Author name: oisinkelly

A Donegal Deputy is asking persons with disabilities to share their opinions with him in the lead up to International Day of Persons with Disabilities this Thursday, December 3rd. Deputy Thomas Pringle believes elected representatives should be creating policies to make this country more accessible, more equal and fairer for everyone of all different abilities. […]

The Covid-19 vaccine taskforce meet later as the country enters the final day of Level 5 restrictions. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said he expects jabs to be rolled out here in the New Year, with healthcare workers and those with vulnerable conditions expected to be treated first. It comes amid increased calls for pop-up

The British Foreign Secretary’s suggesting post-Brexit trade negotiations between the EU and UK might soon be reaching a conclusion. Dominic Raab says a deal is there to be done and this week could be the last where ‘substantive’ talks take place. He says while fisheries remains an “outstanding major bone of contention”, discussions on competition

A public health expert says the Government needs to rethink its strategy of lockdowns in the fight against Covid-19. The country will begin to reopen for Christmas on Tuesday but the Taoiseach hasn’t ruled out tighter restrictions in the new year. The 14 day incidence rate of the virus per 100,000 people has stayed below

The Government is planning to have over one million people vaccinated against Covid-19 in the coming months. It’s widely believed that the most vulnerable will be given the doses first, with hopes that most of the population will receive it by the summer. The Sunday Independent reports the State’s also hoping to begin the process

The IMO’s Public Health Committee will meet on Monday to discuss a potential strike by public health doctors. A massive 94 percent have voted in favour of action over inadequate resources and a long running row over consultant status. Committee Chair, Dr. Ina Kelly says members feel disrespected by Government despite working at the heart

People are being asked to wear face masks outdoors in crowded areas for the first time. The recommendation from Government also applies to other settings including busy workplaces and places of worship. The Irish College of General Practitioners is reminding people not to mix with others if you’re experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. The ICGP’s COVID-19

The Treasurer of the Donegal Branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland says the decision to keep wet pubs closed is a huge blow. Last evening, Taoiseach Micheal Martin announced that from Friday, restaurants and pubs that serve food will be allowed to open. Councillor Martin Harley says the reopening of wet pubs would have

The country will move to Level Three restrictions next Tuesday December first. It means retail, gyms, golf courses, hairdressers, cinemas, theatres and places of worship can open. From next Friday restaurants and pubs that serve food will be allowed to open. Wet pubs won’t open this year but will be given additional supports. The government

It’s emerged that marts are to receive grants of up to €5,000 each to upgrade their online systems and help cover the cost of doing business online. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue is expected to announce the measure shortly. George Starrett is Chair of the IFA Farm Business Committee in Donegal – He says the association

It’s been confirmed that nurses at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry have received Free Parking discs. Last night, Derry City and Strabane District Council agreed unanimously to highlight this issue with the Western Health Trust. Cllr Jason Barr was one of those who raised it, and he says he was contacted by the Trust today saying

An announcement on easing level 5 Covid-19 restrictions will be made this evening. It’s expected restaurants and gastro pubs will be allowed to reopen despite NPHET advice, with inter-county travel opening for a period over Christmas. The head of the HSE says he’s concerned that there may be a spike in cases of Covid-19 in

Update – The mayor of the Letterkenny Municipal District has confirmed a meeting is likely to take place next week to discuss the signing of a contract to bring up to 350 asylum seekers to live at former student accomodation on the Port Road in the town. It’s expected the meeting will be attended by

A Donegal TD has suggested that the Dail’s European Affairs committee may be the forum through which many post Brexit problems can be resolved. Deputy Joe McHugh is Chair of the Committee, and says he believes it can play a key role in resolving issues in the coming weeks and months, particularly in relation to

  Two Donegal Oireachtas members have welcomed the signing of a contract to bring up to 350 asylum seekers to live at former student accomodation on the Port Road in Letterkenny. In a joint statement, Deputy Thomas Pringle and Senator Eileen Flynn say it’s important for the local community to rally around and help make

A campaign has been launched in Carndonagh to have a 10 km cycleway developed around the town to allow people cycle to school or work, and also facilitate leisure and exercise. A Facebook page has been set up, and an online petition established. The Carndonagh Cycleway Group wants to brief members of the Inishowen Municipal

  Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has raised the future of Ulster Bank with Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe in the Dáil. At present, Ulster Bank operates five branches in the county, at Letterkenny, Killybegs, Donegal Town, Ballybofey, and Buncrana. Deputy Doherty said the bank’s parent company is undertaking a strategic review, with fears that the bank

The Tanaiste has told the Dail there is no question of cross border travel being banned, but the same restrictions that govern inter-county travel within the state also cover Northern Ireland. Leo Varadkar said at present inter-county travel is only permissable for work, education, or to care for a relative, but it’s hoped that may

The Tanaiste has told the Dail there is no question of cross border travel being banned, but the same restrictions that govern inter-county travel within the state also cover Northern Ireland. Leo Varadkar said at present inter-county travel is only permissible for work, education, or to care for a relative, but it’s hoped that may

  A HSE Clinical Lead for infection control has acknowledged that there is a very significant Covid-19 issue in Letterkenny University Hospital and that more work needs to be done to control it. However Professor Martin Cormican is warning that both the hospital and the local community are effectively one entity. He believes that the

  The Burnfoot Flood Relief Scheme is now open to public consultation but there are fears that it’ll be several years before it’s complete. It’s over three years since the devastating floods of August 2017 with Pairc na Greine estate completely washed out at the time, but affected residents have not been able to return