Donegal will be developed and upgraded over the coming months as part of a Peace III backed scheme designed to reconcile communities and as a confidence building measure.

A total of €236,000 has been allocated for five Orange Lodges in the county: St. Johnston LOL 992 (€68,000) and Newtowncunningham LOL 1063 €42,000) in the Raphoe District No. 3; Killaghtee LOL 1319 (€42,000)

in the Donegal District No.2; Ballinakillew LOL 454 (€42,000) and Carrickahorna Hall, LOL 147, in Ballintra District No.1 (€42,000).

It’s all part of the plans to develop community relations and Donegal Co. Council is playing its part.

In recent years it has provided help with the operational costs of the annual Rossnowlagh Twelfth Parade – mainly the hire of skips, toilets and cleaning-related matters.

Last year, President Mary McAleese’s husband, Martin, facilitated the setting up of two meetings between county managers form Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, and Leitrim with the Grand Masters from the counties.

With assistance from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs funding was secured for the employment of a Development Officer, Janice Thompson.

Last year a limited company, Cadolemo, was set up to assist Orange Lodges in the south. Cadolemo is an a acronym for

Cavan/Donegal/Leitrim/Monaghan.

Councillors have been informed that the Peace III funding is for “reconciling communities for the repair of halls/lodges, which fell into disrepair or were damaged during the Troubles.”

President McAleese made history last November when she visited Brakey Orange Hall in County Cavan.

Donegal has 17 Orange Lodges, with some being more active than others.