Author name: oisinkelly

  A Donegal woman who has been diagnosed with cancer and affected by Mica is calling for more leeway with regards to changing phases within the Mica Redress Scheme. The Housing Minister is expected to bring an ‘enhanced’ scheme to the Cabinet on 9th November. Debbie, who built her home in 2005, had qualified for […]

  There’s concern that while a Technological University is hugely positive for Donegal and the North West, accommodation for students could prove difficult in the time ahead. The joint application had been 10 years in the making and will be formally established early next year, involving campuses across 8 locations in the north-west. The good

  The INTO says primary school principals are being left on their own to make public health decisions. The organisation wants contact tracing to return for students given the high incidence rate of covid among 5 to 12 year olds. The Tanaiste says antigen testing may be considered for primary school children. INTO president Joe

    A Donegal Deputy says the cancellation of oncology services at Letterkenny University Hospital should never be allowed happen again. It’s after oncology clinics were cancelled for two weeks in a row as a result of staff changes and unexpected leave. However reassurances have been given that the service will resume next week with

  The National Transport Authority will outline a plan to increase public transport connectivity for rural areas later today. The Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will attend the event to launch its new rural mobility plan ‘Connecting Ireland’. It aims to improve public transport for people living outside major cities and towns across the country. CEO

  A consultant has been appointed to draw up a design plan for the Western Link in Ballybofey. As part of the wider plans for a bypass around the town, it is planned to construct a link road which would service cross border traffic while also counteract any impact to trade within the town centre.

  Close-contacts of Covid-19 cases will start to receive rapid antigen tests today. The HSE yesterday began posting packs of five to vaccinated people who don’t have symptoms. They’ll be asked to use three of them, and book a PCR test if any turn up positive. Professor Kingston Mills, from the state’s Covid Rapid Testing

New ticketing rules for nightclubs and late bars begin today – only hours after they were published. All customers must buy a ticket at least an hour before, and keep a social-distance of one-metre while queuing for a drink. Venues who don’t comply could face closure, a fine of up to 5,000 euro, and one

    It’s been claimed that some hedges in rural parts of east Donegal are becoming serious safety hazards. In particular, the route which houses Drumkeen National School is a big worry locally, with children walking to and from school however the hedges are said to be impacting motorist’s ability to see in good time.

  Over 60s will start being given booster vaccines from next week. People who were given AstraZeneca will get a Pfizer dose. Over 60s will be given their shots in mass vaccination centres while over 70s will be done in GPs. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the campaign is starting next week:

  The government has been warned a shortage of truck drivers could hit Ireland’s supply lines. Hauliers say they need 3,000 new drivers a year to fill gaps. While a new permit system will allow more recruitment of foreign workers, the industry says this isn’t enough. Former President of the Irish Road Hauliers Association Verona

  Third level students in Donegal are set to have a broader range of educational options at their doorstep, following confirmation of a new Technological University for the West and North West. It follows an application from Galway-Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny institutes of technology. This new technological university is the 4th of its kind across

  The Taoiseach says Government’s been given no specific advice from NPHET on children limiting their activities. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn asked parents to consider cutting down on what their children are doing for the rest of the midterm. It comes amid fears over the rising number of new Covid cases and

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has confirmed a new Technological University for the West and North West. It follows an application from the Connaught Ulster Alliance, including the Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway-Mayo Institutes of Technology. It will encompass eight locations in Letterkenny, Killybegs, Castlebar, Galway City, Letterfrack, Mountbellew and Sligo. Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh, a

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties says what appears to have been longstanding abuse at Ard Gréine Court and the Sean O’Hare Unit complex could and should have been prevented by a properly empowered independent inspection system. The ICCL says Ireland signed the UN’s anti-torture treaty 15 years ago, but still has not implemented its

Parents are being advised to reduce their children’s activities over the remainder of the Halloween midterm. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer says precautions should be taken to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases, particularly among children aged 5-12. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation says Ireland may need local lockdowns if Covid cases continue to increase

Inishowen Municipal District’s Budget meeting has ratified a proposal that monies will be set aside for a number projects that were being pursued by the late Councillor Bernard McGuinness. Cllr McGuinness passed away in August at the age of 77, and was serving as Cathoirleach of the Municipal District at the time of his passing.

A Donegal TD has once again called on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to visit Letterkenny University Hospital, in order to see first-hand the issues it faces. In recent weeks LUH has been one of the most overcrowded hospitals in the country, with at times upwards of 50 people waiting to be admitted to

Footpaths in the Twin Towns are said to be in a serious state of disrepair. There are claims that a number of pedestrians have fallen while disabled people are said to be finding it increasingly difficult getting around the town. Local Cllr Patrick McGowan is calling on Donegal County Council to carry out an urgent

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan says that there are no plans to reimpose restrictions. However, NPHET says they are worried about the recent surge in covid cases and hospitalisations. 1,631 new virus cases were reported today, while 503 Covid patients are currently in hospitals. The 7-day average of new cases has almost doubled in three

The Health Minister says the Government has gone ‘quite far’ in the measures it’s taken to reopen hospitality and the night time economy. People going to nightclubs and late night events will need to book a ticket at least an hour in advance under new covid regulations set to come into effect later this week.

  The oncology clinic at Letterkenny University Hospital has been cancelled for two weeks in a row. It’s understood that nursing shortages may be the root of the problem. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has contacted management at the hospital, requesting urgent clarification. Deputy Doherty, who has been contacted by those affected, says both patients and