Author name: oisinkelly

It’s emerged that two thirds of large commercial tractors have failed a new NCT style test. The test ensures the safety of “fast tractors” and other large road-going machinery used by agricultural contractors. 11 per cent of the tested tractors were designated as ‘dangerous’, according to a report in the Irish Farmers Journal. So far,

  More than half of employers believe the Irish jobs market will be more attractive after Brexit. The Morgan McKinley Irish Salary Guide shows that despite the risks associated with the UK’s withdrawal from the EU in March, 52 percent of employers see opportunities for growth. The report also found that salary increases this year

A Donegal Deputy has told the Dail that Ireland’s health service is in a state of absolute chaos. Deputy Pearse Doherty was speaking earlier as around 500 GPs hold a protest outside Leinster House calling for a reversal of cuts to the sector made during the recession. Deputy Doherty says with another strike by members

The President of the European Council says he’s been wondering what the special place in hell looks like for those who promoted Brexit without any plan to do it. Donald Tusk says the EU will make no new offer in the Brexit negotiations. He was speaking at a joint press conference with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

The new Donegal Tourism brochure for 2019 has been launched, offering what’s been described as a ‘window’ into our beautiful county that reaches out across the world to the diaspora and tourists. This is the third edition of this 64 page brochure which is distributed throughout Ireland, the UK, USA, France and Germany. The brochure

A Business Support Unit is being established by Donegal County Council, with a meeting between business leaders and council officials. It’s envisaged that four such meetings will take place each year in different parts of the county. Officials are also promising a ‘concierge’ style service which will offered tailored support to existing business and potential

A public meeting in Muff has been told that Local Link hopes to extend the bus service from Muff to Buncrana to a three day a week service, running three times a day. Cllr Jack Murray says the meeting was well attended, and showed there is clear demand for the service. He’s praised Local Link,

The Taoiseach is meeting with senior EU officials in Brussels today for talks on Brexit. Leo Varadkar will discuss contingency plans for a no-deal outcome and the support that will be needed from Europe in that case. Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister’s meeting Northern Ireland’s main parties later, before she goes to Brussels tomorrow for

A number of Community Employment supervisors and assistant supervisors in Donegal are set to strike on Monday February 18th. The one day nationwide strike will coincide with protests at the Department of Finance and six Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection regional offices – including Letterkenny. The industrial action is in response to a

A former Donegal Deputy has called on the Government to urgently address motorists’ concerns surrounding Brexit. Niall Blaney, who is currently seeking a nomination from Fianna Fail to contest the European elections representing the Midlands North West constituency says Central Government must step in now, ahead of the March 29th deadline and ensure motor insurance

The Minister with responsibility for disabilities has failed today to confirm what funding will be made available for two vital organisations in Donegal which provide services for children with intellectual disabilities. Minister Finian McGrath did however, confirm that the HSE’s National Service Planning Process for 2019 has been agreed with budgets currently being assigned to

Its been confirmed that there is no risk to public safety following concerns in relation to an asbestos roof damaged as a result of a major fire in Buncrana on Sunday night. A survey was carried out yesterday afternoon following the fire at Barr’s Drapery Shop and the Plaza on Upper Main Street. In an

A gofundme page has been established to raise funds for the rebuilding of the Plaza in Buncrana. The community facility was destroyed in Sunday night’s fire in Buncrana’s Upper Main Street, with a campaign now underway to ensure it can be reopened as quickly as possible. Sonia Mc Daid has family links with the Plaza,

The second in a series of 24 hour strikes by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is underway, with pickets at Letterkenny University Hospital and other community hospitals and health services across the North West. Emergency cover is being maintained, but all routine procedures and appointments have been cancelled. Ciaran Mc Laughlin is PRO of

The Minister with responsibility for Disabilities will again today, be pressed for a commitment to be given on recurrent funding for two organisations in Donegal which provide services for children with intellectual disabilites. Donegal Senator Padraig MacLochlainn will be raising the issue with Minister Finian McGrath this afternoon, its after he told the Seanad last

The proposed Carbon Tax has been described as an austerity tax which disproportionately affects middle and lower income households, and does not hit industrial polluters hard enough. Donegal Councillor Gary Doherty has told the council that until proper supports are in place to help people change their energy use and consumption, such a tax would

British Prime Minister Theresa May will use a speech in Northern Ireland later to insist she can get a Brexit deal agreed which honours commitments to avoid a hard border. She’s expected to recognise that it’s a “concerning time” for people in the North. But she will insist she can get the backing of MPs

Donegal County Council is to review its policies in relation to housing repair and maintenance, particularly in relation to common areas and facilities in estates. It’s on foot of a motion from Cllr Gerry Crawford, who told the council that there is an issue with the upkeep of roads, sewerage, and other services, and it