Author name: oisinkelly

  A Midlands North West MEP has described hospital overcrowding as a systematic issue which is not normal. Matt Carthy was reacting to reports that the country’s three main children’s hospitals have begun postponing procedures due to an increase in the number of patients presenting to emergency departments. He says it’s a worrying development as

  There could be some heated exchanges at the County House this week as the Minister with responsibility for flood relief is meeting with local Councillors. Minister for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran is due in Lifford tomorrow morning and will be meeting with the full Council to discuss issues affecting the county. Concern has

  The Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District has hit out over ongoing delays to the publication of the Mica redress scheme. Hopes of the scheme being published this side of Christmas are said to be fading fast, with the Taoiseach saying the terms and conditions still being finalised. Cllr Martin McDermott says given the

  A Donegal Deputy has hit out as 600,000 workers face cuts to expenses. It comes as Revenue are currently carrying out a review of the flat rate expense allowances which is due to be completed by the end of this year and any changes will be implemented early 2020. Speaking in the Dail this

  Ibec has outlined a number of priorities in the North West which the organisation believes would result in a more sustainable and balanced future. According to Ibec, Ireland has reached potentially the greatest moment in it’s economic history and has the resources at its disposal to develop greater regional prosperity. Helen Leahy, Senior Regional

The husband of a 42 year old woman missing from Draperstown has been appealed to people to search for his wife, who was last seen on Sunday morning. Helena Mc Elhennon was last seen in her black Mitsubushi Warrior at 10:30 in Derry. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was located on the City side, at the

  The Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny Municipal District says every effort is being made by Donegal County Council to tackle dereliction on Lower Main Street in Letterkenny. Frustration is said to be growing among some home and business owners in the area over the state of disrepair of some of the disused buildings at the

The manager of the parents’ support service Parentstop has said she is more optimistic that a service will be provided into 2020 and beyond after a meeting yesterday between a delegation from the organisation, Tusla representatives from Donegal, local public representatives and Minister Katherine Zaponne. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Patrica Lee told Greg

  Donegal County Council is to write to the Environment Minister calling for a grant scheme to be introduced to replace asbestos roofs. It’s thought that there is a significant number of affected buildings in prime locations across Donegal but the removal of asbestos is said to be a costly venture. Cllr Michael McBride believes

    The need for annual financial assistance for iCare in Inishowen and Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, Donegal Town is due to be raised in the Seanad later this morning. The HSE has estimated that €150,000 in funding is needed for Bluestacks per annum and €100,000 for iCare. However, both organisation which provide services for

  Questions have been raised over the enforcement of new gambling laws. The government’s approved a new maximum stake of 5 euro for gambling machines. It’s also proposed to limit the maximum payout from electronic or slot machines to 500 euro. CEO of Problem Gambling Ireland, Barry Grant is welcoming the move, but is concerned

  Its hoped progress in relation to the retention of Parentstop in Donegal can be made in the next few weeks. Representatives from the service met with Minister Katherine Zappone, Tusla representatives and Donegal Oireachtas members yesterday in a bid to secure the future of the service. Officials from Tusla, the Department of Education and

  Planning permission has been granted for an extensive play park in Killea. The park is to house a number of amenities, including recyclable and car parking facilities, a community centre and public toilets. It’s hoped that work will be begin early next year. Local Cllr Paul Canning says now that planning has been granted,

  The Education Minister says he’s open to suggestions on how to speed up the access to education for children in emergency direct provision. It’s after it was revealed earlier this week, up to thirty children staying at the M Hotel in Carrickmacross in County Monaghan had not attended school for 2 months. Minister Joe

The Taoiseach says there is a possibility that respite services at Seaview Respite Centre in Mountcharles could be expanded to a 7 day service. The HSE has confirmed that the centre is to reopen on January 13th next year on a 5 day a week basis. Disappointment has been expressed that the respite service will

Three separate water bursts are now affecting South Inishowen this afternoon. Work is still ongoing in Buncrana to restore supply due to unexpected problems being encountered. A water supply depot has been set up at Buncrana Fire Station for people in the area and it’s hoped the service will be restored by the later time of

Gardai in Letterkenny are appealing for information in relation to a fire which they believe to be arson in the Killylastin area of Letterkenny on Sunday last. Gardai were called to the scene close to the Windmill View estate shortly before 1pm and it emerged that furniture was set alight on wasteland. Garda Niall Maguire

Gardaí in Letterkenny are investigating two burglaries and one attempted burglary in the Meadowbank area at the weekend. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Garda Niall Maguire outlined the details, and urged anyone with any information to come forward…………

It’s emerged that a caravan stolen in Falcarragh over the summer has been recovered by gardai after it was featured on Highland Radio’s Community Garda Slot. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Garda Niall Maguire said the caravan was found in County Monaghan, after they received information from callers on both sides of the border…………..

It’s emerged that a charity donations box has been stolen from outside a house in Gortcally, Kerrykeel, which is renowned for its Christmas lights. The theft happened at some point between 3.30 yesterday afternoon and 10.30 last night. The donation box was situated beside a large crib at the foot of the driveway of the

Children’s Minister Catherine Zappone will meet with Parentstop in Leinster House this afternoon. Earlier this month, the organisation, which has offices in Carndonagh, Donegal Town, Downings and Letterkenny, said it is winding down in the absense of a long term funding from government. Today’s meeting has beenn facilitated by Leas Cheann Comhairle and Donegal Deputy