Author name: oisinkelly

Tánaiste moves to ease Councillors concerns over school closures

Cllr Jimmy Harte has raised concerns that almost 60 two-teacher schools across Donegal could face closure or amalgamation in a Departmental review which is currently taking place. The value-for-money review is being undertaken by the Department of Education and it has the aim of cutting costs. Many are located close to other schools, raising question

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Playwright Brian Friel named Donegal Person of the year

Inishowen-based playwright Brian Friel has been named Donegal Person of the Year 2010. The announcement was made last night at a Donegal Association function in Foley’s Bar, Dublin. The renowned dramatist was officially informed of the honour by committee members of the Donegal Association Dublin, who travelled to his home in Greencastle on Monday. Brian

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Water levels returning to normal but some restrictions remain

Donegal County Council has curtailed its programme of water restrictions as supplies continue to return to normal levels. Last night, and until further notice, water supplies were restricted in the Lifford and Tievebrack areas between 8:00pm until 8:00am. The council says that whilst these are planned shut downs to conserve water – other areas may

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Public on both sides of border urged to attend meeting over future of Cancer Care unit

The public on both sides of the border are being urged to attend a meeting being held next week to discuss fears over the future of the proposed cancer care unit at Altnagelvin Hospital. Last week the North’s Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announcing that he has the money to build the new state-of-the-art radiotherapy unit

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FG unsure whether to go with one or two candidates in Donegal SW

Fine Gael is awaiting a direction from the National Executive of the party over whether to run or two candidates in the forthcoming General Election in Donegal South-West. With nominations due to close this evening ahead of the party selection convention next Sunday there appears to be division over the election strategy. It’s believed some

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Clr David Alcorn gets top post in one of FF’s last acts in Government

Donegal County Councillor David Alcorn has been listed today as one of FIanna Fails ‘cronies and insiders’ to receive a lucrative post in one of Fianna Fail’s last acts in Government. The Irish Independent claims the Fianna Fail led Government is ‘stuffing quangos and state boards with political cronies and insiders in its last weeks

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Deputy Doherty urges Brian Cowen to ‘do the honourable thing’

The headache continues for Brian Cowen. Fianna Fail backbencher Noel O’Flynn is urging the Taoiseach to call time on his role as party leader. The TD for Cork North-Central has indicated the Parliamentary Party should back the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin, to take over the post. Mr Cowen is continuing to consult with

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Success for Donegal students at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

Donegal students have taken home a number of awards from the 47th annual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2011. The event took place at the RDS this week. Students from local secondary schools were honored with a selection of awards including Henrik Brusecke from St Columba’s Comprehensive School who was awarded the title of

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Blaney refutes McHughs claims that patients are being treated in ambulances at LGH

Donegal North East Deputy Niall Blaney has refuted claimes by fellow Deputy Joe McHugh, that patients are being treated by staff in ambulances in Letterkenny General Hospital because of overcrowding. Earlier today Deputy McHugh said there was a crisis waiting to happen at Letterkenny General Hospitals Emergency Unit if the A&E Unit didn’t open soon.

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Outcry as Mc Gimpsey says no money is available to run proposed radiotherapy unit

The proposed Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital has been hit with a major setback. Yesterday the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said while the money to build the satellite radiotherapy unit in the grounds of Altnagelvin hospital in Derry is in place, there will be no cash to run it. He said it would be totally

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Development officer says next three years present huge tourism potential

Donegal County Council’s Tourism Development Officer says the next three years present a major opportunity for the county. Kevin O’Connor says events including the UK City of Culture events in Derry in 2013 and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race next year will benefit the entire North West region. However, speaking in Buncrana, where

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Donegal Airport keeps PSO, but Derry-Dublin route now under threat

It’s been confirmed that the Government has agreed to support the continuation of the Public Service Obligation for Donegal Airport. Carrickfinn will now continue to recieve the PSO when the exsisting contract expires in July 2011. Sligo, Knock, Galway and Derry will not recieve the PSO after July. MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher says without

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