Category: Old Donegal

Visiting at Letterkenny University Hospital has been suspended from for a week from today.

Saolta say the decision has been taken due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the community, and also current outbreaks of COVID-19 within the hospital itself. 

Visiting will be facilitated on compassionate grounds, on an exceptional basis only. To arrange a visit on compassionate grounds, please contact the ward manager in advance. 

The nominated support person/visitor must complete a COVID-19 screening checklist and follow the public health guidance, including regular hand sanitisation and the use of approved surgical face masks. 

There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners, in line with national guidance. 

Saolta say the limitation on visiting access will remain in place for one week and will be kept under review.

HSE chief executive Paul Reid says more patients are now testing positive while in hospital for other illnesses……

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There’s been a 14% increase in the number of new cars registered in Donegal in 2021.

There were 2,406 cars registered in the county last year, compared to 2,101 in 2020.

Nationally, there were almost 105,000 new cars registered last year, a rise of 19%

Photo Stephen Doherty

Ballinamallard United have agreed terms with 19 year-old Derry City midfielder Ronan McKinley.

The former underage Republic of Ireland International has been rebuilding his form in recent seasons after a bad knee injury.

Ronan said: “I had a bad knee injury in 2019 that required two operations and 2½ years of rehabilitation. I have been back playing for Derry City Reserves and see joining Ballinamallard United as a great opportunity.

“From the first time I visited Ferney Park I was drawn to Harry’s outlook on the game, the style of football they played along with the welcome and overall Club atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to playing my part in the Club’s progression.”

Ballinmallard Manager Harry McConkey said: “I’m delighted to have agreed the signing of Ronan, I realised his talent when he played for the Republic of Ireland against Belgium in the Under 17 European Championships.

“He is a technically gifted, versatile midfielder that has great potential. I hope he can become a central part of our push for the run-in of this season.”

Donegal’s Fire and Rescue Service personnel could soon be deployed as first responders to assist the National Ambulance Service.

The NAS has confirmed that personnel can be used to assist in cardiac arrest calls.

Requests for the dispatch of the fire service must be granted by Donegal County Council.

Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn is encouraging the local authority to engage with the National Ambulance Service to ensure such a vital service can be utilised fully:

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Investigations are continuing into a fatal crash in St Johnston last week which claimed the life of Patrick Dooher of Porthall who was in his 20s.

On Thursday night last at around 9pm two vehicles collided in the Dundee area.

A woman was also badly injured during the crash.

Gardai Niall Maguire is appealing to anyone with information of who may have dash cam or CCTV footage to come forward:

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Three youths are being sought after a Letterkenny business was brandished with spray paint.

At around 4pm on Wednesday December 22nd the three youths wearing dark clothing were caught on CCTV footage spray painting the walls and doors of a business premises in Letterkenny retail park with black paint.

Gardai say the group are around 15 years of age.

Anyone with any information which may assist in identifying those involved are asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station.

Gardai are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in contact with the victims of a murder-suicide in Letterkenny prior to their deaths.

The body of Daniel Duffy who was in his 80s was discovered in a house in the Windyhall area on Thursday December 23rd while his son, Damien was found dead in a car in an adjacent shed.

Investigations are ongoing.

Garda Niall Maguire is asking anyone with any information to contact them:

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Letterkenny University Hospital is among the most overcrowded in the country today.

36 people are waiting on a bed at the hospital this morning, the second highest figure in Ireland.

8 people are on a trolley in the hospital’s Emergency Department while a further 28 are waiting on wards.

According to the INMO’s Trolley Watch report, a total of 420 people are waiting on beds at hospitals across Ireland today.

Letterkenny University Hospital has the highest number of Covid-19 patients in the country.

Latest figures show that 59 infectious cases are currently being dealt with at the hospital.

The figure is up 5 from yesterday.

30,000 5 to 11 year olds have so far been registered for a Covid-19 vaccine.

The HSE’s vaccine portal opened for the age cohort yesterday.

There are half a million children aged between 5 and 11 living in Ireland.

The HSE’s National Lead for the Vaccination Programme Damien McCallion says the figure’s encouraging:

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