By Tara McCormack THIS Saturday will mark the end of an era at the foot of the town in Letterkenny as Paddy Gildea of Gildea Farm Butchers pulls the shutter for the final time. After nearly 13 years of dedicated service to his loyal customers, Paddy has made the difficult decision to close the shop, […]
Budget 2025: Key measures to address cost of living crisis
The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine has welcomed today’s budget announcement, highlighting the Government’s €8.3 billion package of extra spending and tax cuts aimed at easing the cost of living. Minister Charlie McConalogue emphasised that Budget 2025 is heavily focused on addressing the ongoing financial pressures faced by Irish households. Here are the […]
Donegal Council retains 15% LPT rate after heated debate
At a recent meeting of the Donegal County Council, members debated the future of the Local Property Tax (LPT) rate, which has been set at 15% above the baseline since 2020. The council faced three proposals: to maintain the current 15% increase, reduce it by 15%, or return it to the baseline. The first proposal, […]
Local shop to shut its doors this Friday due to rising costs
The tight-knit community of Carrick is set to lose one of its beloved local businesses as the owners of Dohertys XL have announced their decision to close the store after eight years of operation. The supermarket, a staple in the town, will be shutting its doors for the final time on Friday, August 30th. Owners […]
Over 50,000 in Donegal to get January bonus this week
Over 50,000 people across Donegal will receive a January bonus this week as part of the Department of Social Protection’s efforts to support people with the cost of living. A Double Lump Sum Payment will be issued to pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and low income families. The payment was announced by Minister […]
Over quarter of a million calls for help to SVP in 2023
Last year the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) received just over a quarter of a million calls for help to its regional offices and local Conferences throughout the country. This was a 10% increase on the calls for help received in 2022. The bulk of the calls, just over 90,000 (36%), requested help […]
Rural businesses suffering due to lack of public transport
A RAMELTON business has highlighted the damaging effects of not having a local taxi service after they found customers weren’t booking due to the struggle of getting home. Opening their doors in 2021, the Bridge Bar Restaurant has been offering simple, locally inspired seasonal menus weekly, from Thursday to Sunday. However, when they noticed customers […]
Rising costs leads to the closure of Sprint Educational Supplies
Sprint Educational Supplies, a popular stationary shop with stores in Letterkenny and Donegal Town, has announced their closure. In a post online Sprint told customers that due to the rising costs associated with running a small business they had no choice but to close both shops on October, 31. “Since we took over the stores […]
€200 Cost of Living Support to be paid this week
A €200 Cost of Living Support will be paid to some 1.3 million people this week. Payments totalling €260 million will be made to groups such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and working families. Recipients will receive €200 in addition to their normal weekly payment. Advertisement On Wednesday, some 158,000 people in […]
The crippling cost of living crisis impacts students in Letterkenny
MORE students than ever at ATU Donegal are being forced to use foodbanks because of the crippling cost of living crisis, the Students’ Union has said. ATU Students’ Union Welfare and Equality Officer Barry Breslin told the Donegal News he has also seen an increase in students turning to the university’s counselling service, given the difficulties of […]