Category: Old Donegal

Serious concern has been raised over the privatisation of the Inishowen Jobs Service.

The well run service based in Buncrana had been community based for 20 years however it’s understood that issues have arisen with users since it was privatised.

The issue was raised in the Dail this week during a motion on Employment Support Services.

Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn says its nonsensical dismantling a service which had been working so well:

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Derry City and Strabane District Council are seeking the public’s input into a comprehensive five year plan for its delivery of sports and leisure services.

The Physical Activity, Wellbeing and Sport Strategy for 2022 – 2027 will detail how Council will deliver and enable others to deliver a range of activities and services to achieve the objectives outlined in the district’s Inclusive Strategic Growth Plan 2017 – 2032.

The strategy aims to identify, nurture and develop opportunities for improving health and wellbeing and increasing participation in sport to meet the vision identified in the SGP to create a thriving, prosperous and sustainable City and District with equality of opportunity for all.

A Community, Providers and Education survey has been designed to gain feedback on current services and to identify the future needs of these user groups.

User groups are being encouraged to complete the survey so that the future strategy can be tailored to meet their needs.

The information the local community gives in the survey will help in preparing the strategy and create a picture of current activities and programmes.

Those who complete the Community Survey are in with a chance to win one of three All Inclusive Leisure Memberships while the Providers and Education Surveys both offer the chance to win one of three sports equipment packs worth £100 for your organisation or school.

Barry McNamee. Photo Stephen Doherty.

Finn Harps have confirmed the re-signing of Barry McNamee for the 2022 season. The Ramelton man is gearing up for his third season in blue and white after joining the club in February 2020.

McNamee was almost ever present for the club last season, starting 39 of 40 games. He played a pivotal role in maintaining Premier Division status with 3 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

The Ramelton man told Finnharps.ie: “I’m really enjoying my football here at Finn Park and I’m glad to be back. We maybe felt we could have kicked on a bit more last season so hopefully we’ll be able to keep the core of the group together and go again in 2022.”

Met Eireann has issued a weather for Donegal for next week. 

The forecaster says that a spell of wet and very windy weather is expected to impact Ireland on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday the 8th December, with potential impacts including travel disruption and coastal flooding.

There is also the potential for wintry precipitation on Tuesday night and Wednesday which may lead to further travel disruptions.

Met Eireann say that the advisory will be updated on Saturday while warnings will likely be issued on Sunday.

The Taoiseach has addressed the nation announcing new Covid restrictions.

The main points are as follows:

Nightclubs to close from December 7th to January 9th

Digital Covid Certs to be extended to gyms and hairdressers

Bars and restaurants must all revert to the situation before October 22nd.

Maximum of 50 per cent capacity at entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events indoors, which must be fully seated.

Gatherings in homes to be restricted to four households

5,419 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening.

528 patients are in hospital with the virus, with 110 in intensive care.

Latest figures show the country’s 14-day incidence rate has risen to 1,358 cases per 100,000 people.

Carlow has the highest rate, at 2,171.

8 million euro is going to be spent on upgrading and improving the transport options for HSE funded organisations.

Almost €700,000 is being allocated to CHO1 which covers Donegal.

The Junior Minister for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte has announce the funding on International Day for People with Disabilities.

The money will go to groups which provide residential or respite services to people with disabilities across the country.

The funding can be used this year to buy people carriers, saloons or whatever car is needed to support people with disabilities to move to and from services.

Listen back to the main evening news, sport, nuacht and obituaries for Friday December 3rd:

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The planned extension for Little Angels School in Letterkenny has been given the green light to proceed to construction stage.

The extension will be built under the Large Scale Capital Programme.

The project will consist of 20 new classrooms and has been described as a substantial boost to the Little Angels school and the greater school community who depend upon the school.

In a statement Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said “progression of this project is tremendous news for the Little Angels school community and for the staff, students, and parents of the school. I thank Minister Norma Foley for confirming the news and for the work of the principal, the staff, students and parents of the school for progressing the project.

The work the school does is very important and it is crucial that it is supported in its expansion efforts.”

More than 20 Gardai in the Donegal Garda Division are currently off work due to Covid-19.

Garda Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn revealed the details during the latest sitting of the Joint Policing Committee.

21 Gardai in total in the county are currently off duty due to either having Covid or are awaiting the results of a Covid test.

The Chief Superintendent said that Donegal Town was particularly affected with six members off at present.

The situation has resulted in a number of court cases being adjourned with the Chief Superintendent acknowledging that Covid is having an impact on day-to-day policing in Donegal.