A Donegal TD has said people should not use Donegal as a place to holiday during the coronavirus crisis.

Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn said he is fully aware of the concern in Donegal at the large numbers of people travelling to holiday homes, caravan parks and the beaches from outside areas

He said “I have been inundated with complaints from across Donegal this weekend about large numbers of people travelling to holiday homes, caravan parks and the beaches from outside areas.”

The Buncrana-based politician said he had a number of points to make on the issue.

He said “Families have been asked to remain in their primary homes (not their second homes, mobile homes or caravans) and to shop locally and go for walks (while social distancing by at least two metres) locally.

“Caravan Parks should not be open at this time, anywhere on the island of Ireland. The government need to call for this as soon as possible.

“This is not a holiday period. This is a national emergency.”

However, the Sinn Fein member said this should not be turned into a ‘six counties versus 26 counties issue!

He added “It’s an issue this last week in seaside towns and villages across this island of Ireland and in Scotland, England and Wales.

“Nobody can be in any doubt anywhere in Europe or the world that there is an urgent need to follow the public health appeals.”

He finally appealed to people not to be selfish of reckless at this time.

He added “Don’t be selfish or reckless with the lives of your family or other families for the foreseeable future, particularly our elderly and those living with underlying conditions, who are terrified at this time”.