Author name: oisinkelly

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 […]

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

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

The Cross Border Workers Coalition says it’s vital that anamolies in the tax system are resolved as work practices slowly begin to normalise. There is currently a provision in Irish law whereby cross border workers, who live in the Republic of Ireland but work in Northern Ireland are forced to pay a double tax if

Donegal TD Joe McHugh is confident this will be the last lockdown, and says society owes it to young people to ensure that is the case. He says since sports training for young people resumed in the past fortnight, there’s a noticeable improvement in their mood………….

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

1.5 million Covid-19 vaccines have now been administered across the country. That landmark was reached last night, and nearly 30 per cent of over-16s have received at least one jab. The government says 50 to 59-year-olds will be able to register for a vaccine within the next week. Stranorlar based Dr Denis McCauley chairs the

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

  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,

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

Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians can all open their doors from the 10th of May after cabinet signed off on plans to re-open the country. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the news in an address to the nation in the last hour. May 10th will see much of the country re-open for the first time this year.

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

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

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

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

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

The European Parliament has approved plans for a so-called Covid passport. It would show whether someone’s been vaccinated, tested negative or recently recovered from the virus. 540 MEPs supported the measure, with 119 against and 31 abstentions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says it’s a “key step forward towards free and safe travel

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