Author name: oisinkelly

An estimated 30,700 people in Donegal are suffering from fuel deprivation according to the trade union Unite. The union has published a report this morning under the title “A Cold Christmas”, showing what it says is a very serious nationwide problem. The report says Donegal has the highest level of fuel deprivation, consistent with being

A Donegal County Councillor is urging his fellow Councillors to stage a walk out at the council meeting, should Cllr John O’Donnell not resign. The proposal has been made by Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig, following last weeks RTE investigates programme, which featured Cllr John O’Donnell, and alleged he asked for payment in return

The Gaoth Dobhair Sewerage Scheme is to be added to an infringement case against the government over its failure to deliver necessary schemes. Following a report to the EU by Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy earlier this year, the commission has now formally launched infringement procedures against Ireland as the delay to progress the scheme

Detectives are investigating a weekend assault on a man and woman in a flat at Northland Road in Derry. The PSNI say at about 12:15 yesterday morning, three men entered a flat and assaulted a man and woman. A firearm and a knife were used in the incident and the male victim was struck on

Three teenage boys, arrested following an attack on three other teenage boys on the Peace Bridge in Derry on Friday night, have been released on bail pending further enquiries. Two of the youths who were arrested are 14, the other is 13. Police say they are treating the attack, which happened at 10 o’clock as

It’s reported today that a Dublin based group styling itself the “New IRA” is planning an escalation in its activities. Gardai and the PSNI believe the group has been responsible for a number of attacks against PSNI personnel in recent months. According to the Sunday Times, a group of republicans based around Crunlin in Dublin

A Minister of State says that local councillors featured on the RTE investigates programme can’t continue in public life. It comes after one of those councillors, Hugh McElvaney, claimed that he would run for election again in Monaghan and would top the poll. Yesterday, Cllr Mc Elvaney and Sligo Councillor John Queenan resigned from LAMA,

  Concerns are being raised that community groups in Donegal affected by flooding will not be able to get insurance. The Government has said businesses who couldn’t get insurance and who have been affected by Storm Desmond are to get emergency payments of up to 5 thousand euro however, it has been claimed that some

  The Irish Government has confirmed it will be providing funding to the North West Development Fund to support the Gateway Initiative. A total of 2.5 million euro has been granted by the Irish Government to the fund, which will be matched by the Northern Executive. At the meeting yesterday Minister Joe McHugh said Donegal

  Sinn Fein wants Donegal County Council to become the first council in Ireland to adopt Voluntary Ethical Legislation. The proposal was made at last night’s special meeting held to discuss the contents of the RTE investigates programme featuring Cllr John O’Donnell. Councillors would be asked to sign up to the legislation committing to resign

It’s been confirmed that farmers in Donegal are to receive over 6 million euro in AEOS payments, the second highest payment in the country. The scheme is designed to help protect wildlife habitats, endangered species and the broader rural environment in Donegal and underpin the production of quality food in an environmentally friendly manner. Nationally, more than €45

A special session of Donegal County Council is due to get underway to discuss last Monday’s RTE’s Investigates Programme. The programme alleged that Councillor John O’Donnell asked for payment in return for helping out a fictitious wind farm company set up in Donegal. As a result of the programme, a special meeting of Councillors is

The Finn Valley Wind Action Group say they are concerned at the possible impact that the development of the Carrickaduff Wind Farm could have on flooding in the Finn Valley area. Cork based company Planree Limited is proposing to build the Carrickaduff wind farm with up to 49 turbines but there has been considerable local

  Investigations are continuing this afternoon following the death of 80 year-old man in a house fire in Dungloe. The victim has been named locally as Connie Boyle, Pole Road, Meenmore, Dungloe. The fire at the single story house was first reported at 2.30am this morning. Emergency services arrived at the scene a short time

  Retailers in Donegal are preparing for their best Christmas in years as reports suggest towns like Letterkenny are set to benefit significantly from the current sterling rate. 2015 has been reported a steady year so far for trade and business in the county with the festive period expected to surpass that. Chief Executive with

  Cleaners working in Letterkenny University Hospital have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. Around 60 SIPTU members at the hospital voted to strike over a decision to outsource the cleaning of the facility’s Out Patients Department. SIPTU Organiser Declan Ferry says workers won’t accept the outsourcing of work:

  The average rent for all dwellings in the private rented sector in Donegal in Quarter 3 of 2015 is €458 – up 10 euro on the previous Quarter. The figures are compiled by the ESRI and are based on the actual rents being paid as distinct from the asking or advertised rent. The DATA

  A former Mayor of Donegal is urging the public to contact their local representatives demanding the resignation of Independent Councillor John O’Donnell. A survery from RnaG shows that only 40% of Donegal County Councillors believe that Cllr John O’Donnell should resign but Councillor John Campbell does not believe that represents public opinion. An RTE

A man has died following a house fire in Dungloe.  The fire was first reported at 2.30am this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene and performed CPR on arrival however, the man who is said to be in his 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been taken to Letterkenny

Cleaners working in Letterkenny University Hospital have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. SIPTU members at the Donegal hospital voted to strike over a decision to outsource the cleaning of the facility’s Out Patients Department. SIPTU Organiser, Declan Ferry, said: “Management has shown a complete disregard for its obligations under the Lansdowne Road Agreement

Families of victims of the Northern Ireland Troubles have taken out a full page newspaper advert to accuse the British Government of a ‘shameful failure’ to address the legacy of the conflict. The groups represent more than 150 bereaved families, including the families of Donegal men Eddie Fullerton and Henry Cunningham. The advert expresses dissatisfaction

The Government has announced that businesses who couldn’t get insurance and who have been affected by Storm Desmond are to get emergency payments of up to 5 thousand euro. The 5 million euro fund is to be administered by the Red Cross. The money – which can be for un-vouched expenses – will be made

A man involved in a single vehicle collision in Donegal has been transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for treatment with his condition described as critical. The N15 road between Ballybofey and Killygordon has now re-opened. It was closed early to facilitate a technical examination . Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the single vehicle