Author name: oisinkelly

The Sinn Fein leader says plans for a vote on Irish unity need to be stepped up as the debate is already taking place. Mary Lou McDonald says the British Prime Minister has acted in bad faith reneging on her Brexit deal and that provisions for a unity referendum under the Good Friday Agreement should

Additional strike action by nurses may be on the cards. The executive council of the INMO is meeting today to discuss escalating the dispute beyond the five days already announced. Industrial action is planned for Tuesday and Thursday next week, and for three days the following week. There was huge disruption to services earlier this

It’s hoped that a new footpath will make a busy part of Gweedore a lot safer. Work has begun on constructing the route leading up the local theatre following concerns that the area had become dangerous for pedestrians. It’s understood that a number of local contractors got together to supply the materials needed and carry

Donegal County Council is backing calls for the extension of the Meningitis B vaccine to all children under the age of 18. For just over two years, the government and HSE have been offering free vaccines to children born after October 2016, but the free vaccine hasn’t been extended to older children, who have to

There will be real and significant challenges to rural Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit. That’s the warning from the Agriculture and Marine Minister, who says it will impact the rural economy hardest. A Department of Finance report earlier this week warned the economy will slow overall and there could be job losses

Almost €30 million has been allocated to Donegal County Council for the local and regional roads network in Donegal, with a number of bridges also included in the programme. Minister Joe Mc Hugh said this afternoon the projects being funded include further works on Cockhill Bridge, and more funding also included for Fintra Bridge and

  Education Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed that Brackey National School in Ardara is to get an extension. It’s intended that the new classroom will facilitate children with autism and special needs. Details of a construction date have yet to be released while a final costing price will be determined once the tendering process gets

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack in Strabane overnight. Emergency services were called to the scene of the blaze at portacabins in the Springhill Park area of the town overnight and the fire was eventually brought under control. The cabins were being used by a contractor undertaking work for the Housing Executive and it’s

  Drivers are being urged to watch out for difficult road conditions after frost and ice overnight. Caution’s being advised on routes across north-west this morning. A status yellow snow-ice warning will stay in place until Sunday, with severe frosts and sub-zero temperatures expected at night. Met Eireann Forecaster Vincent O’Shea says there won’t be

  Donegal County Council is writing to the HSE and Department of Health seeking a meeting to discuss the need for more investment in home help services in Donegal. The issue was raised in Lifford this week by Cllr Adrian Glackin, who had previously passed a similar motion at the Letterkenny Municipal District. He’s hopeful

  A Donegal Councillor says the earning thresholds for social housing in Donegal need to be reviewed, with the council now writing to Housing MInister Eoghan Murphy seeking a review. Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle told a meeting in Lifford this week that many people in Donegal are falling between two stools because they earn too

  The Western Development Commission has published a draft five year strategy, and is now seeking comments and submissions from groups and individuals from Donegal to Clare. The commission manages the Western Investment Fund, which has invested €51m in 155 projects, supporting 5,000 jobs. CEO Tomás Ó Síocháin says the new strategy is an important

There will be no upside for agri-food businesses from Brexit, according to the Agriculture Minister. Michael Creed has said some supports will be there if the UK crashes out of the EU but said the beef sector in-particular was very open to shocks. Minister Creed says there will be a huge risk to farmers and

Main Evening News, Sport and Obituaries Thursday January 31st:

The funeral is taking place of Daniel Scott, the last of four friends killed in a collision near Gortahork on Sunday night to be laid to rest. Earlier this afternoon, the funeral took place of John Harley, whi;e this morning, Micheál Roarty and Shaun Harkin were buried. At John Harkin’s funeral Father James Gillespie spoke

The Seanad has heard that the two organisations in Donegal which provide vital services for children with intellectual disabilities are being taken for granted by the HSE and the Government. Neither iCare nor the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation received any funding under the €16 million Ability Programme last year and it had been hoped that

Gardai have issued a warning over a rise in cold callers. It’s reported that the criminals are targeting people living in rural areas, pressurising them into buying goods. Donegal Crime Prevention Officer Sgt Paul Wallace says while Gardai are monitoring the issue across the county he’s urging people to be on high alert:

The second of four funerals following Sunday’s crash in Donegal has heard how Micheál Roarty was a giant of a man – loved by many because he loved many. The 24 year old was described as a good soul who would help anyone in any way he could, and there was laughter wherever he went.

  Donegal County Council is calling on Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone to recognise the right of adopted people to information about their health, history and heritage. The letter to the minister is on foot of a motion from Cllr Niamh Kennedy, who says over two referenda, it is clear that the electorate favour such rights being

A Donegal GP says he can see waiting lists becoming an issue in GP surgeries in the near future. Dr James Mc Daid, a former TD and government minister says government policy is putting further pressure on GPs, and while he agreed with the extension of free GP services to Under 6’s, that has led

  Hospitals are warning of potential disruption to services once they get back up and running later. Industrial action by nurses ends at 8am, but the HSE says there could be a surge in patients presenting at emergency departments. INMO members will stage a further 24-hour strike next Tuesday, as their dispute with the government

  There are calls on the Minister with responsibility for Disability to ensure annual funding is provided for two organisations in Donegal which provide services for children and young people with autism and intellectual disabilities. iCare and the Bluestacks Special Needs Foundation both missed out on funding under the €16 million Ability Programme last year.