Author name: oisinkelly

A Foyle MLA is urging the North’s Economy Minister to extend the High Street Voucher Scheme. The scheme which opened to anyone aged 18 and over in the North a number of weeks ago has now closed despite a high volume of people across the region claiming they have yet to receive their £100 voucher.

Yesterday was another record day for the vaccine and booster programme, with 108,000 in total administered. HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid says 186,000 vaccines have been given out in two days. 1.7 million boosters and third doses have been administered so far. One in every six young adults however, are still aren’t fully vaccinated. NPHET

A new boathouse has been proposed for Arranmore RNLI. The plans include a designated space to house a rib boat and a tractor to enhance and improve the safety of the launch of the lifeboat. The development will also include a purpose built workshop, training room and new changing room for crew members. Nora Flanagan,

The EU has agreed new rules that will mean digital Covid certs for travel will expire nine months after someone’s last dose of a vaccine. It’s in a bid to increase vaccine uptake across the bloc. The rules apply to travel within the EU and take effect from February 2022. According to Tánaiste Leo Varadkar,

Cabinet Ministers have signed off on measures to provide financial support to the businesses impacted by the latest Covid restrictions. The employment wage subsidy scheme is being reopened for businesses with a more than 30 per cent loss in turnover. While the Covid Restrictions Supports Scheme payments scheme will open to bars, restaurants and other

It’s emerged that Stage 1 applications made to the Mica redress scheme are currently not being processed by Donegal County Council. The local authority has confirmed a holding letter has been issued to homeowners advising that their application cannot be further progressed due to an outstanding clarification needed from the Department of Housing, Local Government

The departure of Lord David Frost as the UK’s Chief Brexit negotiator has come at a “pivotal moment” and there was a lot of surprise that he had resigned from his position. That’s according to Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. However she says it’s positive that a replacement for Lord Frost was announced so quickly

Gardai are on the lookout for two youths believed to have been involved in the theft from a car parked at a shop in the Mountain Top area of Letterkenny. At around 10:30pm on Tuesday night, December 14th, a bank card and driving licence was stolen from the unlocked car. It emerged that the bank

A man has been injured during a weekend attack in Letterkenny. Between 12:20am and 12:35am on Sunday morning, in the Lower Main Street area a man was assaulted by another man. The injuries sustained are not believed to be life threatening. Garda Sean Sweeney says they are keen to speak with a man in connection

The Director of Public Health with the HSE North West believes efforts from the public in complying with public health guidelines is proving positive in preventing further spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Dr Anthony Breslin says the Omicron variant, while now the dominant strain in the Republic of Ireland, is being kept at

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