Author name: oisinkelly

The group that represents garda sergeants and inspectors is backing calls for an all-Ireland approach when policing the coronavirus. The President of the AGSI Cormac Moylan agrees that the loophole in the regulations must be addressed………… However, a former Tanaiste and Justice Minister doesn’t believe it’s practical to simply tell people crossing the border from

Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue says the Health Minister must rectify the situation over people travelling here on day trips from the North. The Department of Health has confirmed those visiting the Republic and not staying the night, aren’t affected by the coronavirus rules. It’s after reports of a gap in the law, which means people

Blood Bike North West is to receive €22,500 from Optum to help its services in the region. Optum says the money will go towards providing transport services for COVID-19 test kits and samples to and from Letterkenny University Hospital and other health care facilities. Bernard McDyre is Chairperson on Blood Bike North West………….

A loophole in Ireland’s Covid-19 travel restrictions has sparked frustration in Donegal this weekend. Garda Headquarters has informed senior officers all over the country that the restrictions on movement to stop the spread of the coronavirus do not apply to those on day trips from Northern Ireland. Gardai in border counties have been told those

The Health Minister says around 61 per cent of people who’ve had Covid-19 in the Republic have recovered. New figures show another 52 people have died from the virus, bringing the death toll to 1,063. The number of confirmed cases in Donegal has risen by 7 to 437. In his latest twitter update, Simon Harris

People with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath will be able to get tested for Covid-19 from next week. The case definition is being changed, but vulnerable people will still be prioritised. Currently, only people in at-risk groups, with two symptoms, can be sent for testing. There have now been 1,014 Covid-related deaths in

  The Gaeltacht Minister is currently considering a funding package for various Donegal families who provide accommodation for children attending the Gaeltacht. Earlier this week saw summer language courses in the Gaeltacht cancelled, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hundreds of people right across the Donegal Gaeltacht are affected however it’s understood that Minister

  37 more people have lost their lives after contracting Covid-19 in the Republic, with the death toll now passing 1,000. In total, 1,014 people have died after getting the disease in this country. 577 new cases have been detected, with the total number of positive tests now standing at 18,184. Chief Medical Officer, Dr

  A Donegal company which usually makes packaging for food companies has turned its hand to face-shields and can make up to 1 million a day. RAP which is based at Udaras na Gaeltachta in Gaoth Dobhair have the capacity to have a significant bearing on the supply of disposable PPE face shield equipment worldwide.

  Transport Infrastructure Ireland has committed to providing more ‘real-time’ traffic data. It claimed yesterday traffic volume on the national primary roads was ‘in line’ with previous weeks, based on figures obtained on Monday. However, the state’s Chief Medical Officer last night provided data which appeared to contradict this. Elizabeth Canavan from the Department of

A Donegal TD has criticised the Finance Minister over major concerns relating to insurance companies actions during the current pandemic. It’s claimed that some companies are refusing to honour business interruption cover during the crisis, with some business owners considering court action as a result. This is despite written assurances to business owners that they

  The Health Minister says people are beginning to stretch the public health advice to stay at home. It comes amid evidence of more people moving around and flouting the restrictions. The government has said complacency is the new enemy and people need to stick to the guidelines in order to suppress the virus further.

  Pressure is mounting on the Government to increase supports for older people affected by Covid-19. It’s after news that Age Action and the Red Cross closed the application for the Covid-19 Hardship Fund due to the volume of applications. It’s understood that the fund received applications in excess of 10,000 in a matter of

  A Donegal County Councillor has hit out at those behind significant illegal dumping in Castlefinn. Various household items, including electrical equipment and other materials were discovered dumped on the roadside at Egglybane this week. The matter has been reported to Donegal Council and it’s expected that an investigation will be carried out. Local Cllr

  The criteria for who can be tested for Covid-19 is likely to be broadened later. The National Public Health Emergency Team meets this morning to assess the country’s response to the pandemic, and to consider how any of the current restrictions could be lifted next month. The death toll from Covid-19 has risen to

A start date for the Leaving Cert has been confirmed by the Minister for Education – it’s Wednesday July 29th. Joe McHugh last night told the Dáil a schedule for the exams will be released in the first week of June. The confirmation of a start time for the exams been welcomed by teachers’ unions.

  It’s been claimed that some cancer patients are unable to access their cancer surgery at Letterkenny University Hospital. It’s understood that some patients have had their surgeries redirected to Galway, despite being told initially that their surgeries wouldn’t be affected despite the on-going pandemic. It has led to urgent calls of clarification from both

  The Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen MD has moved to reassure homeowners affected by Mica that Council Officials are still working on the scheme behind the scenes despite the ongoing crisis. Work is continuing on both the guidelines and terms of the scheme and once finalised, Donegal County Council will need a number of weeks

  A group of local people in the Lifford area have come together to organise a community response group to assist people within the community during the Covid 19 Pandemic. The Lifford Covid Community Response Group are commencing a Meals and Wheels Service and a Food Bank Service in the area from Monday to help

  28 more people with Covid-19 have died in the Republic. The death toll related to the disease now stands at 794. 936 new cases have been detected in the past 24 hours, with the total number of positive tests standing at 17,607. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan has more detail on the 332

    Donegal County Council is urging groups participating in the Community Call initiative to submit their applications under the COVID-19 Emergency Fund before the deadline tomorrow. The COVID-19 Emergency Fund will provide immediate funding to support community and voluntary groups involved in the Local Authority led initiative in response to the current pandemic. The

Traffic volumes remain in line with previous weeks since travel restrictions were introduced. Transport Infrastructure Ireland carried out surveys of the roads this week and saw no ‘noticeable increase’. It had been reported this week that people had noticed more traffic on the roads. However Elizabeth Canavan from the Department of the Taoiseach says TII