Author name: oisinkelly

The defective blocks crisis in Donegal is to be highlighted in two simultaneous protests at the weekend, one in Buncrana, the other in Letterkenny. A protest is also taking place in Ballina, Co Mayo. The protestors say they are at the end of their tethers, and the the amount of money they require just to […]

The newly elected leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has vowed to protect the Good Friday Agreement that his party helped create. Doug Beattie has also promised to offer a progressive and unifying agenda if his appointment is ratified by the Ulster Unionist council next Thursday. The Upper Bann MLA was the only candidate who

Today on Global Road Safety Week, a Donegal County Councillor is calling for Gardai to crackdown on speeding tractors and heavy goods vehicles. Particular concern has been raised over the use of mobile phones by drivers operating tractors. The issue was raised by Councillor Terry Crossan at the recent meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

There’s major disruption to services at Letterkenny University Hospital today following a huge cyber attack on the HSE and Department of Health. All outpatient appointments at the hospital have been cancelled as a result as well as diagnostics services. The hospital is however, continuing with a number of critical surgeries and dialysis treatment. The Eye

The HSE has confirmed it’s been recommended that the age limit for two vaccines be lowered. NIAC has recommended the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines can be used in people in their 40s. Health officials are expected to announce an updated decision on the rollout in the coming days. The HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer,

The Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District has called for more Garda resources to be put in place to combat a huge increase in drug use in the county. Latest figures provided at the latest sitting of the Joint Policing Committee showed that detections for the sale and supply of drugs in the county has

Non-essential retail can welcome customers back to stores for the first time in 2021. Last week customers needed an appointment with Pennys saying 275 thousand people made an advance booking with the store. As restrictions ease people are reminded to continue to practice social distancing and hand hygiene, while also being patient. Michael Margey, President

The extent of cyber attacks on the Department of Health and the HSE will become clear as this week goes on. Thousands of patients have had their appointments cancelled for the coming week, including at Letterkenny University Hospital with urgent care prioritised. A review of all IT systems within the Government is now believed to

People in their 40s will find out later this week when they can register for a Covid-19 vaccine. The HSE is currently working through people aged in their 50s while new guidance on the usage of the Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines is due to be announced this week. There were 355 new cases

There are calls for Donegal County Council to carry out a full survey of the coastal area of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District to assess tourist needs. Ahead of the Bathing Season, the council say the roll out of seasonal services is progressing to address the needs of visitors to the county’s beaches. Some services

The HSE’s in the process of contacting thousands of patients to reschedule appointments following Friday’s cyber attack on its networks. All outpatient and radiology services are impacted. However chemotherapy and dialysis services, along with the vaccination programme, are continuing as normal. Meanwhile efforts are continuing the identify the extent of the attack, and if personal

The new President of Macra na Feirme is calling on the Agriculture Minister to provide more ringfenced supports for young farmers. The voluntary group, which represents 10-thousand young people across rural Ireland, says there are many challenges facing Under 35s who work in the sector. They include the environment, carbon, habitat loss and changes in

The HSE says it is making progress as it attempts to rebuild its IT systems impacted by yesterday’s cyber attack. The ransomware attack, which has been described as possibly the most significant on the Irish State, resulted in the shutting down of all IT systems to protect against encryption. It could mean thousands of appointments

The Taoiseach says the British government can’t act on its own to exempt soldiers for alleged crimes committed during the Troubles. Micheál Martin and Boris Johnson discussed the issue yesterday at a meeting that lasted around an hour and a half. Johnson’s government has been considering a ban on prosecutions for British soldiers that served

The Taoiseach says the country won’t be paying a ransom demanded by those behind the HSE cyber attack. Its IT systems were targeted in the early hours of yesterday morning – and it could be a number of days before they’re restored. Thousands of appointments and procedures might have to be cancelled early next week