Author name: oisinkelly

  There are calls for full Donegal County Council monthly and municipal district meetings to be held online. However question marks remain over the legality of using social media platforms for such meetings with such proposals yet to be clarified on legal grounds. Cllr Michael McBride has written to both the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County […]

One of the groups behind a food bank service in Inishowen says the past number of days has highlighted the absolute need for the service. Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh is uring people to donate to the newly established Inishowen Food Bank, saying it provides a vital lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families who are

Donegal County Council says a new European programme to link strategic walking trails with the towns and villages around them has the potential to make a major difference in South Inishowen. The “Trail Gazers” programme is being led by the council in Donegal, and also includes partners from Sligo, Wales, France, Spain, and Portugal. The

    There are calls for immediate action on the provision of enhanced broadband services in Northern Ireland. West Tyrone MP Orflaigh Begley says work is needed to ensure that workers and students can effectively work from home. Ms Begley says the Coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on regional disparities, particularly in terms of

Leo Varadkar will announce details of a phased exit plan in the next few days but is warning figures show we’re not ready yet for the easing of restrictions. It’s believed the over 70s could be allowed out to exercise in the early phases of reopening and pubs will only open in the later stages.

All third year students are to be awarded a certificate for the completion of the Junior Cycle by the Department of Education. Schools will be given autonomy to assess students, and they’ll receive a written school report on their achievements in each subject. Education Minister Joe McHugh says the decision gives students and their families

A research project is being launched to examine the historical context of the County Donegal home which Donegal County Council’s Culture Division is seeking people to carry out research on “The Laurels” in Glenties, which provided the inspiration for much of Brian Friel’s work. Friel was born in Omagh, and grew up in Derry, but

The Irish Hotels Federation claims the tourism industry is in danger of being ‘obliterated’ by the coronavirus crisis. It’s calling on the government to set out a clear plan for the full reopening of hotels. The Irish Times is reporting today that cafes, restaurants and retailers could reopen on a limited basis by mid-summer, with

Nearly 5,500 children have been waiting at least six months to see a psychologist in the community. According to the HSE’s latest figures, almost 3,200 kids have been waiting over a year. There’s a big variation in waiting lists across the country – with Donegal, North Dublin and Galway among the worst affected areas. Mark

The SDLP wants health authorities in the North to consider advising the public to cover their faces when they’re out and about. The party says the Scottish government’s “decisive intervention” on the use of masks will help prevent transmission where people slip up with social distancing. In the Republic, chief medical officer Tony Holohan said

The country’s top health officials are considering allowing cafes, restaurants and retailers to reopen by mid-summer. According to The Irish Times, people may also be allowed to holiday within Ireland by late summer. It’s part of a plan to gradually reopen the country between May and September. The government is expected to reveal details of

Wind energy became Ireland’s number one source of electricity for a full quarter for the first time during the first three months of 2020. Figures released this week by the SEAI showed wind energy provided 43.8% up to the end of March, followed by natural gas, which provided 41.8%. Justin Moran of the Irish Wind

A further 59 deaths from Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic today, bringing the death toll to 1159. 299 new cases have also been confirmed, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 19,877. Just one new case has been confirmed in Donegal, bring the total in the county to 453, representing 2.3% of the

The Garda Commissioner says it’s not possible to close a loophole in the COVID-19 laws. A gap in the legislation means day-trippers from Northern Ireland do not have to abide by movement restrictions. The regulations are underpinned by the Health Act, which only applies to residents of the State. Commissioner Drew Harris says there’s close

Gardaí are appealing for information about two suspected arson attacks. A week ago tonight, there was an attack at a garden centre in Castlefinn, while a week earlier, a house on Letterkenny’s Port Road was targeted. Garda Grainne Doherty appealed for information about the two incidents on today’s Nine til Noon Show…….

A Donegal TD says no-one believes that there will be droves of people crossing the border in the coming days because of an anomaly in Covid-19 regulations, but says it’s still important that the regulations are changed. Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn says the vast majority of people on both sides of the border are acting

More than 1,400 people have now died of coronavirus across the island of Ireland. A total of 309 people have lost their lives in the North, but the rate of growth of the virus is slowing on both sides of the border. However, First Minister Arlene Foster says the fight is far from over………..

The criteria for Covid-19 testing are being broadened from this morning, to include more suspected cases of the virus. Now those with either a fever, a recent cough, or shortness of breath can look for a test. A further 18 people with Covid-19 have died, bringing the death toll to 1,102, while there are now

A major Garda operation to prevent the spread of Covid-19 over the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend is formally underway. Operation Fanacht, which was first implemented at Easter, will see thousands of checkpoints and patrols carried out by Gardaí through to midnight on Bank Holiday Monday. Commissioner Drew Harris says it will be the biggest

A Donegal Councillor fears changing habitat rules and constant demands for clarification may delay major flood prevention works in the future. Earlier this month, a proposal to dredge the River Finn was rejected by An Bord Pleanala, following an intensive consultation and application process. Cllr Patrick McGowan says that was a relatively small project, with

Donegal’s Sliabh Liag Distillery has temporarily scaled back production of its spirits to make hand sanitiser. The company has received clearance from Revenue to make the switch, and has pledged to donate the first 1,000 litres the produce to Donegal’s essential services. The company has been working with Algaran Teoranta in Glencolmcille, and says its

The Chairperson of the Friends of Lifford Hospital says there was a widespread understanding in Lifford that a council owned site off Gallows Lane was earmarked for the development of a new Commnity Nursing Unit. John Quinn was speaking after the Donegal News reported today that the siter was now being earmarked for accomodation by

People may have to wear face masks in certain settings when any coronavirus restrictions start to be eased. It comes amid reports restrictions may not be lifted at all or only eased slightly from next week because of concerns at the high number of new cases being recorded. 701 new cases of Covid-19 were announced