Author name: oisinkelly

Restaurants in rural Ireland are finding it hardest to cope with the recent VAT hike on the industry. The Restaurants Association of Ireland says the increase – from 9 percent to 13.5 percent – has led to an average of one restaurant closing down every week. The association is calling on the government to reduce

  A small earthquake was felt in County Donegal last night. The magnitude 2.4 tremor occurred in Donegal Bay and was confirmed by the National Seismic Network. The event was felt by a number of people in areas including Termon, Ardara and Donegal Town. The minor quake, which would not be seen as uncommon, was

There are calls for the restoration of the Bunbeg Cliff Rescue Unit, which was stood down in August 2014. The standing down coincided with a Department of Transport review, which it’s understood concluded that the cliff rescue element of the Bunbeg Coastguard service was rarely used. Now, Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig says it’s

A County Derry councillor says the current spate of ATM thefts in the North is already having an impact on the community, with the imposition of new charges for withdrawls. Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Sean Mc Glinchey was speaking following the theft of an ATM from a petrol station on Feeney Road outside Dungiven

The appointment of a contractor for the upgrading and refurbishing works at Donegal Town Garda Station has been welcomed. Work at the site has been costed at €2.5 million and is expected to be begin shortly after easter. The redevelopment at the station, to be carried out by Boyle Construction, will include external and internal

The latest crane watch figures have highlighted the scale of the Urban/Rural divide. New figures show there are 123 cranes in Dublin while there are 11 times less than that outside of the capital. In Cork, seven can be seen and there are two each in Limerick and Galway. Director General of The Construction Industry

The British Prime Minister has warned her cross-party talks with Labour on Brexit will mean “compromise on both sides”. Theresa May has issued a video message on Twitter defending her decision to work with the opposition. It comes after leading Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg criticised her for holding talks with Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn. Mrs

The Health Minister is being called on to intervene to prevent a recruitment and overtime ban at the HSE. The Labour Party has obtained a letter outlining the HSE’s decision, which is based on financial pressure resulting from the high levels of recruitment last year. Deputy Alan Kelly has labelled the decision “totally unacceptable.” He

A doctor has called the announcement of the extension of free GP visits to include children under 12 a “pre-election stunt.” It’s understood that following a new deal with the Irish Medical Organisation, the Government will extend free GP care from under sixes, to under eights next year, and under 12s within three years. The

Theresa May has offered Labour fresh talks this weekend to try to find a compromise over her Brexit plan. Negotiations between the two sides broke down yesterday without agreement. Labour says the British Prime Minister must offer “genuine changes” to her deal if there is to be any hope of progress. Former Conservative MP Matthew

Plans for the restoration of buildings in the Church Lane area of the Cathedral Quarter, Letterkenny are said to be progressing well. Back in February €200,000 in funding was allocated by the Heritage Council under the Historic Towns Initiative Fund. Extensive restoration work is expected to begin next month to improve the appearance of the