Author name: oisinkelly

Concerns raised by teachers’ unions over school re-opening

As schools prepare to open their doors after the Christmas break, secondary school teachers have expressed concern at the growing numbers of Covid cases. Education Minister Norma Foley and public health officials are due to meet to discuss the situation early next week, before schools return on Thursday. The president of the Association of Secondary […]

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Fears Omicron will overwhelm health service as LUH battles Covid outbreak

There are fears that the speed at which the Omicron variant is spreading throughout communities will put even more pressure on hospitals. Hundreds of hospital staff are currently on Covid-related sick leave, while existing staff are prioritising Emergency and Covid care. Letterkenny University Hospital has been one of the most overcrowded hospitals in the state

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Covid cases double within a week across the Saolta group

The number of people infected with Covid 19 is down slightly, with 20,110 cases confirmed this afternoon. There are 682 patients with Covid-19 in hospital today, an increase of 63 on the same time yesterday. 86 people are being treated in ICU, that’s down 2 on yesterday. Most recent available figures for Letterkenny University Hospital

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Killybegs campus is crucial to development of Donegal MD – Sweeney

The LYIT campus in Killybegs will be crucial in terms of research and development in renewable energy. That’s according to the Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District Cllr Barry Sweeney who has been considering what the Council can achieve in the year ahead. He says South Donegal is well positioned to explore the area of

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Covid outbreak confirmed at Letterkenny University Hospital

  Management at Letterkenny University Hospital have confirmed a Covid-19 outbreak at the facility. Coupled with outbreak onsite, attendances at the hospital are currently very high. In a statement, Management say that the situation has been exacerbated by the rising Covid-19 cases in the community along with a Covid-19 outbreak on the site. In light

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Mica must remain top priority in 2022 – Kavanagh

  Mica must remain the number 1 priority in 2022. That’s according to the Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District. Looking ahead, Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh says work must continue at national level to get a Mica redress scheme over the line which greatly assists homeowners. He says the initial priority will be resolving delays

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HSE under pressure to reinstate Buncrana testing centre

  The HSE is under increasing pressure to reinstate the Covid-19 testing centre in Buncrana. The pop-up facility ceased operations in September with people in Inishowen having to make the journey to Letterkenny to be tested. The calls come amid the centre in Letterkenny currently being described as a ‘bottle neck’. When they closed the

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Trio leave Tyrone squad

Hugh Pat McGeary, Michael Cassidy  and Ronan O’Neill will not be part of the  Tyrone panel next year. All three struggled for game time in the county’s Sam Maguire winning year and have decided to move on. McGeary was part of the match day squad for the All-Ireland final victory over Mayo but Cassidy and

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Covid: Everyone should consider themselves ‘potentially infectious’

  The Chief Medical Officer says everyone should consider themselves potentially infectious – as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 continues to spread. Dr Tony Holohan is urging people to avoid crowded shops where possible – and that it should be considered high-risk. A record 16,428 new cases were confirmed yesterday – the highest since the

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Addressing Mica crisis will be ‘challenging for Government’

The Taoiseach says addressing the Mica crisis in affected counties will be difficult and challenging for the Government. Micheal Martin says a significant number of families will have to live in rented accommodation while reconstruction works take place. 7,500 houses in the North West and west of the Country will be re-developed as part of

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Jobseekers benefit could be linked to previous pay

  Jobseeker payments could be linked to someone’s earnings before they lose their job under government plans. The new system would be based on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment – where claimants get supports based on their previous salary. The Irish Independent reports jobseekers may also have to start physically attending their local post office again

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Cllrs will be ‘back at the table in 2022’ to deliver for West Donegal

  The Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District says all councillors in the area will be back at the table in 2022 to deliver for West Donegal. Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher says there will be a focus on planning permission policies, housing and the environment, among a number of other important items in the next

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Nearly 2,000 people restrained or secluded in mental health services last year

  Nearly 2 thousand people were restrained or secluded in mental health services last year. There were over 5,800 episodes of restrictive practices reported to the Mental Health Commission in 2020. It’s down around 13 per cent on the previous year. Physical restraint was used in 73 per cent of centres last year – a

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Mica and housing top of the agenda for Lifford Stranorlar Cathaoirleach

Mica, housing and the advancement of the Riverine project will be high on the agenda for the Cathaoirleach of the Lifford Stranorlar Municipal District in 2022. Councillor Gerry Crawford hopes the coming year will bring a resolution for Mica affected homeowners. He says while there is work to be done over the course of the

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High volume of positive covid cases in Donegal result in vaccination cancellations

The high volume of positive Covid-19 cases in Donegal has resulted in a large number of Covid-19 vaccination appointment cancellations. Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is advised against receiving a vaccine or booster dose while infected. Dr James McDaid of Scally McDaid Roarty Medical Practice which is operating a drive-through clinic for first, second

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