Author name: oisinkelly

Parents reminded of the warning signs of meningitis

The dangers of meningitis and septicaemia are being highlighted today, on World Meningitis Day. The illness causes the deaths of around 1-thousand children around the globe every day. Those who survive can be affected with brain damage, blindness, deafness, behavioural problems and memory loss. Clodagh Hegarty is with the Meningitis Research Foundation – and explains

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Former County Manager defends ‘Whole System of Work’ spending

Former County Manager Michael McLoone has again defended the Whole System of Work after the controversial project hit the headlines once again. The Irish independent reports states the Council ignored a damning report in paying an extra €90,000 to consultancy firm – that payment has been defended by the council today. The WSW is a

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Mc Conalogue urges parents not to use loan sharks for First Communion bills

A Donegal TD is urging parents not to resort to moneylenders to pay for First Communions in the coming weeks. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Charlie Mc Conalogue says a recent EBS survey suggests that Irish parents will spend a total of €33 million over the next few weeks on their children’s First Communions, while

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SDLP insists Assembly reshuffle is not linked to Derry funeral controversy

The SDLP’s Colum Eastwood has been replaced on the Stormont justice committee by the Mid-Ulster assembly member, Patsy McGlone. The Foyle MLA was at the centre of controversy last week over his attendance at the paramilitary-style funeral of Seamus Coyle, who Mr Eastwood has described as a close friend. His party colleague, Mark H Durkan,

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Udaras appoint new CEO

Udaras na Gaeltachta has approved the appouintment of a new Chief Executive. Last evening, the Board of Údarás confirmed that Steve Ó Cúláin will take over the top job, subject to completion of contractual arrangements. He’s been with an t-Udaras since 1980, and is currently employed as Planning and Policy Manager. Glencolmcille Udaras Chairperson Liam

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No resolution following meeting between Church and parents in Pomeroy

The Catholic Church is describing as “inconclusive”, a meeting in Pomeroy last night. The meeting, involving parents and representatives of the Archdiocese of Armagh, discussed an incident involving a local priest last month. The meeting was called after indecent images were projected onto a screen during a power-point presentation that Father McVeigh was giving at

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Calls for An Taisce to withdraw fully its ‘flawed’ planning report

There are calls for An Taisce to withdraw its highly critical report on local planning practices in Ireland after the heritage body admitted it was flawed. In the report Donegal ranked as having the worst planning system in the country . The report was based on  eight aggregated scores for each county, however overzoning was

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St. Eunan’s National School in Raphoe win Show Racism the Red Card competition

St. Eunan’s National School in Raphoe, has won this year’s Show Racism the Red Card, Creative Competition. Over 120 schools participated in the competition – which asked pupils to come up with different ways to get across an anti racism message. St. Eunan’s were awarded the top prize of a laptop for their school at

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FF calls for public to have option to have water meters installed themselves

Donegal North East Deputy Charlie McConalogue has said households in Donegal should be given the option of getting approved water meters installed themselves, instead of paying  €800 over 20 years. The Fianna Fail representative has also called on Minister Hogan to clarify if  homes in Co Donegal that already have water meters fitted will also

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Failte Ireland funding boost for Donegal International Rally

Fáilte Ireland is to provide support totalling €180,000 for ten festivals taking place all around Ireland this year including the Donegal International Rally. Funding will be provided by Fáilte Ireland to support the events based on their ability to generate tourism bednights in their respective locations. The Donegal International Rally features three days of motorsport

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Councillor unhappy with lack of info ahead of Wind Turbine discussions

The Gweebarra Conservation Group has joined what it says is a the growing chorus of community and environment groups in Donegal concerned at the amount of  ‘preferred areas for wind farm development’ included in the new draft County Development Plan. Councillors will vote on the plan, which will govern development in the county up to

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Minister hopes golf promotional drive will reverse Donegal tourism woes

A major step in the drive to promote Donegal as a golf tourism destination has been taken today with the publication of a 12 page supplement in the Irish Independent. The pull-out promotes the county’s golf courses and other amenities. Earlier this year, tourism Minister Leo Varadker said promoting Donegal’s golf courses on the back

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Any hike in diesel prices will have terrible impact – MEP Higgins

A North West MEP says any increase in diesel prices would be devastating. Jim Higgins’ comments come ahead of a vote tomorrow on an EU Commission proposal to tax fuels according to their energy content and polluting potential. This would reduce the tax advantage diesel has over petrol, and cause prices to increase. Yesterday, Donegal

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Soccer – Devine Proud Of Players Commitment In Rovers Victory

Derry City Manager Declan Devine has been praising his player’s commitment after Monday’s win over Shamrock Rovers in the Setanta Cup. The defending champions are facing an uphill task if they’re to reach this year’s decider after the Hoops suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Derry in the first-leg of their semi-final.  Rovers  were down

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Thomas Pringle begins legal challenge against government over EU treaties

Donegal Independent TD Thomas Pringle has started a legal challenge against the Government over fundamental aspects of two European Union treaties. Deputy Pringle is to ask the court if the European Stability Mechanism treaty could be passed without ratification by the Irish public and to assess if it went against principles previously ratified by Irish

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County Manager says Donegal’s future water provision ‘at a crossroads’

The Director of Water Services with Donegal County Council has said the future of water provision is at a crossroads following confirmation that Irish Water is to be a subsidiary of Bord Gais. Irish Water is to take over the function of water supply from local authorities, with questions being now being raised about group

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Council directs manager not to use utility bills to pursue household charge

A motion directing the County Manager not to use people’s uitility bills and other private information to determine if they have paid the Household Charge has been passed by Donegal County Council. The motion, initially moved at the end of March by Cllr Jack Murray, has been the source of much debate both inside and

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