There’s major disruption to shopping and traffic in Derry City Centre this afternoon.

Police in the city are currently dealing with a security alert in The Diamond area of the city centre.

Ferryquay Street, Butcher Street, Bishop Street and Shipquay Street have all been closed and premises there have been evacuated. Police say this is likely to cause major disruption to traffic in the city centre.

Meanwhile, the North West 200 motorcycle races have been suspended as a result of a security alert. The paddock at Portstewart was evacuated after a telephone warning, it’s currently being searched by pollice with dogs.

Race director Mervyn Whyte says it’ a depressing occurance, when so many people had travelled to watch the race. He added ther weekend had been going very well, with both competitors and spectators enjoying the day before this happened.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan pays his first official visit to Donegal today.

This afternoon, Minister Hogan will launch the IFI backed “Volunteering in the Community Programme” in Ballyshannon.

The scheme, with a budget of over quarter of a million euro is intended to deliver seven development courses targeted at youths in local communities in the immediate border areas.

Donegal Local Development Company CEO Caomhain Mc Aoidh says while the primary aim is to secure employment for people, volunteeriung may provide a respite during periods of unemployment.

However, he’s stressing there are strict conditions to ensure that volunteers are not used to replace paid workers……..

There is hope for those opposed to a controvesial research project off the west Donegal coast with An Taisce saying they have had a second objection to it accepted by An Bord Pleanala.

Queen’s Universtity in Belfast wants to build fifty four – 5 tonne – concrete pillars long coast to the west of Falchorrib Pier, close to Dungloe.

It is understood that the development, which could be in place for 25 years, is to test how concrete reacts to the elements.

It emerged yesterday that an initial objection lodged by An Taisce was rejected because a cheque for the objection had not been signed. An Taisce says a second objection lodged will be considered.

Patricia Sharkey of the Gweebara Conservation Group explains why they don’t want the development to go ahead:

A major tourism initiative to attract tourist to Donegal is taking place in  Dublin tomorrow.

Up to 20 tourism sectors will be represented at the Donegal Live event which takes places  the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin between 12.00 noon to 6.00pm.

The inaugural Donegal Live event took place in Dublin last year, while the first international one happened in Glasgow earlier this month.

The event is created and funded by a number of organisations including the Donegal Association in Dublin, Donegal Tourism Ltd, Failte Ireland North West, and Donegal County Council

Paul McLoone is from Failte Ireland North West:

Two northern Irish surfers are said to have had a lucky escape having been rescued from the sea off the Donegal Coast this afternoon.

The two were swept out to sea while surfing at Tramore beach earlier (Friday) today – they were reported missing at 3.30pm sparking a major sea rescue co-ordinated by Malin Head Coast Guard.

The were eventually found and airlifted to Sligo General Hospital were they are expected to recover fully from their ordeal.

Ian Scott of Malin Head Coast Guard Station has been outlining how today’s events unfolded:
 

Gardai are investigating the death of a 24-year-old father of three at his home in Laghey this morning (Fri).

He was found dead on a couch at his home.

The man was named locally as Conor Goodway who was due in Donegal District Court next Monday for sentencing.

He pleaded guilty along with another man in November to the theft of €5,000 of legal highs from a head-shop in Donegal town.

Judge Kevin Kilrane refused to compensate the shop owner for the theft but adjourned sentencing for six months while the behaviour of Mr Goodway and the other man was monitored.

Highland Radio News has learned that a major research project has been given the go-ahead off the West Donegal Coast because someone at An Taisce appears to have forgotten to sign a cheque.

Queen’s University Belfast  was granted permission by Donegal County Council to place 54  – 5 tonne – concrete pillars for research purposes along the coast to the west of Falchorrib Pier, close to Dungloe.

But an appeal by An Taisce Donegal to An Bord Pleanala failed, because the appeal fee was deemed invalid as a cheque had not been signed.

Donegal County Council granted conditional permission to Queen’s University, Belfast to go ahead with the project to construct fifty-four 5 tonne concrete pillars to test how the concrete reacts to the elements.

The council received a number of objections – these included that pillars would interfere with locals fishing, that they would damage the appearance of the area for tourists.

It was also claimed the pillars should not be allowed as the area is classed as being a special area of conservation.

But the council gave the go ahead that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by An Taisce Donegal. Because of it is a state body, the cost of the appeal was 110 euro.

Today An Bord Pleanala through out the objection, a source stated that while a cheque in the correct amount had been submitted, it had not been signed and was therefore deemed an invalid fee.

Its been revealed that three yatchs were denied shelter from a storm in a Co Donegal port by protesters claiming to protect the rights of fishermen.

The yachts, from France, Sweden and Buncrana were stopped from entering Greencastle harbour on May 7th after high winds forced them to seek shelter.

It’s understood the boats had come in as far as the pontoon but, after suffering verbal abuse from protesters, the crews were forced to put to sea in the stormy conditions.

The dispute centres on the installation of two pontoons last year at Greencastle harbour. Protesters say they fear the pontoons mark the beginnings of a marina that will force out traditional fishermen.

Donegal County Councillor, Mickey Doherty, said that it was a disgrace that three visiting yachts were turned away:

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has said he will wait for the outcome of a public inquiry into the A5 road before making a decision on whether the project will go ahead.

The Roads Service has confirmed £35m has already been spent on project development.

Mr Kennedy said he would not be “stampeded” into a decision.

But Donegal North East Deputy Padraig McLaughlin said that the sole decision on whether the A5 project would go ahead wasn’t down to Danny Kennedy.

And Deputy McLaughlin said this was another attack by the UUP on the people of the Northwest…

This Sunday Derry play Fermanagh in the quarter final of the Ulster Senior Football Championship at Celtic Park. It’s been 13 years since Derry last won a provincial senior title. Manager John Brennan has handed five players championship debuts on Sunday. Charlie Kielt, Emmet McGuckin, Danny Devlin, Michael Friel and Cailean Boyle will get their first taste of senior championship action on Sunday. Derry Captain Barry Mc Goldrick who has been struggling with a groin injury has been named in the started side but the defender will be given a late fitness test over the weekend.
Highland’s Gaa Correspondent Tom Comack has been speaking to the Derry camp ahead of Sunday’s game.

Forward Eoin Bradley
 

Manager John Brennan