Author name: oisinkelly

The trial of two men charged with the murder of Michaela McAreavey has heard that no DNA from either of the accused was found in her hotel room in Mauritius or on her body. Mrs McAreavey, a 27-year-old teacher, was found dead during her honeymoon at the Legends Hotel in January 2011. Hotel workers Avinash […]

A Donegal Councillor says sharing staff and premises could be the key to keeping services in small towns. At today’s council meeting, Cllr Paul Canning called on officials to survey areas within our rural communities in order to facilitate shared premises and services between An Garda Siochana, The Health Board and Donegal County Council. Cllr

Donegal North East TD Charlie McConalogue says Education Minister Ruari Quinn must reconsider proposed changes to the third level grant system which he claims would discriminate against hundreds farmers and self employed workers in Donegal. Minister Ruairí Quinn has confirmed that proposals to include capital assets in the means-testing for third level grants are at

The Donegal Relay for Life is set to raise three time more money than expected. The committee had set a target of raising 100,000 euro for the Irish Cancer Society. The actual figure, as of 6 o’clock yesterday, was 282,000. The Donegal Relay for Life Chairperson is Robert O’Connor…………. North West MEP Pat The Cope

Thousands of pre-school children across the Border counties are taking part in the Border Child Care Network’s Play Awareness Week which starts today. The BCCN says play is often seen as a trivial pursuit, yet it is one of the most important activities that children will engage in throughout their early years. BCCN CEO Denise

Health Minister Dr James Reilly has confirmed the new Emergency Department, medical admissions unit and other wards will open at Letterkenny General Hospital in September. Speaking to Highland Radio News in Glenties this morning, Minister Reilly also confirmed he has instructed hospitals in Dublin not to refuse treatment to patients from Donegal and elsewhere on

Health Minister Dr James Reilly is in West Donegal for a number of functions this morning. Later this morning, he will open the new extension at Dungloe District Hospitalm, but first, Minister Reilly will open the new €1.6 million Primary Health Centre in Glenties. The new centre will see Primary Care Services and Community Service

Voting in the Fiscal Treaty referendum gets underway on Donegal’s islands today. Voting at the two booths on Arranmore gets underway at 10.30 and finishes at 7.30, while polling booths are open on Gola, Inishboffin, Inishfree and Tory from 11 to 3. In total, 765 people living on islands in Donegal South-West are entitled to

It’s emerged that Donegal Senator Brian O’Domhnaill has repaid some travel expenses after it emerged that he lived closer to Leinster House than he initially claimed. Last May, he submitted a claim based on his Falcarragh home being 370 km from Leinster House, placing it in “Band 12”, which entitled him to almost 33,000 euro

The Donegal Relay for Life has just ended in the grounds of Letterkenny Institute of Technology, with organisers saying it was successful beyond all expectations. At the peak of the event last night it’s estimated that over 5,000 were on the site for the Luminaria candle lighting ceremony. From 6 o’clock yesterday to 6 this

Forest and gorse fires have broken out in parts of South Donegal. A blaze at Glengesh was spreading so fast, that fire fighters had to call the Defence Forces for assistance. The Air Corps has dropped over 21 thousand litres of water on the flames. Troops from the 28 Infantry Battalion, 4 Western Brigade based

Two men have been remanded in custody as gardai continue investigations into a €1.6 million haul of cannabis plants. Ming Sun, 44, and Xia Hua He, 34, both Chinese nationals, were charged with possession, possession with intent to supply and cultivation of cannabis in a warehouse at Trummon, Laghey, Co. Donegal, last Friday. Judge Kevin

The Irish Cancer Society is expecting to raise tens of thousands of euro this weekend in Donegal with the inaugural “Relay for Life”, a 24 hour event centred on the track at the LYIT in Letterkenny. As well as the fundraising walk and other initiatives, there will also be an ecumenical service and events to

A Donegal TD says that what he called  the Government’s austerity policies are not achieving anything, and nothing has changed. Donegal NE TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn was speaking during a debate on the economy. He told the gathering that nothing’s changed since this Government took office 15 months ago…………..

Gardai seized an estimated €1.6 million worth of cannabis plants yesterday in a remote area of Donegal, believed to be one of the biggest ever in the county. Gardai say the plants were seized during a planned operation in a large warehouse on an industrial estate at Trummon outside the village of Laghey. As part

The Director of Community Development on Donegal County Council says he believes members will find a formula to allow the county avail of wind energy opportunities while protecting the landscape and environment of Donegal. The issue is dominating much of the discussion on the new County Development Plan which is currently being finalised. Michael Heaney

Gardai seized €500,000 worth of cannabis plants tday(Fri) in a remote are of Co. Donegal. The plants, with sophisticated growing equipment, were found in a warehouse at Trummon, outside Laghey near Donegal town. Two Chinese men, aged 34 and 24, were arrested and are being held at Ballyshannon Garda station. The raid, with local detectives

A pensioner has been transferred to hospital in Dublin today following an explosion on a boat at Bunbeg harbour last night. The man, who is from the Annagry area,  was initially removed to Letterkenny General Hospital following the blast on the pleasure yacht. It is understood that two men were on the boat at the

Vandals have been slammed for damaging a plaque left at the scene of a collision which resulted in the death of Garda Gary McLoughlain. Superintendent Kevin English has said the Garda’s family are devastated after the plaque was sprayed with paint and broken in half. Half of the plaque was then placed on Garda McLoughlainn’s

The Garda Commissioner says a senior officer has been appointed to review the case of John Gallagher. Gallagher shot and killed mother and daughter Anne and Annie Gillespie in the grounds of Sligo General Hospital in 1988 – he was tried for their murder and was found guilty but insane. He absconded from the Central

One of the remaining members of Donegal Action Against Austerity has said in retrospect, protesting against the Taoiseach’s visit to Milford on Monday may have been a bad move. Joe Murphy was speaking after a number of key figures left the group, including the Donegal Action for Cancer Care group, and DAAA founder members Ryan

Fianna Fail TD Charlie McConalogue has called for serious deficiencies in Donegal’s broadband access to be dealt with by the Government. The National Broadband Plan is to be rolled out next month with the Government stating they are committed to bringing fibre-powered broadband to 90% of homes and business across Ireland. Deputy McConalogue is urging

Another three key members of Donegal Action Against Austerity have left the organisation, citing a lack of discipline and the decision by some members to protest at the Taoioseach’s visit to Loreto Community School in Milford on Monday. Ryan Stewart, John McLaughlin and Trevor Kilpatrick say the group had decided not to protest, but a

Donegal County Council has unveiled it plans to provide paid summer work placements for up to 30 students. Applications are invited from full time students, who are currently undertaking a third-level course in Engineering, Business, Finance, Arts or related disciplines. The council says that applicants must have completed two full academic years at third level

Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh has called for a more co-ordinated approach between authorities North and South in planning for future educational needs. Deputy McHugh says that with changing populations and school closures, the latter most notably in the North, more students living close to the border may be sent to school in the neighbouring jurisdiction.

Donegal Action for Cancer Care has officially resigned as a member of Donegal Action Against Austerity. The announcement was made at a committee meeting on Wednesday night, with DACC saying they were unable to continue their association with DAAA because of what they termed the recent actions of some members of DAAA, which were contary

This new investment from 21 Irish seafood processing companies is projected to generate over 142 additional jobs within the sector. The companies are based in Wexford, Dublin, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Louth and Kerry. The 15 and a half million euro investment by these firms, is supported by grants of 3.2 million under the EU co-funded

There could be major political upheaval on the way in Donegal, with the two Dail constituencies set to be merged and the total number of TDs cut from six to five. Nationally, it’s reported the number of TDs in the Dail will be cut by 8 under new recommendations to be published next month by

New figures published by the CSO today show that the average age in Donegal is slightly higher than in the rest of the country, with women slightly older that men. The latest analysis of last year’s census also shows that there is a higher than average level of age dependency in Donegal. Between 2006 and

Upwards of 8,000 people are expected in Donegal Town for the ‘Donegal Live’ event this weekend. The three day festival, which has been previously held in Dublin and Glasgow, features tourism, food and arts exhibitors from all over Donegal showcasing what they have to offer. There are also a number of concerts over the weekend

Donegal SW Deputy Thomas Pringle has challenged the government on the refusal of Dublin hospitals to treat patients from outside their catchment area due to funding issues by the HSE. Speaking during Leaders’ Questions, the Independent TD stated that a policy has emerged in the Dublin hospitals that is preventing seriously ill people from getting

A former teacher at St Columba’s College in Stranorlar has spoken of how she was told by Anne Gillespie that she had been threatened by John Gallagher several times before he killed her and her mother Annie in the car park of Sligo General Hospital in 1988. On today’s Shaun Doherty Show, Greta outlined how, just

The Justice Minister says he regrets that the Gillespie family were not told sooner that double killer John Gallagher was back in custody. John Gallagher shot and killed mother and daughter Anne and Annie Gillespie in the grounds of Sligo General Hospital in 1988 – he was tried for their murder but was found to

Donegal County Manager Seamus Neeley says there is a spirit of cooperation in Donegal which gives him confidence for the future. Speaking after the County Development Board’s annual strategy day, Mr Neeley acknowledged that there is concern at the financial situation, and no-one is understating the extent of the challenge facing the county. However, he

Calls have been made for more cross-border co-operation between the Gardai and the PSNI to combat the threat from dissident republicans along the border. The activities of Republican Action Against Drugs, and Monday’s find of a number of explosive devices in a flat in the Bogside in Derry were highlighted in the Dail yesterday evening.

A 30 year old man is due in court in Derry facing terrorism and explosives charges. The man wass detained during an operation in the city on Monday night which led to the discovery of several viable devices in the Maureen Avenue of the Bogside. Meanwhile, a number of people were evacuated from their homes

It’s reported this morning that gardai recently spent over two hours examining files in the offices of Donegal County Council. The Donegal Democrat reports that some of the files were removed as part of the investigation, which is believed to centre on the expenses claims of one councillor. Gardai are confirming that the investigation is

The trial of two men charged with murdering Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius has this morning heard claims that one of the two accussed, 30-year-old Avinash Treebhowoon, was the victim of police brutality. He had made a statement admitting involvement in the killing of the 27 year old Tyrone native, but his legal team said this

Funding of 120,000 euro has been confirmed for Port a Chruinn Pier on Gola Island. The Government has confirmed a grant of 90,000 euro towards towards repairs to the existing structure, including re-building the end of the pier and providing overlay of the existing deck. Donegal County Council is providing 30,000 euro to the project.

The Minister for Finance has said the Independent status of Revenue means that he cannot get involved in the Highland Bakery tax dispute which is threatening the future of 42 jobs. Donegal Deputies Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty raised the issue in the Dail this afternoon. It follows Monday’s stand off between the Bakery’s staff

The sister in law of double killer John Gallagher has expressed her belief that he still does not think he has done anything wrong. John Gallagher is back in detention after handing himself over to authorities yesterday. The 46 year old killed mother and daughter Anne and Annie Gillespie in the grounds of Sligo General

One person has been hospitalized and two others injured in separate incidents while walking along the N56 road in the centre of Loughanure. Locals say there is a ‘drop’ of several inches on the side of the road near to the Irish college that has caused the accidents over the past number of weeks. They’ve

Donegal County Council is well placed to avail of the opportunities provided by renerwable energy and the green economy. That’s according to the Director of Community Services Michael Heaney, who was addressing the Donegal Community Development Board’s annual strategy day today. He says there are many opportunities available, and the council is working on maximising

Donegal Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn has called on Revenue to negotiate with the management of Highland Bakery to allow it pay its tax liabilities but stay in business. A stand off between staff and agents of the Revenue Commissioners ended at the Letterkenny facility last evening. Bailiffs arrived at the premises to remove machinery but

A Donegal woman who told the High Court she cannot wear high heels as a result of a burn injury suffered when a hot water bottle in her bed split open has been awarded €65,000 damages. 25 year old Ann Marie McGee from Meenlaragh was 15 when the incident occurred at her home 10 years

The Department of Justice is confirming that double killer John Gallagher has handed himself in to the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin. The 46 year old killed mother and daughter Anne and Annie Gillespie in 1988 in the grounds of Sligo General Hospital. He was tried for their murders but was found to be insane