Author name: oisinkelly

  Mid-ranking Gardaí have serious concerns on the force’s requirements to follow up on mandatory quarantining of international travellers into the country. The AGSI is worried about the health implications of members going into homes or hotels to ensure people are self-isolating. The group say it has got no communication or consultation from Government on […]

  There is public support on both sides of the border for increasing measures to stop the spread of Covid-19, according to a public health expert. As part of new laws here, a mandatory two week quarantine will apply to anyone arriving into Ireland without a negative PCR test it won’t apply to those may

    A study, examining the unique challenges that Donegal faces as a result of Brexit is said to be nearing completion. Economic consultants Grant Thornton have undertaken the study which will reflect in some detail the effect it will have on particular sectors in the county and make recommendations to mitigate the worst impact

  The Tánaiste says international travel at significant rates might not return by Christmas. It comes as the government has extended level five restrictions until March 5th – with no guarantee they’ll end then. New laws are on the way to enforce mandatory quarantine for a limited number of people arriving into Ireland. But opposition

A number of initiatives are in the pipeline for the 2021 tourism season in Donegal. Donegal County Council plans to deliver a range of activities in the months ahead including a new 500,000 innovative tourism related minor works scheme while funding has been secured for a number of other projects geared towards enhancing the over

  €1bn will be delivered to border counties including Donegal between 2021-2027 under the PEACE PLUS North South cooperation programme. The programme will combine the existing PEACE and INTERREG EU funding into one cohesive cross-border programme to support peace and prosperity with a particular focus on Northern Ireland and border counties. The scheme will be

Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle is to bring forward a bill to the Dail tomorrow morning that if passed, would lead to a referendum on constitutional protections for Economic, Social and Cultural rights. Deputy Pringle says the bill would be an anchor for the rights to housing, health and education to be provided for on the

Cabinet Ministers have approved an extension of the lockdown until the 5th of March. The majority of construction sites are expected to stay closed until March with some hope special needs education can resume next month. New travel restrictions have also been confirmed with mandatory quarantine required for anyone arriving into Ireland without a negative

An independent investigation will be held into historical mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland. First Minister Arlene Foster says the voices of survivors will be heard “loudly and clearly” in the inquiry, which will conclude within 6 months. The full details of a research report into the institutions, which looked at the day-to-day running’s

  An Garda Síochána, the HSE and The Department of Health would like to advise members of the public to be aware of potential scams relating to the Covid-19 vaccine. In recent days, An Garda Síochána have been made aware of members of the public having received fraudulent text messages and calls regarding Covid vaccination.

Some staff at Letterkenny University Hospital are said to be worried over the vaccination process. While a significant number of staff at the hospital have received the Covid-19 vaccine, many of them still waiting with fears that it could be until the end of March until they get the jab. With the increase in the

  There are calls for a clear and resourced plan for An Garda Siochana if they’re expected to enforce strict travel restrictions. As part of plans being considered by Cabinet today, mandatory self-isolation for all passengers travelling into the Republic will become a legal requirement, with spot checks and fines by gardaí. There will be

There are further calls for Donegal’s current gritting programme to be reviewed as a matter of urgency. Councillor Ciaran Brogan brought a motion before Donegal County Council this week calling for the council to engage with private contractors and farming operators to assist in gritting local roads. The Council have agreed to hold a workshop

  The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council has paid tribute to frontline workers in Donegal for their work thus far in dealing with Covid-19. Councillor Rena Donaghey says as the number of patients being treated in hospital remains high, it’s vital people across the county continue to adhere to public health guidelines. Speaking in the

  A West Donegal County Councillor has expressed disappointment after Donegal County Council refused to add additional services to bring banks across the county to allow for the recycling of paper and plastic. Councillor Micheal Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig brought the motion before the yesterday’s sitting of Donegal County Council. The local authority in response, says

Scoil Íosagáin has moved a step closer to completing their major school project. It’s been announced today that the project is now progressing to Stage 3 Tender Stage. Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh says the news is greatly welcomed for the school which he says has been on a long journey to get the project over

A number of Councillors have raised concern over proposed variations to the County Development Plan. The plan was before Donegal County Council this afternoon for approval. It aims to ensure alignment with the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Speaking in the Council Chamber, Cllr Patrick McGowan says while he supports

  A Donegal Pharmacist says ‘identity politics’ need to be put to one side with both Governments north and south working as one until the Covid crisis is over. There are ongoing calls for both the North and Republic to adopt a so-called zero Covid strategy, which would aim to eliminate domestic travel, similar to

  A Donegal Deputy is claiming that there’s been no communication from the Irish Government with their Northern Ireland and UK counterparts over a Zero Covid strategy. It would mean a ban non-essential travel into Ireland and implementing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for those who must travel here. It’s thought that the strategy would

  Concerns have been raised by residents in Ard O’Donnell, Letterkenny over reports that some investors are buying properties in the area and changing them into apartments. During a recent Letterkenny/Milford Municipal District meeting, Councillor Kevin Bradley highlighted that the council should ensure proper planning is in place for street parking. It’s understood that residents

  Discussions on reopening class for children with additional education needs will continue this week – however a full return of schools is not expected until around St Patrick’s Day. The Taoiseach said over the weekend the Government is planning for a phased re-opening due to the high rates of Covid-19 transmission in the community.

  The Cabinet sub-Committee on Covid-19 will meet today to discuss extending Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions into next month. They will also look at proposals around travel, including five day quarantine for people who arrive into the country without a negative PCR test. It comes as 1,378 more people have tested positive for the virus,