A perusal of population data for three town in Donegal, available on the Internet, reveals a staggering contrast between the early 1950s' and the 1996 census figures.

From a population of 2,813 in the earlier period Ballyshannon declined to 2,303 in 1996, a loss of 510.

In the same period the population of Letterkenny rose from 3,004 to 7,254, an increase of 4,250.

Bundoran over the same period showed a tiny increase from 1,680 to 1,704.

These figures are for the urban areas only. If the populations of the respective town environs are taken into account, the contrast is even greater.

There are many reasons for the marked difference between the data for Letterkenny and Ballyshannon. One is the involvement of people in the administration of their local affairs. Letterkenny, with an urban council, has many more powers and responsibilities than those invested in a town commission. One consequence is that it can act rather than recommend.

Its inhabitants can exercise jurisdiction in areas denied to a commission. Outside influence is tempered to the need for civic responsibility. More local decision-making takes the place of plans made and implemented by outside bodies and so-called experts who, because they do not reside locally, cannot have the same interest in long-term growth and development.

Time and again long-range decision-making has adversely affected the environment and the economy of towns like Ballyshannon. More often than not, when the bad effects become apparent it is the local inhabitants who suffer, not the distant bureaucracy responsible in the first place.

If the decline is not to continue, the townspeople of Ballyshannon must seek a greater role in the administration of their local, county, and national affairs. With that role will come responsibility to themselves, their community, and their future.

To achieve that end they must unite.

We wish them well.