Author name: oisinkelly

Eight counties will be under status yellow wind warnings this morning. The alert is now in place for Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo. The same warning will begin at 8 o’clock in Kerry and an hour later in Cork. They’ll all be lifted by this afternoon – but Cathal Nolan, from Ireland’s Weather

The Covid-19 vaccine portal is now open for 12 to 15 year olds. Parents can register their child for a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine – online or by phone. A parent or guardian’s consent will be needed, and an adult must accompany the child to the appointment. The rollout is beginning this weekend – and

The five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases has increased by 37% in the past week. It now stands at 1,702 – compared to 1,241 a week ago. 1,819 new cases were reported yesterday. 199 Covid patients are in public hospitals, with the highest in Sligo University Hospital, at 21. There are 7 infectious cases at

A number of experts have claimed it makes sense to mix Covid-19 vaccines as it would offer enhanced protection against the virus. The Department of Health is seeking legal clarity on whether people could be given jabs from different manufacturers ahead of the booster shot rollout. The Irish Times says the Department has requested the

Trade unions say there is no justification to pay someone less if they are working remotely. Google is trialling such a system in the US, where staff working from home in low cost areas get paid less than those in more expensive ones. The trial is leading to suggestions this could be replicated in Ireland,

Staff shortages are having a significant impact at Letterkenny University Hospital. It comes as health services in Donegal urge people to keep their guard up in the fight against Covid-19 as hospital attendances remain at a record high. There are currently approximately 55 nursing vacancies at the hospital according to the INMO. Latest trolley watch

A full analysis and review of Irish Water’s North Inishowen supply is essential. That’s according to Councillor Albert Doherty after it emerged the utility was unaware of supply issues in the Mindoran area on Monday despite local residents experiencing supply interruptions. Yesterday, also saw properties in the North Inishowen area without water following a burst

Ógra Fianna Fail have called on Leo Varadkar to resign. The youth wing of the party believe it is time for the Tanaiste to go. In a statement, they say they are deeply concerned by the recent conduct of the Fine Gael leader in relation to his attendance at an event in the Merrion Hotel

A West Donegal Councillor is urging people to take responsibility for their rubbish. In recent times, rubbish has been found dumped in many areas including bottle bank sites in Falcarragh and Killahoey Beach, Dunfanaghy. Councillor Micheal McClafferty says there is an onus on householders and landlords to provide adequate facilities for people staying in their

The Irish Medical Organisation is calling on the Government to hire 2,000 more doctors and invest 5,000 more beds into the HSE system. It says there needs to be radical investment, and says doctors are looking ahead to winter with a sense of despair. Yesterday, the Department of Health reported 1,508 new cases of Covid-19.

Some pharmacies will operate evening vaccine clinics to help the roll-out to children aged between 12 and 15. Registration on the HSE portal will open tomorrow for the age group, with first jabs to be given out as soon as this weekend. Parents’ permission is required for children to get a vaccine, so its hoped

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a toddler in Co. Tyrone. The 2 year old girl’s mother, originally from Dublin, has been charged in connection with her death. Sarah McKinley reports:

A major burst on the trunk main from the water treatment plant in Clonmany has left many properties without water today. The major outage is affecting Ballyliffin, Urris, Cool Cross and Malin Head. Water is expected to be restored this afternoon. Inishowen Councillor Martin McDermott says Irish Water’s commitment to invest in connecting North Inishowen

Investigations are continuing into a criminal damage incident at the grotto at Muckish Road, Falcarragh. Between 10pm on Wednesday last and 9am the following morning, the monument was vandalised with spray paint. Sergeant Eunan Walsh says given the location’s isolation, it is likely transport was used:

Gardai are investigating a hit and run in the Kilmacrennan area in which a teenager was knocked off his bicycle. On Tuesday last, between 5:50pm and 6:10pm, a 14 year old boy sustained minor injuries after he was knocked off his bike by another vehicle near Leitir Church on the Kilmacrennan to Ballyare Road. Sergeant

A Donegal priest has confirmed that communions in his parish will go ahead this weekend. The Government previously requested that communions and confirmations be postponed with plans believed to be afoot to permit ceremonies in September. The Bishop of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian last month, recommended that parishes begin to prepare for ceremonies from mid-August onward.

A Donegal TD says he believes the government has lost the confidence of the people, and there needs to be an election as quickly as possible. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn, the Sinn Fein whip in Dail Eireann says the revelation of the Tanaiste’s attendance at a function in the Merrion Hotel is just the latest in

Irish Water says construction has begun on a pilot project in Gweedore which is using new technology to address issues in the local sewerage system. Specialist pumps, known as pods, are being installed at 40 homes in the area in what will be a six month construction phase. Paul Fallon is a Programme Manager with