:: News In Brief

Crackin' gifts from big-hearted Donegal 04.12.13
A FLOCK of chickens was the most popular gift purchased by Donegal people for people in the developing world last year, the charity Gorta has revealed.
Gorta recently launched its seasonal 'Give: with Lifetime Gifts’ Christmas catalogue and has revealed that a €20 flock of chickens was chosen most by people in the county including Inishowen in 2012.
Chairman Sean Gaule said: “Christmas is traditionally a time of giving and what better gift can you give than the gift of life. These gifts are truly life-changing for many families and communities in our countries of work, which are predominately in east Africa.
“For example, a flock of chickens...can lift a family out of poverty by giving them a nutritious supply of eggs and poultry. Chickens are easy to keep and their produce can generate income when sold at market. This gift also provides a family with essential training on how to rear and keep the chicks." Visit www.gorta.org .

Higher prescription charge takes effect 02.12.13
MEDICAL card patients will pay almost 67% more to have their drugs dispensed after the higher prescription charge levied in the Budget came into effect yesterday (Dec 1). Patients will now pay €2.50 euro per item - up from €1.50.
The prescription charge is now five times higher than it was when a 50c charge was first introduced in 2010.
The levy is capped at €25 per month per person or family - or €300 per year. But it means that public patients getting six items dispensed monthly will now pay €180 a year compared to €108.
There are a number of people exempt from the levy including non medical card holders; people on the Long Term Illness Scheme; Drugs Payment Scheme participants; Health Amendment Act Card holders and children in HSE care who hold their own medical card. Methadone users participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme are also exempt.
The Irish Pharmacy Union has called on Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly to exempt other vulnerable groups from the levy including the terminally ill; nursing home patients; people with intellectual disabilities and the homeless.

Donegal unemployment rises 28.11.13
UNEMPLOYMENT has risen in the border region including Donegal despite the drop in joblessness nationally, the Dáil has heard. Deputy Charlie McConalogue revealed the increase while questioning the Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton about the lack of new investment in the county in recent years and the "extremely low level" of IDA visits to the North West. “I welcome the fact that the unemployment rate nationally has now fallen to 13 per cent. However, unemployment in the border region, which includes Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Louth, has actually increased to 15.2 per cent. That’s up from 14.6 per cent this time two years ago,” he said. He said Fianna Fáil received figures showing there were just three IDA site visits to this county between 2011 and 2012. "That’s compared to 38 site visits in Co Louth. There is no room for complacency about the extent of the jobs crisis in Donegal," he added.

Buncrana business on Nationwide 28.11.13
BUNCRANA-based quilting business The Fennel Shed is to feature on this Friday's Nationwide programme on RTE 1 at 7pm. “We just heard that the programme is going out right after the main evening news on Friday, Nov 29 - the same evening as the Toy Show on the Late Late,” says owner Gaye Grant. “We are delighted to be in such exalted company."

Tom Gilmartin laid to rest in Urris 27.11.13
TRIBUTES and applause flowed yesterday at the funeral of Tom Gilmartin in Inishowen. The 78-year old Co Sligo native was a key witness at the Mahon Tribunal into planning corruption in Dublin. The father of four was laid to rest following requiem mass at St Michael's Church in his wife Vera's native Urris, Clonmany. His son Thomas Jr told the congregation of some 200 people, that it was a source of sadness to the family that his father received neither an acknowledgement for what he had been through, nor an apology from the State. He "deserved better", he said. The Irish Times today carries a moving piece from the funeral service. Read it here .

Harkin urges CAP vigilance 21.11.13
INDEPENDENT MEP Marian Harkin has urged farmers’ organisations and rural sectors to be "absolutely vigilant" in monitoring the implementation of measures under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The policy was finally voted through in the European Parliament yesterday. “Parliament has voted on the new CAP but those affected by it need to be aware that the way in which the policy will be implemented will be strongly influenced by the ‘delegated acts’ being developed by the European Commission.
“These acts will determine how both pillars of the policy will be implemented. For instance young farmers are to be assisted to establish enterprises but care is needed in determining who is a young active farmer in order to ensure that the Parliament’s objectives to redress the age profile problem in farming is effectively tackled."

Only four days to register to vote 21.11.13
PEOPLE in Donegal are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote in next year's local and European elections. There are just four days to go until the cut-off deadline. Sinn Féin EU candidate for the Midlands North West constituency, Matt Carthy, said: “Your vote is your voice. Use your voice and use your vote. Ensure that you are registered by November 25.” If you are not already registered you can do so by downloading an application form from www.checktheregister.ie or call into your local council, post office or public library.

Man killed in Donegal crash 20.11.13
GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road crash in Ballybofey last night. A 53-year-old man, named locally as John O’Donnell of Curraghmone, Ballybofey, was seriously injured when his van was involved in a collision with a 4x4 on a minor road at Creggan, Ballybofey, shortly before 8pm. Mr O'Donnell was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. The were no other reported injuries, Gardaí said. Forensic crash investigators are at the scene this morning and the road remains closed. Diversions are in place. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballybofey Garda Station 074-9858530 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Jimmy Harte still critical 20.11.13
THE family of Senator Jimmy Harte has released a statement thanking the people of Co Donegal for their good wishes since the 55 year old sustained serious head injuries in Dublin last weekend. The statement says: "Jimmy remains in critical condition in Beaumont Hospital. The Harte family are extremely grateful and thankful to the people of Donegal and throughout the country who have sent their messages of goodwill and support.”

Thousands expected for Christmas switch on 20.11.13
THOUSANDS are expected to give Santa a warm winter welcome when he arrives at Derry's Ebrington Square on Friday, November 22, for the Big Christmas Lights Switch On. Entertainment on the night kicks off at 6.30pm with live music by the Mindbenders until 8pm. Santa will be taking a break from toy-making to fly in at 7pm to start the official countdown to Christmas. Visitors to the event are being urged to avail of the free Park and Ride Service operating in the Waterside to help limit traffic congestion. Buses will pick up festival goers at the Park and Ride site on the Limavady Road between 5.30pm – 7pm, bringing them back to their vehicles post event between 7.30pm - 9pm.

Donegal renewables tradeshow on Friday 19.11.13
DONEGAL homeowners struggling to meet rising energy costs can find out about saving money at a renewable energy tradeshow in Letterkenny this Friday.
The Ren Net event will have a number of experts under one roof to help inform businesses, families and farmers about how renewables can work for them. Information on a wide range of areas including grants, insulation, new building and retrofitting will be available. The event takes place in the Aura Leisure Centre on November 22 from 12 midday until 9pm. Admission is free. For more information on visit www.ren-net.org .

Thanks from new Inishowen Civic Forum 19.11.13
THE steering committee of the Inishowen Civic Forum would like to thank all who recently attended its inaugural meetings. The group thanked everyone who "helped in so many ways, provided a friendly welcome and warm hospitality to express Inishowen in a very positive way and encourage everyone working for its future to persevere. Thanks also to the media who have helped fuel the ray of hope and progress which the ICF supporters work so hard to ignite," said a spokesperson. The next meeting will be in McGrory’s, Culdaff, at 8pm on Thursday, December 5. The aim is to formulate a structure which will enable the Inishowen Civic Forum to fulfil its promise "to provide all of Inishowen with a effective ‘think tank’ and a coherent unified voice". "Feedback from meetings confirms the value of interaction between Inishowen’s centres and spheres of activity and its strong potential for joint projects," added the spokesperson.

Donegal Housing Aid grants slashed 18.11.13
The Government has "drastically reduced" the number of grants paid out under the Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme in Co Donegal since it came to power, a Fianna Fáil TD has said. In reply to parliamentary questions from the party, the Government revealed that grants to the elderly in Donegal fell from 369 in 2010 to just 52 so far in 2013. Deputy Charlie McConalogue said the grant was a "vital support to help older people adapt their homes to their physical circumstances".
"The Government has cut this support to the bone, with the funding for these grants in Co Donegal cut from over €1.4 million in 2010 to €130,278 in 2013.
"This is despite the fact that we have an aging population so the demand will have increased. Instead, what we have seen is a rapid decline over the past three years, meaning many older people across Donegal are not getting the support they need to live in the homes they have worked all their lives for," said the local TD.

Donegal Co Council named top local authority 18.11.13
DONEGAL County Council has been announced as top local authority in this year's All Ireland Pride of Place Competition. The competition, run by Co-operation Ireland, recognises the contributions that community partnerships make to society. Donegal county manager Seamus Neely accepted the award on behalf of the elected members, staff and management of the council. He said: "The council has been working closely with communities in Donegal for many years and we believe that the Pride of Place competition is a great way to recognise and showcase the tremendous work that takes place throughout the county. It is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the many community volunteers and workers who undertake this work. To receive this prestigious award is a great honour for all of us.”

Have you seen Scamp? 17.11.13
A Buncrana family has appealed for help in finding their dog 'Scamp'. The six year old Irish terrier has been missing since Friday, November 8. He was last seen in the Buncrana area. The worried family said they are "devastated" at not being able to locate their "very friendly" little canine pal. If you have any information please contact Clare on 086 0629411.

Donegal GAA hit by €18,000 scam - report 14.11.13
Donegal GAA has been hit with an elaborate internet scam with some €18,000 stolen from the organisation, the 'Donegal Democrat' is reporting today.
The scam involved the hacking of a Donegal GAA email address and the issuing of an instruction for Stg£15,000 to be transferred to a bank account in the UK.
The theft happened in August and was reported to the Gardai within hours. It continues to be investigated.
According to the 'Democrat' report, the money was transferred to a bank in Reading, Berkshire. Thames Valley Police are assisting Gardai with the probe. The paper said it understood that the GAA insurance does not cover such acts.
"This means that unless the money is recovered in full, the Donegal county coffers will be out of pocket to the tune of close on €18,000," the report stated.

Engineers host meeting for concerned homeowners 13.11.13
A PUBLIC information meeting will be held tomorrow evening in Letterkenny for Donegal homeowners concerned about possible structural defects in their homes. Engineers hosting the meeting would like to hear from anyone in the county who is concerned about web-like cracks in external and internal walls and/or horizontal cracks on gables. The session will take place in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Thursday, November 14 at 7.30pm.

Glengad community launches traditional boat 13.11.13
GLENGAD Community Association will launch its traditional Inishowen drontheim boat 'Harbour Star' this Saturday at the local pier. The fishing boat follows on from the curraghs and punts previously built in the community venture guided by the expertise of the late Willie Bonner. The project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland.
The association is also looking for people, over 18, who would like to re-skill by taking part in the building of another drontheim boat in the coming months.
"Come on down and join a progressive relaxed environment and enjoy daytime or evening sessions and create a thing of strength and beauty that will celebrate our maritime history," said a spokesman. You can witness this weekend's launch at Glengad pier on Saturday, November 16 from 2pm. You can also see the progress of the project in the galleries section at www.glengadcrc.ie . For more information contact 07493 79969/ mob: 085 166 1780 or e-mail info@glengadcrc.ie .

Return to > News    > Home