Ciaran Brogan (born 1971 or 1972)[1] is an Irish businessman and Fianna Fáil politician from County Donegal. He is a member of Donegal County Council, representing the Letterkenny Electoral Area, and was a member of Letterkenny Town Council.[2][3] He topped the poll in elections in 2004 and 2009.[4][5]
Ciaran Brogan | |
|---|---|
 Brogan in 2024 | |
| Councillor | |
| Assumed office June 2004 | |
| Constituency | Letterkenny Electoral Area |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1971 or 1972[1] |
| Political party | Fianna Fáil |
| Residence(s) | Sockar, Trentagh, Letterkenny[1] |
| Profession | Businessman |
Brogan owns SARK Construction Ltd, based in Letterkenny. Several members of Donegal County Council, including Barry O'Neill, have queried how €4.812 million was spent on SARK's council-backed housing development in Dungloe.[6] The company is known to have received contracts worth more than €10 million.[7] SARK Construction is also a recognised tax defaulter.[8] However, Brogan has vowed to "carefully monitor" any comments made in the council chamber concerning himself or Sark Construction.[9]
He is a known long-term supporter of former government minister Jim McDaid, and walked out in support of McDaid when McDaid withdrew his support for Fianna Fáil in acrimonious circumstances in November 2009.[10] This incident played a significant role in the McDaid faction being left without a candidate ahead of the 2011 general election, and led to the rise of Charlie McConalogue whom Fianna Fáil selected as its candidate instead.[11] Brogan is considered by many to be a successor to McDaid.[11][12] He declined to run as an independent following this snub by party headquarters.[12] In June 2012, he threatened to make Donegal County Council "unworkable."[13] In November 2012, he clashed with Mayor of Donegal Frank McBrearty, Jnr in the chamber.[14]
In 2006, Brogan claimed €3,499 in expenses for his role on the HSE's Regional West Forum, while in 2007 this increased to €4,041.[15] He has been Mayor of Letterkenny in the past.[16] He was also instrumental in the motion that led to Donegal County Council supporting Dana Rosemary Scallon's candidacy for President of Ireland in 2011.[17]
Less than a week after becoming Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council in 2016, Brogan was charged with a drink-driving offence for which he was later convicted and disqualified from driving for three years.[18][19] The officer at the scene found a "strong smell" of alcohol from within his vehicle and Brogan verbally abused him, telling him "Who the f*** do you think you are?"[1]