Author name: oisinkelly

Concern is being expressed following the construction of a wall extending onto the road at Battery Brae, on the road from Greencastle to Shrove. Donegal County Council is investigating the emergence of the wall in recent days, just weeks after another nearby wall was removed to improve safety in the area. Local councillor Martin Farren […]

There were 22 people awaiting admission at Letterkenny University Hospital this morning, nine of them on Emergency Department trolleys. Thyere were 500 people awaiting in patient beds at hospitals across the country this morning. According to the INMO, the most overcrowded was Cork University Hospital where 57 patients were waiting for a bed, followed by

  ShopLK Letterkenny has reached another milestone with sales hitting a record €1.5m over the Christmas period. Letterkenny Chamber created the ShopLK brand in 2004 and added the Vouchers in 2006. Since then, sales have increased year on year. Christmas sales increased by 16% and with sales from 1st November 2017 to 24th January amounting

Highland Radio continues to have the highest market share of any local radio station in the country, according to the latest Joint National Listenership Research figures which have just been released. The station has seen an increase equivalent to 1,000 extra listeners each day, with significant growth at weekends. Chief Executive Fionnuala Rabbit says the

A Donegal senator is asking for clarification about plans for the use of the noncommissioned short stay ward at Letterkenny University Hospital, particularly in the short to medium term. Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn says he understands there are plans to use the space to facilitate porter and clerical staff. He’s now seeking clarification from management

A Midlands North West MEP says Irish beef farmers are being sacrificed in the European Commission’s bid to secure a trade deal with the Mercosur countries. Matt Carthy was speaking following reports that the quantity of meat that Mercosur would have the right to export into the EU has been increased to 99,000 tonnes per

An Aonad Gaeilge is being established at the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town this September. Under the management of Donegal ETB, the school will cater for students who wish to be educated in an Irish medium environment. It will initially be offered up to Junior Cert level, with an ongoing review of the provision.

    The government’s facing a possible defeat today when the Dáil votes on a Fianna Fáil motion demanding a review of the National Broadband Plan. Fianna Fáil says an independent examination is needed, after Eir pulled out of the bidding for the huge project. However, the government claims the demand for a review has

A government minister has pledged to act on the Maternity Theatre at Letterkenny Unviersity Hospital that has yet to be commissioned, following its construction in 2000. During exchanges with Junior Minister Jim Daly in the Dail last evening, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty renewed his call for the facility to be opened. Currently, of the five

The Donegal Joint Policing Committee is backing a garda call for miore people to join the Garda Reserve Force in the county. At the latest meeting of the JPC, Inspector Denis Joyce appealed for more recruits. Application is open to anyone between the age of 18 and 60 and will involve working to enhance the

The CAWT cross border health partnership has begun recruiting staff for a number of projects, some of them involving HSE personnel in Donegal. A total of 50 staff are being sought, with tomorrow week the deadline for applications. CAWT, Cooperation and Working Together, says a range of management, clinical and support roles have been advertised

Police have confirmed that body was recovered from the River Foyle this afternoon. It is believed to be that of 69 year-old Lesley McHugh who has been missing since January 6th. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has expressed his sympathy with the family of Ms McHugh and says he is hopeful these developments bring closure

Main Evening News, Sport and Obituaries Wednesday 7th February:

Police in Derry are investigating a report of a hit and run on the Racecourse Road close to the junction of St Brigid’s Avenue on Friday last. At approximately 6.55, a female pedestrian was crossing the road when she was struck by a dark coloured 4×4 sized vehicle. She attended hospital for treatment to her

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