Planning permission has been granted for a new accommodation block at the rear of a pub in the centre of Donegal Town.

KBS Property Management Ltd, with a registered address in Mountcharles, will build 29 ensuite bedrooms behind O’Donnell’s Bar in The Diamond.

The proposed development will see the demolition of the existing rear extension and the construction of a new three storey building. 

Two adjoining property owners lodged submissions stating that windows in the new development would be overlooking their premises.

However, council planners granted permission, subject to 14 conditions.

One condition states that the B&B accommodation should be used for short-term letting of less than 90 days. They must not be used for permanent living.

The post New holiday accommodation block to be built at Donegal Town bar appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Two men have appeared in court this morning charged with the murder of Karen Cummings, a children’s nurse killed in Banbridge in Co Down at the weekend.

The 40-year-old was found unconscious in her home on Saturday evening and was pronounced dead a short time later.

RTE News is reporting the mother-of-two died as the result of a gunshot wound.

Glenn King, 32, of no fixed address in Lurgan, and Kevin McGuigan, 42, of Annacloy Park in Hillsborough, appeared at Newry Magistrates Court by video link from Musgrave police station in Belfast this morning.

Both are charged with murdering Ms Cummings, with Mr McGuigan also charged with possession of a double barrelled shotgun and ammunition and handling stolen goods.

A PSNI Detective Constable told the court he could connect both men to the charges, and they each confirmed that they understood those charges.

There were no applications for bail and they were remanded in custody to appear in court again by video link on 9 January.

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RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta (RnaG) announced today that the Séamuis Mhic Géidigh Award for player of the 2024 championship in Donegal is to be presented to Shane O’Donnell of St Eunan’s.

The Letterkenny men defeated Dungloe in this year’s County Final and O’Donnell’s performances in the championship were exceptional.

The Séamus MacGéidigh Award is bestowed every year to the player of the championship. The selection is made by a committee of Donegal sports journalists, and Damien Ó Dónaill from RnaG is chairman.

“O’Donnell’s display in this year’s final was excellent, and he played a very important role in the other league games as well,” Ó Dónaill said.

“Shane had a great year with the county and his club. Congratulations to Shane, and my thanks also to the county’s sports journalists who collaborated to select this year’s award recipient.”

Shane will be presented with the award at the St Eunan’s GAA Dinner Dance.

Broadcaster Séamus Mac Géidigh passed away suddenly in 2016, a man who was particularly known for his excellent commentary on GAA matches. 

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta initiated this award in his honour. So far, the award has been awarded to Michael Murphy, Mark McHugh, Odhrán MacNiallais, Ciarán Thompson, Caolan Ward, Brendan Mc Dyre and Óisín Gallen.

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A Newtowncunningham man will be driving around in style this Christmas after winning a cool BMW.

Patrick McGuigan scooped the BMW X3 M-Sport in a Pristine Competition.

Safety driving Patrick!

The post Newtowncunningham man wins stunning BMW appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic:  An example of a scam DHL ‘Not Home’ card which are currently in circulation around the county.

Donegal Gardaí have urged householders to be aware of a DHL ‘Not Home’ card scam that is happening at present.

DHL couriers in Ireland do leave official cards (see example below) when no one is home to accept a delivery. These cards include a QR code for rescheduling your delivery.

Scanning this QR code should redirect you to: https://ondemand.dhl.com/prg/on-demand-delivery.xhtml….

Alternatively, typing DHL.ie/ondemand in your browser will direct you to the same link.

“If you are directed to a different address or if you encounter cards that don’t match the genuine sample shown, do not scan the code on them or interact with them,” a garda spokesperson said.

“Stay vigilant and please inform others.”

The post Donegal Gardaí warn of DHL ‘Not Home’ delivery card scam appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Wild Ireland has been granted permission to expand their wildlife attraction in Inishowen.

The animal sanctuary in Burnfoot has been given the green light to expand its existing wildlife enclosures. This expansion would involve adding new fencing, walkways, and viewing areas within the current wildlife habitat.

Documents lodged to Donegal County Council show plans for new enclosures for red deer, wolves, fallow deer and an expansion to the bear enclosure.

The Wild Ireland team celebrated their fifth birthday on Friday the 25th of October with cake for the human team members and special treats for the furry residents.

According to its website, the attraction receives over 130,000 visitors per year, has rescued over 100 animals and has planted more than 10,000 trees.

Opened by Buncrana man Killian McLaughlin in 2019, the park is home to rescued animals including brown bears, wolves and a lynx, which were once native to Ireland, as well as a wide variety of other species including snowy owls, wallabies and monkeys.

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Main pic: The new Arranmore Lifeboat Station which was officially opened in September. Picture: Declan Doherty

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Arranmore is looking for a volunteer to join the existing team in the role of Launch Authority.

Located on the north-east side of the island of Arranmore, this Severn class lifeboat station has a long history of saving lives at sea going back to 1883.

The Lifeboat Crew are all volunteers, headed up by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launch Authorities and supported by a Shore Crew team. All boat and shore crew follow the RNLI’s national Competency Based Training Scheme and respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats. The wider team includes volunteer fundraisers, shop volunteers and water safety volunteers.

The impact you will make

This role will help us save lives at sea by carrying out the day to day management of the lifeboat station to ensure a permanent state of readiness for service.

What you will be doing

• Authorise launch of the lifeboats 
• Provide leadership in the absence of the Lifeboat Operations Manager or as delegated
• Ensure that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service.

To apply, and for further information, go to www.volunteering.rnli.org

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Plans have been submitted to Donegal County Council for the conversion of a former Irish college in west Donegal to a writers’ retreat.

Annemarie Ní Churreáin is seeking planning permission for a ‘change of use’ for the school in Mín na Leice, Anagaire, known as Colaiste Phádraig’ to residential accommodation and writers’ studio.

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A stalemate has developed over Donegal County Council’s plans to purchase nine homes in Letterkenny – with the families living in the homes pleading for a solution.

The homes on the Ballymacool estate had been put up on the market by property company Twin Estates in November, 2023 which would have left tenants facing eviction.

The company has since been in negotiation with the council to clarify if they would be interested in purchasing some of the properties under the Tenant-in-Situ scheme.

In April last the council said it had to complete checks on the homes but “remains committed” to buying the properties.

“We would hope that Twin Estates Ltd will allow tenants to remain in situ until the process concludes,” the council said in a statement.

As part of this process, Donegal County Council instructed HD McKay Consulting Engineers to examine the properties on offer.

The Twin Estates company said it has carried out all block testing and analysis in accordance with I.S. 465, the results of which were sent to the council two months ago on the 14th of October 2024 last.

However, the company says it has not heard back from Donegal County Council since.

Last week, Twin Estates wrote to the tenants saying they must withdraw their offer to Donegal County Council because they have had no contact from the council.

In a letter seen by Donegal Daily, Mr Phil Boyle, development executive with Twin Estates, wrote to tenants saying it was with “deep regret” that he was writing to them to inform them of the latest situation especially as it occurred just before Christmas.

He wrote “It is with the deepest regret especially at this time of year, that I must now withdraw my company’s offer to sell 9 number houses at Ballymacool, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal to the Donegal County Council.

“This decision has not been taken lightly but due to a lack of communication and urgency from the council, I feel that it is the only option as my company cannot afford to allow the sale of these house to go on indefinitely.”

Donegal County Council today held a meeting to discuss the proposal to buy the homes from Twin Estates.

However, no agreement was reached with councillors being told that the council has not received all the information they require from the vendor, Twin Estates.

Reacting to the latest meeting, Mr Boyle said that this was simply not the case and that he has given the council all the information they requested.

“This is not true. I have not been communicated that message. I gave them IS465 Test results and I had my engineer answer four additional questions they asked for with regards to the results.

“They told me verbally that they had a meeting and that they would decide. That’s where we left it. I asked them for a sit down to two weeks ago and I have had nothing but out of office emails since.”

Donegal Daily has contacted Donegal County Council for an updated reaction.

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Update: The road is now cleared.

The main Letterkenny to Lifford road remains blocked this morning due to a lorry breaking down.

The vehicle got into difficulties at Drumoghill and Gardai are at the scene to assist.

Updates to follow.

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Sinn Féin Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn has branded the month-long recess for Dáil TDs as “unacceptable”.

“People are crying out for leadership,” the Sinn Féin Chief Whip said yesterday, as the Dáil met for the first time since the general election.

Following the election of the Ceann Comhairle, a recess was decided until 22nd January.

Deputy Mac Lochlainn said that Opposition whips wanted the Dáil to reconvene on the 15th of January, as is normal after the Christmas recess.

“It is four long weeks, five is unacceptable,” he said.

Deputies went to a vote, with 88 voting for recess until 22nd January and 77 against.

Donegal’s Fianna Fáil deputies Pat the Cope Gallagher and Charlie McConalogue voted for the longer recess, while Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn and Charles Ward of the 100% Redress Party voted against.

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‘Its so convincing’

Daniel O’Donnell is warning fans of a Christmas scam that has been circulating, where fraudsters are impersonating him and promoting fake offers.

These scams falsely claim to offer exclusive Christmas packages and meet-and-greet opportunities. pic.twitter.com/DwzcZfLgx1

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) December 19, 2024

Video: Good Morning Britain

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Fine Gael Councillor, Jimmy Kavanagh, has been nominated by the party in Donegal to contest the Seanad Election in February.

The Tirconaill Tribune is reporting that the Letterkenny councillor was joined in the fight for the nomination by John McNulty (Kilcar), John Curran (Falcarragh), Johnny McGuinness (Culdaff), and Charles Gallagher (Letterkenny).

If successful, he will be seeking a nomination on either the Admin or Labour panels.

It is understood the party will hold a national meeting later this week to select the candidates who will contest the election.

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Donegal’s first static speed camera will be in operation tomorrow (Friday) on the N13 road between Manorcunningham and Letterkenny.

The camera, located at Killyverry, has been in the commissioning and testing phase for a period before tomorrow’s switch-on.

The camera will be clocking vehicles breaking the 100km/h speed limit, and drivers who do so will be subject to prosecution from Friday 20th December 2024.

Speeding drivers face a fine of €160 accompanied by 3 penalty points.

The N13 camera is the third static speed camera to be installed nationally as part of enhanced road safety efforts by An Garda Síochána.

Gardaí will also conduct its final National Slow Down of 2024 this Friday 20th December, 2024.

“The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision,” gardaí said.

“To date, 167 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

“An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the festive period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.”

The post Static speed camera going live in Donegal tomorrow appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: Drone footage of the November 2020 bog slide at the Meenbog Wind Farm.

The Court of Appeal has ruled that planning deviations mean the entire Meenbog Wind Farm near Ballybofey is ‘unauthorised’.

It has also upheld an order secured by Donegal County Council earlier this year stopping works at the site where a major bog slide occurred four years ago with “significant environmental consequences”. 

Ms Justice Nuala Butler ruled yesterday that the appeal brought by Planree Limited and Mid Cork Electrical Limited against restraints imposed on them by the local authority preventing further development was to be ‘wholly dismissed’.

Last April, the council secured the High Court order prohibiting further development of the wind farm between Barnesmore Gap and Ballybofey.

Mr Justice David Holland’s order restrained the appellants from finishing their “largely complete” 19-turbine project on primarily blanket bog.

The judge said the companies also agreed to apply to An Bord Pleanála for ‘substitute consent’ – to regularise the status of what were “multiple” deviations from the planning permission – but had argued that this could take some years given processing backlogs.

The judge said the parties agreed the wind farm works caused or at least contributed to the occurrence of the bog slide but that those groundworks conformed with permissions granted. Both sides agreed there was no evidence that the slide was caused by the developers’ negligence or the planning deviations, he said.

The developers submitted that between 90 and 95 per cent of the groundworks were complete, with turbine and rotor installation the primary outstanding works.

The companies appealed the order halting further development, arguing that they should be allowed to complete the remaining authorised elements of the farm and to operate it, pending the board’s decision on their substitute consent application.

In the Court of Appeal judgment delivered yesterday, Justice Butler said Planree and Mid-Cork Electrical had come to accept there were “multiple deviations” from their planning permission for the site.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the council refused planning permission for works linked to the controversial development.

Mid-Cork Electrical Ltd sought the go-ahead for the construction of three new culverts, to replace existing ones, along the N15 at Barnesmore Gap.

They were to be used to connect the wind farm, which is only partially completed, to the National Grid. However, council planners this week refused permission for the latest application, stating it was ‘premature’ given ongoing legal proceedings.

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Buncrana town will be buzzing with more evening and night-time events this winter with a special focus on safe socialising and less antisocial behaviour.

Buncrana was one of nine pilot towns and cities across Ireland chosen in 2022 for a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at revitalising and expanding the country’s night-time economy.

This campaign focuses on boosting the social, cultural, and economic activities that take place after 6pm, helping communities to thrive after dark.

One of the key initiatives being introduced across all nine pilot locations is the ‘Safe & Sound’ anti-social behaviour campaign.

This important campaign encourages respect and responsibility among people enjoying the night-time economy, promoting a culture of safety and consideration. The campaign aims to remind everyone to make positive choices and treat others with respect when out at night.

John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are delighted that Buncrana has been chosen as one of the pilot towns for this important national initiative. This is a great opportunity for the town to be at the forefront of efforts to enhance the night-time economy, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on the local community and businesses.”

As part of this initiative, Night-Time Economy Advisors have been appointed throughout Ireland to support the development of local action plans. Buncrana, alongside Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Drogheda, and Longford, will play a leading role in shaping the future of the night-time economy in their respective areas.

Sophie Gallagher, Night-Time Economy Advisor for Buncrana, highlighted the initiatives underway, saying: “The night-time economy is a vital part of our community’s social and economic life. Through this initiative, we’ll be working closely with local businesses, cultural groups, and residents to create an action plan that will enhance the variety of activities and opportunities available after dark. A key component of the initiative is the ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign, which promotes a culture of respect and safety in our night-time spaces. We hope this campaign will help make Buncrana, and towns across Donegal, a more vibrant and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.”

As part of the ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign, posters featuring key messages will be displayed in venues across Buncrana and beyond, ensuring the campaign’s reach throughout the festive season and into the future. The hope is that these initiatives will foster safer, more inclusive environments in communities across Ireland.

Buncrana’s selection as a pilot town marks a significant step in the development of the night-time economy, with the town set to benefit from greater collaboration, community involvement, and a more vibrant evening scene in the months and years ahead.

The post Safe & Sound campaign to keep Buncrana buzzing after dark! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Anyone planning a festive dip or swim or intending to enjoy a coastal walk over the Christmas period is urged to be mindful of the potential risks and to put safety first.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI have launched a joint appeal.

The increase in popularity of festive dips and swims will see a lot of people taking to the open water over the next few weeks. Many people will also avail of the opportunity to participate in coastal walks and hikes. The three maritime organisations are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy these activities and that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

For those taking part in winter dips and swims, the advice is:

* Check weather, wind and tides before going in the water

* Inform someone ashore of your plans and your return time

* Acclimatise slowly when entering the water and stay warm before and after your swim or dip

* Wear a bright cap and tow float to increase your visibility

* Never swim alone and stay within your depth

* Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

For those planning to enjoy a coastal walk or run during the Christmas break, the advice is:

* Check weather and tide times before venturing out

* Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges

* Be aware of the conditions and your own capabilities

* If walking or running be aware that coastal paths, promenades, and piers may be slippery or prone to waves breaking over them

* Take a fully charged phone with you

* In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Coast Guard

Speaking on behalf of the three organisations, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland’s Chair said: “We know many people will be looking forward to getting out and about over Christmas for a walk or run, a dip or swim, or another water-based activity. It is important that everyone plans and prepares accordingly so they can enjoy themselves and come and go safely. Following simple tips such as checking the weather in advance, letting someone know where you are going and when you are due back and acclimatising slowly when entering the water when swimming or dipping, will all contribute to ensuring your overall safety.

“For walkers and runners, it is important to know that tide times and heights can vary and can easily catch you out, so always check tables in advance to avoid getting cut off and stranded. While you’re out, be aware of your surroundings and the tide’s direction.”

As another year ends, the Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI extend their sincere thanks to the search and rescue volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year protecting people on the water and extend their best wishes to everyone for a safe and peaceful Christmas.

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AFLW club Adelaide Crows has confirmed former Donegal LGFA star Amy Boyle-Carr will remain with them until at least 2026.

This morning they said they have signed the Glenties woman on a professional contract for another two years.

Last December, she signed with the ‘Crows’ as a rookie for the 2024 AFLW season.

Crows Head of Women’s Football, Phil Harper, said Boyle-Carr impressed in her first season, quickly learning the rules and refining her skills to play six games.

“Amy had never played Aussie Rules before she arrived in Australia earlier this year, so to pick it up as quickly as she did is a real credit to how hard she worked,” Harper said.

“She brings speed and agility to our team, and we are looking forward to seeing what she can do next season with a proper pre-season under her belt.”

Boyle-Carr is a three-time Ulster champion with Donegal, winning player of the match in the 2019 Ulster final. She has also represented Ireland in soccer when she was selected to play in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier against the Netherlands in 2018, when she was only 17.

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Concern is rising among health service chiefs in Donegal over the surge in flu cases and respiratory illnesses in the lead-up to Christmas.

Local health services have reported being under increased pressure with flu, RSV and Covid-19 circulating in communities.

HSE Health Manager for Donegal, Dermot Monaghan said health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings are preparing for further significant increases in patients.

Dermot said, “In the last week, over 600 people nationally were hospitalised due to COVID, flu and RSV. When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff.

“We are asking our local communities across Donegal to please consider all healthcare options if you or your family become unwell. Depending on your illness, there are a number of treatment options open to you including out-of-hours GP and pharmacies. Being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.”

“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend the Emergency Department where they will be prioritised. Patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment may experience long waiting times as we treat our sickest patients first.”

Dr Áine Mc Namara, HSE West North West Director of Public Health said; “A combined total of almost 2,000 cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza have been notified nationally in the past week. Over the same week, Emergency Departments across the country have experienced significant increases in people presenting to ED with COVID-19, Influenza and RSV.

“We expect this trend to continue, however there is still time to get a vaccine. Every eligible person across the Donegal region should get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19.

Dr Mc Namara concluded, “It is really important that we protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection so please do not family members in a hospital, nursing home or any healthcare setting if you are unwell. I know it’s difficult at this time of year as we all want to visit our loved ones, but if you have any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs or colds I would urge you to postpone your visit until 48 hours after the symptoms have cleared.”

Check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats.

NoWDOC GP Out of Hours Service which covers Co. Donegal and South Leitrim and can be contacted on 0818 400 911.

To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.

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A man has been arrested following the death of a woman in Gorey, Co Wexford.

The woman, who was in her 30s, was found unresponsive after gardaí and emergency services were called to an incident at a home in the Baile Eoghain area shortly after 3am this morning.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being held at a garda station in the east of the country.

Gardaí said investigations are ongoing.

A technical examination of the scene will be carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau this morning.

The Office of the State Pathologist and local coroner have been notified and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on the woman’s body.

Speaking to RTE News, Wexford TD Brian Brennan described the woman’s death as a terrible tragedy.

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