Category: Old Donegal

 

Jobseeker payments could be linked to someone’s earnings before they lose their job under government plans.

The new system would be based on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment – where claimants get supports based on their previous salary.

The Irish Independent reports jobseekers may also have to start physically attending their local post office again to get their payment.

The proposal from Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, is aimed at cracking down on fraud.

 

The Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District says all councillors in the area will be back at the table in 2022 to deliver for West Donegal.

Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher says there will be a focus on planning permission policies, housing and the environment, among a number of other important items in the next year.

She says all councillors in the MD will work collectively to ensure projects come to fruition:

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A number of motorists have been caught speeding in the Letterkenny area in recent days.

Three drivers were clocked travelling at 133km, 126km and 125km per hour on Tuesday.

On the same day, another motorist tested positive for cannabis.

Fixed Charge Penalty Notices were issued by the Letterkenny Roads Policing Unit.

In a statement, Gardai says that there is always a risk as a driver/passenger of being involved in a collision when out on the roads.

They are urging all drivers to play their part in reducing that risk by choosing to drive safely. Slow down. Do not ever get behind the wheel when you have alcohol/drugs in your system. Please make wise decisions where road safety is concerned and help save lives.

 

The HSE is under increasing pressure to reinstate the Covid-19 testing centre in Buncrana.

The pop-up facility ceased operations in September with people in Inishowen having to make the journey to Letterkenny to be tested.

The calls come amid the centre in Letterkenny currently being described as a ‘bottle neck’.

When they closed the Buncrana centre, reassurances were given then that the decision would be kept under review, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Jack Murray says surely the demand now speaks for itself:

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The Stormont executive will meet today to consider if more Covid restrictions are needed.

Ministers will review the latest data and look at whether further measures should be introduced for the hospitality sector.

Table service only in bars and restaurants and a limit on household gatherings came into effect on Monday.

Over 20 thousand Covid cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland over the last week – more than double the number from the previous week.

Hugh Pat McGeary, Michael Cassidy  and Ronan O’Neill will not be part of the  Tyrone panel next year.

All three struggled for game time in the county’s Sam Maguire winning year and have decided to move on.

McGeary was part of the match day squad for the All-Ireland final victory over Mayo but Cassidy and O’Neill didn’t make the 26.

Main Evening News, Sport and Obituaries Wednesday December 29th:

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Visiting at Letterkenny University Hospital is being restricted.

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community, Saolta says access to visitors is now being limited to one person, per patient for 15 minutes per day.

The hospital is also currently dealing with a Covid-19 outbreak.

Visits to Letterkenny University Hospital must be pre-arranged by family members / visitors, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance.

In line with national guidance on visiting, visitors will be asked to produce their EU Digital COVID Certificate or HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or other proof of immunity at the entrance. They may also be asked to show photo ID.

Exemptions from requirement of vaccination proof will be granted on compassionate grounds.

Children may not visit the hospital unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward or unit manager.

Separate arrangements are in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners.

Anyone coming to the hospital must complete a COVID-19 screening checklist and follow the public health guidance, including wearing a surgical face mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly.

The hospital is also dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 and there is no access to visitors in the outbreak areas currently.

Police in Derry are appealing for information after a 48 year old man was seriously injured in an assault.

It happened in the early hours of Sunday December 19th and is thought to have taken place somewhere between the Northland Road Junction and Northland Avenue in the city.

Police believe the attack took place between midnight and 1am.

The victim suffered a fractured skull, hip, jaw and nose.

Officers want to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and who may have seen a group of young men in the area of Northland Avenue at around 12.30am, on the morning of December 19th.

Gardai in Donegal have seized a vehicle after it emerged it had not been taxed in almost 7 years.

A total of two vehicles were seized by Gardai in Ballyshannon.

Tax on the first vehicle expired 2,493 days ago while the second vehicle had not been taxed in 421 days.

Fixed Charge Penalty Notices were also issued to the motorists.

Gardai are advising motorists to ensure documents such as your tax, insurance and NCT are up to date and in order before taking to the roads.