Author name: oisinkelly

The chief medical officer says the incidence rate of Covid among young adults is one of the highest since the pandemic began. Dr Tony Holohan says it has risen sharply over the past week – due to the Omicron variant. The five-day moving average of Covid cases among the entire population has also increased by

Cabinet’s expected to approve updated supports for businesses impacted by the latest restrictions on hospitality and live events when it meets this morning. The Irish Examiner reports changes to the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme could see affected companies able to claim up to 5,000 euro a week. Changes to the Business Resumption Support Scheme could

GPs have ordered about 250,000 more Covid boosters than expected, under the new accelerated programme. The Irish Medical Organisation says they’ve requested up to 700,000 over the past week. It’s after the HSE asked family doctors to double the amount of boosters they administer every week. Donegal Doctor Denis McCauley, from the IMO’s GP committee,

The Managing Director of Century Cinemas has said a significant number of movie showings have now been cancelled as a result of new Government Covid regulations. The new restrictions come into effect tonight at 8 o’clock, which will see a curfew on bars, restaurants, theatres and cinemas. Also, all indoor and outdoor events will be

The HSE says capacity for boosters is operating at near maximum capacity. 300,000 doses were administered last week, as officials look to mitigate the spread of the Omicron variant. There had been reports of some people being turned away at walk in centres due to long queues But HSE vaccines director, Damien McCallion, says the

Former Brexit Minister David Frost’s resignation could signal the end of Boris Johnson’s administration in the UK. That’s according to member of the Good Friday Agreement Committee, Donegal Senator Niall Blaney who believes the Prime Minister’s days are numbered. Earlier, Lord Frost said he resigned as Brexit Minister due to a disagreement about policies, involving

The Tanaiste says there are no plans to bring in a lockdown after Christmas to contain the spread of the Omicron variant. New restrictions taking effect today mean pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres have to close at 8pm. While indoor and outdoor events are limited to 50 per cent capacity until the end of January.

A Donegal restaurateur believes different venues within the hospitality sector should be treated differently when it comes to Covid restrictions. Carol Meehan, owner of the Yellow Pepper Restaurant in Letterkenny says the latest restrictions leaves the industry in a state of limbo over what will happen in the new year. She told the Nine til

There are calls for a review of recycling facilities across Donegal. Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig is calling for an expansion of recycling centres particularly in West Donegal. Currently, the sole recycling facility in the Glenties Municipal District, based in Dungloe/ An Clochán Liath operates only on select days. Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig believes

A Sinn Fein TD’s calling for every mitigation step to be put in over the Christmas break to ensure schools return safely. Donnchadh O’Laoghaire says they must stay open and function well and vaccination is a big part of that. Vulnerable children aged 5-11 years old will be getting their Covid-19 vaccine soon. Deputy O’Laoghaire

Bars, restaurants and live events venues must close at 8pm from today as part of new restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant. Cinemas and theatres must also shut at that time, while many indoor and outdoor events have to be capped at 50 percent capacity. The measures are to remain in place until the end

The Taoiseach says the Government must provide supports now to the hospitality industry to help it come back. It’ll be hit with an 8pm curfew from tomorrow, which will affect pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. There are also new caps on indoor and outdoor events, with indoor gatherings limited to 50 per cent capacity or

Irish Nurses and Midwives are facing a “nightmare before Christmas” as overcrowding issues loom with over 500 patients awaiting trolleys, according to the INMO. Earlier this week the INMO’s Trolley Watch recorded the highest number since the pandemic began, with 534 patients on trolleys. Letterkenny University Hospital was consistently one of the most overcrowded in

The Taoiseach says he understands hospitality sector staff are devastated by the most recent round of restrictions. Under the new rules bars and restaurants must close by 8pm each night, but that doesn’t include takeaways or delivery services. Indoor events cannot take place after 8pm and are limited to 50 percent capacity to a maximum

The announcement that pubs and restaurants will close at 8pm from Monday is a killer blow to the entertainment sector according to Donegal musician Matt McGranaghan. The Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland says banks are now repossessing homes owned by musicians due to a massive drop in income since March of last year. MEAI

  The Dail has heard calls for extra supports for hospitals in the North West. South Donegal Deputy Marian Harkin highlighted the high levels of overcrowding at Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals. According to figures from the INMO up to yesterday, a total of 247 people were on a trolley at Letterkenny University Hospital. Deputy

The Tánaiste has warned the number of new Covid cases in the coming weeks will break all records. A new 8pm curfew on hospitality comes into effect from Monday along with caps on attendance at indoor and outdoor activities. There will be an exemption for weddings which will be capped at 100 attendees; and further