Author name: oisinkelly

Number of Donegal schools dealing with Covid cases within school community

A number of schools in Donegal have confirmed that they are currently dealing with cases of Covid-19 within the school community. The Royal and Prior School in Raphoe say they are dealing with cases of the virus in line with HSE guidelines. Meanwhile, a teacher has tested positive at Pobail Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair. As a […]

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Additional resources sought to support cross border education

Additional resources are being sought to support cross border education in the North West region. The most recent meeting of the North West Regional Development Group received an update outlining the opportunities for mobility of students across Ulster University, North West Regional College, LYIT and Donegal ETB and the drive to ensure students continue their

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Cavan Cllr believes easing of restrictions in North won’t be much of a problem

A councillor in a Co Cavan border town says locals have always exercised common sense when the pandemic restrictions have differed between North and South. It follows reports of a surge in bookings for hair appointments from the Republic, with salons and barbers to reopen there on Friday. The Justice Minister’s confirmed there are no

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Fermanagh pupils told best option is to transfer to Donegal schools

The North’s Education Minister has acknowledged that students from a Post Primary School in Fermanagh which is closing may find their best option is to transfer across the border into schools in Donegal. St Mary’s School in Brollagh outside Belleek is to close, after numbers dropped to 67, a figure which Minister Peter Weir told

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No decision on extending interval between first and second doses of vaccine

There’s been no advice on changing the interval period for the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, according to the Acting Chief Medical Officer. The Government is believed to be considering extending the gap between the first and second doses from four weeks to between six and eight. Some experts claim it would give the country

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Three cases of Covid variant originating from India discovered in Ireland

Three cases of a Covid-19 variant first discovered in India have been detected in Ireland. At least two of the infections have been associated with travel. Investigations are ongoing globally into whether the mutation is more transmissible than other strains, or causes more severe disease. Yesterday, the UK added India to it’s ‘red list’ for

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Management say LUH is very busy, with pressure on bed availability

Letterkenny University Hospital is extremely busy this afternoon, and management say this as resulted in ongoing pressure on bed availability in the hospital. A statement issued this afternoon says as a result, patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to an acute bed in the hospital. Management at

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Number of patients with Covid-19 in hospital lowest in months

Irish hospitals have recorded the lowest number of Covid-19 patients on wards since October 9th last year. 179 people with the virus are receiving treatment this morning, which is 21 percent lower than last week. Overnight, there were 47 patients with the infectious disease in ICU. There’s expected to be a decision later this week

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Attack on Strabane teenager described as ‘sickening thuggery’

A Strabane Councillor believes someone will be seriously injured or worse unless anti social behaviour in the town is brought under control. It comes after a 17 year old girl was assaulted in ‘The Meadows’ area of the town on Friday night. A video has been circulating on social media depicting the incident, and showing

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Councillor believes €2m Burtonport project overlooks heritage of area

A West Donegal Councillor however, believes different design options should have been explored for the project in Burtonport. Councillor Micheal MacGiolla Easbuig feels the development was rushed through and more public consultation should have been carried out. The €2 million funding for Burtonport will go towards the construction of two new buildings, including a new

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Donegal Airport receives share of €11m funding for regional airports

Donegal Airport is to receive a share of €11 million in funding allocated to regional airports. Almost €900,000 has been allocated to Donegal Airport under the Regional Airports Programme. The money will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety, security and sustainability. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton says

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Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny MD appeals for information relating to park fire

The Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District has issued an appeal for information following an incident of criminal damage at Ballymacool Park in Letterkenny over the weekend. An area of the park was set on fire at around 8:20pm on Saturday evening with damage caused to fencing and surrounding vegetation and hedges as a

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Bishop of Raphoe confirms Diocese cooperating with retired priest investigation

The Bishop of Raphoe has confirmed that a retired priest of the diocese has been charged with assaulting two minors between 1972 and 1975. It is understood the 85-year-old retired priest has been released on bail after he was charged with 26 counts of indecent assault. In a statement, Bishop Alan McGuckian says the diocese

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Recommendations to be made on administration timeline of vaccines

Recommendations will be made this week from experts on whether the gap between the first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines can be extended. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is looking at the proposal with the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly saying it could result in more people getting a first dose

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€21.3m awarded to Donegal under Rural Regeneration Programme

Donegal is to receive the largest allocation of funding under the Rural Regeneration Programme. €21.3 million has been allocated to three areas of the county. Carndonagh will receive just over €9.5 million with €9.7 million going to Ballybofey/Stranorlar. Meanwhile, Burtonport is to receive €2 million. It follows a previous tranche of funding to improve infrastructure

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Renewed calls for recovery taskforce for hospitality sector

There are renewed calls for the government to set-up a recovery taskforce for the hospitality sector ahead of a potential summer reopening. It’s understood June’s being considered as a likely time when restaurants and hotels can resume trading. Further detail’s expected towards the end of the month. Meanwhile the Taoiseach has confirmed a major stimulus

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Council buildings light up in rainbow colours in remembering Lyra McKee

Council buildings including City of Derry Airport, the Strand Road Offices and the Guildhall have been lit up in rainbow colours this week to celebrate the life of journalist Lyra McKee, marking the two year anniversary of her tragic murder. At the request of Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Brian Tierney, local Councils in Belfast, Causeway Coasts

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Catholic archbishops take legal advice over ban on public masses

Ireland’s Catholic archbishops are taking legal advice over the Health Minister’s move to ban public masses and other religious services in church. Stephen Donnelly signed the law making them a criminal offence last week, a move described as ‘clandestine’ by the Primate of All-Ireland, Eamon Martin. He says the measure was introduced without notice or

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17 year old girl assaulted in Strabane, police appeal for witnesses

Police in Strabane investigating an incident in the town centre on Friday night are appealing for witnesses and information. It has been reported that a 17-year-old female was assaulted in a grassy area of the town centre, known locally as ‘The Meadows’. As part of enquiries, a 17-year-old female and an 18-year-old male were arrested

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PSNI, Police, Northern Ireland

Police officer injured following concern for safety of man in Derry

Police in Derry responded to a report of concern for safety for a man at an address in Celandine Court in Gobnascale at approximately 10:45pm last night (Saturday, 17th April). As officers were dealing with the incident, a police firearm was discharged and the male sustained a chest injury. He remains in hospital at this

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HSE ready to adjust vaccination programme if younger people prioritised

The head of the HSE says it’s ready to adjust the vaccination programme if the government decides to prioritise younger people. The Health Minister’s asked officials to look at the possibility of vaccinating under 30s ahead of older groups in a bid to reduce transmission rates. It would see those aged 18 to 30 get

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