Author name: oisinkelly

A number of people have been contacting Highland Radio regarding problems with water supplies and untreated roads. If you have queries rgearding these or other council related issues, please contact Donegal County Council’s emergency lines as follows Water – 074 91 72399 Roads – 074 91 72288

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food says it will not pay compensation of almost quarter of a million euro to a South Donegal family, as recommended by Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly, as it fears doing so would leave the government exposed to major financial liability. The report relates Lost at Sea scheme was introduced in

Motorists are again being urged to take extreme care on the roads this morning after temperatures plummeted once again overnight. A slight thaw over the weekend meant roads were very wet from melting snow, and that has now frozen over leaving untreated roads icy and dangerous, and also making footpaths and walkways very slippy. Gardai

Water supplies to a number of areas in the North West have been significantly affected by freezing temperatures. Both Donegal County Council and Northern Ireland Water say sub-zero temperatures have led to bursts occurring on watermain network and in customers’ homes. They’re urging customers to check any vacant or isolated properties for leaks, saying there’s

Temperatures have risen slightly after a white christmas, with many areas of Donegal experiencing fresh snowfalls on Christmas Day. However, gardai are warning motorists that while temperatures are not reaching the record lows experienced earlier this week, they will slip below zero in places tonight, and extreme caution is still needed on roads, particularly minor

Tens of thousands of people will take to the roads today as the Christmas season gets underway. However, with temperatures hitting as low as minus 10 degrees in places overnight, drivers are being warned to take extreme care. Record lows have been reported in Donegal and across the region, with temperatures of Minus 11 celcius

Donegal County Manager Michael mc Loone says he hopes the council can continue to pursue its change agenda in 2010, despite the national breakdown in talks between government and unions. Mr Mc Loone says the relations between management and staff in Donegal have been exceptional over the years, and that is one of the reasons

The man suspected of involvement in the roasd collision whih caused the death of Garda Gary McLoughlin, was discharged from hospital yesterday, and brought to court within hours. 24-year-old Martin McDermott appeared before a special sitting of Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on foot of warrants for his arrest. McDermott, of Castlegrove, Raphoe was accused of drink-driving

On foot of intelligence received by local Gardai in recent, days businesses in Donegal are being asked to review their security over the Christmas period. The County’s crime prevention officer, Sergeant Paul Wallace, says that while this is traditionally a busy time for the retailer the same can also the criminal in the run up

The 24 year-old man involved in a traffic collision with a garda patrol car which resulted in the death of Garda Gary McLoughlin has been discharged from hospital today. Martin McDermott, from Castle Grove, Raphoe is due before a special sitting of Carrick on Shannon Court this evening to face charges relating to three bench

Three men charged with terrorist-related offences after an attack on a house in Derry last week have been refused bail by the High Court. 20 year-old Christopher David Anthony Boas from Robert Street in Derry, is accused of owning items for use in terrorism. 43 year-old Raymond Whitehouse from Thornlea Gardens and his 19 year-old

The HSE is urging people to be considerate in how they access health services over the Christmas period. As GPs take their holidays, Now Doc will be providing its normal range of services, but people are being urged not to attend if they can wait until their own GP surgeries reopen. People are also being

After years of campaigning broadband has today been enabled in Creeslough. There have been numerous announcements over the course of the last year that the service was imminent however local frustration became apparent after one deadline after the next was not met. This was underlined in October when one resident said that locals had been

The future of the inter-party pact on Donegal County Council is under threat. It follows the adoption of the council’s budget budget by Fianna Fail when the other 19 members were not in the chamber. The meeting had adjourned to allow for discussions on how a reduction in the rate could be achieved, with the

Letterkenny Town Council has passed it’s budget for 2010, with expenditure of just over 7.3 million planned for the year. As expected, the commercial rate has been reduced by 3%. The votev was unanimous. The budget book prepared by Town Clerk Paddy Doherty says there are two key objectives – To maintain basic frontline services,

The Appeal Court in England has cast doubt on the expertise of a forensic scientist who challenged DNA evidence at the Omagh bomb trial. Professor Allan Jamieson, who appeared as a defence witness for Sean Hoey, testified that low copy number DNA was unreliable. The process, which allows genetic profiles of offenders to be created

Donegal County Council has adopted its revenue budget for 2010 in controversial circumstances. The draft budget was adopted with a small number of changes most notably a 3% reduction in commercial rates. Before this however Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Fein and the independents were meeting to come up with their own strategy to reduce those

Highland Radio News has learned that up to 25 jobs could be lost at the Medisize plant in Letterkenny. The company, based on the High Road, called staff to a meeting yesterday outlining their plans. Medisize employs around 170 staff at its plant in Donegal producing products for the health care market. The company employs

A Senator is claiming that the northwest is set to lose 50 million euro in revenue with plans to host Ireland’s stage of the World Rally Championship in Dublin rather that here. In September there was speculation that Motorsport Ireland was planning to propose Dublin as the venue for the event but that was denied.

As what looks set to be a protracted budget discussion in Lifford continues, County Manager Michael Mc Loone has told Donegal County Council that this year is different, and it’s well understood that new ways must be found in which to do business. He said changes have already being made, and the council today has

A 70-year-old man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court charged with sexually grooming a child, gross indecency against a child and making indecent images of children. William John Roddy of Queen Street in the city appeared at a preliminary enquiry today to face eight charges that were said to have occurred on

Donegal County Councillors meet later this morning to discuss the authority’s revenue budget for 2010. Coupled with the capital budget, which will be adopted next year, the council has a overall budget of just short of 220 million euro – half of what was available in 2007. Councillor Dessie Larkin says today’s priority will be

A new Youth Drop In Centre is opening in Buncrana today. The centre occupies four rooms in the Plaza in the town which have been specifically developed to address local needs. The venture was launched in October of 2008, with the small hall in The Plaza used until now. The initiative was funded by the

St Patrick’s NS, Lurgybrack Teevog national school Cloughan Scoil Mhuire Gan Small Letterkenny Scoil Colmcille L’kenny ( boys school) Gaelscoil Adhamhain L’kenny St Patrick’s National School Murlog Scoil Colmcille, Drumman, Ballyare Ramelton St Mura’s National school Tooban re opening on the 7th January St Baithins national school St Johnston Scoil Colmcille national school Greencastle Scoil

Three men have appeared in court on Monday charged in relation to an attack on a house in Derry last week. 20 year-old Christopher David Anthony Boast, from Robert Street in Derry, is accused of owning items for use in terrorism. He along with Raymond Whiteside from Thornlea Gardens, and his son Jordan were also

It’s been confirmed that the Inishowen NCT Centre will open from early next month, providing wehat the Vice Chairman of Donegal County Council is calling a significant New Year boost to the peninsula. Cllr Charlie McConalogue says the new centre will begin operating at Liss, Carndonagh from Tuesday 12th January. He says it’s the culmination

Donegal County Council’s housing lists have fallen this year, bucking a national trend which has seen a 35% average increase in the waiting lists across the country. The Irish Independent has collated figures showing 2,320 people on the waiting list in Donegal at the moment, down 11%. In Letterkenny, there are 925 people on the

The question of how Lough Foyle should be administered is back on the table after it emerged that Derry Port has applied for a licence to expand its dumping levels in the lough. However, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Brendan Smith has confirmed to Senator Cecilia Keaveney that his Department has not received any formal notification

The deep freeze is continuing across the country this morning, spelling havoc for motorists. Gardai in Donegal are advising motorists not to take to the roads unless absolutely necessary, and many schools have been closed across the county. Meanwhile, City of Derry Airport was closed for a time this morning, with hopes that the airport

Safety on the Circular Road needs to be urgently addressed according to Letterkenny councillor Jimmy Kavanagh. He says following a serious accident on Saturday evening, in which a pedestrian was knocked down, it is time to urgently address the issue of safety on what is one of Letterkenny’s busiest roads. Cllr Kavanagh says Saturday night’s

Gleneely national school Killygordan closed for children till after Christmas Glenswilly national school will be closed today The Rosses community school Dungloe will be closed today, but will remain open for 2 & 5th years to complete exams Only local teachers need attend Shessinaghoneil National School B’bofey will closed today & remain closed till after

Driving conditions are described as ‘extremely hazardous’ on most secondary and sheltered roads this afternoon. Gardai in Donegal are still advising motorists not to make any unnecessary journeys today. The AA says road temperatures on many national routes remain below zero and icy conditions are reported.

A man is due in court in Derry tomorrow on terrorism charges. The 20 year old is accused of possession of items for use in terrorism as well as criminal damage, making threats to kill and possession of a weapon and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Two men, aged 43 and 18, face aggravated burglary, threats

A man is in hospital having been knocked down in Letterkenny. The man is 60’s was struck by a car in the Glencar Road at 5.25pm on Saturday evening. Severe traffic disruption was caused as a result. Gardai have confirmed that the injured man was removed to Letterkenny General but the extent of his injuries

Gardai are asking motorists to exercise extreme caution with icy conditions reported across the county. As of 8pm on Saturday icy stretches were being reported on the roads most notably in the Drumkeen area. Temperatures are expected to drop to -3 degrees with the risk of some sleet and snow. It is understood Donegal County

A District Judge has described his sentencing powers for assaults as ‘hopelessly outdated as he jailed a man for three months for two assaults on paramedics and one on a police officer. Damien Murphy (26) of Knockalla Park in Derry was charged with two assaults, one assault on police and disorderly behaviour that occurred on

A Donegal County Councillor says that too much of the local authority’s business is conducted behind closed. Councillor Patrick McGowen says that all too often when an issue is raised in the chamber, rather than discuss it their and then, it is put off to a workshop. These are often held behind closed doors and

The ICSA is urging Donegal farmers to withhold their cattle for slaughter, in protest at the price being paid for their animals by processors. Outgoing President Malcolm Thompson says the price being paid to farmers now is below break even point, and well below what is being paid in the UK and Europe. He says

Donegal County Council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out improvement works in Milford, with the works set to be finished by mid-summer. A new road will be built parallel to the Main Street, allowing for the development of a one way system. The commitment was given today during a meeting

Two Derry men who murdered a Donegal teenager in the city two years ago have been told they will serve a minimum of 11 years in prison. In October, 21 year old Sean Cruickshank, from Lislane Drive, and 22 year old Edward McEleney from Circular Road, were convicted of the murder of 19 year old

Met Eireann has issued a sever weather warning with the northwest being told expect significant wintry showers and freezing conditions. It’s to remains cold throughout the weekend and into early next week with falls and sleet and snow being forecast. This coupled with subzero night time temperatures driver should exercise caution on the roads. Click

Donegal Deputy Dinny McGinley says he is going to ensure that the findings of a special inquiry in to the ‘lost at sea scheme’ is debated in the Dail. The inquiry, by the ombudsman, was launched following a complaint made by Danny Byrne from Bruckless – his father Francis and brother Jimmy died when the

A Donegal councillor says the lack of progress on the proposed new N14 Lifford to Manorcunningham road means that the new A5 North of the border could be completed long before it. Cllr Dessie Larkin says it’s ironic that just a few years ago, the question was could the preparation work for the new A5

Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has ordered a full review of all state-funding community groups in the gaeltacht areas. Minister O’Cuiv says the review will provide for necessary realignment and restructuring while gaeltacht communities may see this as a precursor to more cuts. Mnister O’Cuiv says all Gaeltacht areas will be

The Tánaiste says the Government’s being “cautious” about new figures showing the country’s emerging from recession. While the economy has declined in the past year, the Central Statistics Office says there was slight growth in Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter. But when foreign multinationals are excluded Gross National Product shrank by 1.4% between

Health Minister Mary Harney has met briefly with Senator Cecilia Keavney to discuss the lack of arrangements for infant post mortem examinations in Donegal. The possibility of a cross border agreement for the sharing of services was one of the issues discussed. The lack of a designated Pediatric Pathologist above the Galway to Dublin line

A Donegal County Councillor has launched a scathing attack on the County Manager claiming his commitment to the county centres purely on Letterkenny. Stranorlar Councillor Patrick McGowen, who has long claimed his area is the poor cousin of Letterkenny, has gone further this time questioning if the county manager has any interest in the rest

New figures show Strabane has the highest percentage rate of unemployment in Northern Ireland. 6.9% of the working age population of the town are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. In the Derry City Council area, 6.8% of people are out of work. The figures were published as the Mayor of Derry leads a cross party delegation to

Donegal County Council is to lobby the government to have the country’s islands vote on the same day as the main land in any forthcoming elections. Currently islanders vote a few days in advance of the rest of the country and it is has been claimed that as a result many who work away are