Author name: oisinkelly

The Dáil was suspended briefly this afternoon after a row over speaking time. Fianna Fáil’s Marc McSharry, who represents Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal took issue with Independent Michael Healy-Rae in the chamber. The Dáil is trialing a new system where TDs need numbered cards in order to be allowed to speak on an issue.

A joint cross-border appeal has been launched for information in connection with the murder of Andrew Burns ahead of the 10th anniversary of his death. Mr Burns was murdered in the grounds of Donnyloop Church, Castlefin on 12th February 2008. While one man is in prison for his part in the murder, Gardai believe a

Searches are continuing in Strabane for Lesley McHugh who has been missing for over a month. The 69 year-old in described as 5’6 in height, of a slim build with brown hair and was last in contact with her family on the evening of Saturday 6th January. Meanwhile, in Derry, searches are ongoing for 27

The Seanad has been told that the National Planning Framework must recognise the North West City Region, encompassing Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn says with a population of half a million, the region has plans to reverse years of neglect, and those plans must be reflected and acted on in the Irish

Údarás na Gaeltachta has today announced its support for two new marketing positions to enhance strategic tourism projects in Gaoth Dobhair and Dunlewey. The creation and funding of the new positions for Amharclann Gaoth Dobhair and the Dunlewey Centre will benefit tourism in the region through marketing, publicity, the creation of holiday packages and the

Ireland may gain two extra MEP seats once Britain leaves the EU, with the European Parliament today voting on the future make-up of the European Parliament post Brexit. At the moment Britain has 73 seats in the parliament, some of which will be redistributed once the UK leaves the EU. A European Parliament committee has

The National Medical Card Unit has confirmed it is considering introducing an online tracking system which would allow people check at what point their application for a medical card is at, and whether more information is needed. The issue was raised at Regional Health Forum level by Donegal Councillor Michael Mc Bride, who says staff

The Taoiseach says that despite trying to see clarity as to why Letterkenny University Hospital has been refused funding to reopen its short stay ward, he still doesn’t have the answers. It’s long been anticipated that the overcrowding crisis at the hospital would ease if 1.8 million euro was made available to increase bed capacity

There are calls on the TII to urgently fund the upgrading of street lights in Ballybofey and Stranorlar. It follows concern raised by residents over changes to the lighting which is leading to white lights shining straight down, creating dark spots in some areas. Local Cllr Patrick McGowan says an overhaul of the system would

Overnight snow and ice has left a number of routes in the North West treacherous this morning. As a result, some local bus companies won’t be running while black ice has also been reported on a number of roads. Below is a list of travel updates and closures, it will be updated throughout the morning

Road users are being advised to take extra care with snow and ice lingering across Donegal this morning. Up to 3 centimetres fell in some parts of the county overnight. But Met Eireann forecaster Matthew Martin says milder weather is on the way:

  Donegal is at risk of being forgotten by an entire generation if the National Planning Framework goes ahead in its draft form. That’s according to Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle who says it’s crucial the interests of the county and the North West are urgently heard at this time, given the proposed framework if it

The border will be on the agenda of special meeting of the British Cabinet’s Brexit committee later. UK Prime Minister Theresa May will chair the meeting. It comes amid reports the European Union will look to suspend Britain’s access to the single market during any transition period. The measure would be considered if Britain breached

Foyle MP Elisha McCallion has met with the Head of Invest NI regarding the North West Strategic Growth plan. The plan envisages a mass job creation of 15,000 positions in the region by 2032. Foyle MP Elisha McCallion along with a delegation of stakeholders in the city and North West region has met with head

Motorists across Co Donegal are being advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling this evening. Heavy snow is falling in the county with temperatures set to fall to -4 degrees tonight. Gritters were out in some areas this afternoon and Donegal County Council say gritting will take place on routes tomorrow morning at 6am. The

Main Evening News, Sport and Obituaries Tuesday 6th February:

The families of four soldiers killed in the 1982 IRA Hyde Park bombings have been granted legal aid to take a civil case against one of the alleged bombers. 66 year John Downey, who is based in Donegal, has denied murdering the soldiers. He was arrested in London in May 2013, and sent for trial,

A 31 year old man from Glen Hola, Gortahork will be sentenced in April after pleading guilty in connection with an arson attack that caused more than €500,000 of damage to an apartment block, several cars and shops in Letterkenny town centre. At Letterkenny Circuit Court today, Paul McGinley admitted two charges of arson and

There are renewed calls for the Government to open the purpose-built maternity theatre at Letterkenny University Hospital. The theatre was built 18 years ago and has been lying idle since its construction. Hospital management claim the absence of resources has lead to the facility remaining unused. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says the hospital has four

It’s emerged that nearly 40% of people over the age of 50 in Donegal have a long term health condition, many of which cause some degree of impairment, and require people to make changes in their lives. With this in mind , the HSE has launched a special website outlining supports and resources in Donegal,

There were 23 people awaiting admission at Letterkenny University Hospital this morning, 10 of them on Emergency Department trolleys. That’s a rise of four on yesterday’s figure. The INMO says that nationally, there were 592 people awaiting in-patient beds this morning, the largest number, 45, at Cork University Hospital.

An Emergency meeting is to be held tomorrow over what’s been described as a major rat infestation in Derry. According to residents, the infestation centres on the Bogside area of the city with sightings of rodents reported in peoples homes, gardens and laneways. Measures had been taken in the past to address the problem however

Donegal County Council is progressing plans for social housing in a number of towns across Donegal in 2018. The plans include the signing of contracts to purchase 21 housing units in Stranorlar while 19 projects in Inishowen are at construction stage to be completed this year. Under the House Acquisition Programme, it’s envisaged that a

A Donegal County Councillor is calling for a pilot scheme to be initiated to incentivise the owners of buildings on the main street of towns and villages in Donegal to reopen their premises for local businesses. The Council says that while its open to the idea, careful consideration must be given to a number of

It’s been confirmed that there will be no ban on the national flag at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Strabane this year. It follows an announcement made by Derry City and Strabane District Council last week that all flags and emblems were banned from the official parade in order to make the celebrations “cross-community”

Donegal and other parts of the country are waking up to snow and ice this morning. A status yellow warning from Met Eireann is in place nationwide, with accumulations of up to 3 centimetres in some parts Road users are being advised to take extra care. Liz Walsh is from Met Eireann:

It’s been revealed that a total of 13 bridges in Donegal have been identified as ‘High Priority’ for repair work. Figures from the Department of Transport also show that 9 bridges have been classed as medium priority while a further 26 have been deemed as low. All of the bridges in question are located in

Derry City and Strabane District Council has agreed its budget for the 2018/19 financial year with a rates increase of 2.99%. In a statement, the Council say that the increase is needed to further invest in capital development and invest in growth and investment projects across the City and District. The increase will allow the

Motorists are being urged to be aware of “black ice” – particularly this evening. Drivers should look out for glossy surfaces, especially in sheltered or shaded areas as it could be black ice. Brian Farrell from the RSA says conditions could be treacherous: Meanwhile these Donegal routes will be gritted from 6am tomorrow morning: Assume

Some 177 schools in County Donegal will receive over €780,000 in funding for computers. The grant, which will be received by all schools built prior to 2014, is worth in excess of €4,100 for a 100 pupil school and almost €13,000 for a 500 pupil school at primary level. At post-primary level, the grant is

Main Evening News, Sport and Obituaries Monday 5th February: 

The Council is being asked to carry out a survey of tier two storm drainage systems in Donegal. The objective of this work would work towards planning for fluvial flooding and applying for funding to address such issues. In its response, the local authority say that the pending CFRAMS report may include recommendations for such

An Bord Pleanala has reaffirmed a Donegal County Council decision to block the demolition of a listed building in Newtowncunningham. The HSE had applied for permission to demolish “The Castle”, and replasce it with a new Primary Care centre. The Bord Pleanala inspector recommended that permission be granted, but the board overruled her recommendation, saying

A man who escaped from Garda custody in Donegal a week ago remains at large The man escaped from custody having appeared at Letterkenny District Court last Monday on assault and related charges. Gardai have confirmed a number of searches have been carried out in connection with the incident and the man remains at large

There were 19 people waiting on a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital this morning. 2 patients were on trolleys in the hospitals Emergency Department with a further 17 in wards or in overflow areas. There were 509 people awaiting admission to hospitals across the country this morning with Cork University Hospital the most overcrowded, with

  A campaigner for the provision of a new community hospital in Lifford says it will be 2021 before any announcement is made on the future of services in the town. The Friends of Lifford Hospital met with Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Joe Mc Hugh at the weekend to discuss their proposal

A new free Donegal County Council MapAlerter service has been launched for households and businesses in the county. Alerts will include weather alerts from Met Eireann, gritting alerts, information on road closures and weekly planning lists. Donegal County Council’s MapAlerter service will enable alerts to be sent directly by SMS text message, email, smartphone app