Author name: oisinkelly

A Junior Minister’s questioning the decision to create the role of Special Envoy to the UN on freedom of expression. It follows Katherine Zappone’s decision not to take the job due to criticism over the way she was appointed. Her hosting of an event for 50 people at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin also added […]

Derry and Strabane District Council has announced a number of initiatives to clean up and improve Strabane Town centre. It comes after concern was expressed at the dilapidated state of parts of the town, and a perception that there’s been a lack of investment in the area. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan acknowledges that major

Fáilte Ireland is to start work today on updating its guidelines for the hospitality sector – after new advice on outdoor events. It will hold talks with government officials ‘first thing’ this morning to begin the process. The Attorney-General yesterday said 200 people can attend an outdoor gathering – in a big boost to hotels,

Ireland’s likely to hit the 6 million mark in its Covid-19 vaccine programme today. The latest figure as of Tuesday shows the rollout was just over 51,000 doses short of the milestone. Almost 3 quarters of the adult population are now fully vaccinated, and 86 per cent have had at least one dose. Immunology Professor

It’s been confirmed that Irish Water will connect North Inishowen to the Eddie Fullerton Dam, with the work set to be done in the next few months. Over the past number of weeks restrictions have been in place in parts of the peninsula, particularly those served by the reservoirs in Carndonagh and Clonmany. Cllr Martin

Saolta say that Letterkenny University Hospital is once again extremely busy this afternoon, with many patients waiting for extended periods of time to be attended to in the Emergency Department, or to be transferred from an ED bed to an acute ward of the hospital. Hospital Manager Sean Murphy is urging people to contact their

  A local campaigner has called for urgent improvements and upgrades to car parking facilities at Malin Head, following reports and claims that it has been “gridlocked” over the busy Summer months. Ali Farren says that the current parking situation at Malin Head is turning away potential visitors and tourists, due to them having to

A Foyle MLA is calling on Invest NI to collaborate with partners in the North-West region on both sides of the border. Sinn Fein’s Martina Anderson says that the body has a “Belfast first” policy, and has ignored the economic needs of the North-West region. She says that following Brexit, Invest NI needs to work

A Fine Gael TD is defending a private outdoor function at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin which was hosted by Katherine Zappone and attended by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar. Ms Zappone hosted around 50 friends and former colleagues at the event, six days before she was appointed as special UN envoy, according to the Irish Independent.

  New research claims that children who become ill with Covid-19 are unlikely to have long-term effects. Scientists at King’s College London found illness lasted no more than a week on average for those aged between 5 and 17. Less than two-percent showed symptoms lasting more than eight weeks. But Daniel Munblit – a paediatric

A new law that could force the likes of bars and schools to close for having poor ventilation is being launched by People Before Profit today. The Workplace Ventilation Bill would cap the amount of CO2 allowed indoors and enable workers to request an inspection if they’re concerned about compliance. Failure to comply with an

The Archbishop of Dublin has told priests they have permission to hold Communions and Confirmations – despite public health advice. Dermot Farrell says parishes should hold shorter and smaller ceremonies, if they decide to proceed with them. That follows recent announcements from the Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian, and four other bishops across the country,

People are being asked not to go to work, go out for dinner or visit friends if they have Covid-19 symptoms, even if vaccinated. The Chief Medical Officer says symptomatic people are visiting these settings, resulting in outbreaks across the country. Dr. Tony Holohan’s warning those who’re vaccinated but have symptoms can still transmit the

Community groups in Donegal are being urged to apply for grants to support adult learners in disadvantaged areas. The ‘Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund’ is being administered by SOLAS and the local Education and Training Boards, with Donegal ETB taking the lead in this area. The aim of the Fund is to support community education for

Ireland is on course to have one of the highest take up of Covid 19 vaccines among young people, according to a leading immunologist. Over 30,000 people received a jab at walk in vaccination centres over the weekend. The HSE says this outstripped their expectations and they may extend them. Immunologist Professor Luke O’Neill says

A Donegal GP says that, while some people who are vaccinated have caught and been hospitalised with Covid-19 – the vast majority of those who have recently caught the virus or been hospitalised for it are still unvaccinated. Speaking on today’s Nine til Noon Show, Dr Denis McCauley, the Chairman of the GP Committee of

Gardaí are investigating three criminal damage incidents that occurred at the same location in Newton Cunningham. The incidents happened in a carpark at an area known as ‘The backshore’ at Drumboy, Newtown Cunningham. All three incidents involved cars having their windows smashed although nothing was stolen. On Thursday last between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, a man

The Agriculture Minister is insisting the Government’s new food strategy plan is environmentally friendly. The ten year strategy aims to see Ireland become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems. Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue says it will reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers used in soil and reduce our carbon footprint. He’s rejecting claims some

Over 30,000 people received a Covid 19 vaccine at walk in centres over the weekend. It was predominantly younger people who received the jab, although an 83 year turned up at a centre in Sligo. The CEO of the HSE says the walk in centres outstripped their expectations and says it shows young people showed

Applications for a 100 pound voucher for everyone over the age of 18 in Northern Ireland will open next month. The initiative is intended to help local shops and businesses recover following the pandemic. The High Street Voucher will be a pre-paid card available to everyone over 18 in the North. Deputy First Minister Michelle

  The Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District says that an “unprecedented” response is required both from Donegal County Council and the Government, in order to respond to the mica crisis. Cllr Gerry Crawford was speaking after a special meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District Council was held last week, in order to discuss the