Author name: oisinkelly

Tallies have shown that voter turnout is up in the Northern Ireland Assembly election this year. This is the second election within 10 months after the collapse of the power-sharing Government in January. The ‘Cash for Ash’ controversy and Martin McGuinness’ shock resignation as leader of Sinn Féin lead to yesterday election. Bertie Ahern says […]

A 40 year old man wanted in the North in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black, has been remanded in custody following an extradition hearing. Damien Joseph McLaughlin was arrested yesterday in Co. Donegal, on foot of a European arrest warrant. Mr Black, a prison officer in Maghaberry prison was killed on

It is reported that 16 consultant posts are vacant at Letterkenny University Hospital with locums occupying a third of hospital consultant positions. Councillor Ciaran Brogan raised the issue at the meeting of the Regional Health Forum in Galway this week and is calling on the HSE to incentivse the postions. The oncology unit has been

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty is encouraging the local community to engage with the public consultation process into the Gaoth Dobhair Sewerage Scheme ahead of its launch in the coming weeks. Today a scheduled briefing session will take place for local representatives with details on the options being considered discussed on how it will not only

An Inishowen Councillor has expressed disappointment following the British Ambassador to Ireland’s visit to Donegal earlier this week. Councillor Martin McDermott described Robin Barnett’s visit as a missed opportunity for Inishowen. The Ambassador visited Letterkenny and Gaoth Dobhair as part of a two day visit to the county. Councillor McDermott feels Inishowen will be the

As part of a joint Garda and Police Service of Northern Ireland operation investigating the murder of David Black, Gardaí from the Special Detective Unit have arrested two men in Co. Donegal yesterday They were arrested during an operation in Ramelton. A man in his 40s was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant and a

Counting is due to get underway this morning in the Northern Ireland Assembly election this morning at 8 o’clock – the second poll in the space of 10 months. It’s after the collapse of the power-sharing agreement in January over the so called ‘cash for ash’ scandal – and Martin McGuiness’s shock resignation as Deputy

Deputy Thomas Pringle has claimed that Donegal’s property vacancy rates prove there’s no housing crisis, only a crisis of inaction. Figures show that Donegal has 12,500 vacant and derelict homes, the second highest rate outside Dublin. Deputy Pringle says that’s enough housing to address the needs of everyone facing homelessness or already in homelessness in

Fans travelling to tonight’s historic first home league game for Derry City at Maginn Park are asked to enjoy the event but be respectful of local residents. Derry City are using the Park in Buncrana while redevelopment works are carried out at Brandywell Stadium and tonight they host Limerick City. Gardai are asking people to

As part of a joint Garda and Police Service of Northern Ireland  operation investigating the murder of David Black, Gardaí from the Special Detective Unit have arrested two men in Co. Donegal. They were arrested during an operation in Ramelton A man in his 40s was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant and a second

Big changes are being predicted in the Cross-Border VRT Regime after Ireland lost a case in the European Court of Justice today. It found that Ireland is breaching EU law by charging the full amount of Vehicle Registration Tax on vehicles brought into the state from Northern Ireland on a temporary basis. This will no

In his address at a Business Networking Event in the Co-Lab in Letterkenny the British Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett urged the North West region to continue to focus on the ‘opportunity agenda’. At this event, which was hosted by LYIT, Donegal County Council and Údarás na nGaeltachta the Ambassador heard first hand from the

The Taoiseach’s insisted the Government will not support ANY new system of water charges which is illegal. Enda Kenny’s refusing to back down on Fine Gael’s refusal to legislate for any system which it believes could result in EU fines. The party’s due to make its submission to the Oireachtas committee on the future of

  There has been criticism over what has been described as a failure to effectively use existing facilities in Letterkenny University Hospital. It follows revelations that a purpose build maternity theatre at Letterkenny University Hospital has remained unused since its construction back in 2004. It’s also been claimed that only three out of the hospital’s

  There were 22 people waiting for a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital this morning according to the latest trolley watch report. 10 were on trolleys in its emergency department while a further 12 were on wards or in overflow areas. It’s down significantly on yesterdays figure of 36 – the second highest figure in

A Donegal Deputy is calling on the Communications Minister to put measures in place to tackle the poor mobile phone coverage throughout the country. Deputy Charlie McConalogue is proposing a universal service obligation to guarantee a minimum standard for mobile phone services throughout the state. He says Donegal in particular has been subject to highly

  There’s been a broad welcome to the government’s announcement that Irish Travellers are to be recognised as an official ethnic group in Ireland. In an historic speech in the Dáil last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny says all members of the travelling community will now have a better future with less negativity, exclusion and marginalisation.

  A Junior Minister says there needs to be a reasonable approach to water charges. Joe McHugh says the Oireachtas committee on water needs to be given a chance to complete its work. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are at odds over the legality of scrapping the charges. Minister of State Joe McHugh says there’s

  Voting is underway in the Northern Ireland Assembly election. It’s the second poll in less than a year and follows the collapse of power-sharing in January. 90 seats are being contested with the major parties – the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin – likely to be the big winners once again. Belfast based

  Calls have been made on Letterkenny University Hospital to appoint a psychologist to support teenagers with Type 1 Diabetes. It follows news that there are no dedicated psychology services available in either the Hospital or Community services for teenagers with the condition. The hospital does however refer patients to the community run psychology service.

  Three men, aged 31, 36 and 49, arrested in the Derry area by Detectives investigating dissident republican activity have been released unconditionally last evening. All three were questioned in relation to a shooting incident at a house in the Ballymagowan area on Thursday, 5th January.

Concern has been raised that the traffic lights at Castlefinn Bridge and McClays Corner in Stranorlar are operating too slow with claims that they are posing a safety risk to motorists. The issue is causing severe delays and tailbacks in both areas, particularly at peak times. It had been proposed that temporary cameras be installed

A Donegal County Councillor is calling for the CFRAMS report to be published without delay. The report compiled by Government is to detail a list of areas which are to be prioritised in terms of flood relief funding and was meant to be published late last year. Cllr. Gary Doherty says some residents in the

Gardai in Carndonagh are investigating a break-in at St. Patrick Park’s clubhouse. It’s understood that windows were smashed to gain access to the premises at some stage on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning with locals making the discovery last evening. Members of the club carried out an initial search of the property and it’s been reported

The Taoiseach has publicly recognised the ethnic status of the traveller community. Enda Kenny’s formal declaration in the Dáil tonight is the final formality on giving legal status to the traveller community. In an historic speech Mr Kenny says they no longer need to walk with their heads down and can now feel the same

  Donegal County Council has been called upon to address serious safety concerns at the main access route onto Magheragallon strand in Gaoth Dobhair. It’s understood that there has been growing reports of incidences of fallen rock on the walkway with genuine fears that if the problem isn’t tackled someone will be injured. Councillor John

Letterkenny University Hospital is the second most over crowded hospital in the country today. 36 people are awaiting admission to the hospital on trolleys or in wards, second only to Cork University Hospital. In total, 444 people are without a bed in hospitals across the country today.

Members of the French Marketing Partnership Group are visiting Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way this week, as part of a programme to highlight Donegal as a top tourist destination. More than 500,000 French tourists travelled to Ireland last year, Tourism Ireland Managing Director, Monica MacLaverty is hopeful that these visitors can make the North

The Family of Donegal man Seamus Doherty, who was murdered in at his home at Drumacnoo, Churchill, Letterkenny in June of 2012, say they are devastated at the decision to not proceed with a prosecution in the case. Samuel James Clarke, from Magherennan, Raphoe was charged with the murder of the 67-year-old and was due

The Cathaorleach of Donegal County Council says today’s visit to Donegal by the British Ambassador is an important one, particularly in the light of Brexit. Robin Barnett will attend a special business networking event in Letterkenny Institute of Technology later today and travel to Gaoth Dobhair tomorrow where he will meet representatives from Údarás na

Fianna Fáil’s accusing Simon Coveney of disrespecting the Oireachtas committee charged with addressing water charges. It’s after the Minister intervened last night and said he wouldn’t bring in laws on a new system – if they don’t include charges for wasting the utility. That’s despite the fact the parties’ confidence and supply agreement requires him

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch investigating dissident republican activity in Derry have arrested three men. Last evening two men aged 36 and 49 were arrested in the Creggan and Balbane areas and still remain in custody. Another man, a 31 year old was arrested in the city this morning. All three are being questioned in

It’s claimed that safety barriers on the Foyle Bridge in Derry still do not meet EU safety regulations despite this being highlighted six years ago. Then, a report from experts recommended the only way of preventing people attempting suicide by jumping off the Foyle Bridge was by raising safety barriers but nothing has been done

An incident where a man broke into a woman’s flat and stole her underwear has been described as ‘exceptionally creepy’ by a judge at Derry Crown Court. Judge Philip Babington made his comments during sentencing of Ronan Gillen (29) of Cornshell Fields in Derry who admitted burglary of the flat and assaulting the woman on

Young people within the county are being urged to consider a career within the Defence Forces. Minister Joe McHugh says there is a proud tradition of people from Donegal serving in the Irish Army. He is calling on men and women and those from diverse ethnic backgrounds to take part in one of the biggest