Author name: oisinkelly

The Taoiseach has denied the new shared island unit in his Department is a stalking horse for a referendum on a united Ireland. Micheál Martin has said it will be aimed at ensuring there’s better relationships between the two governments on the island. The Fianna Fáil leader said it’s not about a border poll –

Gardai will be out in force this bank holiday weekend checking for drink driving. The Road Safety Authority says a third of drivers killed in the first six months of the year tested positive for alcohol. Assistant Garda Commissioner for Roads Policing, Paula Hilman says checkpoints will also clamp down on drug use behind the

Donegal Town is going pink this weekend to raise money for a life saving gene therapy for an 11 month old girl. Livie Mulhern was diagnosed with SMA type 1 in April this year. The life limiting genetic condition causes muscle weakness and everything from her movement to her ability to swallow and breathe is

There’s been a 25% increase in the number of homeless adults in the North West. Nationally, 8,699 people are now homeless, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Housing. Michaela Clarke has more:

The Taoiseach has publicly slapped down one of his TDs for saying public servants were using the COVID crisis to “lie on the couch and watch box sets”. South Donegal Deputy Marc MacSharry has said the public shouldn’t have to put up with “mediocrity dressed up as efficiency”. SIPTU has called on Deputy MacSharry to

  People are being encouraged to visit east Donegal more. With the huge success of the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s thought tourists tend to head for the coastline of Donegal, resulting in the east of the county being overlooked. Chairperson of Donegal East Tourism Mary Harte says the area is steeped in heritage and culture

  The HSE has confirmed that there has been a significant uptake in the ‘Attend Anywhere’ initiative in Donegal. New figures show that there have been a total of 682 online consultations in the county from May to July 15th , equating to 225 hours – the largest uptake in the North West. Due to

  The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland says there’s still ‘every chance’ all pubs can reopen in ten days’ time. That’s despite the 85 cases yesterday – the country’s highest in two months. The cabinet will meet next Tuesday to decide whether Phase 4 of the roadmap can go ahead on August 10th. Paul Moynihan, the

  Motorists are being warned that there will be an increased Garda presence across Donegal over the Bank Holiday Weekend. This marks the first Bank Holiday weekend since Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted and, as a result, a big increase in traffic is expected. Those heading to the likes of holiday homes or other tourist

  The Irish Hotels Federation says due to revenues across hotels and guesthouses continue to plummet vid-19. A new survey from IHF shows occupancy rates in July are down by nearly 50 per cent compared to the same month last year. The organisation says August rates will be similar, while current September bookings show only 24

  Public health officials are pleading with people to double down on their efforts to fight Covid-19 this bank holiday weekend. The National Public Health Emergency Team says it’s “very concerned” at the 85 newly confirmed cases of the virus. It brings the total to 26,027, while another patient has died, meaning the death toll

  The Government has been accused of forcing parents of children with special or additional needs into expensive legal battles. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty told the Tanaiste that it’s unacceptable that some parents have no other option but to go before the courts in order to obtain an assessment of needs for their child. He

  Both Donegal County Council and the Government have come in for criticism over little progress on a greenway project in west Donegal. It was announced this week that projects in Inishowen and east Donegal are to receive money to fund a route options selection process. However, it’s understood that all the while there has

85 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the Republic. It brings the total number of confirmed cases to 26,027. One new death has also been reported to the Department of Health with the death toll now standing at 1,763. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn outlines where the new cases have been

The government and Sinn Féin have been accused of an attempt to muzzle other political parties. They’re looking to change the Dáil rules to give more speaking time to government parties and Sinn Féin. It would also push the Social Democrats, Solidarity People Before Profit and Independents further down the order of speakers. Social Democrats

  Donegal Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has been appointed Sinn Féin spokesperson for Fisheries and the Marine. The Donegal TD already has existing responsibilities as Chief Whip for the party. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald believes Deputy Mac Lochlainn will be a strong voice for fishing and coastal communities. Deputy Mac Lochalinn says establishing