Author name: oisinkelly

The HSE has confirmed there’s been a “significant ransomware attack” on its IT systems – and has shut down the entire network to protect them. It’s apologised for the inconvenience caused to patients and the public. Covid vaccinations aren’t affected and are going ahead as planned. The Rotunda has cancelled all appointments for today – […]

Work to build a new Special Needs classroom and address ongoing flooding issues at Scoil Adhamhnain in Luinneach, Derrybeg is set to get underway. Education MInister Norma Foley confirmed last night that the project at the school has been approved to proceed to construction stage. Following a tendering process, a contractor has been recommended, and

Almost €1.1 million has been confirmed by Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys for capital works on Ireland’s offshore islands. The projects will be administered by the county councils in Donegal, Cork, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. Donegal County Council receives €47,500. That compares to €747,000 for Mayo County Council. Full details of funding –

Jeffrey Donaldson and Edwin Poots will go head to head today, in the race to become the next leader of the DUP. Regardless of who wins today, neither will become Northern Ireland’s First Minister. Today’s leadership election is the first for the DUP in its 50 year history. There has only been three leaders since

Sixteen projects across Donegal will share €140,000 under a special grant scheme run by The Heritage Council. The funding will boost local economies, grow tourism, and enhance community spirit by supporting local heritage projects. Included is a grant of just over €14,000 to help a local conservation plan for Northburgh Castle in Greencastle, built in

The incidence of Covid 19 fell in five of Donegal’s seven Local Electoral Areas in the two weeks to Monday last, with Donegal and Glenties the only LEAs to record increases. For the second week in a row, Milford has the highest incidence rate of Covid 19 in the county and the country at 472

456 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed in the Republic today, with no new additional Covid related deaths reported. There were 49 new cases in Donegal, up 37 on yesterday. The county now has a 14 day incidence rate of 248.8 cases per 100,000 people, compared to a national figure of 129.3, the

Gardai say a planned Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force Operation tackling rural crime was conducted along border counties today involving high visibility checkpoints and patrols on both sides of the border with gardai and the PSNI working in a coordinated fashion. During the operation Gardaí seized suspected cannabis herb valued at €16,500 and a

The Arts Council has expressed its sadness at the passing of writer and Aosdána member Seamus Deane. Arts Council Chair Prof. Kevin Rafter said: “A gifted writer and a profound intellect, Seamus Deane was a master of every writing form. As a critic, an editor, a poet and a novelist, Deane brought concentrated rigour and

An emergency meeting of Donegal County Council’s Mica Redress Committee has heard how the current groundswell is a result of people seeing the reality of the redress scheme. The Council’s Director of Housing, Corporate and Cultural Services, Joe People’s believes the Committee should take prominence in leading out on behalf of the Council for the

The security alert in the Skeoge Road area of Derry has now ended, and the road has re-opened. It follows the discovery of a suspicious object which has since been declared an elaborate hoax, in the area last night. It was one of two security alerts in the city last night. The other – a

Mary Durkan has announced that she is stepping down from Derry City and Strabane District Council. In a social media post, she says she made the decision after ‘a great deal of soul-searching’. The SDLP party member says she feels in light of limitations of party structures, her contribution would be more effectively made outside

Almost 7,000 bikes have been reported stolen since January 2020, 21 of them have been stolen in Donegal. Less than half of the stolen bicycles are recovered with just more than 2,000 given back to their owners since the start of 2020. Gardaí have offered advice to cyclists to help keep their property safe, including

Funding has been secured for two new classrooms at St Patrick’s National School, Letterkenny. The money for the additional accommodation has been approved under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2021 Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says the funding approval is great news for the school and an important investment in the school’s capacity.

A security alert is ongoing in Derry this morning. The Skeoge Road is currently closed following the discovery of a suspicious object last evening. Diversions are in place, motorists are advised to seek alternative routes. Meanwhile, an overnight security alert at the Craigavon Bridge in the city has now ended. Police and ATO examined a suspicious

Donegal County Council’s Mica Redress Committee will meet in special session this morning. It comes amid growing frustration among Mica affected homeowners in the county. Cllr Martin McDermott is Chair of the Council Committee, he says he called today’s emergency meeting so that the executive of the council can be briefed by the members about

Strong partnership working, the sharing of information, and joined up messaging are key to driving down COVID-19 numbers across the North West. That was the message from the latest discussion between the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and the Mayors of Derry City and Strabane District Council. It comes as Donegal’s 14 day incidence rate

Donegal now has the second highest Covid 19 incidence rate in the country, having been overtaken today by Kildare. There were 12 new cases confirmed in Donegal today, giving a 14 day incidence rate of 240.6 cases per 100,000 people, compared to a national figure of 129.7. Nationally, 448 new cases of Covid 19 have

Five men have been arrested in Derry in connection with the attempted murder of a female part-time police officer. A viable explosive device was found beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven last month. The five men are being held under the Terrorism Act at Musgrave Police Station. One of the men arrested

Kerry remains the most sought-after holiday destination in Ireland this summer, with Donegal second on the list. A survey of 1,000 Irish holiday-makers found 39 per cent of people want to staycation in Kerry, 28 per cent would prefer Donegal, and 24 per cent would favour Cork. The Circle K study found the Slieve League

Restoration works have commenced at the site of the Meenbog Wind Farm bog slippage. Donegal County Council says a phased approach has been adopted in relation to the restoration of areas affected by the peat slide in November of last year. Donegal County Council was first notified by the Loughs Agency of the Meenbog peat

A status yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for Donegal. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast this afternoon and evening, with a risk of hail and localised spot flooding. The warning comes into effect from 1pm this afternoon and will remain in place until 10pm tonight.