DONEGAL’S 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate per 100,000 people has risen again.

Nine days after being placed onto Level 3 restrictions, Donegal’s incidence rate now stands at 265.1 per 100,000 people – the highest rate in the country.

Today’s rate is an increase from 257.1 yesterday.

The national rate has fallen to 107.4 from 108.0

Seven counties had their incidence rates fall overnight –  Monaghan, Meath, Waterford, Louth, Kildare, Westmeath and Dublin

In Dublin, the rate has dropped to 162.6 in the last 25 hours.

The latest figures, from the HPSC, show that Ireland’s rate has come down overall to 107.4.

As well as Donegal, counties Monaghan (177.6) and Roscommon (159.6) are reporting high incidence rates.

THE Government will reject a recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to move Ireland to a nationwide status of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.

The coalition party leaders Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan today me with the Chief Medical Officer Dr Ton Holohan and leading NPHET offices today.

NPHET, in a letter to the Government yesterday, called for the whole country to move to Level 5.

NPHET said that this was the ‘only opportunity; to bring the Covid-19 infection rate ‘back under control’.

However, the Government is to reject the recommendation and instead move every country to Level 3 – with improvement enforcement measures.

Donegal has been under Level 3 restrictions midnight on Friday, September 25.

A Cabinet meeting, due to get underway at 5.30pm, will discuss the plan.

NPHET says that the powers available to Gardaí under the country’s public health laws should be ‘fully and visibly utilised’.

NPHET are also concerned at the rising number of cases among those aged over 65.

Level 5 would have seen all bar essential retail outlets closed while social gatherings would be restricted and people would again be allowed exercise only within 5km of their homes.

THERE have been another 34 positive cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Donegal.

Nationally today, there were 518 new cases and no further deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Today’s figures mean that there have been 241 cases in Donegal in the last week.

Of the cases notified today: 252 are men and 266 are women; 68 per cent are under 45 years of age; 30 per cent are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case; 78 cases have been identified as community transmission.

Of today’s cases, 134 are in Dublin, 53 in Cork, 49 in Limerick, 34 in Donegal, 32 in Meath and the remaining 216 cases are spread across 20 counties

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We have seen in recent days a significant and concerning deterioration in the epidemiological situation nationally.

“It is vital that we do everything in our power now to arrest the current trajectory nationally and very substantially suppress the virus back down to a low level of transmission in advance of the winter months.

“Do not become distracted from the core public health messages; wash hands regularly, keep your distance, wear face coverings where appropriate, avoid crowded environments, cut your social contacts down to minimum levels, know the symptoms and isolate yourself and contact your GP immediately if you experience them.”

Nine days after being placed onto Level 3 restrictions, Donegal’s incidence rate now stands at 265.1 per 100,000 people – the highest rate in the country.

Today’s rate in the county is an increase from 257.1 yesterday.

The national rate has fallen to 107.4 from 108.0.

In Dublin, the rate has dropped to 162.6 in the last 24 hours.

Earlier today, 616 new cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland. In the last seven days, there have been 3,630 new cases in the region, where the death toll remains at 584.

In total, there have been 14,690 cases in Northern Ireland.

New restrictions came into force in the Derry City and Strabane council area today with pubs, cafes and restaurants now confined to takeaway, delivery and outdoor dining.  People in the area to limit their use of public transport, work from home where possible and sporting fixtures will be held behind closed doors.

A man will stand trial on child pornography charges relating to alleged incidents in County Donegal.

The 43-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with a number of offences.

At Letterkenny District Court, Gardaí gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of the accused.

The man is charged with the production of child pornography for the purpose of distribution, publication, sale or showing.

The man is further charged with knowingly distributing child pornography, of communicating with a child for the purpose of facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child.

He is charged with causing a child under-17 to look at an image of a person engaging in sexual activity.

The man, who has an address in Northern Ireland, stands accused of having child pornography images and videos stored on an electronic device.

The charges relate to incidents in 2019 in County Donegal.

The accused replied ‘no’ to each charge.

The DPP has consented to the accused being returned for trial and also consented to the accused being sent forward for sentence on foot of a signed plea of guilty, should this arise.

Gardaí had no objections to bail.

The man was granted bail on his own bond of €500.

Judge Paul Kelly granted legal aid.

The case was adjourned to allow a book of evidence to be prepared and served on the accused on January 11 next.

Up to 900 metres of water mains are to be replaced in the Lifford area.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Donegal County Council, is replacing the old and damaged drinking water mains in Lifford that are prone to frequent bursts and leakage.

The mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes, which will reduce water supply disruptions for customers in the area.

The drinking watermains that are being replaced are located along Castlefinn Road, Conneyburrow, Lifford.

The works which commenced today will be completed in late November and will ensure customers in this area enjoy an improved water supply with less disruption. Farran’s Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Irish Water.

Commenting on the project Declan Cawley, Irish Water said: “The works will involve the decommissioning and replacement of approximately 900 metres of problematic water mains along Castlefinn Road.

“The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main to customers’ property boundaries and connecting them to the customer’s water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

Declan added “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some local traffic management in place during the works. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

“The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.

“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network across Donegal County and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”

Like many businesses across Donegal, Tobin’s Service Station and Deli were hit badly by the arrival of Covid.

Before the virus struck, the popular Letterkenny outlet was a hive of activity for workers and students.

But Eddie Tobin and his staff are a resilient bunch.

And so they have come up with a unique idea that can see their loyal customers still dine in Tobins – but not quite under its roof!

Tobins have taken ownership of these very unique pods.

The dining pods allow customers to order their food inside and then dine ‘al fresco’ at the back of the building.

It’s not the Riviera or the Chants Elisée but it allows Tobins customers to refuel and to catch up with eachother once more in safety.

Eddie Tobin said today was their first day to use the pods and they have been very busy.

“With the current restrictions leaving cafes and delis unable to have any indoor seating it became necessary to think outside the box and to come up with innovative ideas on how to give customers an option to eat outside while keeping dry.

“Tobins Service station now have six pods available for outdoor dining. They’ve been so popular that we’ve just ordered another two,” said Eddie.

AN TAOISEACH, Micheál Martin, has confirmed that the entire country will be moved to Level 3 of the Covid-19 restrictions from midnight on Tuesday.

In a televised address to the nation, Martin said that it is ‘essential that steps are taken now to bring down the rate of infection’.

The Government decided this evening to reject a recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to make a nationwide move to Level 5.

This, he said, could have resulted in ‘the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs’.

“This is not about public health and businesses competing with each other; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods,” he said.

“If we all act now we can stop the need to introduce Level 4 or Level 5 restrictions.

“We can’t protect one without the other.

“We have decided at this stage not to move to a more comprehensive lockdown. It’s important to understand that the potential implications of such a move are severe and very different to those we faced earlier this year.

“An immediate comprehensive lockdown would make it much harder to deal with non-covid health concerns, including the impact of isolation on the mental health of many of our people.”

Nationally today, there were 518 new cases and no further deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Donegal has been under Level 3 restrictions midnight on Friday, September 25 while Dublin has also been in Level 3 for some time. From midnight on Tuesday, there will be a countrywide move to Level 3.

Martin said that it was important to ‘step up measures to increase compliance’.

“There is an exponential increase in the rate of transmission right across the country,” he said.

“We all must respond.

“This virus had had a profound impact in almost every aspect of our society. This virus will continue to have an impact. We must continue to manage it and protect ourselves.

“The challenge is to be as effective and proportionate as possible. We have held detailed discussions since receiving NPHET’s recommendation.”

“If we act now we can stop the need to go further. I have no doubt that we can and will get through this.

NPHET had, in a letter to the Government on Sunday, recommended a nationwide move to Level 5. Dr Tony Holohan, the Chief Medical Officer, and leading NPHET members met with the three coalition leaders at Government buildings this afternoon.

The Cabinet decided to reject NPHET’s plan – the first time that they have rejected public health advice.

Level 5 would have seen all bar essential retail outlets closed, social gatherings would have been restricted and people would have been allowed exercise only within 5km of their homes.

NPHET said that this was the ‘only opportunity; to bring the Covid-19 infection rate ‘back under control’.

Martin said: “I have no doubt that we can and will get through this. We will reach a time when we can again go about our lives without worrying whether we can catch or transmit this terrible virus.

“What happens next rests in our own hands, and in our responsibility to each other.”

THE number of people in Donegal receiving a Pandemic Unemployment Payment has jumped by just under 2,000 people in the last week.

As of yesterday, October 6, there were 7,946 people in Donegal in receipt of a PUP.

That number is up from 5,949 last week – an increase of 1,997.

Donegal went into Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions at midnight on Friday, September 25.

Since then, many businesses in the hospitality centre have shut their doors again due to a ban on indoor dining – a move that has affected pubs, hotels and restaurants across the county.

There were 123 people in Donegal who have closed their PUP payment from October 6 to return to work.

Nationally, the Department of Social Protection issued payments valued at €55.2 million to 205,593 people for the Covid-19 PUP this week.

The number of people receiving a PUP payment this week represents a drop of 11,549 on the 217,142 people paid last week.

Across the country, 7,298 people have closed their claim for the PUP this week.

The sector with the highest number of people receiving a PUP payment this week is Accommodation and Food Service Activities (51,286) followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (29,353) and Administrative and Support Service activities (22,129).

A MAN who stole a bottle of champagne in a dawn burglary at a Letterkenny pub has appeared in court.

Myles Connors (41) of Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny, was before Letterkenny District Court charged with theft on dates in 2019 and 2020.

The court heard that on September 24, 2019, Gardaí received a call to the Market Square, Letterkenny, where they found an intoxicated male with three bottles of alcohol. Connors was arrested under section 4 of the public order act.

Subsequently, Gardaí received a report that a male had gained entry to the Downtown Bar. CCTV was recovered, which showed Connors throwing a rock at a pane of glass at 6.38am.

After gaining entry to the bar, Connors stole a bottle of Benoit champagne and bottle of Tullamore Dew and Teeling whiskey. The combined value of the stolen items was €297.

On September 28, 2020, Gardaí received a call at 10.22am from Costa at Letterkenny Shopping Centre. A supervisor reported that a male entered the store, proceeded to the till and removed an employee tip jar, containing tips from the previous day. The sum of €100 was taken.

Connors made admissions to the theft and had €21.50 on his person when Gardai spoke with him.

Connors was also charged with an incident on November 12, 2019. Gardaí responded to a call that a drunk male was lying on the road at Neil T Blaney Road.

Connors staggered to his feet, made swings and shouted obscenities to Gardai. After his arrest, Connors vomited in the back of the patrol car. A cost of €110 was discharged by An Garda Síochána to clean the car.

Solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher said that his client was a 41-year-old single man who had ‘his own issues over the years’.

“All the offences are alcohol related,” he said.

The court noted that Connors had previous but was ‘off the radar’ for six years until 2019.

Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case to January 11 to allow for the preparation of probation and community service reports.

Local Enterprise Office Donegal has launched an exciting new programme to develop female entrepreneurship in the county.

AMBITION is a pre-accelerator programme run by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, in partnership with NDRC, which sources and builds digital startups to invest in and work with.

The AMBITION programme is open to female founders, entrepreneurs, or those with a strong start-up idea, who have links to Donegal. The business idea with the most potential will be awarded €10,000.

(Pictured above is Brenda Hegarty, Assistant Head of Enterprise, Donegal, Helen Fullen of NDRC and Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise Donegal who are running AMBITION, a pre-accelerator course to develop female entrepreneurship in the county. See www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal)

Brenda Hegarty, Assistant Head of Enterprise, Donegal says: “The AMBITION programme is designed to encourage more women to plan and start ambitious businesses in Donegal. If you have a solid idea, this programme can help you transform your ideas into commercially viable start-ups.”

“We want to encourage, develop and harness the power of female entrepreneurship in Donegal and we are looking for smart new business ideas from women who live in Donegal, want to re-locate to Donegal, or have family links or connections to the county.

“The programme is open to any woman with a business start-up idea for a new technology, product or service. AMBITION is about developing female entrepreneurship, so once they have a business idea that has growth potential and global ambition, this course is for them.”

Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise, Donegal, says the AMBITION programme is about giving course participants the tools they need to figure out if their idea has the potential to be something big.

He added “This is Donegal’s first Pre-Accelerator Programme, and it will provide participants with the start-up tools and techniques, peer learning and mentoring to help them develop their business idea into something that is globally scalable.”

“Access to role models is another key aspect of the course” Michael adds. “Participants will learn from CEO’s like Gillian Doyle of Cerebreon who will share their expertise of taking a business from the idea stage, to the start-up phase, to international expansion. The course will be delivered online, so we hope to attract women from across the diaspora, helping them to develop the building blocks required for female entrepreneurs to succeed.”

Helen Fullen, Pre-Acceleration Lead at NDRC says: “We’re delighted to partner with Local Enterprise Office Donegal on this exciting new programme. Statistics show start-ups do better with female founders; companies with more gender diversity delivered 30% better results from IPOs and women-led high-tech start-ups achieve 35% higher return on investment than male-owned companies.

“Women-led venture-backed high-tech start-ups generate 12% higher annual revenues than male owned tech companies. The Ambition programme seeks to nurture innovation and creativity and hone entrepreneurial skills amongst female entrepreneurs with links to Donegal. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their business ideas with one-to-one mentoring and get invaluable access to entrepreneurial role models, to learn their tools and techniques.”

NDRC provides digital start-ups with an integrated offering of knowledge, experience and expertise to enable them to become investor-ready faster, more successfully and more efficiently.

For further information on the AMBITION Pre-Accelerator programme visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal

Five people arrested in County Tyrone by police investigating the abduction and assault of a man in Donegal have been released on bail.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was allegedly attacked by three men at a house in Convoy at 11.45am on Sunday morning last.

Gardai said he was forced into a grey Mercedes and found five hours later.

He was treated in hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle was later located by the PSNI outside a house in Castlederg, County Tyrone.

Three men and two women arrested following searches of the property have been released on bail pending further enquires, the PSNI said.

Gardaí said they are linking the attack to a spate of incidents in Donegal – in Ballbofey, Killygordon and Lifford – in the early hours of Sunday.

The community of Carndonagh are celebrating winning a top award in Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Awards 2020.

The Inishowen market town has scooped the title of Ireland’s ‘Most Enterprising Town’ with a population of 2,001-4,000.

Carndonagh takes away a prize of €10,000 to boost the town’s Covid-19 recovery.

The awards were announced this morning by Tommy Bowe, with Kilrush, Co. Clare coming in runner-up in the population category. Kinsale in Co. Cork took the overall prize as Ireland’s Most Enterprising Town 2020.

Carndonagh’s business community has been praised with “its excellent leadership and its collaborative approach to growing the town has second, third and fourth generations trading in it.

Judges also hailed Carndonagh’s ambition to “transform it from a town that visitors drive through to an attractive tourist destination in its own right”.

Fundraising for the critical Lifeline service also caught the judges’ attention.

“Overall the judges were convinced that this peripheral market town, steeped in history and heritage, is well on the way to achieving its’ ambition,” Bowe said.

Next up is the towns with a population of 2,001-4,000, which saw Kilrush and Carndonagh as the two finalists.

The winner is…….#BeginTogether pic.twitter.com/2gM5tON67E

— Bank of Ireland (@bankofireland) October 6, 2020

This week, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is hosting a week-long programme promoting road safety across Ireland.  One of the key messages is regular tyre checks.  After all, it’s the only part of your car connected to the road.  But did you know, that the legal limit for tyres is 1.6mm?

Here’s Ulster Tyres’ quick guide to tyre safety will  help keep you and your family safe on the road:

Tyre pressure and tread depth:

The legal minimum tread depth in Ireland is 1.6mm across a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread and round its entire circumference. Tyre treads are designed to give good grip on wet roads but in general wet grip decreases as the tyre tread depth approaches the legal minimum. Motorists should take this into consideration and reduce speed when driving in wet conditions. For the same reason motorists may wish to consider replacing tyres before the tread depth reaches the legal minimum

Having the correct wheel inflation levels is vital as your wheels need to support the weight of your car and  also its passengers. Required tyre inflation varies from car model to car model, so you need to check your specific car manufacturer’s handbook.  As the temperature drops, so does your tyre pressure. So, if you haven’t inflated your tyres over the last few months, there is a chance they have less pressure than you think.

Tyre age

Age is another critical factor when it comes to the health of your tyres. Tyres deteriorate naturally through exposure to heat, sunlight (Ultraviolet/UV), rain and general weathering. The process of the tyre degrading can depend on the amount of exposure and the severity of the weather.  In everyday vehicles, tyres almost certainly will wear out before they degrade to such an extent they are unusable. Tyres more than 10 years old, including your spare tyres, should be replaced, even if they appear to be in good condition and above the legal tread wear limit of 1.6mm. Believe it or not, when a tyre has been in use, the effects of aging are lessened to a degree, so tyres that have been in storage should not be placed into use if more than six years old. So, remember to check the age of your tyres, and this can be found on the tyre sidewall, the serial number comprises of a four-digit code which refers to the tyre’s date of manufacture (the last two digits refer to the year of manufacture and the first two the week in that year e.g. 2017 is week 20 of 2017). Tyre aging increases the risk of tyre failure which may include a blow-out while being driven.

Pot Hole Abuse 

Driving over pot-holes, kerbs, etc, even at low speed, can result in the weakening or fracture of the tyre’s inner structure. It may be dangerous to re-inflate a tyre which has been run flat or seriously under inflated and such tyres should be removed for comprehensive examination by a tyre specialist.

Tyres should be inspected at least monthly for punctures, cuts, bulges, cracking or any other abnormal visual indications. Particular attention should be paid to tyres that are used infrequently; for example as fitted to spare wheels, trailers, caravans and specialist or collector’s vehicles. Motorists should also be attentive to any unusual noise or vibration arising from the tyre whilst driving. If any degradation is found or suspected the consumer is strongly advised to have the tyre inspected as soon as practicable. 

Stay tuned to Ulster Tyres Facebook page for top tips during Road Safety Week.

When was the last time you made sure your smoke alarm was in working order?

This week is National Fire Safety Week and the focus is on fire safety in the home.

We are spending more time at home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and it is important to protect ourselves and our homes from fire.

Remember:  Smoke Alarms Save Lives and they should be tested weekly.

As our routines change in these challenging times, we can build new fire safety habits to bring with us as we adapt and change to our new normal.

Unfortunately, more than 40 people die in Ireland each year as a result of fire. Tragically, over 90% of the incidents occur in the home, both the very young and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. As part of Fire Safety Week we are encouraging people to fit smoke alarms to their homes and make sure they are in good working order.

Smoke alarms will warn you if there is a fire in your home, and remember your sense of smell does not work when you are asleep, and smoke can put you into a deeper sleep.

Things to Remember:

• Smoke alarms can be tested weekly by pressing the test button with the handle of a floor brush or a mop.
• Replace the batteries when you hear a warning beep/chirp and once a year
• If you have 10 year smoke alarms then you need to replace the whole smoke alarm after 10 years, the units are generally date stamped on the side.
• There should be at least one smoke alarm for each floor, but if possible smoke alarms should be provided to the kitchen and bedrooms
• If someone in the home is deaf or has impaired hearing there are alternatives to audible warnings, such as strobe lights, vibrating pads that can alert in the event of a fire.
• Position the smoke alarms at ceiling level in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• If the smoke alarm gets clogged then it may not work properly, vacuum the smoke alarm and wipe the cover regularly

Don’t Forget

Smoke alarms are the first line of defence to STOP fire, international research has shown that a working smoke alarm reduces the risk of death in a fire by nearly 50%. It gives you time to act before the smoke and fumes can be build up to life threatening levels.

With more and more city dwellers becoming disillusioned with congested city life, the Covid-19 pandemic has cast a spotlight on locations like Donegal as a meaningful alternative to the lengthy commutes and high cost of living.

For Cathrine Burke and Niall Campbell, of Breac House, Dunfanaghy, the story is all too familiar.

Once Chartered Accountants based in Dublin’s city centre, the couple abandoned the corporate ladder for a major career and lifestyle change in the quiet calm of Donegal’s majestic countryside.

“Standing in Hornhead on a May bank holiday getaway, it was one of those eureka moments. This is the place and the time is now,” says Cathrine.

“While working in Dublin, we realised that the corporate, urban way of living had major limitations and the experience really inspired us to think about how we could relocate and set up a business to combine our love for travel and hospitality with a more sustainable, enriched quality of life.”

The couple met at university in Dublin and their love of travel meant that they took every opportunity to get away from the city on weekends, which is how they came to fall for Donegal.

Cathrine and Niall of Breac House.

“Niall’s relatives had a holiday home in the Rosses in Donegal and so he spent a lot of time here as a child, so it’s always been very close to his heart. We are both very passionate about travel so as the years went on we found ourselves spending more and more time in Donegal. It’s not just the landscape but also the people, the strong creative and food offering and the amenities.”

“We found ourselves going to Donegal so often that we bought a cottage in Annagry as a weekend retreat and from there, decided that the time was right to consider setting up a business in the county and making a permanent move.”

“We began to look at properties where we could create a truly authentic tourist experience that encompassed everything that Donegal had to offer. Once we arrived here in Hornhead, we knew straight away that this was the perfect spot for Breac House with not only the beautiful landscape but also the caliber of nearby businesses. We knew that we could create something really special here.”

The couple wanted the project to strongly reflect the dramatic beauty of Donegal, one that would be seamlessly intertwined with the natural landscape to create an experience that would showcase Donegal at every turn.

“Our vision was always that everything about the house would be as true to Donegal as possible with granite from Fanad, quartz flagstones from Ardara, hand-woven fabric from Eddie Doherty, local pottery from Muck ‘n’ Muffins, bespoke Donegal Natural Soap, mulberry tree beakers from Ciaran McGill and letterpress card from The Pear in Paper.

“Our breakfast tray is a showcase of Donegal artisan produce with locally sourced breads, pastries, jams, butter, eggs, honey and smoked salmon.  The caliber of local businesses around Donegal and the strong tourism product was one of the primary factors in positioning our business here.”

“From the bedrooms or the lounge, guests can look out at Muckish mountain and we themed the house around that landscape, choosing palettes that bring the surroundings to life.”

Since opening in 2017, Breac House has become an internationally renowned retreat, winning multiple prestigious awards and attracting tourists from all over the world.

“Up until this year, we’ve welcomed a lot of visitors from the international tourism market with much of our business coming from Germany, Austria and the Scandinavian countries, who are known for their love of niche travel experiences.

Break House and its stunning views.

“This year with the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw a record number of domestic tourists coming to Breac House. One of the real positives to come from this challenging time is the sheer volume of Irish tourists who looked to Donegal as their destination of choice this summer.”

“Donegal is famous for many things but most of all its people, sense of community and the welcome you get here. We have incorporated that world renowned welcome into our offering at Breac House, with a real home from home experience.”

Looking out at the luminous waves of Sheephaven Bay, Cathrine says they have never looked back since uprooting to Donegal.

“Donegal is incredibly captivating and the quality of life here is incomparable. To live and run our own business here has been an experience beyond what we ever imagined. This is our home now and it’s a dream come true for us.”

A Kincasslagh man who has been missing from his home since last Saturday has been found safe.

Patrick ‘Paddy’ O’Keefe, who is originally from Dublin, went missing from his West Donegal home on Saturday morning last when he drove away in his grey Volvo car.

His worried wife Geri and brother Lar issued appeals for Paddy to get in touch.

However, a short while ago it has been confirmed that Paddy has got in touch with his family and is safe.

It is understood Paddy was in the Buncrana area.

The family thanked everyone for helping to find Paddy.

Gardaí are investigating a criminal damage incident after a car was set on fire in Clonmany last weekend.

Fire services were called to a car blaze at Ballymacmoriarty shortly before 10pm on Sunday 4th October.

The fire was eventually extinguished and a probe is underway.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information in relation to the fire to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 0749320540.

The incidence rate of Covid-19 in Donegal is almost two and a half times the national average as the county figure takes another rise today.

Donegal continues to have the highest 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 in the country, with a figure of 273.3.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre reports that Ireland’s national incidence rate is now 114.3.

Monaghan has the second highest rate with 206.9, followed by Dublin with 167.1 and Roscommon with a rate of 154.9.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Donegal rose by a further 34 diagnoses on Sunday. 518 new cases of the virus were confirmed nationwide.

In the two weeks from Sunday 20th September to Sunday 4th October, Donegal has recorded 435 additional cases of Covid-19.

With Donegal Connect 2020 fast approaching, there has been a huge interest from virtual audiences across the globe.

The event which takes place on Thursday October 8th will focus on key themes including relocating to Donegal, remote working, business and tourism innovation as well as an Irish and
Contemporary music session.

Speaking ahead of Donegal Connect 2020, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Rena Donaghy said “It was really important that we were able to hold Donegal Connect in 2020 and thanks to the technology available, we can welcome the people of Donegal, our Diaspora and other interested parties to Donegal Connect virtually this year.

“We are delighted with the response received so far. For those who have registered, spread the word among your networks. We want to showcase Donegal to as many as we can.”

If your current work life balance is a struggle then the morning session is of particular relevance. It focuses on Relocating to and Remote Working in Donegal.

It will have a range of speakers from those who have made the move to Donegal, remote workers in the county, and support structures such as The Citizens Information, Crosscare and Grow Remote to assist those who are considering making the move.

Donegal is home to a range of new and emerging technologies and innovation which will be showcased during the afternoon Innovation session. It will feature talks from Dr. Stephen Seawright of the WiSar Labs in LYIT, Stephen Mulligan from Three Ireland, Pramerica’s Joe Dunleavy and Dr. Gillian Doyle who will share the Cerebreon journey to Donegal. A VR tourism experience courtesy of Emagine Media will also illuminate some of Donegal’s best known landmarks.

The audience will be able to unwind with an eclectic treat of Traditional and Contemporary music.

The set features Donegal’s own In Their Thousands performing alternative rock, with Bostonian Irish Devri and New York-based Cherish The Ladies, both with strong Diaspora influences, also featuring.

To book tickets now for this FREE event visit www.donegalconnect.com, email info@donegaldiaspora.ie, or call +353 74 9160735.

Homeland Store in Letterkenny require a sales assistant.

Reporting to the Homeland Branch Manager, the successful candidate will work as part of a close-knit team to ensure an excellent customer experience is provided to all Homeland customers.

This opportunity has extensive growth opportunities for the successful candidate who demonstrates a drive & a will to go the extra mile in their daily operations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Dealing with customers queries, ensuring customer retention and maintaining customer satisfaction
• Dealing with transactions including cash management
• Inventory management and stock control
• Merchandising
• Developing a working knowledge of the Core system
• Adhoc tasks, duties and projects as required

Qualifications and Skills:

• Previous retail / sales experience in Agri, DIY & Hardware, Paint and / or Gardening
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong communication skills
• An ability to work on own initiative
• Good computer skills
• Drive and willingness to be flexible
• Strong knowledge of the agricultural sector

Please forward your updated CV to careers@aurivo.ie