Author name: oisinkelly

The Irish Farmers Association says farmers are prepared to work with the government on solutions to tackle climate change. It comes as The Business Post today reports the Minister for Agriculture has indicated that more ambitious climate targets could be brought in for the sector. Minister and Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalouge made the remarks in

The head of the HSE says Covid case numbers have risen six-fold in the last six weeks – and remain a “very live threat” to hospitals. More than 2 thousand new cases were reported yesterday for the first time since January. There are 248 people with the virus in hospital – with 35 admissions since

  The Deputy Chief Medical Officer says there’s now a “very high level” of Covid-19 in communities across the country. 2,074 new cases were reported yesterday – the highest number since the end of January, with 43 patients currently in ICU. County Donegal, as well as counties Monaghan, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Louth and Cavan have

Over 20 thousand children aged between 12 and 15 have received a Covid-19 vaccine so far. Registration opened on Wednesday evening for 12 to 15 year olds to get a Pfizer or Moderna jab, with over 70,000 people in that age group reported to have registered to get a first dose of a Covid vaccine

“Heritage newcomers” are being encouraged to take part in National Heritage Week. The event which runs until tomorrow week is kicking off today across the country, with more than 20 events available in County Donegal. Some highlights include exhibitions at the Donegal County Museum such as ‘Conflict to Division, Donegal 1919-1923’ and ‘The Railways of

Vaccinated pupils won’t be required to get a Covid-19 test or restrict their movements if they become a close contact in school. The HSE’s planning the exemption, so long as they don’t have symptoms. However unvaccinated children will be required to take time out of the classroom. President of the Second Level Students Union, Emer

The deputy chief medical officer says there’s been a four-fold increase in Covid hospitalisations and ICU admissions over the past six weeks. Dr Ronan Glynn says there are 43 patients with the virus in intensive care – just below the 47 at the peak of the second wave. And 223 were in public hospitals with

12 to 15 year olds are receiving Covid-19 jabs in most vaccination centres today and tomorrow, including in County Donegal. Clinics throughout the country are administering first doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to this age-group. Registration opened on Wednesday evening, and the first appointments started yesterday. Public health expert, Gabriel Scally, says the take-up

Pregnant teachers are raising concerns about having to go back into the classroom with unvaccinated students. The Association of Secondary Teachers is calling on the Education Minister to examine the issue. Teachers who were pregnant before the Summer holidays were allowed to work remotely, but are now they are being asked to go back to

Demand for Covid vaccines for 12-15 year olds is high in the North West. Dedicated stand alone clinics are being held in Donegal this weekend for the age cohort. 12-15 year olds can also receive a jab at a participating pharmacy in the county. A total of 80,000 vaccines have been administered at LYIT’s vaccination

A former Fine Gael Councillor doesn’t believe now is the time for a general election. Earlier this week, Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn expressed the view that an election needs to be called as quickly as possible in light of what he says is the people’s loss of confidence in the current Government following Leo Varadkar’s

A vaccination clinic is to be established in West Donegal. The HSE has agreed to open a Covid-19 vaccination clinic in St Columba’s Community Centre, Burtonport. Work is currently underway to fit out the building and it’s hoped vaccinations will commence within the next 2-3 weeks. Councillor Noreen McGarvey says it will be a huge

Demand is expected to be strong today for vaccines at pharmacies for 12 to 15 year-olds. The portal opened for that age group on Wednesday evening. The Irish Pharmacy Union says there was a lot of interest yesterday from parents in booking their children in to get the jab. Secretary General, Darragh O’Loughlin says most

Despite slight decreases in the rate of Covid-19 in Donegal, the county continues to have some of the highest infection rates in Ireland. The North Inishowen area has retained the highest 14-day incidence rate in the country, at 1,880 cases per 100,000 people, that’s down slightly from last week with 319 cases confirmed in the

The HSE are urging people to continue to avail of the walk-in Covid-19 testing centre in Buncrana, after it recorded a 30% positivity rate last week. The HSE say the centre has been successful in detecting and containing cases of the virus, but they are still urging people to continue to avail of the service.