Author name: oisinkelly

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

St Eunan’s College extension plan goes to detailed design Read More »

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

Final cabinet meeting to discuss significant easing of restrictions Read More »

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

Alliance could benefit from DUP uncertainty – Emerson Read More »

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

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

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

New place brand for Donegal will be officially launched tomorrow Read More »

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

Arlene Foster’s concluding statement comforting – Blaney Read More »

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

Donegal VFI welcomes dates for reopening of outdoor hospitality Read More »

Dail hears of plight of student renters

A Donegal Deputy has called for student renters to be given protection during the pandemic. Deputy Thomas Pringle told Minister Simon Harris that students shouldn’t be out of pocket for Covid-related accommodation. Speaking in the Dail during statements on clauses in the residential tenancies bill to protect student rents, Deputy Pringle told Minister Simon Harris

Dail hears of plight of student renters Read More »

Over 1,000 Donegal people on full jobseekers for over 5 years

Nearly 7,000 unemployed people have been on the full rate of jobseeker’s allowance for at least ten years. According to latest figures, they include 470 people in Donegal, the second highest figure in the country. Meanwhile, almost 16,000 have been on it for over five years, nearly 1,000 of them are based in Donegal. Sinn

Over 1,000 Donegal people on full jobseekers for over 5 years Read More »

Donegal Green Party welcome €3m bike and e-bike scheme

The Green Party in Donegal says the launch of a €3 million, three-year pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those who are marginalised and disadvantaged is very significant. The party’s Donegal Chairperson Michael White says the initiative marks a huge step forward in making sustainable travel more accessible

Donegal Green Party welcome €3m bike and e-bike scheme Read More »

Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

Donegal should receive more in equalisation funding – Report

Researchers at the Whitaker Institute in NUI Galway have found that Donegal County Council has been underfunded, and would be receive more under a new Revenue Equalisation Model they are proposing. An analysis of 2017 figures shows Donegal County Council to have the fifth highest deficit in the country. Of the 31 local authorities, 20

Donegal should receive more in equalisation funding – Report Read More »

Opposition TDs claim Marine Planning Framework is being rushed

Opposition TDs are criticising the government over what they claim is the ramming through of the National Marine Planning Framework. TDs say 55 minutes has been set aside for debate tomorrow, and that’s not enough. Donegal TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn was the first to raise the issue………… Responding, Taoiseach Michael Martin said this is a

Opposition TDs claim Marine Planning Framework is being rushed Read More »

Business Matters Ep 41 – Anne Marie Conlon, Peter & Mairead Collett and Michael Margey

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the Head of Economic Development with Donegal County Council, Anne Marie Conlon and the job-seeking couple based in Creeslough, Peter and Mairead Collett. And for this week’s Backing Business segment, Ciaran is joined by Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s Head of Business, Michael Margey.

Business Matters Ep 41 – Anne Marie Conlon, Peter & Mairead Collett and Michael Margey Read More »

Outdoor dining grant not thought through – MacGiolla Easbuig

A Donegal Councillor says the government has scored a major own goal in a recently announced scheme to help bars and restaurants open in an outdoor setting. Up to €4,000 will be made available through the scheme, which is being administered by local authorities. However, Cllr Michael Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig says the conditions attached to

Outdoor dining grant not thought through – MacGiolla Easbuig Read More »

Sinn Fein leadership in Derry reportedly asked to stand aside

The entire leadership of Sinn Fein in Derry has reportedly been asked to stand aside. Multiple sources within the party are said to have confirmed that a number of individuals in the Derry Comhairle Ceantair were stood aside last week after a long investigation into the local group regarding election performance and governance. The Irish

Sinn Fein leadership in Derry reportedly asked to stand aside Read More »

Foster plays down speculation of a DUP leadership heave

Arlene Foster has played down suggestions her leadership of the DUP is under threat. The North’s First Minister was responding to reports of internal unrest within the party. The Belfast News Letter reports that several DUP constituency associations have written letters expressing concern at Mrs Foster’s decision to abstain from an Assembly vote on gay

Foster plays down speculation of a DUP leadership heave Read More »

J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines approved for use in over-50s.

The Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines have been approved for use in over-50s. Cabinet ministers signed off on the move this morning following advice from NIAC. The single-shot Johnson and Johnson jab can also be used for under-50s when other vaccines are not available. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said it’s a boost for the

J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines approved for use in over-50s. Read More »