Author name: oisinkelly

State apology due to Mother & Baby Home survivors

  The Taoiseach will make a formal state apology to Mother and Baby Home survivors in the Dáil later. It follows yesterday’s publication of the long-awaited Commission of Investigation report, which found an “appalling” level of infant mortality among the children born there. 9,000 died in the 18 institutions examined between the 1920s and 1990s.

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Students Union calls for standard Leaving & Junior certs to be scrapped

  The Irish Second-Level Students Union is calling for the standard Leaving and Junior certs to be scrapped this year. It has written to Education Minister Norma Foley, calling for an alternative format for 2021. Schools are closed until at least January 31st – but the Minister says she intends to run the exams as

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Government under fire over mortgage payment breaks

    The Government is facing further criticism over whats been described as a failure to secure Covid-19 payment break extensions for mortgage holders and SMEs. In December, the European Banking Authority reactivated its payment break guidelines to provide support relief for borrowers. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty earlier this month contacted the Tanaiste, the Finance

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Commission reveals harrowing details of Donegal home

The Taoiseach says the Mother and Baby Homes report highlights a “dark, difficult and shameful” chapter in Ireland’s history. The Commission of Investigation has found 9 thousand children died in the 18 institutions examined, including The Castle, Newtowncunningham and The Stranorlar County Home – around 15% of all those born. 56,000 unmarried mothers – ranging

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Mother and baby home investigation: “appalling” level of infant mortality

A five-year investigation into mother and baby homes has found an “appalling” level of infant mortality among children born there. Out of the 18 homes examined by the Commission of Investigation, including one in Stranorlar and The Castle, Newtowncunningham, 9 thousand children died. 56 thousand unmarried mothers – ranging in age from 12 years old

Mother and baby home investigation: “appalling” level of infant mortality Read More »

Donegal athletes and coaches invited to hear from experts at NW Sporting Pathways seminars

The North West Sporting Pathways Programme is offering local athletes and coaches the opportunity to increase their knowledge and tailor their approach to training and personal development by hearing from sports industry experts through two free online seminars. The two ‘Raise Your Performance’ seminars, which will be delivered by Donegal Sports Partnership and Derry City

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Sligo Rovers and Everton agree new partnership

Sligo Rovers have announced a new strategic partnership with English Premier League side Everton Football Club. The new agreement will see Sligo Rovers and Everton partner on several initiatives and cross-promotional activities including fan engagement, marketing and content collaborations. Sligo Rovers and Everton academy coaches will also develop relationships and there will also be the

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Former Garda Inspector describes Road Traffic Act as ‘basket case’

  A former Garda Inspector in Donegal has described the Road Traffic Act as a ‘basket case’. There has been on-going concern surrounding a loophole in the law whereby if someone who is disqualified does not present their licence in court then it’s not recorded. It’s estimated that almost 90% of disqualified drivers do not

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Small changes in Covid cases has big impact on LUH – Armstrong

  A Lifford GP says very small changes in the number of Covid-19 cases at Letterkenny University Hospital has a big impact on the pressures facing the facility. Dr. Paul Armstrong says the hospital never had enough ICU beds to begin with, making it easy for the service to become overwhelmed. Speaking on today’s Nine

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Donegal Garda urges public to comply with Covid travel limit

  A Donegal Garda is urging the public to comply with the Covid travel limit and restrictions which are in place. Officers can now issue €100 on-the-spot fines to those breaching Covid laws. Exercising within your 5kn zone and going shopping for food and other essential items are deemed a reasonable excuse. Where breaches of

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Investigation launched after window smashed at local business

  Gardai in Letterkenny are investigating an incident of criminal damage at a local business over the weekend. A window was broken at ‘Bookmark’ at Letterkenny Shopping Centre at around 6am on Sunday morning last. No entry was gained to the premises. Any witnesses or anyone with information is being urged to contact Letterkenny Garda

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Government ‘keeping a close eye on Donegal’ – Varadkar

  The Tanaiste says that The Government is keeping a close eye on Donegal as it relates to Covid-19. Leo Varadkar was reacting to events which unfolded at letterkenny University Hospital at the weekend, which saw patients being treated in ambulances outside the hospital as there wasn’t enough room inside. As of last night there

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Ireland “beginning to turn a corner” but hospitals remain under threat

NPHET believe the country is “beginning to turn a corner” in tackling the current wave of Covid-19 – but that hospitals will remain under threat in the weeks ahead. A further 8 deaths linked to the virus were confirmed last night with 4,929 new cases – 157 new cases were recorded in Donegal. One in

Ireland “beginning to turn a corner” but hospitals remain under threat Read More »

Healthcare workers in North ‘frightened’ over next few weeks

  Healthcare workers in the North are frightened about what will come in the next few weeks, according to unions. Hospitals there are preparing for a third surge in facilities of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some management groups were close to calling a major incident at hospitals over the weekend. The Stormont Executive meet later to

Healthcare workers in North ‘frightened’ over next few weeks Read More »

Calls for children with special needs & teachers to be prioritised for vaccine

  The Labour Party is calling for children with special needs and their teachers to be added to the priority list for Covid-19 vaccinations. It says giving them the vaccine would be the quickest way of ensuring a speedy return to the classroom. The Education Minister said the reopening of special schools will be prioritised

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RAP, Gaoth Dobhair acquired by ProAmpac Holldings

Rapid Action Packaging in Gaoth Dobhair has been acquired by US company ProAmpac Holdings. ProAmpac, today confirmed the acquisition from Ludgate Investments. The acquisition of RAP by ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging represents a significant expansion opportunity for the company. RAP, an Údarás na Gaeltachta client company which employs 200 people in Gaoth

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Minister says they’re working towards Leaving Cert going ahead

  The Education Minister says we are not in the same position as were in last year and it is the Government and Teaching Unions intention that the traditional Leaving Cert will go ahead. Minister Norma Foley says schools are now better equipped for online and remote learning and relevant bodies are working towards the

Minister says they’re working towards Leaving Cert going ahead Read More »