Author name: oisinkelly

EU farming ministers have accepted the provisional deal struck on Friday in relation to reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. It brings the proposal a step closer to becoming law. Member states will have until 31 December 2021 to submit their draft national strategic plans for approval by the Commission. Minister Charlie McConalogue says he’s

The fallout of the cyber attack on the HSE continues to be felt across Letterkenny University Hospital. The General Manager of the hospital says they continue to make some improvements towards a full return to functioning services but has warned that that will take many weeks yet. It comes as visiting restrictions are further eased

There’s been widespread condemnation following an attack on a woman in Strabane. The woman is believed to have been attacked while out walking her dog near the Golf Links area of the town. Those responsible attacked the woman and attempted to steal her dog. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan says people must remain vigilant:

Irish Water is urging people in Donegal to conserve water ahead of staycation season. The utility expects July and August to be particularly busy with an increase in domestic and commercial demand for water. Kevin Love, Asset Operations Lead for Irish Water says they are already seeing high demand for water in West Inishowen and

The Agriculture Minister says summer won’t be lost for thousands of businesses if the opening of indoor dining is pushed back by two weeks. The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today to consider its advice on the further easing of Covid 19 restrictions. It’s thought indoor dining may be delayed to get more

A Donegal Deputy says the Affordable Housing Bill fails to address ‘broken housing policies’. Deputy Thomas Pringle speaking during statement on the Bill, told the Dail that around 1,000 social homes in Donegal are crumbling around occupants due to Mica with a further 4,000 private homes affected also. He also reiterated his support for a

The Irish economy will emerge strongly from the Covid-19 crisis, according to a business representative group. IBEC’S news Quarterly Economic Outlook published today, says normality is now returning to most domestic sectors. The business group says the economy is well placed to see a rapid recovery as the vaccine rollout continues. Chief Economist with IBEC

House prices in Donegal are up 14.8%. The latest Daft.ie report shows house prices nationally have increased 13%, compared to this time last year. The average asking price for a house in Donegal is €166,592 while the number of new homes transactions recorded in the county over the past 12 months is 64, up 28%

NPHET will meet today to consider its advice to the Government on the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions from next Monday. Business and hospitality groups are calling for clarity amid speculation the reopening of indoor hospitality could be delayed by a further 2 weeks. There’s growing concern about the rising levels of the Delta variant,

The Mica Working Group is set to meet for the first time this week. Affected homeowners will meet with Government officials on Wednesday to discuss the specifics of the Mica redress scheme. The Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has committed to come back with an update on the scheme by July 31st. Eileen Doherty, who is

Gardaí who cancelled thousands of 999 calls are still answering emergency calls from the public. It’s after the Garda Commissioner admitted over 3,100 calls about domestic violence had been marked cancelled, with 600 of them not receiving an appropriate policing response. It’s since been reported Garda staff implicated in the scandal still remain in their

The DUP has officially confirmed Jeffrey Donaldson as its new leader following a meeting of its electoral college today. The Lagan Valley MP was the only candidate who stepped forward for the role. 32 members of the party’s electoral college backed his appointment – with just 4 against. He has become the DUP’s third leader

Some health experts say delaying the planned easing of restrictions by 3 or 4 weeks could allow a safer re-opening. Indoor service in bars and restaurants is due to resume on July 5th, with 50 people allowed at weddings. NPHET is due to meet on Wednesday to consider the plans, amid concerns over the fast-spreading

  Donegal TD and Minister for Agriculture and the Marine Charlie McConalogue says the provisional Common Agricultural Policy appears to be fair to all Irish farmers. He’ll attend the EU’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday to sign off on the plan along with the EU’s other agriculture ministers. The

A Donegal Councillor says it’s vital that small coastal communities in Donegal benefit from the Brexit Adjustment Fund. Cllr Noel Jordan says it’s particularly important that applications for funds to repair small piers are supported. Council officials told him they have made a comprehensive submission to the Seafood Taskforce, seeking investment in Killybegs, Greencastle, Burtonport

A provisional agreement has been reached between the European Council and the European Parliament on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. The deal includes provisions to ensure greater support for smaller farms and to help young farmers enter the profession. The proposals will have to be approved by individual member states next week. The