Author name: oisinkelly

A motorist twice banned for driving in the Republic without insurance was banned again yesterday for seven years and fined a total of €1,300. Donegal District Court was told there was another occasion in Northern Ireland when 25-year-old Shay McDaid was fined £200 for driving without insurance. McDaid, of Hillhead, Castlefin, was not in court […]

An anti-fur-farming group due to hold a protest in Dublin today says there is no public appetite for continuing the practice. Fine Gael and Labour have both previously voted to end the practice. There are a number of fur farms here in Donegal, and in September last year hundreds were let out after a mink

A man who admitted biting two gardai was today sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years. Gavin Gillen said the first time was during a melee when he found an arm around his neck and he bit a finger. The second time was when he was pepper-sprayed by gardai the same night

Donegal County Council has agreed to allocate €20,000 to Finn Harps this evening, effectively saving the club from going out of business. Cllr Martin Harley and Cllr Barry O’Neill met with the Finn Harps board at the weekend with the club asking if the local authority would help with funding.] Finn Harps must raise a

A Donegal man has put forward his case that Vehicle Registration Tax is illegal to the European Petitions Committee. Inishowen man, Ryan Stewart put forward his case to the European Court of Justice in Brussels last week. The European Petitions Committee are supportive of the VRT petition and they are in agreement they are infringements

Efforts are to be made to boost Donegal’s number of blue flag beaches. Councillor Liam Blaney says that with a relatively small outlay, Donegal could easily move up the country’s  table. He says the county could get a significant boost with more blue flag beaches:

A Donegal County Councillor says the government should challenge the EU directive which has led to the introduction of the new septic tank legislation. Councillor Ian McGarvey says a situation can’t be allowed develop where people can’t sell their homes if their septic tank doesn’t meet new regulations. Some experts claim people in rural Ireland

The “High Level Group on Job Creation in the Killybegs Region” is defending its report, published last week. The group was established in June and asked to submit a report by Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Simon Coveney. Killybegs Fishermens Organisation CEO Sean O’Donaghue is chairperson of the group which drew up the jobs strategy criticised

The development of a swimming pool in Stranorlar has taken a major step forward today with the Council approving the go ahead for a €1.9 million loan. The facility is to cost €6.8 million. The council has spent €1.8 million to date and a grant of €3.8 million has already been approved for the project.

Roadside checks for drug-driving could be on the way from early in the New Year. The Irish Times this morning reports the tests will be fast-tracked as part of a crackdown on driving under the influence of prescription and illegal substances. Former Letterkenny Councillor PJ Blake is a member of the North West Regional Drugs

Independent TD Thomas Pringle has expressed disappointment after reading the High Level Report on employment prospects in Killybegs. He says hopes were raised hugely when the chairperson of the group announced last week that eighty jobs had already been created by the report. He says many people expecting concrete commitments were disappointed to find that

The numbers of people heading North for their Christmas shopping is set to increase this year. That’s according to new research from AA Travel Insurance. Of the 11,500 people surveyed almost 18 per cent said they were planning to do so this year – that’s up two per cent from this time last year. The

It’s emerged that the North West had the highest number of alcohol related mental disorders last year, while on a county by county breakdown, Donegal had the second highest proportion with 60 per 100,000. The highest was in Sligo – Leitrim with 97. Health Research Board figures quoted in the Donegal News show Letterkenny General

For the second time in less than a week, outpatient appointments at Letterkenny General Hospital are being cancelled as a result of overcrowding. There are a number of patients on trollies in the Outpatients Department, and as a result, Mr Couse’s surgical clinic has been cancelled. Orthopedic clinics will go ahead today, and at present,

Two men have been treated in hospital following a stabbing in Derry. The incident happened in the laburnum Terrace area between 2 and 3 o’clock this morning. One man was brought to Altnagelvin with stab wounds, but his injuries are not believed to be serious. Another man was also treated in hospital for injuries which

Police in Tyrone are investigating a robbery on Main Street in Coalisland in which a man was attacked by four men, one armed with a crowbar. The four men approached their victim shortly after 6 o’clock last evening. He was kicked to the ground, but his injuries are not believed to be serious. A sum

More stong winds are expected in Donegal after Met Eireann issued a severe weather warning for this afternoon and evening. Gale force winds, gusting up to 120 kilometres per hour are expected to batter the south, west and north of the country. Coastal counties will be worst effected. These conditions are expected to last right

Police in Derry are investigating an arson attack at the headquarters of North West Textile Recyclers at Springtown in Derry. The company, which trades as “Don’t Bin, Cash In” also operates in Letterkenny and Carndonagh. 3 trailers were burned in the fire which was tackled by seven units of the fire brigade. Jonathan  Mc Gonagle

The Taoiseach’s mother has passed away at the age of 93. Donegal native Eithne Kenny, nee Mc Ginley,  died this morning in Co. Mayo,  surrounded by her family. Originally from Glencolmcille, Eithne married the late deputy Henry Kenny and had four children. Speaking just months before her death, Eithne said she was so proud to

The BBC is reporting that two Catholic dioceses in Northern Ireland are preparing to publish major reports into historical child abuse, at the same time as a report is published in Raphoe. The report into the Diocese of Raphoe has been much anticipated, with next Tuesday now believed to be the most likely publication date.

IMPACT says a meeting with Donegal Oieeachtas members to discuss the future of the NoWDOC service was a positive one. The meeting to discuss fears that the NoWDOC service could be scaled back in Donegal.was attended by Deputies Charlie McConalogue, Pearse Doherty and Thomas Pringle. IMPACT’s Richy Carruthers says he’s disappointed no Government representitives were

Sinn Fein has published a Dail Private Members Motion calling on the Government to maintain current child benefit rates. The motion will be debated in the Dail next week. One of the budgetary measures being considered is that the Government may cut child benefit by 10 euro a week in the budget next month. Another

IMPACT have said that a meeting with Oriechtas members in the County yesterday was a positive one. All Donegal TD’s were invited to a meeting today to discuss the future of the NoWDOC service in County. There are fears that the NoWDOC service could be scaled back in Donegal. Yestertdays meeting was attended by Deputies

Fianna Fail Senator Brian O’Domnhaill has rejected out of hand suggestions that his party proposes septic tank legislation with charges greater than currently proposed by government. Today, the Can’t Pay Won’t Pay Group said it understood  that Fianna Fails proposals include a 200 euro charge on every household, every seven years. The Groups spokesperson, Danny

A 52-year-old Derry man who fed four schoolgirls with alcohol before sexually abusing them has been jailed for six years. Martin Edward Coyle from Bridge Street pleaded guilty to 18 charges including gross indecency with a child, unlawful carnal knowledge, and indecent assault. Derry Crown Court was told that Coyle used alcohol, cigarettes and money

A leading scallop producer and shellfish industry representative from Donegal has been elected the new chairman of the Irish Shellfish Association. Jerry Gallagher from Carrigart was appointed at a meeting of the new Executive Committee in the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin today. Irish Farmers Association President, John Bryan, congratulated him on his appointment. Jerry

Comments today from the chief executive of Derry’s Chamber of Commerce underline the severe impact the government’s 2% VAT increase may have on Donegal businesses Sinead McLaughlin said a quarter of cars in the city’s Foyleside shopping centre car parks last weekend had Republic of Ireland registration plates, most of them from Co Donegal. Ms

Highland Radio News has learned that a planning application for a major nursing home development outside Letterkenny has been withdrawn. Donegal County Council had granted planning permission for the nursing home on the outskirts of Letterkenny near Coolboy. The plans included the construction of 68 bed nursing home, access road, retention of a partially built

The Donegal spokesperson for People With Disabilities Ireland has said a government decision to cut 100% of its funding will effectively wipe the group out. James McLean was speaking following the confirmation from the Department of Justice that from January of next year the PWDI group will no longer get funding from goverment. The news

Donegal South-West Deputy, Dinny McGinley has said the Government cannot not give any guarantees that Lifford Community Hospital will not close. An internal HSE document lists it as one of 10 across the country which may close – ten beds  in Buncrana, two in Ramelton and four in Carndonagh are also under threat. Deputy McGinley

A group set up in Donegal in protest against the proposed Septic Tank Legislation have said they want Senator Brian O’Domnhaill to publish what proposals his party has. The Can’t Pay Won’t Pay Group believe that Fianna Fails proposals include a 200 euro charge on every household, every seven years. Group spokesperson  Danny Brown says

Derry building firm O’Neill Brothers has closed after more than 50 years in business. More than 20 people were employed by the firm, which was based in Pennyburn Industrial Estate. O’Neills opened in 1956, and built many high-profile buildings in Derry, including the council offices on Strand Road and the O’Doherty Fort. Foyle MP, Mark

Largo Foods increased its profitability last year despite a €4 million decline in turnover. Latest accounts for Largo Food Exports Ltd show that the company increased its pretax profit to €2.56 million in 2010 from €1.96 million in the previous year. Turnover declined to €84.1 million from €88.2 million in the period. In the past

Plans to create up to 1000 jobs along the Strabane/Lifford border have taken a step closer today. The company behind the proposed project, Riverside Building and Development Ltd, says all that remains is a green light from the Government. The £50m Three Rivers project will include a sports centre, wildlife centre, hotel, employment park and

Lifford Councillor Gerry Crawford, a paramedic by profession, says the closure of Lifford Hospital and cuts elsewhere would have a significant impact on the General Hospital. He says pre election promises were made by the parties now in government, and they should be honoured. Cllr Crawford says a year and a half after the threat

Independent Deputy Thomas Pringle has expressed his dismay at the closure of the Library in Killybegs claiming that other council run libraries are now also under threat. The library in Killybegs has closed as the council is prevented to employ another part-time librarian by the government’s recruitment embargo . There are fears the same fate

There are further concerns over the future of Donegal’s three smaller Town Council’s this morning. The Donegal Democrat quotes a local Fine Gael source who states that Buncrana, Ballyshannon and Bundoran town council’s could be abolished as part of the review of local government. While there are fears Ballyshannon and Bundoran Town Counci’s could be

A Derry businessman has revealed details of how he and his family have been threatened at gunpoint in their Bridgend home. The incident  happened at the property of Kevin Doherty at Carrowreagh on Sunday evening. Three armed men broke into Mr Doherty’s home at 7.30pm. Mr Doherty ,his wife and their 18-month-old daughter were held

It has been confirmed that NRA officials have allocated €545,000 to have the N56 between Falcarragh and Gortahork Re- Surfaced In welcoming the confirmation local councillor Seamus O’Domhnaill stated “This funding represents a major boost to the Local Area of Cloughaneely as this work is very much needed. I am pleased that  through lengthy negotiations

Community hospitals arcross Donegal could be under threat of closure according to an internal HSE document. Lifford Community Hospital is under threat of full closure with the loss of 20 beds Long-term care hospital beds at community hospitals in Buncrana, Ramelton and Carndonagh could be closed. The hospital are on a list being circulated among

A defence solicitor yesterday claimed that Senator Brian O’ Domhnaill should also have  been charged in a case in which two men are accused of assaulting him. Paudge Dorrian was speaking during a prosecution application to alter the name of a townland in summonses being prepared for a trial in a higher court. He told

A woman fought back tears as she told a judge yesterday of a vicious attack by a teenage girl who only knew her to see and stole her handbag, mobile phone and passport. 29-year-old Sarah Kerr, said that she was set upon violently by 17-yearold Nicola McLaren in Main Street, Milford. Ms Kerr told Glenties

A pub run by an All-Ireland football captain was still open three minutes before 2 a.m. but raiding gardai were told clients were waiting for taxis home although fresh drinks had just been poured for them, a court was told today. Anthony Molloy, Donegal captain when the county won it’s only All-Ireland title in 1992,

The Donegal Domestic Violence Service are to recieve funding from the Government for a purpose built shelter. The current refuge had to turn away 33 women and 27 children last year as they didnt have enough spaces in their current refuge. The Manager of the Centre, Fiona Doherty, speaking in todays Shaun Doherty Show, said

The father of missing Lifford man David Colhoun says he believes a tracksuit bottom and shorts found in the river between Strabane and Lifford belonged to his son. Speaking on the Shaun Doherty Show to mark six months since his son went missing in May, Joe Colhoun said he is convinced David’s body is between

The court of appeal in Belfast has ruled that a judge who found a County Monaghan man liable for the Omagh bombing did not clarify what weight was put on his later conviction for Real IRA membership. Senior judges have set out their reasons for directing a retrial in the case of Seamus Daly, one

One man has been brought to hospital and another arrested following what gardai are describing as an altercation on Letterkenny’s Lower Main Street this morning. It’s alleged that an iron bar was used during the incident which happened close to Oldtown Bridge just before 9.30. Gardai say they are investigating the incident, with initial indications

There were 15 patients on trollies at Letterkenny General Hospital this morning according to figures released by the INMO. The overnight situation was so serious that three clinics were cancelled at the hospital’s Out Patients Department this morning. Patients are being contacted to make alternative arrangements, and people are being asked to avoid A&E unless

The Donegal IFA Chairman is calling for a retro fit scheme to be added into new legislation governing the inspection and possible replacement of Septic Tanks. New environmental rules are being introduced which it’s feared will leave thousands of rural dwellers having to replace non-compliant septic tanks, possibly at a cost of several thousand euro.

Two brothers have gone on trial in Derry charged with sexually abusing their sisters and niece for a 25-year period. The men – who cannot be named – face 27 charges of rape, buggery, gross indecency with a child, and indecent assault. The offences are alleged to have taken place when the sisters were between