Author name: oisinkelly

  Some schools are not following Covid-19 guidelines, according to a teacher union. At today’s Oireachtas Education Committee, the Teachers Union of Ireland will call for enforcement where non-compliance is found. Meanwhile Forsa will voice its concern at the lack of clarity regarding the supply of PPE to staff, and will accuse the Department of

  The Taoiseach says a decision on exiting Level 5 restrictions will be made next week. Micheál Martin told a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party last night that he wants people to have a ‘wholesome and enjoyable’ Christmas. A Dáil debate on exiting Level 5 in early December will take place on Tuesday,

  A Derry City and Strabane District Councillor says Health Trusts must put in place a system to ensure that nurses are not penalised for parking in the hospitals where they work. Cllr Jason Barr says he’s been told that on a number of occasions, nurses have come out from shifts at Altnagelvin Hospital to

  The Dail has been told that the success or failure of the National Broadband Plan will be one of the litmus tests on which the current Government is judged. Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn told Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys that Covid-19 has shone a light on the fact that broadband is no longer a

The Taoiseach has told the Dail that whatever resources are needed to fight Covid-19 at Letterkenny University Hospital will be provided, but the key to easing the pressure is widespread adherence to restrictions. Michael Martin was responding to Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn, who told the Dail that 133 staff were off as a result of the

The Taoiseach has told the Dail he believes that offshore wind farms will replace onshore wind farms in the years ahead. Michael Martin was responding to Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle, who asked when a review of planning legislation relating to wind farms will be completed. Deputy Pringle told the Dail last week’s peat slide close

  The sister of a woman who’s in ICU with Covid-19 at Letterkenny University Hospital has made an emotional plea to the public to adhere to public health advice. Donegal woman Lisa, who’s in her early 40’s, began to feel poorly and experiencing symptoms of the virus late last week and since tested positive for

There’s anger in Carndonagh over access being blocked to a popular walkway. The route known locally as Rodan (Rudden) is used regularly as short by residents but was discovered sealed off this week. It’s been claimed that it is a public walkway with native hedgerows also taken out without planning or consultation with the local

  There are urgent calls on the developer behind the Meenbog Wind farm not to proceed any further with the plans following a major bog slippage at the site last week. An investigation by Donegal County Council is continuing into the incident. It’s emerged that residents in the area received letters from the developer yesterday;

  Second level teaching unions are calling for the school Christmas holidays to be brought forward to boost morale. Schools are due to finish up on December 22nd, but some unions want the break moved to Friday December 18th, so students and teachers can restrict their movements before visiting elderly relatives. Education Minister Norma Foley

    A Donegal County Councillor says there’s three eyes on Oldtown Bridge in Letterkenny for a reason, and the OPW must honour its commitment to carry out a clean-up operation. Concerns were previously expressed about silt build up in the third eye of the bridge however following studies, it’s thought that clearing it is

  The pressure on Letterkenny University Hospital as a result of Covid-19 is to be raised with Taoiseach Michael Martin in the Dail this afternoon. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn was due to raise it last evening, but there was no time due to a number of procedural votes. Last night, he was told that 133 staff

  People are being warned not to use antibiotics if they have any symptoms associated with Covid-19. As part of European Antibiotics Awareness Day, doctors say the drugs have no impact on viral illnesses and should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Consultant Microbiologist, Professor Martin Cormican, also says antibiotics will only remain

  The WiSAR Lab at Letterkenny Institute of Technology will showcase three pilot initiatives related to the marine economy at an online seminar today. The lab is part of an international programme aimed at increasing the use of technology in the seafood sector to promote quality, safety and sustainability. Dr Nick Timmons from the WiSAR

  The General Manager of Larissa Lodge nursing home has given reassurances that concerns raised in a recent HIQA report are actively being addressed. A total of 15 issues of non-compliance were identified at the Letterkenny nursing home during an inspection in August. The unannounced HIQA inspection was carried out at the centre in response

    A Donegal GP and former Government Minister believes that we are still in March in terms of tackling Covid-19 and it’s clear that lockdowns are not working. Letterkenny based GP Doctor James McDaid is one of a number of health professionals who are calling for an end to lockdown. The newly formed group,

  Letterkenny University Hospital now has the highest number of Covid-19 patients in the country. Latest figures from the HSE show that there are currently 41 patients with the virus currently being treated on site at the hospital. Last night, Saolta said that the Outbreak Control Team is continuing to respond to the outbreak with

  The Bishop of Raphoe believes that there no reason why Churches shouldn’t reopen and operate as they were during lesser restrictions. Bishop Alan McGuckian says mass goers in Donegal are struggling with places of worship shut and desperately need that outlet during what he has termed a ‘painful lockdown for many’. Under Level 5

  Donegal County Council has committed to assessing reports of safety issues on the main Letterkenny to Ramelton road. The concerns stem from residents living in Loughnagin Heights, who are said to be finding it difficult to access the main road due to the speed some motorists are travelling. The speed limit on the stretch

  The Education Minister’s being urged to consider extending school holidays this Christmas. The Labour Party says it’s needed due to the high levels of stress students and staff have faced in recent months. Minister Norma Foley is to go before the Oireachtas Education Committee later to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the education

An economic report has found proposed tax changes will a devastating impact retail and tourism sectors in Donegal. The current Retail Export Scheme allows non-EU tourists to claim VAT refunds on Irish craft and gift products purchased in Ireland. However, the Government’s Brexit Omnibus Bill 2020, proposes to exclude all purchases under €175 from the