DRINK: School children in Donegal are consuming at least €2.5M worth of alcohol every year, according to experts. The North West Alcohol Forum boss Eamon O’Kane said there was a drinking culture, pointing out that people in the county often held family celebrations like Confirmations on licensed premises.
SUICIDES: Well known ex-Garda Martin Ridge says he fears there is a correlation between the high number of suicides in the county and sexual abuse. The hero officer – author of a book on clerical sex abuse ‘Breaking the Silence’ – says not enough is being done to protect children for paedophiles.
SOMETHING FISHY: The Irish Sea Fisheries Board (BIM) has welcomed six Donegal businesses into its Seafood Circle. The Donegal businesses recognised in the scheme are Canny & Doherty’s SuperVale in Cardonagh, Kavanagh’s SuperValu in Buncrana, Castle Murray House Restaurant in Dunkineely, Kealy’s Seafood Bar in Greencastle, Nancy’s in Ardara and Olde Castle Bar & Red Hugh Restaurant in Donegal Town.
JOB LOSSES: It’s feared a number of local jobs with Permanent TSB will be lost as a result of 350 posts being axed nationwide. People with mortgages at the bank have also been hit with a 1% hike in their mortgages, increasing payments for the average house to €100 per month.
AIRPORT BOOST: More than €250,000 is to be spent upgrading the R259 road between Crolly and the airport at Carrickfin.
GAEILGE IN CHAMBER: County Council Irish language officer Sean O’Daimhin has said he is hopeful more business in the council will be conducted through Irish. Oideas Gael in Glencolmcille has offered to give councillors scholarships to improve their Irish.
