Donegal businessman Niall Callaghan has launched an innovative mobile service for his role as Commissioner for Oaths and Peace Commissioner .

Callaghan runs the hugely successful Callaghan's XL Shop on Letterkenny Main Street.

Callaghan holds the honorary position of Commissioner for Oaths and Peace Commissioner, and he has devised an innovative mobile-service - which makes life easier for anybody who needs him to sign important documentation.

Niall Callaghan is Commissioner for Oaths serving Letterkenny and surrounding areas.

He is located at 13, Upper Main St, Letterkenny in the premises of his shop Callaghans XL.

Niall told Donegal Daily, "You may have a document that needs the signature from the Commissioner of Oaths and Peace Commissioner.

"With one phone call, you could have the job done today - and in the convenience of your own home or your own office - because I now offer a mobile service.

"The mobile option provides people with the option of signing the documents in the convenience of their home, or in their office or place of work, or indeed any other location that suits you them in Letterkenny and the surrounding areas.

"I can also travel further into Donegal if needed. This service is available 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

PROMOTED POST:

FEATURES: North West Independent Hospital are holding an ENT, Respiratory and Sleep Clinic night in The Clanree, Letterkenny on Tuesday 24th November at 7pm.

There will be a pop up sleep clinic available for members of the public to be assessed and have the opportunity to book appointments at NWIH.

Are you living with blocked sinuses, sore ears, breathing difficulty and finding it hard to sleep?

Want to learn more about the newest innovative treatments available in ENT, respiratory and sleep studies?

Come and meet our specialists Mr McBride, Mr McCluney and Mr McKeagney.

At a FREE seminar hosted by North West Independent Hospital on Tuesday 24th November at 7pm in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.

To confirm your place please email StaceyLynch@nwih.co.uk or call Stacey on 048 777 23510”

Or you can book via our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ nwihballykelly website: www.nwih.co.uk

DONEGAL DAILY is, by far, Donegal's biggest news and sport website, with well over THREE MILLION page views every month from more than 300,000 readers.

Due to the rapid expansion of our business, we are seeking digital advertising sales representatives to help manage increasing demands from our customers for advertising on our popular site. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in field sales or working directly with a Digital Advertising agency. A background in media advertising will be an advantage. This is an opportunity for someone with a proven track record to grow even further inside an expanding and successful Donegal business.

Last year Google confirmed Donegaldaily.com as the 4th most searched news website in the whole of Ireland. This is your chance to join our team.

What we want:

* Minimum 1-2 years field sales experience
* Experience working in a digital advertising
* Target driven with a proven track record for increasing revenue and developing client relationships
* Ability to utilise technology to engage clients
* Interest in digital advertising and mobile technology
* Must have access to own transport

What you get:

* Competitive salary
* Excellent sales commission
* Fuel allowance and expenses
* The opportunity to progress your career with promotion opportunities
* The chance to help further develop Donegal's No1 media outlet

Please apply via email only please to info@donegaldaily.com by 5pm on Friday, November 27. Include a comprehensive CV and details of sales experience.

A Carrigart Action Group has denied allegations that any member of their committee was involved in making claims that Cllrs. were offered money “to come on board” the Cuan na Ri holiday development project.

The Aghadachor Action Group is demanding an investigation into how a statement made by a Cllr. went unchallenged and recorded without any corroborative evidence being provided.

BY JOHN McATEER, TIRCONAILL TRIBUTE

The action group is now writing formally to Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Mayor of the Letterkenny Municipal Committee as a first step in their demand to have the good name of their Chairman and the Group cleared of any wrongdoing and to have the record set straight.

The Cllr. involved told the meeting that a social media site was carrying allegations that Cllrs. were offered money “to come onboard’ the Aghadachor development at Carrigart.

He ‘informed’ his colleagues that the chairman of a group opposing the blocking of access at the development site was responsible for the allegation.

Last night the Tony McCarry said there was only one group and only one Chairman and he had no doubt whatever that Cllrs’s remarks could not have been directed at anyone else because of the circumstances involved and the history of the opposition by the Aghadachor Action Group.

The Cllr. said: “It is a terrible statement for anyone to make. I was never offered money and was not asked to come on board. We are all being tarred with the same brush.”

A spokesperson for the group said they’ve had an intensive trawl carried out across social media platforms and they are satisfied that no member of their group has ever made any allegations in relation to any member of Donegal County Council.

The spokesperson said that it was regrettable that any elected representative could be allowed to come into a meeting and make these kind of accusations without any reference whatever for the character of those involved.

In the meantime the Aghadachor said they are totally shocked and mystified that their good name has been called into question by anyone especially in the public domain of a Council meeting.

“We are a bona fide community group and our only objective is to have the old Creeslough to Carrigart public road restored to a right of way," they said.

The controversy at Aghadachor first surfaced in this paper over two years ago. Then on Sunday September 29^th 2013 a protest demonstration was well attended.

The local woman leading the campaign is 89 years old pensioner, Patricia Coyle to left her hospital bed to join that first protest in her wheelchair.

She told the Tribune that the bitter dispute with the developers happened after she was denied access through a right of way to her land.

She was furious over the erection and locking of security gates on an access road at Aghadachor beach front near Carrigart.

For more on this story see today's Tirconaill Tribune

John O'Brien watches helplessly as his gear gets destroyed by fishing trawlers off the coast of Donegal.

A Donegal fisherman is facing financial ruin - as the world's biggest fishing trawler the Annelies Ilena currently tows through his gear - unaware of the severe damage they're causing.

John O'Brien, has a tracking device on his fishing gear and can monitor their position from the comfort of his home on his laptop.

However, he discovered this morning that a cluster of massive fishing trawlers including the biggest in the world - were towing through his gear - causing irreversible damage and financial ruin for O'Brien.

John has been frantically trying to contact fishing agencies to get in contact with the trawlers to alert them to the damage they're doing.

His attempts to make contact with the trawlers via the agencies have so far been unsuccessful.

Spokesman for Islander fishermen Jerry Early told Donegal Daily, "We all know how wrong it is to have these trawlers hoover up our fish stock off our coastline.

"However, due to the legislation in place - even though it's totally unacceptable and wrong, these trawlers are legally allowed to do what they do.

"But what is happening to John O'Brien today, changes the dynamic of the entire debate around these fishing regulations.

"John faces financial ruin because of the actions of these trawlers this morning - he's sitting in his home witnessing his livelihood disappear in front of his eyes.

"He's helpless to do anything about it, the weather is too bad for him to go out to sea - and he's unable to make contact with these trawlers.

"No agencies can help him, so it's the equivalent of watching your house burn to the ground.

"It's just disgusting, and John is absolutely devastated about it, there's no other way to describe how he's feeling he's just distraught.

ENTERTAINMENT: The Brewery Bar is hosting Traditional Irish music sessions for patrons EVERY Thursday night.  

Since opening under new management - Letterkenny's Brewery Bar has had some superb promotional offers and entertainment events.

The innovative marketing team at the popular bar is hoping to attract new patrons by devising exciting and entertaining options for patrons of all ages.

Every Thursday - they will be appealing to those who have a deep love and passion for Traditional Irish Music.

There's still a huge demand for Traditional Irish Music - and The Brewery Bar intend on servicing that demand for their customers by hosting Trad sessions every Thursday night.

It kicks-off tonight - so make sure and drop in to hear some of the most talented Traditional Irish music artists in the business play in The Brewery Bar.

Missing Mary Boyle

The Taoiseach is to meet with the sister of missing Mary Boyle today.

Ann Doherty, the twin sister of missing Mary Boyle, will meet with Enda Kenny at Leinster House.

It is also understood that Ms Doherty will meet with members of Sinn Fein during her visit to the capital.

Mary Boyle went missing in Ballyshannon in March, 1977, aged just six, and is Ireland's longest-missing person.

Ms Doherty said she is searching for answers including how her sister's case has been handled by Gardai over the years.

She said she believes her sister was murdered and has launched a campaign to find Mary's remains.

The North West 10k’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 10th December at 6pm in Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny.

2016 will be a special year for the organization at it will be the 20th staging of the charity run and walk which has given over €700,000 to charity.

Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn today called for an end to what he described as wage discrimination by the H.S.E.

The HSE owes the cash to home-helps across Donegal.

He was speaking after he received a commitment from senior H.S.E management at national and local level that all monies owed to home helps in Donegal would be paid by Christmas.

Deputy Mac Lochlainn said that along with collage Councillor Mick Quinn, met with a large number of Donegal home helps and were outraged to discover that the H.S.E. have been witholding their legal entitlements to payments of unsocial hours premium payments.

"These payments are made without delay to other grades of staff within the H.S.E. but the home helps, which are one of the lowest paid grades of staff and consists entirely of a female workforce have been trying for many years to simply get what is rightfully theirs.

Deputy Mac Lochlainn

"The service these women provide to the isolated and elderly people of our county is invaluable. These women provide care for their clients on Christmas day, Bank holidays and travel on narrow country roads in all kinds of weather conditions to ensure that our elderly neighbours can remain in their homes with a level of dignity and independance. It is absolutely outrageous that a Government department would abuse the goodwill and commitment to duty of any of it's workers, but to practice discrimination on this scale is unacceptable.

"As this nation prepares to commemorate the the message of our proclamation,that all our citizens be treated equally, I am calling on the Government to ensure that none of it's departments will ever again be allowed to practice this type of blatant discrimination."

Patrick Gildea

Everywhere you look 40 is being declared as the new 20 but we disagree! We think 40 is even better than 20 why- because women in their 40s ooze confidence which is incredibly sexy- they know who they are and what they want.

Fabulous hair is a must at any age and 40 is no different and just because you are not 20 anymore doesn’t mean that you have to go for an old fashioned hairstyle, you can opt for something classic and timeless but don’t let age be a barrier to try something new.

Patrick has listed some of his favourite cuts which will give you some inspiration when choosing your own flattering style.

Layered Bob - Cate Blanchett

This classic style is the perfect choice for women who want to look chic and elegant without a lot of maintenance. The great thing is that there is a bob suited to most face shapes and hair textures. Chin length bobs are perfect for petite and angular faces while round faces should opt for lightly more length.

Shoulder Length Layers – Tina Fey

Shoulder length, bouncy layers are beautiful at any age but are particularly age appropriate- this simple style is very flattering with long face-framing layers. If you have very fine hair use a thicker fuller hair product such as Nioxin Diaboost which will help create the beautiful volume and bounce.

Shoulder Length Curls – Jennifer Garner

A shoulder length cut is very easy to maintain and provides you with great styling options. Subtle layering throughout the hair will give curl definition and create a beautiful youthful bounce. Shoulder length hair gives you great options and is a classic in that it never goes out of style.

Layered Razor Cut – Halle Berry

Geometrically razor cut hair allowing a side fringe to creep over one eye. The style highlights delicate features and if you have razor sharp cheekbones this is the perfect cut for you to show them off. Patrick says although this is a short cut you can still have fun styling it bringing a more edgier feel to it with a Mohawk style or a sleek and elegant style whichever matches your mood!

Whatever the length and style of cut you choose at any age one thing stays consistent –it should flatter, soften and frame your face. The Master Colour Experts at Patrick Gildea Hairdressing advise that Choosing the right colour is just as important – try and avoid bold harsh colours, choose some warmer hues instead.

DONEGAL would reap huge economic benefits from a United Ireland, American experts said today.

The economic research, launched in New York, says economic unification could possibly deliver a more sizeable boost in economic output and incomes in the North, with a predicted 4-7.5 per cent long-term improvement in GDP.

The study, which involved a number of researchers led by Dr Kurt Hübner, director of the Institute for European Studies at the University of British Columbia, also highlighted that the Republic would see a more modest boost of between 0.7 to 1.2 per cent in GDP per capita.

Sinn Féin Derry MLA Raymond McCartney  has welcomed the results of an independent study which shows that Irish Unity would be economically beneficial for both jurisdictions on the island.

Raymond McCartney said: “The report, “Modeling Irish unification” produced by KLC – Consulting for Tomorrow, presents three unification scenarios, each with increasingly positive economic benefits for both North and South.

“In every case, the authors concluded that political and economic unification would likely result in a boost in economic outcomes and incomes North and South.

“The most aggressive unification scenario estimates a boost in all island GDP of €35.6 billion Euro over eight years.

“In my view, this Report is an important contribution to the debate on Irish Unity and is in line with the view held by Sinn Féin that a united Ireland economy would deliver economic growth and prosperity across this Island.

“While opponents often claim that we cannot afford to be united, the simple reality is that we can not afford partition. The human price of partition is too high to pay.

“A united Ireland is achievable, affordable and deliverable. We would all be better off economically, socially and politically in a United Ireland.”

Finalists from Donegal that made it through to the national finals in Kerry pictured with their products.

The work of Donegal Food Coast to enhance the county’s reputation as a food destination, paid dividends again when five national prizes returned to the county from the prestigious Blas na hEireann – Irish Food Awards.

The Whole Green Juice Company from Ramelton and Island Seafoods from Killybegs won national awards, the Killybegs business scooping a Gold and a Silver, with the Whole Green Juice Company bring back a bronze.

There were further national successes too when Gallagher's Bakery from Ardara won a Gold national award for their Purebred (gluten free) mini Victoria sponge and Green Pastures in Convoy also won Bronze national award for their Yeats Country Greek Style Yogurt.

There were also regional awards and Best in County for Donegal went to Gallagher’s Bakery and Best in Farmer’s Market in Donegal to Mallow Mia from Newtowncunningham.

In total thirteen Donegal products made it to the finals in Kerry, for a competition that saw over 2,500 products entered into what is regarded as biggest contest for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.

That was almost double the number of Donegal products in the final from last year and Eve Anne McCarron, Executive with The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative, said that was indicative of the progress being made.

"We had five national awards, two regional award winners and 13 products that made it to the finalist stage which is deemed a major achievement in its own right. Only the top five of every category that achieves a certain score can reach the finals in that category.

The Food Coast brand with Donegal Local Enterprise Office, sponsor and are involved in such national events as we believe this is an opportunity to showcase what is up and coming in Donegal. It is just one of the ways in which we are working to build Donegal’s food reputation. A full calendar of activity for 2016 is currently being developed."

The Donegal Food Strategy recognises the huge potential for food in Donegal and we want to work with people with a commitment to Donegal food to create opportunities for success.”

She added that when Donegal Local Enterprise Office launched The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative – the objective was to support development, growth and raise awareness of Donegal’s food sector.

“Now the initiative is on track to further raise awareness of food from within the county - through the The Food Coast brand - giving local enterprises an opportunity to clearly demonstrate that they champion Donegal food,” she said

Eve-Anne explained that Businesses in Donegal, can now seek to obtain use of The Food Coast branding as a mark of provenance/origin and she believes there is already a strong desire among those working in the food-sector in the county to highlight their pride in Donegal produce.

“By contacting Donegal Local Enterprise Office - Primary producers, Value Added Processors, Retailers, Restaurants and Food Service Businesses - can all now apply to use The Food Coast brand and to join the Food Coast Network.”

Strict criteria does apply, but the Food Coast Executive says there are already signs that the new branding is becoming much-coveted among those working across the spectrum of the food sector in Donegal.”

In a short space of time, she says, The Food Coast has become a central platform for establishing Donegal as a “Food County” – a place with a vibrant food culture and food economy and that’s something that Donegal Local Enterprise Office and Donegal County Council are determined to expand upon, words echoed by the county’s CEO/Chief Executive.

“Donegal Local Enterprise Office and Donegal County Council are keen to ensure that The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative – continues to create employment and contributes to sustaining the county’s local economy,” Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Seamus Neely said.

Anyone seeking further information on the Food Coast Brand can contact Eve-Anne at eveanne.mccarron@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call 07491 60735.

Ends

Captions

Don 3288...

Artie Clifford, chairman of the Blas Awards pictured with Eve – Anne McCarron and Zack Gallagher of Irish Food Guide as Linda McClean of Mallow Mia (second from left) is presented with her award for Best in Farmers’ Market.

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Artie Clifford, chairman of the Blas Awards (left) and Eve – Anne McCarron of Donegal Food Coast present the regional award for Best in County to Paul Diffley of Gallagher’s Bakery.

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Paul Diffley of Gallagher’s Bakery (centre) picking up his gold award for their Purebred mini Victoria sponges from Arie Clifford chairmsn of Blas na hEireann and John Bolan of Andrews Ingredients.

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Artie Clifford, Chairman of the Blas na hEireann food awards, awarding Anna Good of Whole Green Juice with her Bronze award for Green Monster Juice.

LEO Blas
Finalists from Donegal that made it through to the national finals in Kerry pictured with their products.

LEO Blas 10
Michael O’Donnell of Island Seafoods, who had three finalist products and came away with two national awards, a Gold and Silver.

CRIME ALERT: Utility company Electric Ireland has warned customers that online crooks are targeting them in a scam.

The so-called phishing scam involves offers of a refund - which doesn't exist. It's understood a number of the company's Donegal customers have been targeted by the criminals.

In a statement Electric Ireland told Donegal Daily: "It has come to our attention that a number of individuals may have received an email purporting to come from Electric Ireland saying that they were eligible to a refund and to supply bank details and a copy of your passport to be scanned.

"Electric Ireland would like to advise that this was a phishing email attempting to obtain your debit card details and was not sent by Electric Ireland. We are advising people not to click on the link or reply to the email.

"If you followed the link in the email and completed the form we would urge you to contact your debit card company or bank immediately using the phone number listed on the back of your debit card. We would also advise you to immediately change your password on your Online Billing Account.

"If you are an Electric Ireland customer we would like to assure you that your personal details on Electric Ireland's database are secure and have not been compromised."

Please share on social media.

Pictured from Donegal Youth Service are Gareth Gibson, Martin Keeney, Eamon Connaghan and Bridget McDyer with Frank O’Donnell, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland

DONEGAL Youth Service is €25,000 better off thanks to a sugary drinks company.

The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has awarded €125,000 in funding for the fifth consecutive year. Five non-profit and voluntary groups have each received €25,000 for projects that will get local communities in Ireland and Northern Ireland more active, more often.

Donegal Youth Service received €25,000 for Shake Up Sports, a project which will engage young people from youth clubs in taster sessions, where they can try out alternatives to the mainstream competitive sports.

Since 2011, the Fund has awarded €625,000 to 47 projects that have succeeded in getting more than 30,000 people moving.

The other winners of the Fund in 2015 are:
· The Camogie Association for Teen Cluster Camogie – providing activities and training for female teenagers within club communities.

· Canoeing Ireland for Blueway 10K - an ambitious project specifically aimed at promoting an alternative fitness routine to the indoor gym workout, while highlighting the incredible blueway (water activity trail) infrastructure that is being developed in Ireland.

· Tennis Ireland for its initiative enabling access to tennis for people with intellectual disabilities.

· Tipperary Regional Youth Service for Activ8 - a physical health challenge aimed at young adults in Tipperary.

Speaking today, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, praised the five groups for their innovative projects: “It’s always a pleasure to meet groups which are enthusiastic about getting people involved with sport and getting them moving by capturing their interest with exciting projects. Since 2011, the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has donated €625,000 in cash grants to not-for-profit and voluntary organisations.

"Over 30,000 people have become more active through projects supported by the Fund. It’s great news for the five winning organisations here today as they each receive €25,000 but now the hard work begins as they go about implementing their projects.

"They are focused on bringing local communities with them and making sure that people feel empowered to try something new. Many of us could do with a little more exercise so it’s great to have projects like this which give people the incentive to get more active.”

“Donegal Youth Service is thrilled to receive a €25,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund to enable us to expand the Donegal Youth Council Shake Up Sports programme across the county. The project will engage young people in sports taster session where they can try sports other than just the mainstream competitive sports. The overall aim is to establish a new way to explore sport which can be shared and transferred with other groups and communities across Donegal and Ireland,” said Martin Keeney, Donegal Youth Service.

Frank O’Donnell, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, congratulated the recipient organisations and said that 2015 represented a milestone year for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.

“We are delighted to have reached the fifth anniversary of the Thank You Fund and to reflect on the fantastic projects it has supported, with the aim of getting people more active, more often. The Fund has served to shine a light on all the dedicated organisations working in communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland, and it has been great to hear of the difference the projects have made in people’s lives. More than 30,000 people have been positively impacted by the ideas the Fund has helped turn into a reality, and that’s an achievement we are very proud of. Well done to all the groups that applied this year – the standard was exceptional. We are thankful to the judges who gave their time and to Minister Ring for his support of the Fund,” he said.

DONEGAL TD Pearse Doherty has slammed the Government for refusing to allow islanders to vote at the same time as the mainland.

The Deputy’s comments come after the Government voted down an amendment to the electoral (amendment) bill 2015, which would end the practise of early voting on islands. Deputy Doherty has raised this issue on a number of previous occasions, this time he says he has had enough.

Speaking to the opposition amendment Deputy Doherty said: “I wish to voice my support and that of my party for this amendment, Forcing islanders to vote earlier than those on the mainland does not just undermine the democratic rights of islanders, it is also unconstitutional.

“As most people probably already know, those living on islands must cast their votes a few days before the mainland, this is simply ridiculous in todays world as most times the election debate is still ongoing.

“Islanders can’t use their rights to avail of postal votes because by law postal votes must be applied for within two days after the dissolution of the Dail. By the time a date for island voting is set by the local returning officer the deadline for applying for a postal vote is over.

“The early voting on islands was brought in at a time when there was inadequate transport links between our islands and the mainland. This issue is no longer a problem, there is no valid reason why islanders should not vote at the same time as the rest of the country, we no longer have to row out to the islands in small boats, we have powerful ferrys and helicopters that can bring out ballot boxes even in the biggest storms.

“The Governments failure to address this fundamental inequality in what is one of the most cherished rights - that being the right to vote, is symptomatic of the Governments approach to island and rural communities in general.”

JOB VACANCY: One of Donegal's most popular Sandwich bars is seeking to recruit a full-time manager to become part of their dynamic and innovative workforce.

The Sandwich Company is one of the most established and highly-reputable eateries in Donegal - and has chain of successful outlets.

Management are looking for a full-time manager to begin work in the Sandwich Company shop on Letterkenny Main Street.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:  

• Previous management experience in this sector essential.
• Successful candidate needs to be reliable, hardworking and flexible.
• Good communication skills and personable demeanour necessary.
• Attractive remuneration package depending on previous experience.

If you're interested in this exciting opportunity then send your CV now to paul@gmcc.ie

FUNDRAISING: The Cope Team will take part in a Cyclathon at The Cope Food-store in Dungloe this Friday!

They aim to cycle from Carrickfinn Airport to Dublin Airport and back again in eight hours!!

Please show your support to the Cope Team as they raise further funds which will be used to enhance and develop the local Community.

Over €100,000 has already been donated to the local Community from various fundraising events by The Cope.

The Cope Community Trust has just reached a huge milestone having raised and donated over €100,000 to local community based projects!

The Cope Community Trust was established by The Cope in 2010 and as Mark Sharkey, Chairman of The Cope Community Trust, explains, “The Trusts primary aim is to support and provide funds where possible, to community based projects and to encourage and support the development of local community groups, organisations, clubs and schools.”

The Trust is managed by a Committee made up of Cope Staff and members of the Community who have the responsibility to allocate funding to groups and organisations who submit applications to the Trust throughout the year.

“The goal of the Trust is to raise as much money as possible through internal company fund raising and collections.

"Since our inception five years ago, there has been many beneficiaries of the Community Trust and we are very fortunate that some of these beneficiaries have in-turn fundraised themselves for the Trust,” says Mark Sharkey.

“I would like to thank all the Cope staff, their families and the Community Trust beneficiaries for committing to this cause and helping to make a difference in our community”.

“The Cope Community Trust has become an integral part of the Cope’s ethos and it is vitally important to our entire team that we maintain it as part of the Cope’s heritage.”

Application forms for the Trust are available on The Cope website www.thecope.ie.

Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Paul Wallace has an alert in response to reports from the west of the county of a telephone scam targeting older people.

It follows a face-to-face scam exposed by Donegal Daily in Letterkenny earlier today.

Sgt Wallace said gardai in Bunbeg have also now received reports of a telephone scam targeting older persons in their homes.

The scam takes the form of a phone call to the elderly person offering security advice and/or information about alarm systems and monitoring.

Once contact is established, the elderly person is asked for personal information, full name date of birth confirmation of address and personal bank details account numbers sort codes branch identity etc. When challenged the caller hangs up.

‘This is a particularly nasty scam targeting our most vulnerable section of our community – our elderly," said Wallace.

"Friends, relatives, health care professionals, neighbours should try and discuss this scam with vulnerable people advising them to discuss this matter if this has occurred and not to be afraid or be embarrassed that they have done something wrong by divulging personal information.

"If we know about it financial institutions can be advised to be alert for any attempt to target a specific account. It is vitally important that this matter is reported to local Gardaí via the local district headquarters station."

He added: "This particular scam can be carried out by cold calling over the telephone or by email and is known as ‘phishing or vishing’ which in essence is the gathering of important data i.e. personal information on a individual in other words – identity theft. If in doubt hang up do not engage in conversation and inform a relative friend or neighbour.

"Financial institutions will not contact you in this manner (by telephone or email) established protocols exist to safeguard and protect the consumer."

Residents should be in possession of the Garda 24/ 7 contact number which covers their area and also be aware that Divisional Communications at Letterkenny Garda Station 0n 074-91-67100 provides a 24 / 7 service for the County.
24 / 7 District Headquarters Stations:
• Buncrana : 074-93-20540.
• Milford : 074-91-53114.
• Glenties: 074-95-51108.
• Ballyshannon: 071-98-51102 & Donegal Town on 074-97- 21021
Remember 999/112 can also be used in an emergency.
The Good Morning Donegal Project provides a very important service to those living alone and older people should be encouraged to register for it which can be done by contacting 074-93-21598.

Errigal could see snow this weekend.

Ireland is set for snowfall this weekend with temperatures plunging, forecasters have warned.

And Met Eireann has warned that the North-Western counties including Donegal is to suffer the coldest temperatures.

The gauge could go as low as 3 degrees Celsius on Saturday, as the country gets cooler over the coming days.

Widespread showers are expected across Ireland as the weather worsens, while showers could turn wintry in higher ground.

There is potential for snowy conditions, with northern and western counties including Donegal worst affected.

A Met Eireann forecaster said: "There will be a wind-chill coming south from the poles.

"Temperatures will drop from highs of 8-12 degrees Celsius today, to 7-10 on Friday, before dropping further to 3-8 degrees on Saturday.

"Sunday will see a slight increase of 5-9 degrees celsius."

Donegal, which has already seen snow, is set to be among the worst affected areas, while there could be more in other high-lying regions across the country.

The forecaster added: "Widespread showers could turn wintry in the evenings".

"The northwest of the country will see the worst of the conditions", while snow "can't be ruled out over the Dublin mountains.

"The wintry showers are unlikely to hit lower ground but not impossible".

Údarás is under fire for its shocking record

FINDING out how many jobs are created and lost by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaoth Dobhair has always proved difficult - like the constant re-announcement of crisp factory jobs in the two years before its German owners pulled the plug and shut it down.

Now we've finally been given some figures, thanks to local TD Pearse Doherty.

And there is considerable anger in the west of the county over those figures.

Sinn Féin Councillor John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh has branded the number of jobs lost at Údarás na Gaeltachta supported companies in Gaoth Dobhair since 2006 as ‘disgraceful’.

The figures, which were obtained by party colleague Deputy Doherty through a Parliamentary Question to the Minister, show that between 2006 and 2014 a total of 776 Full Time, Part Time and Seasonal jobs were shed at client companies of the state agency.

Cllr Ó Fearraigh said: “In light of the huge increase to unemployment numbers in West Donegal over the last few years, I decided to ask Deputy Doherty to raise this issue with the Minister in a Dáil Question in which he asked that the Minister provide the employment figures for Údarás na Gaeltachta supported companies in Gaoth Dobhair over the last ten years.”

“The figures which I subsequently obtained clearly show that from between when job numbers were at their peak in 2006 and right up to 2014, a total of 776 jobs were lost at Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in Gaoth Dobhair – that’s almost a 60% reduction in employment figures over an eight year period.

“It is nothing short of disgraceful that in just one region in West Donegal we should see such a drastic and rapid decline in employment within state supported industries alone as has been revealed by these figures today.

“In his reply, Minister of State Joe McHugh remarks that this massive fall in employment can be contributed to the economic downturn and, while this may be the case, there is little acknowledgment given to the fact that since his Government took power back in 2011 there has been a staggering 25% drop in employment numbers in relation to these very same companies.

“In truth, the total numbers of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions in Gaoth Dobhair last year were at their lowest in the ten years documented: this despite a much lauded economic recovery which Fine Gael and Labour are all too keen to boast about.”

The angry councillor added: “These employment figures will come as no surprise to people in West Donegal who in recent years have seen many once successful companies forced to go out of business and all while the Government stood idly by and did very little to remedy the situation.

“Back in March of this year an action plan for jobs was published by Údarás na Gaeltachta which set out to support the creation of some 300 new jobs in Gaoth Dobhair by 2017, and yet in the year prior to its publication we see that employment figures within companies supported by the agency were at their lowest in ten years.

“A number of barriers exist in West Donegal which are preventing job growth here such as the delays by Irish Water in commencing the construction of the Gaoth Dobhair Sewerage Scheme; the lack of progress made regarding the N14/A5 road project; the region’s inadequate broadband coverage as well as the issue of commercial rates.

“These are all problems which my Sinn Féin colleagues and I have been continuously raising with this Government for years, and yet they have failed to listen nor take the necessary action needed to address them and this - I have no doubt –has subsequently resulted in these disastrous employment figures we see today.”

No wonder people are emigrating.