Author name: oisinkelly

LYIT as a technological university could be confirmed in January

What Donegal has to offer has been influential in attracting an increasing number of international students to the county. That’s according to Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s President, who was speaking during the virtual launch of the new Donegal place brand yesterday. The launch heard that the official designation of LYIT as a technological university could […]

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‘Donegal it’s in our DNA’ new place brand officially launched

An exciting new place brand for Donegal has been officially launched. Today’s official unveiling of the new Donegal place featured a celebration of Donegal life, success, education, culture and music. The new place brand driver ‘Ireland’s DNA’ showcases the county’s offering and facilitates its role as a key driver of regional growth in Ireland over

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Public health authorities urge caution over coming weeks

Public Health Authorities on both sides of the border have issued a joint statement urging people to stick to key public health advice and exercise caution over coming weeks, particularly with regard to cross-border activity. The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland and HSE in the Republic say as lockdowns ease in different ways either

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Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

Local government funding model puts Donegal at disadvantage – DCC Chief Executive

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council says the current model of local government funding puts counties like Donegal at a disadvantage, because equalisation funding is linked to Local Property Tax. John McLaughlin was speaking after researchers at the Whitaker Institute in NUI Galway found that Donegal County Council has been underfunded, and would be

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Milford and Letterkenny LEA’s have Ireland’s highest Covid rates

Two areas of Co Donegal have the highest incidence rates of Covid-19 in the country. Milford local electoral area’s was 675 cases per 100,000 people – the highest in the Republic, after its rate more than doubled in a week. The incidence rate is five time higher than the national average of 122.5. Letterkenny LEA,

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Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy member David Kelly set his sights on Junior British Rally Championship title

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy member David Kelly has set his sights on the Junior British Rally Championship title in 2021, as he returns to the series behind the wheel of an M-Sport Fiesta Rally4. The 25-year-old Donegal ace will aim to secure the coveted series win, which offers the unprecedented incentive of a prize drive

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Festivals and International Travel to be considered in the coming months

A pilot programme is set to examine the return of large sporting events, gigs and festivals over the summer. The government is preparing to host trial events to see how they can be safely managed before everyone is vaccinated. The new plan for easing restrictions also suggests nightclubs could return towards the end of the

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People will be responsible as restrictions ease – McConalogue

The hospitality sector is reopening in Northern Ireland today, as part of a widespread easing of restrictions. Cafes, restaurants and pubs will open their doors to customers, for outdoor services. All shops are also allowed reopen, along with gyms, swimming pools and self-catering accommodation. Here, a phased reopening will begin to take effect from May

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Sperrin farmers to be compensated four years after landslide

  A £3.5 million support package has been agreed for farmers in the Sperrins, almost four years after their land and farms were devastated in the August 2017 landslide. The landslides took place in the Glenelly and Owenkillew valleys on the night of August 22nd, the same night many parts of Donegal, and particularly Inishowen,

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Donegal Green Schools Travel Initiative backs ‘Love 30’ campaign

The Green Schools Travel Initiative is urging people to support the introduction of 30kph speed limits in the vicinity of schools. Donegal County Council will be reviewing speed limits in 2022, with a public consultation before that, and the initiative’s Team Leader in the region says discussions and audits have been taking place at a

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Monaghan United join USL

The Ulster Senior League have announced that Monaghan United FC has joined the League for the 2021/22 season. Following positive discussions, USL representatives met with members of the Monaghan United executive committee this week when the club’s entry was formally agreed. Monaghan United will play their home games at Gortakeegan and the team will be

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St Eunan’s College extension plan goes to detailed design

  A long awaited extension at St Eunan’s College Letterkenny is a step closer after the Department of Education cleared the school to progress to Stage 2b – Detailed design. This includes applications for all statutory consents, including Planning Permission, Disability Access Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate and also the preparation of tender documentation. Agriculture

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Final cabinet meeting to discuss significant easing of restrictions

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says he’s nervous about re-opening the economy through May as the cabinet meets to sign off on the latest plans. Ministers are examining plans that would see inter-county travel return on May 10th along with greater freedom to meet people socially. The move will see inter-county travel return on May 10th

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Alliance could benefit from DUP uncertainty – Emerson

The Alliance Party in the North could benefit from Arlene Foster’s resignation as DUP leader and First Minister, according to a leading political commentator. Unionists face a challenge to stabilise their base following the Brexit trade deal and discontent over the Northern Ireland protocol. Commentator Newton Emerson, believes the middle-ground Alliance Party could gain in

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Calls for minimum alcohol pricing to be rolled out on all-island basis

There are calls for minimum unit alcohol pricing to be rolled out on an all-island basis. Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn says at the time of the passing of the legislation to introduce minimum unit alcohol pricing, it was understood that it would be rolled out in both jurisdictions but it has since emerged not to

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New place brand for Donegal will be officially launched tomorrow

A new place brand will be officially launched for Donegal tomorrow. It will see the county positioned as a great place to live, work, invest, explore and study. The online event includes the unveiling of the new Donegal place brand identity with a number of brand ambassadors onboard and the launch of a revamped Donegal.ie

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Arlene Foster’s concluding statement comforting – Blaney

A Donegal Senator says Arlene Foster’s parting words yesterday were poignant. Yesterday she announced her resignation as DUP leader which will take effect from May 28th and will continue as First Minister until the end of June. Along with her handling of Brexit, her decision to abstain on a recent vote to ban gay conversion

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Donegal VFI welcomes dates for reopening of outdoor hospitality

Cabinet is set to approve plans today to allow hospitality begin to reopen over the coming weeks. Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are set to return on June 2nd, and restaurants and pubs for outdoor services on June 7th. Treasurer of the Donegal branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Councillor Martin Harley says it’s vital

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