Author name: oisinkelly

More than 1/4 of Garda stations don’t have regular opening hours

  More than a quarter of Garda stations nationwide don’t have regular opening hours. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said there are 551 stations nationwide, with 153 not having regular hours which they open. In a response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fail TD Eamonn O’Cuiv she said they can’t open regularly due to […]

More than 1/4 of Garda stations don’t have regular opening hours Read More »

Big news on working conditions for Donegal school secretaries

  School secretaries and caretakers on low pay with no job security are to have their conditions of employment regularised. A new preliminary agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission will see more than 1000 school secretaries and caretakers receive better working conditions if agreement is reached between all sides. The dispute centres on a

Big news on working conditions for Donegal school secretaries Read More »

Secondary teachers with ASTI vote for industrial action

Secondary teachers with the ASTI have voted for industrial action over covid concerns. The union says the government has to address issues including the need for a comprehensive testing programme. They want a 24 hour test turnaround, a redefinition of close contacts for school settings and appropriate arrangements for teachers categorised as high risk. The

Secondary teachers with ASTI vote for industrial action Read More »

Specialist training for Gardai to help sexual assault victims

Judges, lawyers and gardai are to receive specialist training in how to treat sexual assault victims. It’s part of a number of new measures to improve the justice system for victims. Numerous victims have spoken about how they felt they were inappropriately treated during their trial and how it could put other people off coming

Specialist training for Gardai to help sexual assault victims Read More »

Mayor of Derry issues important message ahead of Halloween

  The Mayor of Derry has issued an important message ahead of Halloween. Traditionally Derry welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to the city for one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in Europe, with an internationally acclaimed programme of festivities. This year, the Council team have put all their energy into creating a vibrant and

Mayor of Derry issues important message ahead of Halloween Read More »

Business Matters Ep 17 – Jo Daly & John Watson

For this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Donegal Women in Business Network President, Jo Daly, who is co-owner of the Quay West Restaurant in Donegal Town, about her 33 years in Donegal. Ciaran also speaks to Letterkenny businessman, John Watson, who recently opened his new Watson Hire store at Lisnennan after a fire destroyed

Business Matters Ep 17 – Jo Daly & John Watson Read More »

CMO doesn’t think there should be fines for refusing to self-isolate

The Chief Medical Officer doesn’t think people should be fined if they refuse to self-isolate despite Covid 19 guidelines. Health officials are concerned that some people with symptoms, those who’ve tested positive or are waiting on a test result aren’t restricting their movements. Some countries have made it a legal requirement – with fines for

CMO doesn’t think there should be fines for refusing to self-isolate Read More »

Number of those receiving PUP in Donegal increased to 10,950

The number of people in Donegal receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has increased from 9,119 last week, to 10,950 this week. The Department of Social Protection issued payments valued at €85.6 million nationally, an increase of over €20 million from last week. The number of people receiving a PUP payment this week represents an increase

Number of those receiving PUP in Donegal increased to 10,950 Read More »

Derry’s Covid situation referred to FAI Disciplinary Committee

Derry City Football Club have confirmed to the Football Association of Ireland that they are unable to fulfil Wednesday night’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division fixture at Shamrock Rovers due to positive COVID-19 test results from players and staff at the club. The club have also informed the FAI that Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency

Derry’s Covid situation referred to FAI Disciplinary Committee Read More »

Donegal Minister defends legislation on Mother & Baby homes

  A Donegal Minister has defended controversial Government legislation on Mother and Baby homes which seals an archive on the institutions for 30 years. Over 100 people attended a demonstration at Aras an Uachtarain yesterday as President Michael D Higgins signed a controversial bill on the homes into law over the weekend. Minister Charlie McConalogue

Donegal Minister defends legislation on Mother & Baby homes Read More »

Hospital in North “stretched to the limit” due to Covid-19

  Staff at a Northern Ireland hospital are “stretched to the limit” due to the pressures from Covid-19. It was confirmed yesterday, two patients and seven members of staff in a ward at the Ulster Hospital in Belfast have tested positive for the virus. While the Antrim Area Hospital say it’s operating beyond capacity and

Hospital in North “stretched to the limit” due to Covid-19 Read More »

Frustration growing over closure of gyms and golf courses

  A Donegal County Councillor says he’s been inundated with messages of frustration from people keen to see gyms and golf courses reopen. Under Level 5 restrictions, they’ve been forced to close, while the playing of elite sports and GAA can continue. Inishowen Councillor Jack Murray is seeking a rational for behind the decision making.

Frustration growing over closure of gyms and golf courses Read More »

Suite at LYIT to be named after Nobel laureate Professor

  It’s been confirmed that a new Postgraduate Research Suite at Letterkenny Institute of Technology is to be named in honour of Ramelton born Nobel laureate Professor The new facility in the CoLab building reflects the growing number of research students operating out of the college. Speaking ahead of a virtual event to officially open

Suite at LYIT to be named after Nobel laureate Professor Read More »

Derry & Strabane Council announce winter opening times

  Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued details of new winter opening hours across a number of facilities which come into operation this week. The changes mainly affect outdoor sites and the public are encouraged to check the Council’s website for further details before visiting. Earlier closing times have been introduced at Council

Derry & Strabane Council announce winter opening times Read More »