Author name: oisinkelly

An independent TD is calling for changes to protect children from newly-released sex offenders. There are currently 94 sex offenders in Ireland who are being monitored under the conditions of a supervision order after being released form prison. These are people who, at the time of their conviction, specific conditions were attached to their release.

A document promoting the advantages of Donegal as a place in which to live, work and do business is being launched this afternoon The new Donegal Prospectus has been developed by Donegal County Council and will be launched at Oakfield Park Raphoe. It’s been described as a high quality publication that has been produced to

A Donegal deputy says it’s clear to him that the final decision on the future structure of the NoW DOC service in Donegal will be made by GPs, and not the HSE. Deputy Thomas Pringle met with senior HSE personnel yesterday, at which he was briefed on plans to “live test” a proposal to end

  A Donegal councillor says Minister Joe Mc Hugh should address the controversy over Minister Alan Kelly’s awarding of grants to towns in his own constituency last year, even though Letterkenny was deemed to be more qualified for funding. Minister Kelly awarded the grants to Clonmel and Thurles last year while he was Transport Minister.

The RSA is appealing to motorists to slow down after four people lost their lives on our roads over a four day period. Yesterday a pensioner died when her car collided with a truck in Co Wexford. While on Sunday a woman in her 50’s died in a three car pile-up in Newcastle West in

Donegal County Council has backed calls for a Minister to be appointed with specific responsibility for Community and Rural Affairs. The specific portfolio was scrapped by the current government with Councillor Martin McDermott arguing that rural Ireland has been neglected as a result. He says Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin has committed to resurrecting the

  Donegal County Council is being asked to stop the practice of charging Community and Charitable event organisations for the cost of advertising road closures in the local papers. Over the last three years the cost of advertising road closures has ranged from 300 euro to the Amazing Grace committee to as much as 1,200

The Finance Minister says Irish Water will not be abolished or changed in any way, despite a Eurostat ruling against it. The EU body says Irish Water’s debts and spending have to be considered as part of the government’s balance sheet – even though the government wanted it treated separately. Michael Noonan says “there’s no

The Environment Minister has been accused of electioneering by awarding grants to his own constituency ahead of a number of towns, including Letterkenny, which were deemed more needing. Out of a total fund of €6.5m, Alan Kelly awarded €1.5m in grants to projects in his home county. Donegal Deputy Charlie McConologue has accused the Minister

The HSE has confirmed that the overnight NoW DOC service in Derrybeg will be curtailed for a two week period beginning next Monday. Changes to the service are being considered, including the suspension of the ‘Red-Eye’ shifts in Derrybeg and Carndonagh. An analysis of call activity and response times is underway in Donegal, and as

Ballybofey still has the highest number of commercial vacancies in Ireland, according to figures published today by GeoDirectory. In the second quarter of this year, just over 32% of business premises in Ballybofey were vacant. Letterkenny had a commercial vacancy rate of just over 21%, a 1% increase on the same period last year. The

A Donegal Deputy says it’ll be a nightmare for the government if Europe decides Irish Water is not independent of the State later today. There’s speculation that Eurostat will rule that the funds spent on the utility will have to stay on the exchequer balance sheet for now. It would mean the government has around

A West Donegal councillor is claiming the overnight NowDOC service in Derrybeg will close for a fortnight from next week as part of what he believes is a trial run. There have been suggestions that the “Red-Eye”shifts in Derrybeg and Carndonagh could be suspended as part of a reorganisation of the service.. Cllr Michael Colm

Sophie Maguire was transferred to London from Altnagelvin Hospital after she was born with blood flow problems around her brain, and at an inquest on Friday, a doctor admitted she could have survived had she received antibiotics earlier. Sophie’s mother, Leanne, told BBC Radio Foyle she was stunned by that admission and she is now

Gardai are warning of increased crime levels in some rural areas of Donegal. They are also urging people to be vigilant following reports of high pressure sales activity, particularly at the homes of elderly and vilnerable people in rural areas. There are reports of aggressive tactics being used by people selling equipment, furniture and electronic

A Donegal County Councillor has expressed his shock at being threatened with legal action by HSE over comments he made during a meeting. Councillor Paul Canning made a series of allegations, while claiming the HSE was enforcing no smoking laws unfairly to the detriment of local pubs and clubs. In what’s thought to be an

After a series of setbacks Jason Black has decided to abandon his bid to climb the K2 Mountain. The team were to begin their summit push today but had to scrap those plans when all of their equipment was lost in an avalanche. Poor weather was also hampering the attempt. Jason confirmed the news to

An Inishowen woman who had been missing since last Tuesday has been found safe. Concern was growing for the well-being of 45 year old Deborah Love who had been seen since Tuesday last, and had last made contact with her workplace on Thursday. Deborah’s husband made an emotional appeal on Highland Radio for help in tracing

  Up to twelve people have been taken to hospital and a number of businesses have been evacuated following an underground cable electrical fire, causing carbon monoxide gas being released in the Waterside area of Derry. Spencer road remains closed at this time and motorists are advised to avoid the area

Donegal County Council has agreed to provide funding to Ireland West Airport in Knock for the next 10 years. As part of deal in conjunction with other councils including Sligo and Mayo, Donegal will contribute 30 thousands Euro per year over the next ten years. Councillor Seamus O’Domhnaill was initially cautious over the plans but

  The sale of illegal cigarettes is ‘the new cocaine’ trade in Ireland. That’s the conclusion of a new report that’s been submitted to a committee investigating cross-Border smuggling. It warns that laws in the area aren’t being enforced rigorously enough, and almost 1 in 4 cigarettes smoked here have been smuggled in. Benny Gilsenan

The fire service are currently at the scene of a suspected gas leak on Spencer Road in Derry. Properties in and around the area are currently being evacuated The Ambulance service is also at the scene as a number of people have been reported to be experiencing headaches Spencer Road remains closed at this time

A Beretta “over and under” double-barrel shotgun was produced before a judge in court today so he could decide if it could be fired. The firearm was produced before Judge Kevin Kilrane when detective Paul McHugh was asked if it was usable when he found it in the boot of a car in Co. Donegal

The Local Enterprise Office in Donegal has taken on a national role in trying to help Irish businesses succeed in Europe. Access to EU funding, help with grasping EU rules and making international connections are all set to become easier, following the recent launch in Letterkenny of the Enterprise Europe Network. The project is a

A meeting is to take place tonight with a view to starting a scrambling club in West Donegal. In recent years, there have been complaints about young people using the dunes on Carrickfinn, Bunaninver and other beaches in the area. Local Councillor Michael Colm Mc Giolla Easbuig says the issue has been a contentious one,

A Donegal councillor is welcoming the review of An Bord Pleanala announced last evening by the Environment Minister Alan Kelly. MInister Kelly announced a review of the structure and function of the board, with a view to having a report and recommendations by the end of the year. Donegal Councillor Patrick Mc Gowan says a