Donegal Motorcycle Racer Rhys Irwin was once again the star of the show as the British Superstock 600 championship returned to Donington Park today.

Riding his Irwin Racing, Mondello Park supported Yamaha the teenager took his third pole position of the season and followed it up with the second victory of his impressive rookie season.

The fifth event of the shortened British Championship season proved to be one of the toughest for the riders in the Superstock 600 Championship as the weather upset the normal weekend timetable. Saturday’s qualifying session was abandoned due to torrential rain so the times from Friday’s combined practice sessions would be used to form the grid for Sunday’s one and only race.

Happily for Rhys he had been quickly up to speed in Friday’s opening session, the only dry one of the weekend, where he was quickest by almost half a second, so he therefore secured pole position for the third time from six races.

Having had a full day off on Saturday, the Superstock 600 riders were faced with tricky, wet but drying, conditions, when they took to the track for Sundays race. Tyre choice would be very important and would play a big part in the race results. Having chosen to start the race on Dry weather tyres the Kilmacrennan rider initially dropped to second place and then to fourth allowing the race and championship leader to open up a four second gap at the front of the field.

From half distance Rhys’ tyre choice came good as he upped his pace and moved through into second place before quickly closing on the leader. Running the fastest laps of the race the Irish rider easily moved into the lead with two laps to go and then began to build a gap. Getting quicker on each lap Rhys managed the gap to second place as he completed a very mature and impressive performance. The young Irish racers second win of the year moved him into joint second in the championship and kept alive his chances of lifting the 2020 Superstock 600 title.

“That was another brilliant weekend” said Rhys after Sunday’s race. “I was delighted to take pole again and then even happier when I was able to turn it into my second win in my rookie season. The weather made it very difficult for everyone from the riders to the BSB organisers so it was great to get out and race today and to come from behind to take the win. I’m really happy with the way things are going and I cant wait for the finale in two weeks time when I’ll go to Brands Hatch still in with a shout of taking the title. Thanks to all the team and my sponsors, especially Dad, Wes and Arnie who gave me a great bike and helped me make the right tyre choice to be able to take the win today.

Rhys Irwin will return to action for a final British Championship double header at Brands Hatch in two weeks time.

A Level 5 lockdown could be implemented nationwide to curb the spread of Covid-19, according to new developments.

The National Public Health Emergency Team has called on the government to put the entire country into the highest level of restrictions, RTE reports.

At Level 5, members of the public are asked to stay at home, except to exercise within 5 kilometres of your home. There will be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings.

Schools would remain open with protective measures in place.

RTE News reports that NPHET has written a letter to the government tonight seeking the restrictions. Coalition leaders are set to seek a meeting with Dr Tony Holohan tomorrow, on the day he resumes his role as Chief Medical Officer.

The Department of Health today reported 364 more cases of Covid-19 and no new deaths. 100 of the cases are in Dublin, while 55 are in Cork and 31 in Donegal.

A man is recovering in hospital after he was abducted from a house in Convoy in the early hours of this morning.

Details of the incident are still developing.

However, Gardai have confirmed the man is being treated at Letterkenny University Hospital for they described as ‘non life-threatening injuries.’

It follows an incident in the Lifford area in the early hours of this morning which resulted in a house being attacked.

In this incident, criminal damage was inflicted to a house and a car, which was parked outside the house.

Gardai are not making any comment on this incident but it is believed the two incidents may be connected.

A Garda spokesman confirmed “Gardaí are investigating a public order incident at a house in Convoy, Co. Donegal which occurred this morning Sunday 4th October, 2020 and the subsequent disappearance of a man in unexplained circumstances.

“This man has been located and is currently receiving treatment in hospital for non life threatening injuries.

“Anyone who may have any information in relation to these incidents are asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

A media blackout was in place for several hours today on this story before being lifted.

Gardaí in Donegal are calling in parents to take action to prevent children using fireworks this month. 

In the lead up to Halloween, the authorities are urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of fireworks.

The sale, possession or use of fireworks is illegal in Ireland without a permit, and gardaí are hoping that people will follow the law and have a safe holiday this year.

Gardaí took to Facebook to issue the following advice: ” The illegal use of fireworks can and does cause great distress to older people, pets and families. Parents, please ensure that you know where your kids are and conduct regular searches of their bags for fireworks. Stay alert! Talk to your kids about the great dangers associated with fireworks as many people sustain horrific burn related injuries at this time of year. ”

See the posters below for more advice this Halloween: 

Two separate power cuts are affecting properties in Donegal this Monday morning.

Residents in parts of Kilcar in South Donegal were without electricity overnight, while a new power cut struck in Ramelton early this morning.

248 customers are affected by the outage in Kilcar, which began before 8pm on Sunday night. ESB Networks are working on repairs and supplies are expected to be restored by noon.

The Ramelton outage began at 4.45am this morning. ESB repairs are expected to be carried out by 8.30am.

Job Vacancy: Churchill Stone Ltd have an available position for a Roads/Site Engineer with immediate start.

Role:

• Measuring works and ordering materials.
• Organising numerous crews and supervising
• Liaising with Clients and attending pre-start meetings
• Compiling final measures and valuations
• Ensuring Health and Safety requirements are met on site
• Reporting to Contracts Manager

Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering or Construction
• Experience working on site
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment
• Competent on Microsoft Office applications

Please forward your CV to Churchillstone1@yahoo.ie

An Garda Síochána have commenced the Winter Phase of Operation Thor, a plan to clamp down on burglaries.

The programme started on October 1st and will run until the end of March 2021.

Operation Thor is designed to tackle the anticipated increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity that usually occur in winter months by undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity.

This initiative has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015.

The numbers of residential burglaries reported during Q4 2011 – Q1 2015 (Q4 and Q1 i.e. six months) was an average of 11,592. This has dropped to an average of 6,980 since Q4 2015 to date, a decrease of 39.8% mainly because of Covid.

Commenting on the current Operation Thor Winter Phase, Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll with responsibility for Organised & Serious Crime said: “An Garda Síochána has launched the winter phase of Operation Thor with a renewed focus on interrupting and preventing burglary and related crime. This type of crime has a particularly devastating effect on its victims and we in An Garda Síochána are determined to impact on the activities of criminals involved in the commission of this crime.”

International evidence details that due to the seasonal nature of burglaries there is an increase in this form of crime to the extent of 20% in the winter months, when daylight hours are at the lowest level.

• Residential burglary follows a consistent seasonal pattern, with more burglaries occurring in the winter months.
• In winter, there is a propensity for burglary to occur in the hours of 4pm to 9pm, with 42.4% of all burglaries occurring within these six hours.
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday are the most likely days for burglaries to occur in winter.
Residential burglary in 2020 has fallen during COVID-19, with a sharp reduction observed in March/April in response to Government restrictions on work, travel, school and business. From March to August inclusive, there were 43.1% fewer residential burglaries reported compared to the same period in 2019.

Analysis from the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) shows that:
• March to August inclusive, there were 43.1% fewer residential burglaries reported compared to the same period in 2019.
• From 2016 – 2019, fewest burglaries occurred in June (7% of annual burglaries) while most burglaries occurred in November (9.7% of annual burglaries).
• On average 38% more burglaries in November than there were in June. This represents an average of 334 burglaries.
Operation Thor Winter Phase will continue to focus on five main areas to reduce burglary incidents and protect communities.

1. Crime Prevention & Protecting Communities: by means of visible focused patrols at specific times of day, targeting burglary ‘hot-spots’ intelligence gathering on known offenders, high-visibility check points to prevent ease of movement, strong crime prevention communications and reassurance with communities.

2. Crime Investigation & Operational Activity: by ensuring every burglary is appropriately investigated to the highest possible standard, monitoring crime data daily for changes in trends of burglaries, associated crimes and detection rates. Utilising all intelligence data to inform burglary prevention strategies.

3. Working in Partnership: by continuing to work with all partner agencies in local and national Government and in particular with communities by means of offering crime prevention advice and reassurance of the availability of An Garda Síochána.

4. Education & Awareness: by the use of community policing strategies to interact with young people and work to divert them from involvement in crime. An Garda Síochána will continue to utilise social media, community engagement and organised campaigns to inform people on how they can enhance the security of their homes and property. An Garda Síochána will continue the national ‘Lock Up/Light Up’ campaign supported by local awareness activity.

5. Victim Support: by keeping the victim central to the overall operation and providing professional support, advice and regular case updates to victims.

Simple steps can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or going out remember:

* Turn on some lights
* Use timer switches
* Lock all doors and windows
* Use an alarm
* Store keys away from windows
* Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house

Letterkenny Chamber has backed calls for a regional accelerator programme to distribute enhanced package of EU funds in West, Border and North West.

Ireland has the highest level of regional inequality amongst EU member states. As a result, a dedicated regional investment accelerator should be set-up in Ireland’s Northern and Western region to distribute the next tranche of Government and EU regional development funds.

The Government is about to decide how to spend the €1.2 billion pot of EU Cohesion Funds for the period 2021 to 2027 with €350 million allocated for the Northern and Western Region.

The Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) wants the government to give local bodies more control over how the 2021 to 2027 funds are spent – it suggests replicating a model that has been successfully rolled out in the Cornwall region of England.

Today it launches a campaign called ‘Let’s Be More’ to address inequality and economic decline in the region. ‘Let’s Be More’ is backed by elected representatives, Chambers of Commerce including Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway, other stakeholders and employers like North West-based Ward Automation, which makes automation products for high end manufacturing industries.

The Northern and Western region has been downgraded to a ‘Transition Region’ by the European Commission, resulting in a pledge to contribute €60 for every €100 invested by the Government in the next wave of regional funding. In contrast, the East and South are to get just €40 from the for every €100 spent by the Government.

Commenting, Letterkenny Chamber CEO Toni Forrester said the idea of a regional investment accelerator would address a legacy of underinvestment in the Northern and Western regions.

She said: “Letterkenny is the commercial Centre of Donegal and as such we have huge potential. Recognised as an existing global financial services centre our ambition has always been international, built on a strategic partnership with our partners in Derry City & Strabane.

“Working with our colleagues in Derry the North West City Region has all the characteristics of a modern city with a vision to match. The increased 60% co-financing rate is to be welcomed but if decisions and funding on regional development were more locally-based, regions would be empowered to better develop their own economies and specialisations.”

The NWRA believes the region can do more with the money by:

Being allowed to make more localised investment decisions using a new instrument called an Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI)
Encouraging more action’ to stimulate research and innovation
Doing more to facilitate local industrial transition and entrepreneurship
Offering more SME supports and funds for urban rural regeneration.
Funding more climate-friendly innovations

The current financing mechanism is too restrictive. The NWRA says an Integrated Territorial Investment model has been successfully rolled out in Cornwall in south West England, giving people more local control and a say in investment in projects that can benefit the region. The mechanism speeds up project lead times and cuts the amount of red tape involved. An ITI focuses acutely on regional strengths and fosters much more innovation through public-private investment.

Chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly David Maxwell said this new mechanism was needed as “regional inequality in Ireland is growing.”

He said: “Our region – due to its performance – has been downgraded by the EU from ‘Developed’ to a “Transition region”. This regional divergence is set to continue. Brexit will have an undue impact on this region. The EU Commission have also documented the disproportionate economic impact that Covid-19 will have on the north and west.”

“This is hugely disappointing. Although the national economy is growing, this region’s relative growth has not kept pace creating a two-speed economy. It’s sobering reading particularly when you examine the region’s economic performance between 2015-2020. We need to start doing more”.

Maxwell stressed proven solutions, such as Cornwall, are out there for regions like ours.

“The members of the NWRA are calling on Government to apportion these funds into a region-wide accelerator. We estimate there is approximately €350m available to the region. Let’s Be More means we need ‘more action’ to stimulate research and innovation, more funding for industrial transition and entrepreneurship, SME supports, climate adaptation and urban/rural regeneration.”

David Minton, CEO of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, said the establishment of a more regionally-focused accelerator, which is a proven mechanism, would allow for greater government investment in the region’s key growth enablers.

He said: “Ireland needs all its regions performing. To address complex issues like improving sustainability alongside productivity, international evidence suggests strengthening the institutions that are close to the action, in regions, where they have the local knowledge and contacts that can improve policy implementation and bring projects to fruition”. ‘Positive Discrimination’ is a policy adopted across many EU and international economies to address regional inequality.

“The region needs additional investment to develop, for example, Galway and the region’s designated Regional Growth Centres and Key Towns to sufficient scale, improve the region’s human capital levels via its Third Level Institutes, enhance regional infrastructure that enables growth, support SMEs in rural communities and support our further education bodies. This will also underpin the digital transition that will support Industry 4.0.”

The campaign is being supported by Chambers in the region including Sligo, Galway and Letterkenny.

Government leaders will today meet Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan today to discuss the recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team to place the country on Level 5 restrictions.

However, a decision to go to the highest level in the ‘Living with Covid-19 Plan’ is not due until tomorrow.

NEPHET’s recommendation will first be considered by the Covid-19 oversight group, which is made up of Ireland’s top civil servants.

Level 5 would see all but essential retail outlets closed, social gatherings would be restricted and people would only be allowed to exercise within 5km of their homes.

The recommendation to move to Level 5 follows what health officials called a significant escalation in the profile of the virus in Ireland over the last week.

Donegal still has the highest incidence rate of the virus in the entire country.

Another 31 cases of Covid were announced for the county yesterday amongst a further 364 cases nationwide.

However, despite recommendations of a lockdown, there are concerns over the mental health of people across the country.

In a tweet, Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid said while there are concerns over the trends in the rise of Covid-19 cases the impact of severe restrictions on people’s mental health as well as the economy need to be considered.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said “leaks and speculation don’t help” and clarity was needed today.

A brother of a West Donegal man missing from his home since last Saturday has appealed for any sightings of the missing man.

Paddy (Patrick) O’Keefe went missing from his home in Kincasslagh early on Saturday morning last.

Patrick is 5ft 9 with a reddish beard and a crew style hair.

He is driving a dark grey Volvo V40 RDesign.

His brother Lar has pleaded with anybody who may have seen Paddy or may know of his whereabouts to get in touch.

He said “If anyone has any information on my brother, Paddy (Patrick O’Keeffe) can you please get in touch with myself, our family or the Gardai.

“His wife Geri last saw him leave the house Saturday shortly before 8am and he hasn’t returned home.

“We are all really worried about him as it is out of character for him. Please get in touch with me or our family or the Gardai on 074 952 1000 (Dungloe) or 1800 666 111
or any Garda Station.”

DONEGAL County Council have refused planning permission for the construction of a Covid-19 test centre in Ballybofey.

An application was lodged on August 8 by P Mulrine & Sons for the construction of a Covid-19 test centre for factory staff.  The facility would have been located on lands opposite to the Mulrine’s factory.

Included in the proposed development was the provision of a vehicular entrance and car parking at the site on Donegal Road, Ballybofey,

Mulrine’s, in their application, said the company employed 180 people at their factory.

“They wish to establish a test facility for their staff for recording,” the application said.

“Temperature and a visual assessment of any possible symptoms of Covid-19 as part of their plan for managing and containing the risk of a Covid-19 cluster at the factory, which could commercially be very damaging to their business.”

Mulrine’s say they are implementing a test regime, but do not have sufficient space on the factory site to carry out this type of procedure without adversely affecting their operations.

The company proposed to test staff in a rota to coincide with the star of the employer’s shift, which runs three shifts seen days a week.

Employees would be tested in two batches of around 25 people at a time.

“The factory must take every possible step to minimise the risk of a clustered outbreak of Covid-19 to protect the violability, continuity and reputation of their business,” Mulrines’ application said.

Donegal County Council, however, have refused the application.

The local authority say that the proposed test centre is located on lands zoned ‘Opportunity Site (2) within the Town Centre as denied in the Ballybofey/Stranorlar Local Area Plan 2018-2024’.

DCC say that it is a policy of the plan to require a Traffic and Transport Assessment and Road Safety Audit for any development proposing access to the Strategic Road Network.

In their decision, Donegal County Council said: “In the absence of such detail (notwithstanding the applicants reliance on an outdated TIA and RSA from an historical application relating to an entirely separate development) and having regard to the traffic cross-over movements associated with both premises to which the development is proposed to serve, it is considered that to permit the proposed development in the absence of such information required to demonstrate that the proposed development will not adversely impact on the operational capacity, safety and efficiency of the National Road would materially contravene the aforementioned Policies of the Plan, would endanger traffic safety and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Gardai are investigating a number of serious incidents which resulted in one man being seriously injured, a car being rammed and another car set on fire and then driven at a house.

The frightening events all took place yesterday at different locations across the county.

The first incident happened at 2.30am yesterday morning at Town View Heights, Ballybofey.

Following reports of a vehicle being rammed, Gardaí observed a car with extensive damage. There were no occupants in the vehicle at this time.

Gardaí then observed a Silver Seat Leon (05 LH 6614) drive at speed in the direction of Killygordon.

A managed containment operation ensued but Gardaí lost sight of this car after it crossed the border into Northern Ireland.

The second incident happened a few hours later at 6.20am at Finn View Lifford.

A resident in the area heard a loud bang and observed that this car, a silver Seat Leon (O5 LH 6614) had made impact with a wall and was on fire.

It’s reported two males fled the scene on foot. The fire was extinguished by local fire services but had caused significant damage to a house in the area. No injuries were reported.

The third incident happened around 11.45am at a house in Convoy when a man was assaulted.

The man, who is in his 30s, was forced into a Grey Mercedes Benz C Series (09 MH 17020) which subsequently drove away from the scene.

A number of Garda units conducted a search of the North Western Region for this vehicle, assisted by colleagues in the PSNI following reports the car may have crossed the border.

At approximately 5:30pm, the male was located in Convoy, County Donegal, and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Following close cooperation between members of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, the offending vehicle was located by the PSNI outside a residence in Castlederg, County Tyrone and three males and two females were arrested on the evening of Sunday, 4th October, 2020.

An incident room has been set up at Letterkenny Garda Station and a full investigation is underway into this incident.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident at Oak Park, Convoy, at approximately 11:45am, to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any persons that may have observed a Grey Mercedes Benz C Series (09 MH 17020) to contact Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Údarás na Gaeltachta has launched a video campaign to highlight the quality of life and the opportunities that await people and families in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

The Donegal Gaeltacht – A New Life Awaits – What are you waiting for? is the campaign’s main slogan which aims, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, to attract people to find a better work life balance and take full advantage of all the opportunities that await them in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

Not only will this campaign attract Gaeltacht people living elsewhere in Ireland, it also focuses on the Irish diaspora and demonstrates how you can operate effectively from the gteic digital hubs located in Gaeltacht areas.

The video illustrates the beauty of the Gaeltacht, the Gaoth Dobhair and Na Rosa areas in this context, as well as all the facilities, recreational and educational activities available to people and families living in the area.

Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Chief Executive Officer Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, speaking at the launch this morning outlined all Donegal has to offer.

He said “A new and better life awaits in the Donegal Gaeltacht and Údarás na Gaeltachta wants to demonstrate that to the entire world. The effects of the COVID-19 virus has shown us the challenges and opportunities created for people who wish to move out of cities and get a taste of a more balanced worklife.

“When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we would like to show them that this type of life is available in Gaeltacht areas around the country. The gteic digital hub network we are developing provides excellent facilities throughout the Gaeltacht.”

gteic@Gaoth Dobhair has been open to the public for the past two years and is part of 31 digital & innovation hubs with highspeed broadband access developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta in areas throughout the Gaeltacht.

As a result of financial support secured under RRDF funding a new floor is nearing completion which will add another possible 100 desks to the fantastic facilities available at gteic@Gaoth Dobhair.

Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, TD officially launched Údarás na Gaeltachta’s gteic Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta a network of innovation and digital hubs in locations throughout Ireland’s Gaeltacht areas with Anna Ní Ghallachair, Board Member and Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta. Photo Clive Wasson

gteic@Gaoth Dobhair provides excellent facilities for businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs and remote workers at competitive rates and a creative and dynamic workspace.

All information in relation to the opportunities available in the Donegal Gaeltacht is available by emailing gaothdobhair@gteic.ie

The video campaign will be available to view on Údarás na Gaeltachta’s social media channels with a link to the organisation’s YouTube channel and organisations in Donegal and in the Gaeltacht are being encouraged to share it widely.

The Donegal Green Party has welcomed the announcement of €96,488 Covid-19 Stability funding for six projects in Donegal.

The announcement was made by Minister Joe O’Brien TD, Green Party Minister of State for Community Development and Charities.

The funding, part of €4.29 million allocated nationally, aims at providing immediate assistance to community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises. It also provides cash injections for organisations that provide critical services to the most vulnerable in society.

The Donegal projects that received funding are:

* Bluestacks Special Needs Foundation – €36,436
* Falcarragh Development Association – €19,315
* Donegal FRC – €23,012
* Drimarone Development Company – €11,639
* Comharchumann Thoraí Teo – €2,250
* Finn Valley FM – €3,386

Donegal Green Party Chairman Michael White said “This is an important cash injection for very deserving projects around the county. And beyond the financial impact, it also signals to these organisations that the government appreciates the huge contribution they make to protecting the vulnerable in society.

Donegal Green Party’s Michael White

“Minister O’Brien has worked in the voluntary and community sector for most of his career and it’s great that as a Minister he is now able to take action that supports that sector during the current crisis.”

Speaking this morning, Minister O’Brien said he was happy to join with colleagues at the Department of Health to announce a further tranche of funding under the COVID 19 Stability fund to Community and Voluntary organisations and Social Enterprises that are experiencing financial difficulties at this time.

He said “My Government colleagues and myself acknowledge and appreciate the work that these organisations do in their communities and I hope that this funding will go some way to support the continuation of their valuable services.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank sincerely all community and voluntary organisations for the work they have done throughout this difficult period to support and provide valuable services to the most disadvantaged in our communities. Their work remains a very important part of getting Ireland through this pandemic and Government recognises and is grateful for that contribution.”

TYLER Toland has joined Scottish champions Glasgow City on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The 19-year-old St Johnston woman has joined Scott Booth’s team, who are chasing a 14th successive League title this season.

Toland joined Manchester City last summer form Sion Swifts and has now moved to Glasgow in search of regular game time. Her fellow Republic of Ireland international Katie McCabe made a similar loan move to Glasgow, from Arsenal, in 2017.

Glasgow City manager Scott Booth said: “Bringing in Tyler is a huge moment for the club. She is a very talented football player. She is also ambitious and we are too.

“The coaching staff will work closely with Tyler to help develop her further as a player and offer her the chance to progress further.

“I’d like to thank Manchester City in helping make this happen. They have genuinely been a pleasure to work with. We all want the very best for Tyler and are delighted to welcome her to the Glasgow City family.”

Glasgow City begin the 2020/21 season away to Celtic on October 18.

It’s finally finished and it’s breathtaking.

The mural of a Letterkenny Street pictured one hundred years ago and painted on the very same street has been completed.

The mural at Church Lane in the Cathedral Quarter is the latest project undertaken by the proud residents who live on the street in the heart of the Cathedral Town.

The artist for the project, which was sponsored by individuals and businesses across the town, was Ciaran Dunlevy.

Motorists in Letterkenny have been warned that roads into one of the town’s major roundabouts will be closed in the coming days.

Road resurfacing works are taking place at the Station Roundabout from 6pm to 7am today, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the 5th to 7th of October.

All approaches to the Station Roundabout will be closed to traffic.

Donegal County Council has said all approaches to the station roundabout, including Ramelton Road, Port Road and Pearse Road will be closed to traffic from 6pm until 7am

Special arrangements have been made for Bus Éireann Station for all bus arrivals and departures.

Two leading Donegal politicians have backed calls for a Level 5 lockdown for the entire country.

Independent Deputy Thomas Pringle and Independent Senator Eileen Flynn have said that in the face of rising Covid-19 cases, NPHET recommendations must be implemented on an all-Ireland basis to prevent recurring lockdowns in the future.

The Independents said that if the government implements the Level 5 restrictions NPHET recommends, this must also be accompanied by the restoration of Covid pay, a stop on evictions, and other social protections brought in at the start of the pandemic crisis.

Deputy Pringle said: “A lockdown has to be done on an all-Ireland basis, and if we can do that and control it we can come out the other side. I don’t think we can continue going into lockdowns every few weeks. It’s not fair on business people – it’s not fair on anyone.

“If we wait for the hospitals to be overrun it will take another four or five weeks for the hospitals to get back to normal again,” Deputy Pringle said.

Covid-19 Public Health Signage in Letterkenny. Photo: Donegal Daily

Senator Flynn said: “With cases rising across the country, it’s time for an all-Ireland health strategy. This is not about politics. It is about looking at this pandemic in a human way, where we all work together to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Deputy Thomas Pringle

“More than ever it’s important for the government to listen to public health professionals because they know what works. They must listen to the public health professionals and do what’s right by the people, and that includes supports for businesses that will give them hope for the future,” she said.

Their calls were echoed by Independent TDs Joan Collins and Catherine Connolly.

Deputy Collins said: “I support a level 5 lockdown on an all-Ireland basis as a way of going forward. This virus does not recognise borders and our strategy must reflect that.”

Deputy Connolly said: “This should have happened in July. We reopened too early, so that has been a missed opportunity. We need to do it now, and we need to ensure that lockdown is accompanied by adequate testing and contact tracing.

“This moment also demands full accountability and information from this government,” Deputy Connolly said.

THE Donegal SFC final has been postponed after the GAA confirmed that all club games have ceased with immediate effect.

Defending champions Naomh Conaill and Kilcar were to joust at Sean Mac Cumhaill Park on Sunday afternoon.

The game had been moved from its original date at the end of September following a positive Covid-19 infection within the Kilcar squad.

It was subsequently pencilled in for this Wednesday but at a meeting of the Donegal Competitions Controls Committee at the end of last week the game was pushed back to the coming weekend.

However, today’s announcement by the GAA has led to its postponement while the Intermediate relegation play-off between Naomh Colmcille and Naomh Ultan is also off.

The GAA say that their decision has been taken ‘in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days’.

The GAA said: “​In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic.”

The future of the 2020 Inter-County season is now shrouded in uncertainty following today’s announcement.

The GAA said: “The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the ​coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.”

The GAA statement read:

The GAA’s Management Committee has today endorsed a decision to suspend all GAA Club games ​at all levels with immediate effect ​and until further notice.

The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days. ​In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic.

This directive applies to all ages and all grades across the island.

Club Social Centres / bars are also to close.

​Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government’s National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the Six Counties.

The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the ​coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.

The Association would also like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.

More than ever, we ask that you continue with this approach where training sessions for your players is continuing.

 

At Divers Hyundai, our service advisors provide the link between our highly trained workshop technicians and our customers during a service visit and act as our retail centre’s frontline in delivering customer-focused service in a fast-paced environment.

They perform the key role of knowledgeable advisor to our customers in respect of the care of their vehicles and in explaining the value of maintaining their vehicles in accordance with Hyundai specifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the first point of contact with customers either in person or by telephone/email, seeking to convert customer enquiries, when appropriate, to service bookings.
• Meet and greet all service customers promptly in a professional and courteous manner when they visit the service department.
• Inspect customers’ vehicles and refer to service history to accurately identify and verify all customers’ service needs and in particular to ensure that all customers concerns are correctly captured on the job card.
• Record customers details accurately, clarify payment options at the time of booking and confirm time for pickup.
• Promote the sales of appropriate services, parts, and accessories by thoroughly understanding the vehicle and associated service requirements.
• Identify and communicate with the sales department prospective new/used car sales prospects.
• Check on progress of services to vehicles throughout the day and contact customer to communicate and receive approval and authorisation regarding any changes in the cost-estimate, promised time of delivery or recommended services.
• Administer new and used vehicle warranty repairs in accordance with Hyundai warranty guidelines.
• To deliver customer satisfaction scores in line with Hyundai standards.

Requirements:

• Excellent customer service skills, professional appearance and work ethic.
• Experience as a service advisor in the motor industry would be an advantage.
• Ability to work well in a process-driven environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Full clean drivers licence.
• Knowledge of dealer management system is an advantage as is a good technical understanding of vehicles.

Rewards:

Competitive salary combined with a commitment to training and career development.

Skills:

Customer Service, communication, contacting customers and aftersales

To apply:

To apply for the above position please email your CV to info@diversgarage.ie or send your CV by post to- The Manager, Divers Hyundai, Canal Road, Letterkenny.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 19th, October
(All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence)