BIG FINE: A defendant who failed to remain at the scene of an accident and subsequently failed to turn up in court has been fined €1,600 at Glenties District Court. Michael Herron of Ballyiriston, Portnoo was charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident and having no tax or NCT certificate at Loughderryduff, Portnoo on March 4th last.
OH BABY: More than one-in-three babies were born outside of marriage in Co Donegal. There were 773 babies born outside of marriage out of a total of 2,214 births in 2008. This translates to 34.9% of all births in the county. The Co Donegal rate is higher than the national average of 33.4%.
WINDY ROW: Conservationists have criticised An Bord Pleanála for approving plans by businessman PJ Molloy for 13 “industrial” wind turbines in a scenic area near Glenties. Mr Molloy had originally sought permission for 35 Vesta-90 turbines, each with a hub height of 80m and a blade diameter of 90m, but Donegal County Council reduced the number to 19 after seeking further information from the developer.
THIEF HUNT: Gardai in Killybegs are hunting sick smash-and-grab thieves who stole cash for a house in Dunkineely yesterday. Anyone who noticed anything suspicious is asked to contact Killybegs Garda station on 074 97 31002.
FIRE WARNINGS: There were 24 land and forest fires affecting 63 hectares of forestry in Donegal last year, new figures show. Coillte forestry manager for North Donegal, Kevin McCarthy, said forest fires had a detrimental effect on people as well as property.
