Author name: oisinkelly

Derry is to have two new MLAs after Sinn Fein’s two sitting Assembly members announced they will not return to Stormont in September. The process to select replacements begins tomorrow when the party leader visits the city, with the two outgoing MLAs being given new roles within Sinn Fein. Having previously announced they would not

The number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Donegal continues to drop. Nationally, for the first time, the number of people receiving PUP has dipped below 150,000. A total of 149,436 people received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week – that’s down 2.7%, and a reduction of just over 4,000 people on the

  A kayak worth around €2,000 has been stolen from the Fahan Marina. Gardaí are investigating the theft which occurred sometime between Thursday and Sunday last. The orange kayak is distinct with the words ‘tequila’ and ‘The San Diego’ printed on it’s side and it is adjustable. The item was secured by a chain and

1,572 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland today. There are currently 307 people in hospitals with the virus in the Republic, with 55 of those receiving intensive care treatment. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said today that: “On average, we have reported 1,814 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per day

A Derry doctor is being investigated by the Health and Social Care board, about a video posted on social media over the weekend. Derry GP Anne McCloskey made a number of unsubstantiated claims about the effects of Covid-19 vaccines in the nine minute video that has been shared widely amongst the so-called “anti-vax” community on

A grant scheme has been announced by Tourism NI, to assist tourist attractions and locations in the North in creating what they call “experiences that embrace our giant spirit and stimulate demand for Northern Ireland tourism to the benefit of the wider economy”. Capital grants of up to £450,000 will be handed out by Tourism

#LoveDonegal day reached over 16 million people worldwide this year. On Wednesday last, people near and far took to social media to showcase the county. #LoveDonegal trended on Twitter for a significant portion of the day. Donegal County Council say this year’s campaign had an absolutely phenomenal response across all social media platforms.

Gardai are continuing to investigate a crash in Carndonagh last week in which two people were injured. Two cars collided at Churchland Quarters at 2:25pm on Thursday last. The two drivers, the sole occupants of the vehicles were removed from the scene by ambulance and treated for non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked

A large sum of money, cheques and some private documents have been stolen from a home in Raphoe. The house at Irish Row was broken into sometime between 3:05pm and 3:45pm on Wednesday afternoon last. Some damage was also caused to the front door and an additional door of the property. Gardai are appealing to

77% of people over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Figures show that 86% have also received at least one dose, with more than 6.6 million jabs administered. Of the total population, almost two-thirds are fully vaccinated.

Initial project approval has been granted for an extension at Gairmscoil Chú Uladh under the additional school accommodation scheme. In welcoming the news, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says; “this is good news for the Cloghan community, for the staff, students and parents of the school and will add to the capacity of the school. I

The HSE have reiterated their appeal for those who are currently unvaccinated to utilise the numerous community pharmacies in Donegal that are offering Covid-19 vaccination services. Edel Quinn, Acting Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 which covers Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim says support from pharmacies is instrumental in ensuring access to vaccines for people

The Donegal branch of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has praised the efforts of beach goers in West Donegal for rescuing a dolphin calf. Yesterday, the Risso Dolphin Calf was found stranded on Magheroarty beach. The IWDG say the quick actions of the holiday makers and general public in getting the calf back into

Gardai are warning that scammers are continuing to target people in Donegal with calls and texts. They have warned in particular that the HSE will never cold call seeking personal information such as PPS numbers or bank account details. People are advised again to not engage with a scam caller, do not return a call

Northern Ireland’s Covid-19 death rate is the highest of any country in the developed world. The Irish News reports it’s 10-times higher than the rate of fatalities as a result of the virus south of the border. The total number of people who died in the North after contracting Covid is 1,320.

1,592 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening in the Republic of Ireland. 318 people are currently in hospitals being treated for the virus here, with 60 of those patients in ICU. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said this evening that the median age of those in ICU was 55 years old –

Another nine Covid-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today. The region’s Department of Health has now reported 60 virus-related deaths over the past week. 1,320 new cases of the virus have also been confirmed today in the North. 352 Covid patients are in hospital in the North, with 43 of those in intensive

Issues around residents’ rights and governance of nursing homes in Donegal have been highlighted in a number of reports published today by HIQA. Archview Lodge Nursing Home, Letterkenny, Beach Hill Manor Nursing Home, Lisfannon and St Eunan’s Nursing Home, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny were found to be mainly compliant or substantially compliant. However, a significant number

318 people with Covid-19 are being treated in hospital, a jump of over 100 patients in two weeks. The total has increased by 21% since last Monday, owing to a big jump in admissions between Saturday and yesterday. Latest figures show there’s 60 people with the virus in intensive care. There are 10 infectious cases

52 people are waiting on beds at hospitals in the North West today. 27 people are awaiting a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital, 7 of them in the Emergency Department and 20 in wards elsewhere in the hospital. At Sligo University Hospital, 25 people are waiting on a bed. According to the INMO’s Trolley Watch

Banks are coming under further pressure to assist Mica affected homeowners in Donegal. A drafted letter has been circulated to homeowners affected by the defective block issue which they are being urged to sign and deliver to the bank responsible for their mortgage. The drafted letter begins by stating that it is a means to

There’s a cash windfall coming to 124 towns and villages across the country. The Rural and Community Development Minister’s announced they’re getting 7 million euro to upgrade their shopfronts and streetscapes. Milford, Castlefinn, Falcarragh, Laghey and Burnfoot have been included in the initiative. Minister Heather Humphreys says this investment is designed to make rural towns

A collie dog had to be rescued by the Greencastle Coast Guard on Saturday after falling more than 60m off a cliff. Greencastle Coast Guard were called out at 6:45pm on Saturday to Cliffs near Pollan Bay, Ballyliffin to rescue an 18 month old sheepdog called June, owned by local farmer Pauric Doherty. The pair