Author name: oisinkelly

Following the amber weather warning issued by the MET Office earlier today relating to the anticipated storm that is projected for tomorrow, Derry City and Strabane District Council has this afternoon triggered its Integrated Emergency Preparedness Response. The Council is to take part in a multi-agency meeting later today to review the possible implications of

Police in Strabane are currently investigating an arson attack on a flat in the town. A number of newly renovated social homes were destroyed when the fire was deliberately started last night in the Lisnafin area. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan, has condemned the attack. He says many residents in the area were put at

Hurricane Ophelia is expected to be the worst storm to hit Ireland in over 50 years. The National Co-Ordination Emergency Group has extended the red weather warnings and is advising people to stay inside. A red warning will be in place for Limerick, Waterford, Wexford, in addition to Galway, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Mayo. An

During his visit to Derry this weekend, the Taoiseach addressed a number of issues surrounding Brexit. He says it is the Irish Government’s objective to ensure that the particular challenges presented in the wake of Britain’s decision to leave the EU are fully understood across the European Union. Leo Varadkar made a commitment to safeguard

Met Eireann has issued its highest weather warning for the country as Hurricane Ophelia heads towards Ireland. The storm is projected to hit the State on Monday bringing with it severe winds and stormy conditions. The status red warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry with mean wind speeds in excess

The DUP has ruled out any immediate return of the Northern Ireland Executive. The party says “significant areas of difference” remain with Sinn Fein – contrary to some reports that an agreement is about to happen. So far months of talks have failed following the collapse of power-sharing at Stormont in January.

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin is calling on the Taoiseach to make a Dáil statement on the Brexit talks. Deputy Howlin says reports from this week’s negotiation session between the EU and the UK are ‘disturbing’ – and despite assurances that Irish issues are topping everyone’s agenda – there’s still no proposal of any merit

The Taoiseach has given a cast iron guarantee on the A5. Leo Varadkar was in Derry last evening where he gave a speech at the city’s annual Chamber of Commerce dinner. He said the Irish Government’s commitment to the A5 development is cast iron and money has been allocated by the Minister for Finance. The

Searches are continuing this morning following reports that a man entered the River Foyle yesterday morning. It is believed that the 46 year-old entered the water yesterday just after 10 o’clock. The PSNI and Foyle Search and Rescue are conducting the searches, they say offers of help and support from the community are welcomed however,

A man in his 20s has been charged with dangerous driving following a three vehicle road traffic collision in Carrowreagh, Bridgend last night. At approximately 9:50pm a car collided with a jeep drawn with a horse box which had two passengers and then collided with another vehicle which had two adults and two children. No

National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2017 gets underway today until the 21st of October. To mark the event, police in Derry City & Strabane are taking the opportunity to remind victims and the wider public that help and support is available from a range of organisations and groups. In a statement, Chief Inspector Paul McCracken

The IFA in Donegal says farmers in the county will be affected by the decision to increase stamp duty paid on property from 2% to 6%. When the increase was first announced on Budget Day, it was interpreted as a measure directed towards property developers, but it has since become clear that farms will be

Searches are being carried out in the area of the River Foyle in Derry. It is understood a male entered the water earlier today. Police say they are working closely with other emergency services, Foyle Search and Rescue and other partners.

The security alert in Dungiven has now ended. A PSNI Spokesperson has confirmed two pipe bomb type devices have been recovered and are being sent for examination. The alert began yesterday afternoon following the discovery of the devices. Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay said: “We are thankful for the cooperation and patience of the people of Dungiven

An investigation is continuing into a vegetable oil spill into the Lowerymore River. At approximately 3:30pm on Wednesday an articulated truck transporting vegetable oil for reprocessing left the road on the N15 as it left Barnesmore Gap. The vehicle landed on its side and slid into a roadside drain, shedding its load of vegetable oil, which

It’s been confirmed that funding has been secured until March for the Curriculum Sports Programme in Northern Ireland. The Department of Education which runs the programme in conjunction with Ulster GAA and the Irish Football Association has received an additional £10 million in funding. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan, has welcomed the announcement after a

People in the Finn Valley area are being reminded to renew their membership for the text alert scheme. The scheme is up for renewal and while it’s still in operation, residents need to reapply to remain on the database. Anthony Bogle is a Spokesperson for the Finn Valley Text Alert Scheme. He has been outlining

A motorist has been arrested for drug driving in Ballybofey.  Gardai stopped the vehicle in the town last night after it was noticed that the motorist was driving erratically. It’s understood that following a drug test, the motorist in question tested positive for cocaine. Court proceedings are to follow.  

There are calls on the council to look a redesigning a bridge in Kerrykeel to help try and avoid any future flooding events. The Bridge leading into Rabb’s Park is a four pipe bridge which, its claimed, has contributed to flooding of the local soccer pitch and homes. Councillor Adrian Glackin is suggesting a single

The Tellus Geological Survey has completed a five month in Donegal and Mayo, with the latest phase now complete. The survey plane began flying over parts of Donegal in April, and has now completed it’s flightsd for this year. Data from the survey is now being assessed, with results due early next year. The Tellus

  There were 24 people waiting for a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital this morning according to the INMO. 11 people were on trolleys in its Emergency Department while a further 13 were waiting on wards. Cork University Hospital was the most overcrowded this morning with 38 people waiting there. Nationally there were 425 people

An additional £9 million is to be spent on flood repairs and prevention works in Tyrone and Derry. The money will come from an extra £11 million which has been proposed for the Department of Infrastructure. West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer says the floods had particularly adverse impact on the west and north west,

The recently established North West Regional growth structures are set to get a boost this weekend when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visits Derry tomorrow. Mr Varadkar will be told that the North West City Region of Derry and Letterkenny is the fourth biggest urban area on the island, and that’s being reflected in the ongoing contacts

A security alert in Dungiven is continuing this morning following the discovery of two suspicious objects. Derrychrier Road remains closed between Feeney Road and Foreglen Road as a result of the alert, which began yesterday afternoon.

  As Brexit negotiations continue, a Donegal Deputy has challenged the Tanaiste on her plans to minimise the impact of Brexit on Donegal. Deputy Charlie McConalogue questioned Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald yesterday, in relation to Donegal and what measures the Irish Government is taking to minimise disruptions on the border region. Deputy McConalogue further challenged the

  The government has been urged to step in and support the restoration of Swan Park, Buncrana and Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany. Donegal Senator Padraig MacLochlainn called on the Government to provide funding support to aid in the restoration of both amenties after they were hit by flash flooding in August. Speaking in the Seanad,