The owner of an award-winning food van in Ramelton says he’s at risk of closing shop within weeks after being served an enforcement order.
Johnny Patterson has been running Johnny’s Ranch in the town for seven years, first at the Quay and in recent years, at Gamble Square.
After being told his van is an “unauthorised development” Johnny says he now has three weeks to avoid being closed down.
“It’s soul destroying,” Johnny said. “I don’t see how a chip van on four wheels can be an unauthorised structure.”
Johnny took his situation to social media this week, stating that he is also facing a complaint about noise levels.
He has called on the public to support, but admits that he does not know what people can do.
Johnny’s Ranch has won numerous awards.
“I don’t know where to turn to,” he said. “It seems there’s one rule for Ramelton, a market town since the 1600s, and another for the rest of the county.
“Where I park is like a trading spot.The fruit and veg van is here on a Thursday, the fish man is beside me and there are other traders along the shore road.”
Johnny said that the business community of the town has been very supportive of his work, as he has, in turn, supported local.
“What I take in is spent back into Ramelton. I buy all my produce in Ramelton, apart from the fish which comes from Killybegs.
“At the end of the day, people that come to my business dont just come to me, it’s a full circle, they get their groceries and go to all other places.”
Johnny is considering his legal status in light of the enforcement order, but is adamant that he cannot relocate.
Donegal Daily has contacted Donegal County Council for a statement on the issue.
Chips are down as popular Ramelton food van faces chop over development laws was last modified: August 20th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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