Author name: oisinkelly

It’s been claimed that a consultation with locals has not taken place over a proposal to close a section of road in west Donegal for nine months. The five mile stretch between Dungloe and the Doochary turnoff is home to a number of businesses and there are major fears over how this plan will affect […]

Quarantine requirements for people who travel abroad are set to remain in place until July 20th. It was expected a list of countries Irish people could go on holiday to, without needing to self-isolate when they return, would be published next week. However, the Irish Times reports plans for “air bridges” have been pushed back

Gardaí will be carrying out spot check in pubs over the weekend to ensure Covid-19 guidelines are being followed. Operation Navigation, began at 7pm last night and will run until the 20th of July. Any pub found not to be adhering to time limits or meal requirements when ordering a drink could in future lose

A Foyle MLA says businesses along the border are facing a very uncertain future, and are emerging from the Covid crisis straight into the uncertainty created by Brexit. Karen Mullan was speaking after she and Donegal TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn visited the E&I Engineering Plant in Burnfoot. She says E+I is one of the region’s

The Sinn Féin leadership has apologised for any hurt caused by their attendance at the funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey. Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill have insisted they observed social distancing guidelines in the church. Michelle O’Neill says she’s sorry for the hurt caused to those who could not have funerals before restrictions

The draft agreement on Irish food and live animal exports will come as a relief to farmers, according to the IFA. Ireland has reached a deal with the EU on the exportation of food and live animals through the UK post-Brexit. The agreement, which is subject to the approval of member states, will mean hauliers

  The new Minister of State for Law Reform is being urged to ensure the swift return of court services to Carndonagh. The courthouse in the town has been closed since last year with a report detailing the need for major refurbishment and maintenance works in order for the building to reopen. Local Cllr Albert

  Donegal, Kerry, Louth and Carlow have the highest share of their labour force availing of covid-19 state supports. A new Central Bank report says the hardest hit sectors have been those with a high dependence on physical interaction, such as accommodation, food services, retail and construction. It says covid-19’s impact was felt greatest in

  Further concern has been raised over no plans to tackle coastal erosion along the Inishowen coastline. It’s been an on-going issue on the peninsula for several years now with fears fuelled further in 2016 after a report recommended a policy of “no active intervention” at the sites in question. All the while, pathways, beaches

  Junior Minister Charlie McConalogue has described his appointment as an honour and will relish the challenges which lie ahead. The Donegal TD is the only junior minister from the county under the new Government formation. He will serve in the Department of Justice, with special responsibility for law reform. Minister McConalogue says he’s looking

  Health officials say a small number of Covid 19 cases linked to travel could see us “running into difficulty” in tackling the virus. A fifth of new infections in the last week are travel-related, leading to concerns among the National Public Health Emergency Team. A cabinet sub-committee is due to discuss the issue of

  Publicans in Donegal are calling for a temporary extension of the hospitality VAT rate to alcohol. The Vintners Federation of Ireland is among a number of bodies pressing for such a move, which they say is necessary to support the industry as it opens up. Alice Lynch of Maggies Tavern in St Johnston is

  The Acting Chief Medical Officer says social distancing guidelines for schools could be further relaxed over time. Government guidance published this week shows children up to third class won’t have to social distance. Those from 3rd to 6th class will be asked to keep one metre apart – and it’ll be 2 metres for

Both Sinn Fein TDs in Donegal will sit on the party’s front bench in the current Dail period. As expected, Deputy Pearse Doherty retains his position as Finance Spokesperson, while Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has been appointed the party’s Dail whip. Deputy Mac Lochlainn will represent the party at procedural meetings in Leinster House, and

  It’s been claimed that virtually no consultation with locals has taken place over a proposal to close a section of road in west Donegal for nine months. The five mile stretch between Dungloe the Doochary turnoff is home to a number of businesses and there are major fears over how this plan will affect

  There won’t be a ‘one size fits all’ solution for social distancing in schools, according to the INTO. According to new Department of Education guidance, social distancing won’t be essential for children in the first four years of schooling. Third class to sixth class children will be asked to keep one metre apart. While

  The Swilly Ferry has officially set sail this week and has been described as a lifeline for tourism in Donegal for the remainder of the summer season. The ferry, which runs between Rathmullan and Buncrana has a number of crossings daily Meanwhile, the Foyle Ferry is to resume services in the coming weeks. Local

  Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh is not ruling out a return to cabinet in two and a half years time, when Leo Varadkar returns to the Taoiseach’s office. Last evening, Deputy Mc Hugh confirmed he had turned down the offer of a junior ministry, and had asked to be made Chair of the Oireachtas EU

  Mulrines are being urged to issue a statement confirming that there is no threat to their operations in Ballybofey. It follows growing speculation that the company is on the verge of announcing an expansion into the former Herdman’s Plant in Sion Mills. Cllr Gary Doherty is Cathaoirleach of the Lifford Stranorlar Municipal District, he’s

  The Help Donegal Grow campaign which was launched last month has seen almost 100 entries come in from as far away as Maine in the US, with ideas to help local businesses, enhance towns and villages, and promote tourism. Letterkenny Chamber CEO Toni Forrester says it clearly shows that people in Donegal are engaging,