Author name: Donna Marie Doherty

Fuel protests continue nation-wide including action in Letterkenny and Carndonagh

Fuel protests are continuing nationwide today. In Donegal, several businesses in Carndonagh are refusing to open their businesses in an act of protest. Meanwhile, action in Letterkenny is set to get underway at 7pm this evening. Protesters are to gather on the dual carriageway, travel up Main Street and return to the Dry Arch roundabout […]

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‘Heat or eat’ pressure prompts more councillors to call for emergency DCC meeting

Two councillors are calling for an emergency meeting of Donegal County Council to address what they describe as a growing crisis facing working families and local businesses. Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig and Cllr Jimmy Brogan say many households are struggling to afford heating and fuel, warning that fuel poverty continues to have serious

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100% Redress Party calling for emergency meeting in wake of growing fuel prices

The 100% Redress Party has called for an emergency meeting of Donegal County Council over what it describes as a deepening cost-of-living crisis. The request, led by Cllr Tomás Seán Devine and supported by party colleagues, is seeking a meeting this Wednesday to address rising fuel costs, pressure on families and businesses, and the ongoing

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New group supports neurodivergent children in Twin Towns

A group for young people with additional needs and their families has been set up in the Twin Towns. Seo Mise/This is Me is a volunteer-led group to support neurodivergent people and their families, with BASICC helping establish the initiative. They are aiming to create a safe and inclusive space, offering sensory rooms, neurodivergent-friendly classes,

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Donegal farmers urged to correct soil pH for efficient fertiliser use

Teagasc Donegal is warning farmers about rising costs for agricultural inputs, including diesel and fertiliser, and emphasising the need for effective use of fertiliser on farms. Reviewing soil tests across Donegal from 2022 to 2025, out of 5,399 samples, 64% showed a pH below 6.3. Correcting soil pH has the biggest impact on how efficiently

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Truck operators may park up amid soaring fuel prices

Surging fuel prices have been described as a national emergency. The Irish Road Haulage Association says the situation facing hauliers has intensified in recent days, with operators now under renewed financial pressure. Hauliers will meet the Transport Minister this morning to discuss the ongoing impact of escalating fuel prices on the haulage sector. IRHA President,

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Gritting underway tonight and tomorrow morning in parts of Donegal

Gritting is scheduled to begin this evening and continue tomorrow morning on key routes under the Donegal Winter Treatment Programme. From 9 pm tonight, the following areas will be treated: 02: National Primary Central 05: Inishowen East 06: Inishowen West 14: Stranorlar East 15: Stranorlar West From 6 am tomorrow, gritting will continue on: 02: National Primary

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Transport Minister releases statement on Donegal-Dublin afternoon flight restoration

The Transport Minister has given a statement on the return of lunchtime flights between Donegal and Dublin. Minister Darragh O’Brien says the Government-funded air service will be modified from May 1st to restore the popular midday service. The schedule had been changed at the end of March, prompting concerns from passengers and local groups, including

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Justice Minister agrees to meet Creeslough victims’ families

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has agreed to meet the families of victims who lost their lives in the Creeslough Tragedy This was confirmed today by Donna Harper, whose teenage daughter Leona died in the blast. A delegation is expected to travel to Dublin in the near future for discussions. Ms Harper says she was delighted

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DCC clamping down on dereliction in the Twin Towns

Work to tackle dereliction in the Twin Towns is now underway. Recent findings from the GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Report show that Ballybofey and Stranorlar has the second-highest level of commercial vacancy nationally. Donegal County Council is surveying and identifying vacant and potentially derelict properties in the town centre to build an accurate picture of vacancy

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Meeting set between Education Minister and St Eunan’s College

The Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton is set to meet a delegation from St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny. The school has been lobbying after it was left out of a capital funding announcement in January, despite having planning permission already in place for extension and refurbishment works. That permission is now at risk of lapsing if construction

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Wheel Chair,

Less than 1% of provisional Wheelchair Accessible Grant offers go to Donegal

Donegal has received fewer than 1% of provisional grant offers under the 2026 Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme. Just four offers were made in the county, out of 444 issued nationwide. The first round of applications opened on January 12th for one week, attracting almost 3,600 valid applications. A lottery system was then used to select

Less than 1% of provisional Wheelchair Accessible Grant offers go to Donegal Read More »

IFA pushes for dog owner accountability in sheep attacks

If a dog causes stress or injury to sheep, the responsibility lies with the owner, not the animals themselves. That’s according to Adrian Gallagher, Chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association National Sheep Committee. He is reminding dog owners that clear rules are in place to protect livestock. With lambing season now underway, losses can have

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Frontline officers burdened by administration – ASGI Donegal branch

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is holding its annual conference in Westport today. The Donegal branch is putting forward a motion on the civilianisation of An Garda Síochána, highlighting that even with increased staffing, front-line officers are still burdened with administrative tasks. Sergeant Tom O’Griofa says efficiency on the front line must be

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Elective procedures cancelled at LUH due to capacity pressure

The Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital is under significant pressure today, with high numbers of patients presenting and requiring admission. There have been 59 attendances so far today, following a particularly busy day yesterday when 197 people came through the department. The hospital says anyone attending with non-urgent issues can expect very long waiting

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Councillors push for Finner Camp air ambulance trial

It has been proposed that Finner Camp in Donegal be considered as a base for a dedicated air ambulance service. At yesterday’s plenary meeting of Donegal County Council, Cllr Michael McClafferty called on the council to write to Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill requesting that Donegal be included in plans for the service. The proposal was

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Midday Donegal-Dublin flight decision expected next week

The Government says it recognises the importance of the Donegal to Dublin air service, which carried a record 46,000 passengers last year, including almost 1,000 who travelled through the Donegal Cancer Flights and Services charity. Ministers say they remain fully committed to maintaining vital connectivity to the northwest through State-funded PSO routes. The Department of

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Amy Doherty remembered for work on the front line of the COVID pandemic

The funeral of Amy Doherty has heard of her hard work in Altnagelvin Hospital during the COVID Pandemic. The mother of two was found seriously injured at a house in Derry on Saturday and later died in hospital. A man’s been arrested on suspicion of her murder. Parish Priest, Fr Joe Gormely, spoke of Amy’s

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Beyond the Bars: Voices from Magilligan Prison

Magilligan Prison has been ranked among the highest-performing in the UK following a major inspection. Inspectors praised its focus on safety, respect, and rehabilitation. Broadcast Journalist Donna-Marie Doherty visited the prison to see how it operates day to day, speaking with Governor Gary Milling, Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long, and a man serving a

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Rural Ireland hit by growing drug intimidation crisis

Farmers are selling their cattle to pay off drug debts in rural Ireland. That’s according to a new report from Irish Country Living, which says Gardaí believe decent, hardworking families are being terrorised by drugs gangs. According to Garda sources, drug intimidation is now more lucrative for criminals than the sale of drugs themselves. Irish

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Magilligan Prison ranked among UK’s top performers

A major inspection has found Magilligan Prison in Co. Derry to be one of the highest-performing prisons in the UK. The unannounced visit by CJI and HMIP praised strong staff–prisoner relationships, rehabilitation work, and a culture of safety and respect. Among those surveyed, 87% said most staff treated them with respect, 93% were able to

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Donegal school included in major education support boost

More than 120 disadvantaged schools are to receive extra supports and almost €50 million in funding, including Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Gan Smál in Lifford. Under the new DEIS Plus scheme, over 400 additional staff will be allocated from September. That includes around 350 extra teachers across 121 schools, with roles focused on supporting students most

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Calls for new education and research facility at LUH

A Letterkenny-based Cllr has called for a new research and education facility to be implemented at Letterkenny University Hospital. This is with the aim of educating, training and retaining staff in Donegal instead of having people from here train elsewhere. It was raised by Cllr Gerry McMonagle, who was told there are currently no plans

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Councillor calls for clarity on Altnagelvin redevelopment

A Councillor in the Waterside area of Derry is calling for clarity on plans to develop the emergency department and Altnagelvin Hospital. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed that full redevelopment would cost £72.8m but said the project was dependent on the Executive agreeing a multi-year budget and the Department of Health bringing forward a 10-year

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LUH the country’s second busiest hospital this morning – INMO

After a communication that Letterkenny University Hospital was extremely busy yesterday, it has recorded the second highest number of patients without a bed this morning at 61. That is according to figures gathered by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations. At Sligo University Hospital this morning the number of patients without a bed was 45.

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Vigil to be held in Inishowen in memory of Amy Doherty

A candlelight vigil will take place in Inishowen this Friday evening in memory of Amy Doherty. Organised by Lifeline Inishowen, the event will be held outside their premises at 7 o’clock, bringing the community together in solidarity and to stand united against domestic abuse. The vigil will honour those affected by violence, raise awareness of

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NI Justice Minister says action needed on violence against women

The North’s Justice Minister says tackling violence against women and girls remains a top priority. It comes as police are investigating the death of mother of two Amy Doherty in Derry. Meanwhile, yesterday, a man was found guilty of the murder of County Armagh woman Natalie McNally, who was pregnant when she was killed in

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Reservoir cleaning to affect Moville water supply tomorrow

Uisce Éireann is carrying out essential reservoir cleaning works in Inishowen this week to maintain the quality and reliability of the water supply. Tomorrow, the works may affect customers in Moville Town and surrounding areas, as well as Ballymacarthur and nearby communities. Residents may experience reduced water pressure, temporary discolouration, or intermittent supply between 7

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Muff residents asked to help identify hit and run vehicle

Gardaí are investigating a hit-and-run collision that caused extensive damage to a property at Carnamoyle, Muff. The incident happened sometime between 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14th and 1 p.m. the following afternoon. A vehicle, believed to be a black Peugeot, struck the fence of a house, causing extensive damage, before leaving the scene. Anyone

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Two drivers taken to hospital after South Donegal crash

Gardaí are investigating a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on the R232 at Drumgun, Pettigo, last night shortly after 9 p.m. One vehicle was travelling from Pettigo towards Laghey, the other in the opposite direction. Both drivers were taken to Sligo University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No passengers were involved.

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