Category: Old Donegal

Donegal County Council has agreed to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in response to a request for the commercial rates waiver to be retained in 2022.

Councillor Martin Farren put forward a motion calling for the move in recognition of the ongoing impact that Covid-19 is having on the business sector in the county.

During 2020, 4,159 businesses in Donegal availed of a 9 month commercial rates waiver at a cost of €14.9m and by the end of this year, it’s expected 2,800 businesses will benefit at a cost of €12.5m.

Councillor Farren says his proposal received support from all Councillors, and that now Government must do everything possible to keep businesses open:

https://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/farrenwaiver1pm.mp3

Britain’s foreign secretary will speak to the European Commission Vice President about post-Brexit difficulties between Britain and Northern Ireland later.

It’ll be the first time Liz Truss will lead negotiations following the resignation of Brexit minister David Frost on Sunday.

Ahead of talks, Truss says she wants a comprehensive solution for all.

Cabinet’s expected to approve updated supports for businesses impacted by the latest restrictions on hospitality and live events when it meets this morning.

The Irish Examiner reports changes to the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme could see affected companies able to claim up to 5,000 euro a week.

Changes to the Business Resumption Support Scheme could also see more hospitality firms able to qualify.

Meanwhile Cabinet’s also set to back a new scheme that would allow homes and businesses sell excess renewable electricity back into the grid.

Chief Executive of the Vintners Federation, Padraig Cribben, says a long term plan is needed:

https://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cribben7am-2.mp3

GPs have ordered about 250,000 more Covid boosters than expected, under the new accelerated programme.

The Irish Medical Organisation says they’ve requested up to 700,000 over the past week.

It’s after the HSE asked family doctors to double the amount of boosters they administer every week.

Donegal Doctor Denis McCauley, from the IMO’s GP committee, says demand has far exceeded expectations:

https://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/mccauley7am.mp3

Jesse Devers – Photo: Stephen Doherty

Finn Harps confirmed two more signings on Monday with Jesse Devers returning to Funn Park and Mark Timlin re-signing for 2022.

Mayo man Devers returns for a second spell in Ballybofey having played a major role in the club’s promotion to the Premier Division in 2018.

The winger was part of the Sligo Rovers side who finished fourth in the 2020 season, qualifying for the Europa League.

Devers told club media: “I’m delighted to be back at the club. I haven’t enough good things to say about the people behind the scenes and how I was treated in my first spell here. I’m really excited to get started now in preseason and hopefully we’ll have a good season.”

Buncrana man Mark Timlin’s return makes him the club’s longest serving player, having initially joined on loan from Derry City in 2017 before signing his first deal with the club ahead of the 2018 season.

After a tough couple of years with injury, Timlin is hoping that the worst is behind him: “I’ve been really unlucky over the past couple of years with different injuries. I’ve just been focusing on keeping my head down, getting my body right and hopefully I’m over the worst of it and can hit the ground running in the New Year.”

Mark Timlin. Photo Stephen Doherty.

The main evening news, sport and obituary notices on Monday, December 20th…

https://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/5pmdec20th2021.mp3

4,799 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed today in the Republic of Ireland

467 patients are in hospitals with the virus, up 31 from yesterday, while the ICU figure has fallen three to 104.

The chief medical officer says the level of disease among young adults has risen sharply in the past week.

One in four people in the 16 to 34 age-group who are going for a PCR test, are getting a positive result, which Tony Holohan says is one of the highest rates of infection since the pandemic began.

Mona McSharry has won bronze at the World Short-course Championships in Abu Dhabi.

The Sligo native set a new Irish record in taking third in the women’s 100-metre breaststroke final.

McSharry, who spent her teen years with the Ballyshannon Marlins club swim 1:03.92 to secure her first world medal.

It was the sixth time in the championships that Mona broke an Irish record.

2,148 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.

There has also been one additional covid-related death announced there today.

276 patients are currently being treated for the virus in hospitals in the North, with 34 of those in ICUs.

The Managing Director of Century Cinemas has said a significant number of movie showings have now been cancelled as a result of new Government Covid regulations.

The new restrictions come into effect tonight at 8 o’clock, which will see a curfew on bars, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.

Also, all indoor and outdoor events will be capped at 50% capacity.

Mark Doherty, the Managing Director of Century Cinemas in Letterkenny says the 8pm closing time will have a big impact – as much of their income comes from evening showings as well as the Christmas season…

https://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dohertycinema3pm.wav