Author name: oisinkelly

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

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

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

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

The five-day moving average of new cases of Covid-19 has risen by 13 per cent in the past week. It now stands at 424 – compared to 376 seven days ago. 371 new cases and 13 additional deaths were reported yesterday, 3 of them occurred in April. 33 cases were confirmed in Donegal. The county

The ban on inter-county travel is set to be lifted on May 10th, under plans to be considered by cabinet today. Hairdressers, barbers and personal services are set to reopen on the same day, with the cap on weddings and funerals rising to 50. People from three households will be able to meet up in

  Arlene Foster says she’s stepping down as DUP leader and Northern Ireland’s First Minister. It follows calls from within her party for a leadership contest. She’ll step away from heading the DUP on the 28th May – but will remain first minister until the end of June. In a statement, Mrs Foster describes serving

  European MEPs are voting today on a so called Covid passport for European citizens. The digital green certificate would allow people prove they’ve been vaccinated, tested negative or have recovered from the virus. It’s hoped it will be in place in two months but the Irish Travels Agent Association doesn’t think Irish people will

Work is due to recommence on the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme. Irish Water has confirmed that works as part of the Demonstration Project element of the scheme will start in June and will involve the installation of pods at 40 properties with the collected wastewater then to be treated at the existing Údaras na Gaeltachta wastewater

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

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

There’s a warning up to two thousand jobs could be lost in the fishing industry due to the impact of the post-Brexit trade deal. The agreement between the EU and UK kicked in from January – but it’s now been overwhelmingly backed in a vote by the European Parliament. Under the terms of the deal,

The EU’s plan for a ‘Covid-19 passport’ could move a step closer to reality today. MEPs will vote on whether to introduce the digital green certificates, allowing a return to free movement of people. They’d show whether someone’s recovered from Covid, been fully vaccinated or tested negative. The EU’s hoping to have them in place

A senior cabinet minister says the government can now reach its vaccination targets, after a double boost yesterday. The Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca jabs have been approved for use in the over 50s. The government’s aiming to give 82 per cent of the adult population their first dose by the end of June, up