Author name: oisinkelly

The HSE spent over 9 million euro on private ambulances last year – a 50 percent increase in the last 5 years. Letterkenny University Hospital had the biggest bill, spending over 1 million euro, with Cavan and Sligo next on 650 thousand each. Private operators are used by the HSE to provide patient transport in

The incoming General Secretary of the INTO is confident the issue of pay inequality can be resolved. It’s after the government acknowledged the need to deal with the issue by way of a pay review process. Teachers who qualified between 2011 and 2014 are on a different starting salary than their colleagues. On Day Two

  Wildfires in West Donegal are now under control after an Air Corps helicopter dropped over 42,000 litres of water onto the smoldering gorse. A huge damping down operation has been taking place. The situation from Annagry to Kincasslagh is under control – although some hot-spots remain. Tributes have been paid to local volunteers who

An Air Corps helicopter has arrived in Donegal to help tackle wildfires in the west of the county. The Defence Forces say army personnel from nearby Finner Camp are also providing ground support. Firefighters, Civil Defence and local volunteers have been battling gorse fires since 6 o’clock this morning. Captain Paddy Molloy, spokesman for the

The Labour Party is calling on the Government to bring in a ban on smoky coal immediately. Its Health Spokesperson, Alan Kelly has described the lack of planning around the proposed ban as irresponsible. Currently it only applies to Dublin and towns with a population greater than 15 thousand. Deputy Kelly, says extending it will

Friends of murdered journalist Lyra McKee have spread red painted handprints on a building in Derry. A number of people gathered outside Junior McDaid House on Chamberlain Street for the demonstration this afternoon. The building is used as a hub for republican groups including Saoradh. Lyra’s friend Sinead Quinn says they are not afraid to

There’s been heavy criticism of the slow response by the Minister of Defence in mobilising the army to assist with the fire fighting. It’s after Local Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher contacted Minister Paul Kehoe this morning to arrange helicopter assistance to fight the fire. Deputy Gallagher says approximately four hours elapsed before the army

Firefighters in West Donegal are trying to control a major gorse fire near Loughanure. Houses are being evacuated and the N56 is closed between Dungloe and Gaoth Dobhair. Motorists are now being told to completely avoid the area as fire tenders are having trouble accessing some of the fires due to the number of cars

Firefighters in West Donegal are trying to control a large gorse fire. Locals have called for the Minister for Defence to deploy army helicopters and troops to help them contain the blaze at Loughanure. The N56 is closed between Dungloe and Gaoth Dobhair. Councillor Mícheál McGiolla Easpaig says volunteers are helping in the fight to

There’s been heavy criticism of a march held by republican group Saoradh on O’Connell Street in Dublin yesterday afternoon, which was led by individuals dressed in military-style uniforms. Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe issued a statement this afternoon, saying all right-thinking members of the public would be sickened by the event, in the

Motorists are being warned NOT to use their mobile phone when driving. That’s the message from the Road Safety Authority this Easter bank holiday weekend. RSA Chief Executive Moyagh Murdock says it’s dangerous and people will get caught:

Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have arrested two men, aged 18 and 19 under the Terrorism Act. The arrests come in connection with the murder of Lyra McKee in the Creggan area of Derry on Thursday night. They have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning. The 29 year-old was shot

Dozens of firefighters are understood to be on the scene of a major gorse fire in West Donegal. The blaze is spread over a large area and fire brigade units from all over the county are assisting in tackling the flames. It’s reported that up to 2 houses in the area of Annagry have been