Author name: oisinkelly

Robinson recalls Assembly as fallout continues from Downey trial collapse

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson has given the British government until tonight to set up a judicial inquiry into secret letters sent to more than 180 Irish republican paramilitary suspects. He issued the deadline after announcing the Stormont Assembly will be recalled tomorrow to discuss the collapse of the trial of Donegal man John

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Donegal could lose over 30 post offices following Dail vote – Pringle

The Dáil last night voted down a motion which would have guaranteed the future of the post office network. The motion was moved by members of the technical group, including Donegal South West Deputy Thomas Pringle. TD’s instead approved a government counter-motion which fell short of guaranteeing the survival of smaller post offices. The Dail’s

Donegal could lose over 30 post offices following Dail vote – Pringle Read More »

Shatter ‘astonished’ at comments by Oliver Connolly to whistleblower

The Minister for Justice says he was “astonished” at comments by Oliver Connolly to a garda whistleblower. Alan Shatter has told the Dáil that he does not know “what he was thinking” when he told a whistleblower that the minister would ‘go after him’. Minister Shatter is defending his decision to sack the confidential recipient.

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Motorists advised to avoid Strabane bypass after three car collision

Motorists are being advised to expect delays in the vicinity of Strabane bypass following a three vehicle road collision. Emergency services are currently on the scene, including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Ireland Ambulance and the PSNI. It is understood that the accident occurred just before 4pm this afternoon near the turn

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Former Tyrone minor Captain tried to strangle mother three months before Fathers murder

The mother of a Tyrone teenager accused of murdering his father says her son had tried to strangle her three months earlier. Sean Hackett, the 19-year-old former captain of Tyrone’s minor Gaelic football team, admits shooting his father dead in January 2013 – but he’s pleaded not guilty to murder. Aloysius ‘Wishie’ Hackett was shot

Former Tyrone minor Captain tried to strangle mother three months before Fathers murder Read More »

British Prime Minister says the collapse of case against John Downey was down to a “dreadful mistake”

The British Prime Minister says the collapse of a case against the Hyde Park bombing suspect was down to a “dreadful mistake”. John Downey, who’s from county Donegal, avoided prosecution because of a letter he was sent by police, saying he was not wanted for arrest. 4 soldiers died in the IRA attack in London

British Prime Minister says the collapse of case against John Downey was down to a “dreadful mistake” Read More »

North’s First Minister threatens to quit over John Downey non-prosecution

The North’s First Minister has threatened to resign unless the decision to drop prosecution in the Hyde Park bomb case is reviewed. The DUP leader said he was not prepared to remain as first minister in a power-sharing administration that is being kept in the dark about such an important matter. Mr Robinson said he

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EU Transport Commissioner briefed on potential impact of UK HGV Tax on cross border truckers

The EU Transport Commissioner is examining the planned introduction of a tax on hauliers from the Republic transitting through Northern Ireland. The investigation follows a meeting on Strasbourg last night between Commissioner Siim Kallas, who is also Vice President of the Commission, and North West MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher. Mr Gallagher says he briefed

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Northwest MEP calls for EU youth jobs scheme to be rolled out in Ireland

Northwest MEP Marian Harkin is warning that an EU jobs scheme for unemployed young people must be rolled out across the country. Ms Harkin was referring to the EU’s Youth Guarantee Scheme which was recently established. It’s supposed to help young people under 25 to get a good-quality job within 4 months of leaving formal

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Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

Councillors oppose Government’s local authority work placement scheme

Donegal County Council has passed an emergency motion calling on management not to cooperate with with the controversial Gateway – local authority work placement scheme. The scheme, announced last week by Social Protection Minister Joan Burton, is intended to offer work experience to 3,000 jobseekers. However, Sinn Fein claims “Gateway” is compulsory, will not enhance

Councillors oppose Government’s local authority work placement scheme Read More »

PSNI takes responsibility for the collapse of John Downey Hyde Park bombing trial

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has accepted full responsibility for failures leading to the collapse of the prosecution against the Hyde Park bombing suspect. John Downey, of Ards, Creeslough, received a letter of assurance in 2007 saying he was not wanted. But a judge says the PSNI knew the Metropolitan police wanted to arrest

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Minister says full inquiry into whistleblower allegations ‘is likely’

A Cabinet minister believes it is likely there will be a full Commission of Investigation into garda whistleblower allegations. A barrister has been appointed by the government to look at the claims and determine whether one is necessary. The Justice Minister is addressing the Dail about his response to the allegations. More than five hours

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County Manager says council could still take Rockhill barracks into ownership

The former army base at Rockhill outside Letterkenny could still be bought by Donegal County Council after a discussion in the chamber this week. County Manager Seamus Neely told the meeting that he would go back into talks with the Department of Defence with a view towards reducing the initial costs. However, he warned even

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Donegal case expected to feature in committee discusion on Ambulance response times

Ambulance response times will be the topic of today’s Oireachtas Health Committee. The HSE, paramedics and Siptu representatives will answer questions regarding concerns surrounding missed response targets. A review was ordered by the Health Minister James Reilly following a number of incidents where response times were not achieved, this includes at least one case in

Donegal case expected to feature in committee discusion on Ambulance response times Read More »

Unanimous support for Cllr McBrearty motion calling for Independent policing inquiry

Donegal County Council has passed an emergency motion signed by 14 members calling for an Independent Judicial Public Inquiry into policing in the past, the present and the future. The motion also calls for the setting up of policing boards similar to the model in the North. The motion calling for the inquiry was one

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Donegal Council again seeks meeting with Transport Minister on A5

Donegal County Council is once again seeking a meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar to discuss the A5, and specifically, the road between the Manorcunningham Roundabout and Lifford. Moving the motion, Cllr Ciaran Brogan said that recent comments by Minister Varadkar make him concerned that the government is rowing back on the

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Donegal County Council meeting adjourned again as Cllrs clash

Donegal County Council’s monthly meeting has been adjourned for second time following heated exchanges in the chamber between Cllr Frank Mc Brearty and members of Fianna Fail. It follows discussions on who should replace Cllr Barry O’Neill on the Education and Training Board following his resignation from the body due to work pressures. Donal Kavanagh

Donegal County Council meeting adjourned again as Cllrs clash Read More »

Overcrowding problem worsens at Letterkenny General with 27 people without a bed

Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives association show 27 people without beds at Letterkenny General Hospital this morning. According to the figures, 12 patients are on trolleys while a further 15 are in wards. Last week the HSE asked the public to stay away from the  Emergency Department at Letterkenny General Hospital unless absolutely

Overcrowding problem worsens at Letterkenny General with 27 people without a bed Read More »

Laghey man in court on charges connected to ten thousand euro drugs find

A 21 year-old man has been charged with possession of €10,000 of drugs for sale in Laghey last week. Conor McCallig, with addresses at Tullyleague, Laghey, and Fintra, Killybegs, faced five summonses at Donegal District Court today. He was accused of possession of cannabis and ecstasy and possession of both with intention to sell at

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Sinn Fein calls on the council to provide monthly updates on financial targets

Donegal County Council officials are being asked to provide members with monthly updates on what progress is being made in achieving financial targets. The move’s been proposed by Sinn Fein, who say the 2014 budget was forced through, and increased accountability is needed to ensure that extra money anticipated in the budget is sourced. In

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Yellow weather warning issued for Donegal with strong winds to be expected

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for Donegal. The weather service says strong winds will gust this afternoon and evening. The status yellow warning also applies to Munster, Leinster, Connacht and counties Monaghan and Cavan. Met Eireann forecasts that rain and strong to gale force Southerly winds will spread across the northwest during this

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Second Manorcunningham crime meeting to place this Wednesday night

The next stage of a campaign to improve the security of older people in their homes takes place on Wednesday night. Another meeting has been called for Manorcunnigham and surrounding areas by local businessman Tony Morning. 1,500 people attended the first meeting earlier this month called in reaction to a number of robberies of older

Second Manorcunningham crime meeting to place this Wednesday night Read More »

Garda investigation continues into suspected Lifford burglary which left 2 injured

Gardai are investigating a suspected burglary at a house in Lifford which left a couple hospitalised. The man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s were treated for injuries after the incident on Saturday night. A lone man entered the house in Porthall between 7.30pm and 8pm on Saturday night – he inflicted

Garda investigation continues into suspected Lifford burglary which left 2 injured Read More »

Councillors meet to discuss purchase of Rockhill and Lifford barracks

Councillors meet today to discuss a recommendation from the County Manager that the Council not buy the former Rockhil Barracks in Letterkenny. The Department of Defence has offered Rockhill and Lifford barracks to Donegal County Council for a total of 1.2 million Euro over six years. However the County Manager has compiled a report which

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