 To book today at traveldepartment.com with great special offers, travel department, let's see more. Thinking about saying goodbye to diesel, making the move to hybrid is easier than ever thanks to Toyota Approved Used, due to an extensive range of used Toyota hybrids, including the iconic Corolla and the bold and beautiful Toyota CHR. Tested and approved by Ireland's most trusted car brand. All our cars come with a 12 month comprehensive warranty with flexible payment options available. To Kelly's Toyota, about Toyota Approved Used, Toyota, built for a better world, season sees apply. Paco Letter Kenny are celebrating five years open this week, with an up to 50% off bonanza, on all new season Paco, Regatta and Fruitware. Yes, that's right, up to 50% off at Paco, in Letter Kenny Retail Park this week only. It's nine o'clock and we're going to pass you over to Greg Hughes. Greg, good morning. Wow, you're quick on it. I can't believe two days in a row. Come on. Can we have a good eat? What are you going to do today? Oh, a little bit of this, that and the other. That's not a good one. Somebody said that to me. I said, what are you doing today? Ah, a little bit of this. Is that all you want to do? A bit of that and the other. And that's saying nothing, isn't it really? That's a wee bit sneaky. It is sneaky. All right. Okay. Well, enjoy your this, that and the other. It is nine o'clock. Time for a news update. It's over to Donna Marie Daherty. Thanks, Greg. Good morning. Today marks five years since journalist Lira McKee was shot dead in a riot in Derry at the time of her death. Stormont had collapsed and during her funeral, the priest received a standing ovation for calling out politicians and urging them to work together. Five years on and Stormont's just a few months back together from yet another collapse. Lira's partner, Sarah, hopes it's for good this time. Stormont's been down more than it's been up since its instrumentation and Lira was, you know, very passionate about that and about the fact that when the government's down, it's the people who suffer. Jetski's safety signs are repeatedly being removed from Glenburne Beach and Sweet Nellie's Beach in Anishown. Local Councillor Martin Farron says he's confused as to why people would do this on a continuous basis. He says the signs were put in place to keep everyone safe, particularly children from Jetski's being launched too close to the shoreline. Councillor Farron is now unsure on how to move forward with a long-term solution. But we have ran into a problem. We have indeed. And two or three occasions now, the Donegal County Council, the Donegal County Council and Farniston have gone back and put these signs back up again. And they were put up fairly strongly. They weren't just set up there on the poles. They were put up there quite tightly. But for some reason or other, some, I'm sure a small minority of people thought it was, they felt that they could just take them down. A 17-year-old who was arrested in Derry yesterday has been released on bail. It was in relation to a report of criminal damage on Waterloo Street on Tuesday. P.S. and I say it's to allow further inquiries to Donegal. The decision to hold leaving certificate changes until 2025 has been described as a fair move. Grades were artificially inflated by 7% after state exams resumed following the pandemic, and that's set to be gradually reduced. Education Minister Norma Foley says it will have dropped to around 5.5% by next year. Looking now to whether mostly dull and damp today with outbreaks of patchy rain and drizzle at times through the day, highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees and a moderate to westerly wind increasing fresh west to northwest. That's all for now from Highland Radio News. We'll be back again at 10 o'clock. Menopause can be a challenging time of life. I'm Lorraine Keane and I choose Irish supplement Clemarine Menemen because it's Ireland's number one clinically proven Perry and Menopause supplement for daily nutritional support. Trusted by thousands of Irish women for over 10 years, Menemen contains Amiga 3DHA to support brain health and Vitamin B6 which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and all in just two capsules a day. Ask for Menemen at health stores and pharmacies and learn more at cleanmarine.ie. And now it's time for the talk of the Northwest, the 9th and new show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. Hello, good morning to you. Just approaching four minutes past nine on this Thursday the 18th of April, 2024. And you're very welcome along to another edition of the 9 till noon show. We've got your great usual mix of the latest in news, features about people's lives, their conversations and also your views. All of it very, very important to us, of course, what makes the show. And we want you involved in the conversation throughout the three hours. 08, 6, 60, 25,000. What's absent texts to that number? 08, 6, 60, 25,000. You can also send your WhatsApp voice notes to 08, 6, 60, 25,000. If you want to give us a call, we'd love to chat to you to 07491 25,000. Caroline and Shannon not yet replaced by AI, but possibly by the end of 2025 we read. And if you want to email us, it's comments at highlandradio.com. They can get us from anywhere at any time. That's including if you're listening to the podcast or listening overnight. If you want to watch the show, don't forget you can do so if you're at home on your smart TV or your Fire Stick. We're on the YouTube app, Highland Radio Ireland. We're across the X platform and also on Facebook, Highland Hub, Highland News and Sport Thursday. Morning's always busy because lots and lots of newspapers are published on a Thursday. And the Chicano Tribune is amongst them and their headline new location proposed for Chrysler Shop. The planning application for the site of the Chrysler tragedy has been submitted and there is drawings proposing what would stand on that site. And I'll read on the article here. The proposal to construct a new shop in Chrysler shows the development will not be on the footprint of the original building where 10 people lost their lives on October 7th, 2022. It's not clear from the pictures precisely where it is to be located, but the shop is to be turned sort of side on and on the right hand side of the site. Then there are petrol pumps to the left of it sort of facing in and out the ways how you would pump petrol or diesel. The proposed project will see an integrated development that will include a green space or a future memorial, we're told. The architectural installation of 10 lighted poles will be close to the shop door and will be in the most prominent location close to the shop. This is seen as being front and centre of the overall site. The multi-million euro project, the biggest ever investment in Chrysler is seen as a vote of confidence in the community by the developer. Vivo Shell Limited in tandem with the Village Regeneration project. These are tentative steps I read for a new dawn on the long road to recovery. Planning permission is being sought by the company and they hope the proposal will be viewed by the planning authority, families of the deceased, those injured and the public that significant consideration has gone into the application in respect of the wishes of all of those involved. Just in that regard, the planning application will be, as far as I'm aware, I think it's been stated quite publicly, the planning application will be judged on planning matters solely. That's that process. OK, on to the Donegal News. Donegal Man, whose leg was crossed by Rubble during the Chrysler Explosion in 2022 will mark a remarkable recovery by running a marathon for charity this weekend. Dylan McGee was one of the eight people hospitalised following the tragic explosion that claimed the lives of ten people in October 7th, 2022. Chrysler Man, Dylan, who's a medical student in Dublin, spoke of how he nipped into the Apple Green Shop on his way home from college that Friday and more on his story on the inside of the Donegal News. This morning, the Dairy News, their headline major blow for Waterside. The Waterside area of Dairy was dealt a massive blow this week on Monday. On Monday in was revealed, or it was revealed, that popular award-winning restaurant, the Sooty Olive, the Waterside Theatre and the Pearson Eye Inquiry Office would all be closing down. The reasons behind the closure were due to ongoing financial pressure. On to the nationals now and on to the Irish Times firstly. Airlines could face higher fines and be subject to tougher legal obligations to check the documents of passengers flying into Ireland under proposed new immigration reform. A new gate check programme could see airlines escape fines. However, if they put in place an audited, higher standard of document checking, along with dedicated security procedures and embarkment, like, I've been on an airplane, sorry, I've tried to board an airplane coming back into Ireland and on my passport my name's Gregory, and I accidentally put Greg in as my name for the booking and went up to passport control and it was queried that my passport read Gregory and my boarding card read Greg. And it was a bit of a who hard to be honest with you, and it got sorted in the end, but that's how picky they can be. That's not only my one experience that happened, but what I don't understand is why there needs to be new regulation. I find it, like, in that experience, really tough to get through security at times, but the government feel that they have to increase fines or further legal obligations that people are able to get on planes and get off them without documents or the documents aren't real. Like, it doesn't feel like I could get around that myself, but obviously people know how to do it. Well, new information provided to the Dolls Public Accounts Committee seen by the Irish Times shows the government may seek to tighten rules around documentation. Secretary General in the Department of Integration, Kevin McCarthy, is also due to appear before PAC this morning and will tell TDs where has recently been a further significant upward trajectory in international protection arrivals. In the first 12 weeks of 2024, over 5,100 people claimed international protection compared with 2,900 people for the same period in 2023. A more than 70% increase in arrival numbers procuring bed space continues to remain extremely challenging, he will say, especially for single males. Now, currently, there's almost 2,000 of them living on the streets or intense, but that's not discouraging arrivals because the number of arrivals is heading towards double compared to the first three weeks or compared to a similar three weeks of 2023. But that's to say, my experience of airport security normally is that it's incredibly thorough, but obviously people know ways around that. It's a huge day for families of the Stardust victims today. The jury in the Stardust inquest has reached a majority verdict almost a year after the inquest began into the deaths of the 48 victims of the nightclub tragedy. This is the Arch Independent, by the way. The verdict is to be delivered from 2pm today at the Dublin District Coroner's Court. The long-awaited inquests into the tragedy, which reexamined the circumstances relating to the deaths of 48 young people following a fire at the North Dublin nightclub in February 1981 were first ordered by the Attorney General in September of 2019 in the early hours of February 14th, 1981 at the close of a Valentine's Day disco dancing competition a fire ripped through the venue in our tamed North Dublin. Those who died were between the ages of 16 and 27. A further 89 were hospitalised and 15 of those were seriously injured. There were more than 800 people at a disco on the night and 40 years on, the families and those, there are many, many people who are waiting for this, unfortunately, who at time was against them because it took so, so long that we'll never hear the findings of that inquest but those that survive will. Later today. The Irish Daily Mail this morning. Senator Lisa Chambers is at odds with her Finaful colleagues of a cause for all migrants to face deportation if they commit a crime. The Finaful Senator who is the government lead in the shannot includes even those who've been granted refugee status amongst those who need to be sent back if they break the law. However, fellow Finaful Senators and the party's Justice Spokesperson have disagreed with her stance. Speaking at the party's Ardash at the weekend, Senator Chambers said, my view is that there's nothing stopping us from deporting somebody who commits a crime in the state. Anybody who comes into this country or if they're seeking asylum or have been granted refugee status, if you break the law, you need to be sent back and that's what the public are asking for, she said. Her comments came as an internal Finaful document on immigration called for asylum seekers who commit a serious crime while awaiting a decision in their international protection applications to be deported. But Senator Chambers going beyond that it would seem. Turning our attention now to the front of the Farmers Journal and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConnelogue has ruled out introducing any scheme to compensate dairy farmers to call cows from their herds. An exit and reduction scheme had been recommended by the food visionary, Food Vision Dairy Group while I can control, sorry, while I can't control the market or the weather, I can give clarity around certain policy directions including taking the dairy care reduction scheme off the table. The Minister told the Irish Farmers Journal. Interesting decision from Helen McInty. It's covered in most papers including The Star. Justice Minister Helen McInty is staying away from the conference of the biggest God of Representative body after its snubbed commissioner, Drew Harris, a spokesperson for Miss McInty last night confirmed she would not be attending next week's annual delegate conference of the God of Representative Association made up of 11,000 members of the force. The spokesperson said the Minister for Justice had written to the GRA to tell them that she's not in a position to attend their conference. The decision comes in the wake of the GRA's move not to invite Mr Harris to the conference held in Westport, Mayo. Now we're in an interesting space now where, you know, the Justice Minister, who is, you know, de facto sort of a supposed head, she's above Drew Harris, Drew Havish, is above the guardie, not turning up at the conference, quite significant, I think. And is that sort of where we're at now that if you don't like something, you just avoid doing it with little and no consequences? We'll see how that goes for her. I'm sure the guardie will have something to say about that. The Irish Sun this morning, lots of you either got Taylor Swift tickets or continued to try and get your hands on Taylor Swift tickets. So you might have an interest in this one and it might not come as a surprise to you. Dublin is among the most expensive European cities to attend Taylor Swift's Errors Tour a new study has found, Superstar Swift 34 will perform at the Aviva Stadium in the capital on June 28th, 29th and 30th. Betting Company, I'm not interested in betting here, let's go a bit further down. Well, this company, they examined the average cost of a hotel for one night the price of a meal in a mid-ranged restaurant and the cost of a bottle of water and the cost of a five mile taxi journey. It found Dublin ranked third with the night costing a total of 158 euro. Zurich in Switzerland tops the list with the night costing 213 euro. But you could go to Warsaw in Poland and the whole lot would cost you 63 quid, 63 euro. But we are the third most expensive to go and see Tete in Europe. And lastly, young men in Ireland are bombarded with misogynistic content on social media a study suggests this is in the Irish Daily Mirror. And what's happening here is these are our children but we don't really, I mean we have a, we keep an eye on them what they're doing on social media but apps like particularly TikTok at the moment we've talked previously about the very clever algorithms that they have and how they can continue feed you certain types of information if you show any interest at all it can draw lots more of that information and continue to feed that to you. It's among a number of apps that young men can find themselves being bombarded with a certain way of thinking a certain attitude towards themselves and a certain attitude towards women. Dublin City University's anti-bullying centre reported that 61.5% of content recommended to young men by YouTube shorts which is the rival to TikTok and 34.7% by TikTok itself was toxic. The study conducted by Professor Debbie Ging Dr. Catherine Baker and Dr. Mayor Andreessen tracked content recommended to 10 experimental or sock puppet accounts on blank smartphones within the first 23 minutes all accounts were fed masculine, masculinist, anti-feminist and other extremist content. YouTube and TikTok have been contacted for comment. None of that surprises me to be honest with you and if you keep getting fed the same stuff it is going to affect perhaps how you think. Right, 08 60 25000. That's the WhatsApp and text number. All new show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union offering low-rate car loans with fast approval. Apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today. It's the right price tiles and wood flooring biggest ever sale up to 50% of everything in store. 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See creativelandscapingworks.com TFI Local Link operates evening and weekend services throughout rural Ireland to help you stay connected seven days a week. We know life doesn't just happen nine to five, so if you're commuting, shopping, visiting family or going out in the evenings or on the weekends let TFI Local Link take you there. Visit transportforarland.ie The blockbuster production of Wicked returns to the Borg-Gosch Energy Theatre Dublin featuring Oscar and Grammy Award winning music. Highland Radio are not missing out. Join us on Friday the 9th of August as we take part in the magic. Your place includes luxury transfers, overnight stay in the four-star Sydney North Hotel Dublin and your ticket to the show. Call us today on 074-9125000 or book your place through the outlet at highlandradio.com Now we're joined on the programme by Donagol's Rory Gallagher he's owner of the Irish Viking Bar in Lanzarote and former owner as you would know of the Ireland Bar in Lanzarote as well. Rory, how are you getting on? Good to speak to you again. Good to chat to you, yeah. How are you, Greg? I'm doing good. This has kind of gone over my head a little bit until recently. Tourism protests are taking place on the island of Lanzarote or is it the Canaries more generally? What's actually happening over there, Rory? Yeah, not taking place at this last few months but more so in Tenerife where we've got a bit angrier Grand Canaria but they're here as well there's another big one on Saturday and I think it's just to be honest it seems a bit more frightened when it's put down as a headline you know that locals don't want tourists that's not really the case it's more to do with housing and wage inequality and you know just it's really hard for even we find for our staff just to get like an apartment for a month you know it's being taken over by Airbnb and landlords the government's not stepping in you know and what is the what is the mood on? You're in Lanzarote aren't you? That's obviously where your bar is at the moment but what have you been hearing from Tenerife where things have been a little bit more edgy? I think it's just it's really the pictures of the graffiti you know and all it's probably just the younger people that haven't got a false idea of what's going on and you know you always get the little 5% crazy right wingers that'll spray tourists go home on walls and you know but that's more to do with probably that their older brothers sister can't get an apartment to live in because it's being rented out for three times the price on Airbnb to tourists coming over you know but this is nothing new I mean these have been very very popular tourism destinations for years obviously do we know why this is happening now or what is changing? I think it's just that there's you know obviously population grows all the time the canary and population is growing like the rest of the planet so there's more people but there's probably a lot of the same amount of buildings and anytime the government does do a new building it's a hotel it's not somewhere for locals to live so I think they're just starting to feel disillusioned and I know you know it's terrible it's their country and you know maybe six or seven of them have to live in a small house now because the younger siblings and all I can't afford to get their own place so they feel they're being squeezed out of their homeland their homeland effectively for the quick book of the tourist that's exactly it yeah and it's going to lead to anger if the government don't step in because there is ways around it you know it doesn't there should be more regulations on Airbnb how it's used and you know that's not the only company I don't want to go online you're on about short term letting really effectively and people know what you're talking about well that's a yeah you know if you've got a small villa with a swimming pool and you're from Roscommon or Germany you're not even in the country you can lease that for say five grand a month whereas you know 15 years ago that would have only been one grand one grand a month to whoever was here you know probably not surprising that the British press are taking this incredibly personal and saying you know should we boycott Tenerife should we boycott Lanzarote with that's a whole other conversation about that attitude but at the end of the day you still want to feel welcome as a tourist would is this going to pop people off landing there even if they're sympathetic to you know the locals concerns I suppose that's a good question it doesn't seem to be any bad vibe here at the minute to be honest you know and a lot of the expats as you would call them over here you know no British person wants to be called an immigrant If you go to England you're an immigrant if you go out of England you're an expat but they're actually all on the side of the protest and they get it completely everybody gets it you know it's just it's government not stepping in you know because they don't want to trample on the thought of big business the usual type thing you know and also there's a kind of a DNA in the canaries especially in Lanzarote of keeping it beautiful and natural you know there was a really famous artist called Cesar Manrique and he was kind of the head the joint head of the government in the 50s 60s 70s and he was a friend of Andy Warhol's in the USA but a real true artist but I don't know anybody that's been to Lanzarote might notice that like you can only use white green blue on a house you know and that they were his colours and you couldn't have highlights like Benidorm he wanted to avoid you know many skyscrapers ruining the skyline and even Lanzarote people of like keep it you know a beautiful type island you know rocks sandy and lots of you know natural habitat and so I totally get it but this is at this stage Rory have you any concern that views could harden you know what I mean that maybe it will get to the point whereby tourists will not feel welcome if the protesters feel they're not getting if they feel if they're not getting what they want or that even maybe people like yourself living and working in supporting the island in terms of employment what have you that attitudes could change to the like of yourself if because you know for a fact there are elements that will look at this and we'll be we'll see this as an opportunity to push their own agendas too yeah completely I mean I you can't all you can ever do if I feel as like just see how things are in the moment and and don't panic about things turning sour too much or you'll never sleep at night you know that that could be anything worldwide so you know at the moment everybody's on their side it's fine of course it can sour but we're hoping it won't get to that that's all you can say really right and what's planned for this weekend in Lanzarote a protest is planned yeah and I receive it in the capital on Saturday and I think that there'll be loads of loads of Irish joining in hopefully yeah okay it's interesting as I say and I think it's going to develop how's things going for you over there Rory good yeah well we had obviously we had the island bar here for years and then we moved home in 2018 and then all of a sudden you know we were not sure what to do then the pandemic kicked in bloody bloody bloody we started making moves back here we had a little place called Rory's Corner Bar for a year and a half and we just recently put the lease of that up for sale because a nicer bigger old venue called the Irish Viking came up so we're actually believing or not launching that tonight officially we've had it open for a few days but I'm going to be singing in there tonight so really I'll go forward to that my invitation must have got lost in the post Rory I couldn't afford your plane ticket poor mouth me come here Rory continued success thanks for your insight really appreciated take care of yourself best wishes to all over there thanks Ray thank you bye bye Rory that's Rory Gallagher there as I say I was kind of I've been out of the travel scene in inverted commas for a few years well before Covid so wasn't really aware that that was going on if you've been over there or you have a view on that many people do of course very popular destination please get in touch with us 086 60 25000 086 60 25000 or if you prefer you can give us a call on 07491 25000 086 25000 086 25000 086 086 086 086 1. forward slash sepsis for more information. 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So come surfing with me at FlemingLTD.com. Fleming, 91, 48, 234. Now, taxi numbers in Donegal have declined by almost 18%, or in fact, in excess of 18%, according to new figures from the NTA, highlighting stark regional disparities in access to essential transport. The figures came in response to a recent parliamentary question by independent TD, Carol Nolan. This dramatic drop in available taxis raises concerns for the country's vital hospitality industry and everyday passengers, particularly as tourist numbers are expected to surge in the coming months, but also to, I think we would all agree, that the taxi industry for us here in this area, and particularly dependent where you are within the region, you know, it's a vital sort of public transport service. Kieran Hartz, general manager for Uber Ireland, and he joins us on the program now. Thank you for your time, Kieran, I do appreciate it. Hi, Greg, thanks for having me. I wonder what's going on here. Like, say for instance, in terms of door security, what happened was a lot of people were working in that, and when COVID hit, they trained up in other things or moved on to other jobs. A lot of, I wonder is that the same with taxing, that it was tough as it was, and I suppose COVID gave people an opportunity, maybe to get out of the industry, to move into some other area, which still talks to the difficult operating conditions, but I wonder is that perhaps responsible for a lot of this fall? Yeah, it's certainly part of it, and what we're seeing, you know, Donnie Gowell, we've seen an 18% drop in the number of taxi licenses since 2019, but it's actually been a longer problem. We talk about the number of taxis we've lost in the past five years, but we've been losing taxis since around 2007. That was our pick, and since then we've lost over 20,000 taxis across the country. So I think the challenge is we're certainly making it harder for people to join the industry, and we're making it harder for people who might not be five or six days a week drivers, and that particularly hurts areas like Donnie Gowell, and it hurts those rural towns where people don't necessarily have work that gets them through to Monday to Saturday, but they might want to drive Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights, which is when we most need them. Do you think that taxis are seen as a vital part of Ireland's travel infrastructure by the powers that be? It's a really interesting question, and we certainly think that they are a really vital part. It's an incredibly important door-to-door service. So we celebrate and welcome the launch of 24-hour bus routes and all other transport opportunities to give transports more options, but there's always going to be that use case for people needing to get from door to door and a taxis a vital service for that. When we speak to, we're part of a taxis for Ireland Coalition, which has the Fitness Federation Industry, it has Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Irish Tourism Industry Groups as part of that. All of their members are telling us that they're hurting, that they're small businesses, the small restaurants. People aren't able to get to and get home from visiting their restaurants right around the country, and it's a real problem. We need something that enables these passengers, these restaurant goers to be able to get home and get out reliably. And do you know what I would do, Kieran, as well? I would chuck this into the whole conversation that's happening at the moment about road safety. Because taxis have always been there to get people home safely and security. Security, I beg your pardon. I've spoken to taxi drivers in the past in different parts of this region, I have to say, I'm not picking on any particular region. They've said to me that one of the greatest challenges they have driving at night time is drunk drivers. You know, and more taxi people available hopefully would take more of those people off the road. There's more travel options and what have you. So I think there's definitely supporting sort of the hospitality tourism industry here. But I think taxis play a key role too, or should play a key role in this conversation we're having about road safety at the moment. They really do, and it's an important part to note. And even like we really welcome all of the efforts that the NTA are making into increased walking and cycling routes, that's fantastic. But it's not always going to be the best use case. Coming home from the pubs, obviously, getting on your bike might not be the best option for you. So we need to ensure that there are taxis there that can help people when they most need them. And a lot of the time, as you mentioned, when they're most vulnerable. What needs to be done, or what is the Taxi for Ireland Coalition calling for then to try and boost numbers and retain what's there at the moment too, which I presume is a factor. Yeah, look, we're making two really simple, we think, asks of the government and the NTA. One is just to bring more drivers into the industry. And importantly, we don't see a lack of interest in joining the industry. We see plenty of people coming to uber.com and wanting to become a driver. But they tell us that the biggest challenges for them is, one, the area knowledge test, having to memorise all the different streets and routes across the county when they only plan on driving in their local town. But even in this day and age, is that not a little bit archaic and maybe harking back to London taxis and all this kind of nonsense? I mean, every car now either has sat-nav. We have aircoads now. And if the car itself doesn't have sat-nav, the driver's phone connected to the car has sat-nav. So that's a bit silly, really, isn't it? I couldn't agree more. We think that's a really obsolete requirement now. And to be honest with you, sat-nav technology will always be better than a memory because if there's traffic up ahead or a car crash up ahead, it's the sat-nav technology which will tell you that that route is not the best way to go today. So we absolutely think that that should be removed because there's no real benefit for passengers or for drivers in having to go and study for multiple weeks to learn and memorise those streets. And the WavGrant, what's that? So one of the challenges of drivers, the second biggest one. So one is just how do we get more drivers in? Second is just the widening the criteria for vehicles to use. So a lot of people come to us and say, we're ready to drive. I've got a perfectly suitable vehicle. It's my private vehicle. But at the moment, they cannot licence that car. You cannot licence a new taxi unless it's a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Right, I get you. Now, the challenge is obviously that that requires people to have to go out and buy a completely new vehicle. And the costs for those at the moment are actually unbelievable. We're coming in at around 40,000 to 55,000 euros. So again, it really stops people that might only be interested in doing this Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights, which is when we most need them from being able to join the industry. So it has to be nuanced. It has to be nuanced, doesn't it? Of course, we want to have a taxi network that is accessible. But we don't want it to be so erroneous that that taxi network is actually much smaller. Exactly. We don't want to throw the baby out with the bathroom water here. Yeah, I mean, this policy is not working for wheelchair users. So wheelchair users themselves would tell you that they can't rely on taxis to get themselves around. And in fact, with the shrinking supply of taxis available, it just means that people who need those wheelchair vehicles, they're actually having to compete against people who don't need those wheelchair vehicles at least peak time. So it is certainly not a policy which is working for anyone at this point. I'm not sure if this is what you were hinting at earlier on, but is there some consideration needed in terms of people who maybe work three nights a week but also can't get alternative employment and need to be able to access social welfare payments? Or is there anything there that's of concern to your members? No, we see, unlike enough to be in a position where I speak to lots of people who are coming to us and looking to get started, the challenge for most of them is that it really does suit so many use cases. And certainly in areas like across the county, Donegal, there might only be business for some people during the summer months. And so what we really want to do is just open up the industry, allow drivers to come in, use the vehicles, the very suitable and road tested vehicles that they have, to get licensed and to drive when the business is there. And the demands on them at the moment are really, as we can see from the numbers, are forcing people more and more out of the industry. And just to be clear, you can't buy a regularly inverted commas plate any more for a taxi. It has to be, as Alyson described it, a WAV plate effectively. Yeah, and that's been the case since 2013. So again, has been a long slide. Again, we're 20,000 fewer taxis across the country than we were from our peak. And again, Like I can understand the proportion of it. Like, you know, proportion maybe to the population that might require that type of access. But I didn't realise that every single new plate had to be associated with a wheelchair accessible. Yeah, every new plate since 2013. So if you want to join the industry from 2013, you have to come in with a wheelchair accessible vehicle. And what has happened to... These plates are exchangeable, are they? They are not. So the plates are not meant to have a sales value. But what we are seeing is that drivers are starting to rent out those plates. I'm just wondering what happened to the 20,000 plates from those who aren't in the industry anymore. Are they keeping them? Can you sort of maintain them, tick along until such times they decide what to do with them? Or are they handed back? Or what's the situation? You... The only way to hand the money is through a wheel, to be honest with you. So that's why we've seen that the volume of them have less of the industry. But yeah, I mean, the plates themselves aren't meant to hold a value. They're not meant to be something of value. Just about RU. The license should just be RU. Guard of vetted and suitable to drive a taxi. Call us as a taxi man in Donegal. I found the impact of the local bus services caused a lot of loss of income for the taxis. I mean, Eamon Ryan's going to love that. But I suppose, you know, it's only going to be at certain times given the frequency that these buses run at. But is that a concern amongst your members that they're being impacted by local link, et cetera? No, not at all. I mean, what we would see, and again, we would welcome multiple transport options because if buses can bring people into towns and into the restaurants and the pubs, then it's going to mean more business for the taxis on the other side of that. In fact, a lot of towns suggest that the challenge is that they are left to do that, that the heavy lifting of getting everyone home from the night out. So no, in fact, you know, more buses will actually just help more people connect with the restaurants and small businesses that we're speaking to. Yeah, okay, well, people will have noticed a significant reductions in available taxis and now we have a figure on it in excess of 18% in Donegal. Okay, well, we'll see what comes from this latest round of publicity that you're engaged in and see if the government heed. Okay, oh, hear it. Thank you very much, Kieran. I appreciate your time. Thanks, Greg. All right, bye-bye. Kieran Hart, general manager for Uber Ireland, 0860 25,000. Greg, will you please do a slot on your show on the importance of critical illness cover? Even a small policy, whatever they can afford, especially people with children. Yeah, sure, if it's of benefit, if it would help people, of course we will. Maybe people out there have an experience with critical illness cover and they want to share their stories. Of course, more than happy to do that. We'll set something up. As it relates to the defective concrete block scheme, a caller says, the stress this scheme has caused my family and continues to cause my family is irreparable. It's an absolute builder's nightmare and an ongoing trauma that feels will never end. Greg, this defective concrete block scheme is a nightmare. Donegal County Council have more power than revenue. My family's life is being destroyed by FIR requests and delayed payments. Nothing is streamlined and there's no continuity in reply between different applications. And I think really maybe what the hope is is that, unfortunately, the early applicants, you know, this is where experience is going to be learned off of their backs so that future applicants, some of the obvious pitfalls would be identified. I don't know, but I suspect that that's probably the way it's set up. Greg, I can assure you of late, this defective block scheme is not running smoothly. Payments are being held back with ridiculous further info requests. The admin staff are excellent, but the technical departments are holding lives to ransom. This scheme is a builder's nightmare and withholding payments, I feel, is a deliberate act to put builders off. I don't think there's anything deliberate in it, but that's your view, okay? But I have to throw it in there just to ensure we can be just as balanced as is possible, okay? More on that, and I think a person's personal experience of it coming up a little later on in the program. The Ninetal Noon Show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union. Digital loans now available. Apply online or via our app today and get your loan transferred directly to your current account. Country Sunday's at the Clenery Hotel, Letter Kenny. This Sunday, 21st, there's Johnny Brady and his band dancing from nine till 11. Admission, 15 euro, pay at the door. Come in attraction Sunday, 28th, there's Claudia Buckley. But this Sunday, don't miss Johnny Brady at the Clenery Hotel, Letter Kenny. Testing, testing. Do you need to get your hearing tested? Test your hearing with a free sample hearing aid from Hidden Hearing. Or do your free sample hearing aid today call 1-800-370-00 or visit HiddenHearing.ie. Are you building, rebuilding or renovating? What heat pumps or solar panels would suit your build? Come along and speak to the experts, efficient renewables on heat pumps and solar panels. Get advice on installation and grants available. Visit the efficient renewable showroom in Newton, Cunningham and see these products in operation for yourself. GiveBlood.ie, know we can count on you, our community of blood donors, to be there for others in their hour of need. Blood donors from Dunlowe and Bunbeg should attend the clinic in the Oakbrook Ballroom in Dunlowe on Tuesday, 16th of April. And donors from Ballybow Faye should attend the clinic in Jackson's Hotel on Wednesday, 17th and Thursday, 18th. Making an appointment is recommended. So call 1-800-731-37 or visit our website to book your time. New donors are vital. Visit GiveBlood.ie to check eligibility and clinic details because we count on you. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the best and brightest in the business world. It's time for the Highland Radio Customer Service Awards in association with Michael Hiney's department store. From your local community center, your favorite takeaway to your go-to pet shop, we're recognizing the businesses that go the extra mile for you. This award is a great way to show your appreciation for the businesses that make a difference in your life. But you better act fast, the deadline for entries is just around the corner. So visit our website and nominate now. Nominations close Tuesday the 23rd of April. The awards will take place on the 2nd of June. Highland Radio weather updates with Michael Hiney's. Support local at Michael Hiney's. With 53 years experience in fashion, beauty and home, we're here for you. Plus enjoy M-card rewards when you shop in store at Michael Hiney's Ballet Buffet. Mostly dull and damp today without breaks of patchy rain and drizzle at times. Through the day, highest temperatures 8 to 11 degrees and a moderate westerly wind, increasing fresh west to northwest. Right, now we're going to Skoll Krohn Dunlowe. Margaret Rose Galleher is a member of the Parents Association there. How are you, Margaret Rose? Are you well this morning? Hi, Greg. How are you? Thanks for having me on your show. All good? I'm nervous, but I'm okay. Take a deep breath, Margaret Rose. This is no issue because you know everything we're going to talk about now. And what I'm gonna ask you first, because this is off the back of a fundraiser that's been launched. It's called Sponsora Square, and we'll talk more about that at the moment. But I want to learn a little bit about Skoll Krohn, how many pupils there is, and I suppose the current sort of conditions in which they, you know, play and socialise on the grounds of the school, Margaret. So could you tell us about that? Yeah, sure. So yeah, at the minute, there's just under 300 children enrolled in the school and the majority of them are playing on a gravel area every day. So our aim is to have this area transformed into an all-weather astroturf area. And I think it's important when I used to hear the word astro, I used to think football pitches. It's not just football pitches. It'll have running tracks, basketball facilities. It will have football pitches, but it'll also accommodate kids who aren't into sports as well. This will make a huge difference to playtime, to PE, to sports days. Yeah, of course it will too. It's a better environment for them to learn their skills and what have you. Also, to give an hour climate as well, is it important that a modern-day school sort of has facilities that are up to a scratch in a modern way, but also are more accessible all year round, Margaret Rose? Absolutely, I think everyone would agree, Greg, that an all-weather area for kids to be active in is essential on the school grounds in this day and age. Some would even go as far as to say that it is important as what happens inside the school. Yeah, of course, because we hear all the time about increasing levels of childhood obesity and also the positive impact on one's mental health. Exercise can have all different types of exercise, not just for the kids that like the traditional sports, etc. And you need to propish facilities for that. Absolutely, schools are asked to focus on health and wellbeing. To promote diversity and inclusion, we have 16 different nationalities in our school. We are trying to make our grounds more attractive for kids to get active in. As you said, there are Greg, childhood obesity is at an all-time high, but yet we don't fall into any category for funding. Funding is our major obstacle. It's shocking that there's no avenues that we can take to get even help with funding for this. Because you have the space, the land is there, this is just about having the right surface, the right facilities. It's not about acquiring land or anything, Margaret Rose. It's not, no, it's not. Certainly, we're so lucky in that we have great scope around our school, but there's just nothing to work with. And we talked about this fundraiser. The quicker the funding is raised, obviously, then you would hope the less expensive this project might be because we're seeing continuous inflation. If this had been done five years ago, for an example, it would cost, I presume, much less than it might now. Absolutely, like the plans we have at the minute for the work are costing, the costs are coming in at around 100,000 if we're in a position to start this summer. So as it stands at present, we have from past fundraisers 45,000 in the pot. And I think, Greg, it's very important to add as well that the Scolcronia are very fortunate and that to have an amazing team between the Parents Association and the Board of Management and not forgetting the parents and the staff, we could arrange all the fundraisers in the world. But these are only a success because of the help from parents, from staff, from the local community. It's actually amazing. Local businesses, not even one weekend to the launch, local businesses are making contact with ourselves to call in, would you call in? We have a donation for you. It's a really good thing to know that the community are behind this initiative. So as I say, we already have 45,000 from past fundraisers, so 55,000 to go. But with what's being planned here, Margaret, Rose, isn't it a shame that the department can't match fund it because there's a decent part there, not far off half of what it might cost? And obviously, I'm sure the Department of Education would recognise the strong arguments for this type of a development. It's unfortunate that parents, with the backing of presumably the community and the teachers and what have you, are having to go about continuing to sort of raise the total themselves. But as you said a little earlier on, all sort of funding streams have been looked at, and this is seemingly at this stage the only way forward. Yeah, I mean, we had no choice. The funding, well, it's not... We've looked, there's not just me as part of the committee. You know, the principal is involved, obviously, as well. We've all had our own look into this, like, and there's nothing... Like, I would only be too delighted for somebody to come on here now and prove that, you know, that I'm wrong and what I'm saying. Yeah, yeah, I'm not sure. You know, and it's helped. Yeah, of course. You know, we had no choice, but go ahead with the Sponsor Square. So it was launched last Friday night, and people can donate through our social media pages. I know, Greg, if you don't mind, I might pass the link on to yourself, if you wouldn't mind sharing it on the Hylen video page. Of course, we'll also allow some charity across our socials. So, and also too, there's a wee dividend, isn't it? What do...other than, obviously, supporting the school is so important to our communities, especially, I think, in more rural parts of the county. What happens if I... What happens if I sponsor a square? And I will sponsor a square, but what happens if one does? Thank you, Greg. So, you know, we're... I suppose I was looking at it all weekend, thinking, how are we going to raise this money? I have no doubt we will. You know, not raising it is not an option. Like, our children deserve this. We will do it. I was looking at the figures and, you know, we have... I think it's 2,750 squares is what we need sponsored. So, you know, when, if people are in a position to do, to sponsor as a square, we, you know, as a token of our gratitude, every sponsor will have their name displayed on our Friends of Skull Colonial Appreciation Mall when the project is complete. Lovely. OK. You know, as a thank you from us. And we've broken it down into bite-sized pieces, too. 750 squares need sponsored. One square is 20 euro. And in doing so, you'll be assisting the provision of running tracks, basketball facilities, football pitches and areas for children who aren't into sports as well to... I mean, it's going to transform their play time and what have you as well. I make it more accessible all year round, too, as well. Right, OK. So, how do people... We're going to share it on our socials as well. Of course, Margaret Rose. But if people want to get it on it straight away, how do they find the I Donate page to buy a square or sponsor a square? Yeah, so if you just go into Skull Colonial, I Donate page, if you even type it into Google, it should come up. I mean, Donegal Daily went with the story yesterday, so it's on their page. I mean, the whole community seems to be sharing it on their social media. We are looking, I know some parents have come to me about sponsorship cards for people that aren't on social media. These things, all this feedback is so important. This is something we didn't even think of just because we're on social media doesn't mean, you know, that everybody is. Yeah, yeah, you're right. So, these are all things that we're thinking of. So, really, it's about reaching out, I suppose, to your listeners, and especially to families of past people who might now be in a position to give back. I am well aware that the cost of living is, you know, it's gone up all the time. I'm not asking people if they can't. I'm only asking the people that can. Yeah, of course. And it is an investment in our children as well. And of course, too, local politicians, they do have a fund available to them. A week cut out of that would be helpful, too, if any are listening and have anything left over. If we discretionary fund. I'm sure it's probably spent at this stage. But anyway, who's to say? OK, you can sponsor or buy a square, 20 euro, and as a token of gratitude, every sponsor will have their name displayed on our Friends of Skoll Kronja appreciation wall. All right, OK, listen, thank you very much. You're obviously advocating on behalf of the children. You did fantastic Margaret Rose. The nerves weren't an issue, and I appreciate your time today. Thank you so much, Greg. Greg, can I just finish off by saying that we are children's voices. This is our chance to make a difference for them. Don't let them miss out. Indeed. OK. Thanks very much, Margaret Rose. Well done. Thank you very much, Greg. Thank you. Bye bye. 08, 6, 60, 25,000 WhatsApp and text number. There are a call I wanted to know. I don't know where or from whom you can get Tory Clay. I have a number here, so if that person calls back in, we can put you in contact with them. Hi, Greg, I'd appreciate this being read out, please. As a person with autism and who has audio processing disorder, when I rang NowDoc at the weekend, I had to mute my phone to get my partner to help me answer questions. I think the nurse at NowDoc should, or the nurses at NowDoc and other facilities, are you presenting any neurotypical, no neurological disorders or are neurodivergent? Or have autism, ADHD, Tourette's et cetera, or would you rather not say, this would help the nurse ask the questions more simply and slowly. Thank you. OK, that's interesting. That hasn't come across the desk before, but if anyone out there is in a similar position to that listener and would want to lend their support to that point, please get in touch. I rang a public service office here in Donegal speaking Ask Heliga. There was no one to answer me. A message to say that someone would reply to me in due course. I'm still waiting. That's three weeks ago. How can diversity improve the situation, bend to every group except Indigenous Irish? Say it's a listener. OK. Hi, Greg, I'm waiting two years for an operation. The AA gave me worldwide insurance. The only thing is they will not cover the area for what you are waiting for, like back or neck. OK, that's off the back of someone who was looking. They've got a trip for next year. They've got an operation in the interim. They can't get health insurance. That caller got it from the AA, but the insurance doesn't cover them for the condition for which they might be seeking the operation. So maybe that might help. The Ninetyl Noon Show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union with monster loans available up to 60,000 euro for all occasions. Visit letterkennycu.ie The Donegal branch of the Irish Kidney Association are hosting a service of remembrance and thanksgiving on Sunday 21st of April at 3 p.m. in St. Mary's Church, John Ardour to remember Argon Donors and Donor Families. Argon Donor Awareness Week runs from 20th of April to 27th of April. For more information, visit ika.ie. Are your small appliances due in upgrade? Or when expert electrical? Your ultimate destination for all things electrical? From stylish toasters and kettles to innovative coffee machines and air friars? Or elevate your tech game by using the latest technology that's available to you? If you're interested, check out our website at www.argondonors.com for more information. For more information, go to www.argondonors.com with our selection of smartwatches, iPads, laptops and phones and TVs from all your top brands. Stay connected with Urban Expert Electrical, Letterkenny and Bunkrana. Hi, Bridgiene here from McDade's Bathroom Plumbing Tiles, Bunkrana. Our massive marquee tile sale in Bunkrana is now on. With up to 75% off wall tiles, floor tiles and much more. Grab yourself a bargain this week at McDade's Bathroom Plumbing Tiles, Bunkrana. Never has the need for reliable, trustworthy journalism been greater. If you are a journalism or media student who is about to graduate and are looking to kickstart your career in news or sports, the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Program is for you. Learning Waves, along with Commissioner Neumann and Skillnet Ireland are offering 10 graduates the opportunity to work in one of Ireland's independent radio stations for a period of five months from September 2024. You will work alongside the news and sports editor in the station to learn real workplace skills and equipment and to get your voice heard. You will also undertake a tailored training program devised by Learning Waves. So if you want to progress your journalism career, apply online now at Learning Waves.ie. Closing date May 24th. Live on air online and on the Highland Radio app. This is Highland Radio News. Good morning, it's Donna Marie Doherty with the news at 10 o'clock. Today marks five years since journalist Leera McKee was shot dead during a riot in Derry. At the time of her death, Stormont had collapsed and during the funeral, the priest received a standing ovation for calling out politicians and urging them to work together. Five years on and Stormont's just a few months back together after yet another collapse. Leera's partner Sarah hopes it's for good this time. Stormont's been down more than it's been up since its instrumentation and Leera was very passionate about that and about the fact that when the government's down, they're going to suffer. Jetski's safety signs are repeatedly being removed from a Glenburn beach and Sweet Nellie's beach in Anishone. Local Councillor Martin Farron says he's confused as to why people would do this on a continuous basis. He says the signs were put in place to keep everyone safe, particularly children, from Jetski's being launched too close to the shoreline. Councillor Farron is now unsure on how to move forward with a long-term solution. But we have run into a problem, we have indeed now the Donegal County Council, the Environment Section, the Donegal County Council and Fairness Council have gone back and put these signs back up again and they were put up fairly strongly. They weren't just set up there on the poles, they were put up there quite tightly. But for some reason or other, some, I'm sure, a small minority of people thought it was... they felt that they could just take them down. Taxi numbers have dropped in most parts of the country, including in County Donegal. Taxi license numbers fell in 23 of the 26 counties over the past five years. Monhan saw the most significant drop with 26% fewer taxis in the county since 2019. Donegal came in 7th at a drop of 18%. The Taxis for Ireland Coalition wants action from the National Transport Authority to increase license numbers by 30% in the next three years. Here in heart, the General Manager of Uber Ireland says taxes have been in decline since 2007. And what we're seeing, you know, Donegal, we've seen an 18% drop in the number of taxi licenses since 2019, but it's actually been a longer problem. We talk about the number of taxis we've lost in the past five years, but we've been losing taxis since around 2007. That was our pick, and since then, we've lost over 20,000 taxis across the country. So I think the challenge is we're certainly making it harder for people to join the industry, and we're making it harder for people who might not be five or six days a week drivers. That particularly hurts areas like Donegal. The regional Traveler Health Action Plan was launched in Bali, Shannon this week. The aim of the five-year implementation plan is to work together to improve the health experiences and outcomes for travellers. A spokesperson said that while there are ambitious actions within the plan, it highlights the real desire for meaningful change, inclusive collaboration across agency approaches for better health outcomes for the traveller community. The families of the 48 people who died in the Stardust disaster will gather this afternoon to hear the verdicts on what caused their deaths. The verdicts are due to be revealed at 2pm after an inquest, which lasted almost a year and 11 days of deliberation. The jury reached its decision yesterday, but were asked to wait to deliver the verdict. Reporter Stephanie Rowan says it was down to allow the victims of the family and friends to be there when the news arrived. The foreman came back at around a course back to and said that they couldn't reach a unanimous decision and the coroner said, okay, I'll accept a majority verdict and within 15 minutes they said they had their decision after that. What Myra Cullen and the coroner asked them to do was she asked them to sit on that verdict. I've never come across this before until this afternoon. A 17-year-old who was arrested in Derry yesterday has been released on bail. It was in relation to a report of criminal damage on the Waterloo Street on Tuesday. PSNI, it says it's to allow for further inquiries. Now, for weather, mostly dull and damp today with outbreaks of patchy rain and drizzle at times through the day, highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in moderate-westerly winds, increasing fresh west to northwest. That's all for now. We'll be back again at 11 o'clock. The obituary notices this Thursday morning, April 18th. The death has occurred of Linda Gallagher, Fomney Letter Kenny, reposing Adelaide residents today and tomorrow from 12 noon until 9 p.m. each day. Family and friends, welcome. Removal from there on Saturday, going to the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest Mount and Top Letter Kenny for 11 a.m. funeral service followed by interment in Cortley Cemetery. Family time, please, on the morning of the funeral. Family flowers only, please. Donations if wished to the Donegal branch of the ISPCA, Cerve Pasco Blake Funeral Director. The death has taken place of Brendan Joseph McColgan, 25 Lockeview, Bunkrana. Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed later. The death has occurred of Michael Mickey McColgan, Malinahi Karnamual Moth, reposing Adelaide residents today from 12 noon where you're welcome to pay your respects. Removal from his home on Saturday afternoon at quarter past 1 to St Patrick's Church at Cahin for rakeway and mass at 2 p.m. followed by interment in the adjoining graveyard. Michael's rakeway and mass can be viewed on MCN media. Family time, please, from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu if desired to the Donegal hospice, Cerve any family member or Sean Murphy Funeral Director. The death has taken place of Godfrey O'Donnell, Main Street, Ardra. His remains will repose at Shovland's Funeral Home Sandfield this evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral from there tomorrow morning to the cemetery at the church of the Holy Family, Ardra, for burial at 11 a.m. in the family plot. The death has taken place of A.J. Doyle in Perth, Australia. A.J. will be reposing at his father Jason's home in Drumminer, Bunkrana from 12 p.m. to day where everyone is welcome to come and pay their respects. Funeral leaving from there on Saturday morning at quarter to 11 travelling via Klombeg to Christ Church, Bunkrana for 12 p.m. to service with burial in the adjoining graveyard. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust care of any family member or porter funeral directors. The death has took place on Monday the 8th of April in Hitchin, England of Grace MacDonald Tam, Nick Gallagher, formerly of Cross Connell-Clone-Manny and 29 Ard Colmkill Letter Kenny. Funeral will take place on Wednesday the 8th of May at 11 a.m. in our Lady's Catholic Church Hitchin followed by Interment in St John's Cemetery. Funeral Mass can be viewed live on the parish Facebook page. The death has occurred of Annie O'Donnell, Carol Naginona, Milford and Cash Linnan Kilmachranon. Annie's remains will be received into St Bridget's Church Golan Milford this evening at half past 7 to repose overnight. Funeral Mass at 12 noon tomorrow followed by Interment in Milford Cemetery. Family flowers only. Family. The death has occurred of Desmond Doherty, Susie Point Street, Cairndona and late of St Colmkill Village, Clamani reposing at the family home in Point Street, Cairndona where you're welcome to pay your respects. Removal from there on Friday morning at half past 10 to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Cairndona for Rayquiem Mass at 11 a.m. followed by Interment in the Adjoining Graveyard. Rayquiem Mass can be viewed on Facebook.com. Family time please from 11 p.m. tonight. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu if desired to St Colmkill Village, Clamani care of any family member or Sean Murphy Funeral Director. The death has taken place of Theresa Callaghan, Cole Hill Newton Cunningham. Theresa's remains are reposing at her late residence today from 12 noon until 11 p.m. with Rosary tonight at 9 o'clock. Funeral from there tomorrow morning going to All Saints Church, Newton Cunningham for 11 a.m. Rayquiem Mass which can be viewed on ChurchServices.tv. Interment afterwards in the Adjoining Graveyard. Family time on the morning of the funeral please. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu of flowers to All Saints Church Chapel Fund and the Donegal Hospice. For family information and more details regarding works and funerals please go to highlandradio.com Ready to feast your ears on this sizzle of success. Ireland's most awarded specially selected steak range from Aldi 100% Irish board be a quality assured strip loin for two for just 999 or how about dry aged black Angus ribeye the best ribeye in Ireland to for just 1399 sounds good taste even better go all Aldi while stocks last. You're very welcome back to the 90 noon show here in Highland Radio. Good morning if you just after joining us it was another interesting hour to get things on the way forward today and we appreciate your calls and comments coming into the show as well. This listener says it's very expensive and there's a lot of red tape to put a taxi on the road in rural areas after COVID between older people not leaving their homes to young people moving abroad and going to college business pubs cafes dropping off dramatically. On top of that the local links came into areas which did not help lots of rural taxi drivers saying the same thing and very interested of course to speak to a member of the taxi driving community. Another caller says you cannot put a taxi on the road unless it's wheelchair accessible and the back roads in Donegal where most people live are dreadful for ordinary cars never mind wave vehicles. Just a couple of announcements here thanks so much for your recent media highlighting the crisis facing our playgroup due to defective blocks this is the RCP we hope to keep our struggle to avail of funding in the spotlight and to this end have arranged a unique event at the playgroup this Sunday the 21st of April at 1pm all past pupils and their families dating back to 1982 are invited to have a large group picture taken by drone families will be invited to see hundreds of past photos and view the premises. At 3pm the charity football tournament has been organised by Rafoltown Football Club at Drumanuni Rafolt to raise funds for the playgroup so this is the Rafolt community playgroup so if you are have attended or have any involvement since 1982 you can get along on Sunday the 21st at 1pm and be part of a huge photograph which will actually really in a very visual way highlight the importance of these facilities. Hi could you please give a big shout out to all of Fintown Harps who are running a massive country concert this Saturday night in Fintown Hall loads of top artists all backed by the Cufflinks band okay sounds fantastic what's going on this weekend bit of a buzz. Thank you for having us on your program last week and we'll see you next week thanks for joining us and we'll see you in the next video. Thank you for having us on your program last week Greg we sold out almost all of the tickets overnight would it be possible to mention that additional seats have been added to coat with the demand at some stage this week of course this is the below the belt screening it was a documentary that has been made about endometriosis and there is that's airing on Monday the 29th of April from 9.30 at 7.30 at Century Cinemas letter Kenny so we have a link there we can tell you about that if you give us a ring if you thought you'd missed out on tickets more have been made available we spoke to young students from Skull Moribong Krana and they had this fantastic idea it's part of a program that they're putting together where they're sending leaflets out to schools across the region talking about alcohol and how it can affect you and what have you but they also produced and hope the launch went really well they produced beer mats which you can have a QR code on them and you can scan the QR code and it gives you a list of local taxis and this was local to their area and it is a good idea but it kind of ties in with what we've been talking about today to some extent as well and this doesn't take away from the brilliance of the idea but this text just says brilliant idea that the Bong Krana secondary school students had pity the regulator seems to be making almost impossible to get a taxi or hackney license so the two issues kind of merge at some point there in the Zen diagram I call it says I got three penalty points about three quarters of a year ago but I paid for them I was told that if they were paid they'd be taken off my insurance company informed me that the RSA never took them off why was this I've never heard of being able to pay off penalty points I won't mention the insurance company involved here just until such time as we clarify that but have you ever heard of this before maybe you're paying the insurance company to allow for them if that's how you would describe it the RSA I've never heard of penalty points that you could pay to take them off so unless you can maybe text in with a little bit more detail that might help us pursue that for you are you allowed to burn tariff in Donagall it isn't clear whether or not you can well you can can't you I don't think the smoky fuel ban I don't know I don't live in Latter County can you burn tariff is that smoky fuel can you burn tariff in Latter County Caroline can you burn tariff in Latter County as part of this you can't burn tariff in Latter County no what smokeless tariff Caroline where are you going to get smokeless tariff now dear right okay this smoke not in the areas where you have to burn smokeless fuel but elsewhere yep you can because people do and you can still cut it as well Greg I had a near death experience on a back road two weeks ago I rang the RSA and was told that the only deal with vehicles and that the road markings is not their problem okay so you were talking about I get you so you had a near the death experience on a back road you rang up the RSA to talk about linings and what have you they said that's not our issue we want to deal with cars alright okay that's not fantastic I think they might need to widen the road a bit if that's the case good morning to Annie Kathy Dolores Glenda Audrey Beth Rosemary all watching the show amongst the hundreds watching show across our various social medias just to remind you before we take a break you can watch the show most of the guests on your big screen TV if you're at home or your Firestick YouTube app Highland Radio Ireland type is in like and subscribe please it's very much appreciated we're also on Facebook Highland Hub Highland News and Sport and on the X Highland Radio it's time for vision Ireland bingo on Highland Radio it's Thursday the 18th of April jackpot day you're playing for the jackpot prize of 10,200 euro on the paint sheet the reference number is S19 it's game number 16 the jackpot number is 6 this 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furniture step into our showroom and see how we can transform your house into a home house to home furniture flooring slide robes and interiors bridge off I'm Johnny cash walk the line with the award-winning Johnny cash and June Carter tribute show cash returns live at the Struel Art Centre Oma on Saturday 20th of April and at the Baller Arts Theatre Ballet Buffet on Saturday 4th of May limited tickets on sale now at both box offices that's cash returns at the Struel Art Centre Oma on Saturday 20th of April and at the Baller Arts Theatre Ballet Buffet on Saturday 4th of May live at the Struel Art Chatンダughal Art Centre Oma on Saturday 4th of May we do hold the o Oma. Education and Training Service. We also have a Garten Outdoor Education Centre. We have a music education partnership. We also involve in the youth services. We also involve in drugs and alcohol training and education. So it's a very, very wide role and remit that we would have right across the county. But it's primarily in further education and training and education with post primary students. Now you've been with the E.T.B, Donegal E.T.B since the late 80s. Yeah, I joined Donegal E.T.B actually in 1987. I was a teacher at the time down in what was Mulford Vocational School now called Mulroy College. Yeah, indeed. And there's 15 E.T.B schools at the moment in the county. Is that always been the case? Well, we've had a number of developments. There's 27 post primary schools in the county. 15 of them have come under the direct remit of the E.T.B, formerly the V.E.C. We've had a number that we've added over the years. For example, Garmsfield Victorimage on Arnmore Island, also our school in Torrey, also Colosty Kinnellone, Mayen College, Bondone. They were all recent ones that would have come into our management since 1987, since I joined. And when I joined Donegal E.T.B, we would have had 11 schools. We now have 14 or 15, really. Yeah. And what is the sort of, do schools seek to join the E.T.B or other schools just to be under different sort of management structures? How does that work? I know it's a really simple question, but answer it when I come five. Yeah. It's probably a legacy thing. There's a tradition there. There's a number of different types of management bodies that look after post primary schools here in Ireland. There's the E.T.B, as we've mentioned there. There's then community and comprehensive schools, which would be also a number of those in the county. And of course then the joint management board would have four schools then, like St. Union's, Letterkenny, the Convent in Letterkenny, Skullwara in Bonnecranna, and St. Columbus there in St. Norler. So that's sort of the kind of variety of management bodies that look after. And what is the benefit of schools being sort of part of the Donegal E.T.B umbrella? Well, there's great support for our schools. For example, say, in our administrative office in Letterkenny, we would have a HR department. We have a buildings, a state's management. We have a finance department. We have a corporate service there. We have IT support. So all our 15 schools are able to sort of look for support there, get support. And there's also tremendous networking amongst our principals, our deputy principals, our teachers. And we can form communities of practice very easily to support one another professionally. And that has worked tremendously well in terms of improving the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom. Eamon Ryan, as I mentioned, is with us as well, ethos coordinator with Donegal E.T.B. So can you sort of define your role under that title? Yeah, every school in the country is under a certain patronage. So the schools that are under the patronage of an E.T.B. they have a particular ethos. So right across the country in each E.T.B. there is an ethos coordinator. And the job of the ethos coordinators to support schools in looking at their ethos, looking at their policies and practice, and making sure that those policies and practice are aligned with the E.T.B. ethos. Yeah. And are these sort of, do they have to, is there a sort of a, a, a dictate from the Department of Education that your role is also to, as best as possible, ensure that you align with their directives or how, how does that structure work? And that would happen anyway. And that would happen for all schools in the country, regardless of the patronage. So my role is particularly around that ethos piece. Another word for ethos is maybe the characteristic spirit of the school and making sure that the schools are, that they're providing excellence in education. That's excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, that they're schools that are caring, respectful, equality-based and as a sense of community in the schools. Those are the core values that underline the ethos of an E.T.B. school. And how then, is that, I suppose, how is that informed and how is that implemented? Well, Martin mentioned just a moment ago about the whole concept of communities of practice. So what happens is I support the schools in Donegal and there's one person in each school is the ethos lead person in that school. So I meet with those ethos leads on a regular basis and we share good practice across our schools. But as well as that, I'm part of a wider community of practice of other ethos coordinators around the country. So I'm looking at what's happening in other E.T.Bs, right from the south west, right up to where we are, the north west, Dublin and so on. And looking for good practice and sharing that good practice across all of the E.T.B schools. And I presume then, you know, it's to ensure as best as possible that the teachers experience, the students experience is, you know, maximise that it's as best it can be. So in other words, you've got one school that's doing everything really, really well. The expectation would be that all students and teachers in the other schools could expect that same. Absolutely. That's, I mean, that's, that's what we're looking for is that consistency of approach across all of our schools. And we're aiming to have our schools to be the best schools possible. Every parent wants their child to go to a school that is a good school. So we want our schools to be as good as they possibly can be in teaching and learning and assessment. But you also don't want to remove their individuality either to you because there's an ethos almost within an ethos. It could be language, it could be music, it could be sport, whatever it might be. Absolutely. That's a great point, you know. So while we want to raise standards across the board, we absolutely recognise the individuality of schools who serve their communities and meet the needs of their communities. And as you say, it could be that they have a particular strength in Irish language or in music or in sport or in music performance, that type of thing. And that's certainly to be encouraged. What schools will do is they'll express that through their mission and their vision statements and then their policies will flow from that. But at the same time, we're looking for them to have that consistency of approach where all standards are raised. Some listening just such as the nature of the ward we live in now might see the word ethos and equate it to the word woke. It's funny, that word ethos, I mean, the ETB sector struggled with that. If we go back to 1998, the Education Act, that's the legislation that underpins everything that happens in schools. And they use the word characteristic spirit. And then the ETBs decided on the word ethos. If you ask people what's meant by ethos, a lot of people might think, well, it is something to do with maybe religion. They make that kind of connection. The way I look at ethos is ethos is how we live together, how we work together and how we relate to each other. The way I would say to be honest, he was a healthy school environment. Absolutely. And a safe school environment where children and staff feel safe physically, but where they also feel safe emotionally and they feel that their needs are being met. Those are important aspects of every school. Okay, that's the sort of the school element as well. Of course, there is more strings to the ETB ETB boat. You can put your headphones on there because we're going to talk to another guest here now who's joining us remotely. And that is Valerie Yagovchuk. Is that correct? I'm trying and learning all the time, Valerie. I really am. I hope I've, I think I've got Valerie right. Valerie Yagovchuk. Yes, okay. Good morning. Thank you very much indeed. Right. Now, you recently came from Ukraine. What was your, your, you know, what did you bring a profession with you or an area of expertise from Ukraine? Valerie? My profession, I am a doctor. I'm an anesthetist and usually I administered anesthetic in surgery theaters. But in order to work as a doctor here in Ireland, I have to pass some exams. First of all, English exam and then two more medical exams. It can take about maybe two years. That's why I'm, I'm learning English and at that moment I, I didn't have any job and I found this course, it'd be a course. And I always was interested in accountancy and math and it was interesting for me. That's why I chose this course and I'm happy with to have this course done now. And it was very useful for me. Now you, thanks to your training work as an administration with the government body, but we've lost you to the, have we lost you from the world of medicine? We need, we probably need also your anesthetist expertise, Valerie? Yes, I know, I know, but Ireland has such rules for doctors from non-New Countries. That's why I'm preparing for my exams now and I'm happy to have this job at this stage. And I, I'm very thankful for this opportunity for it to be. Yeah, because of course you have to keep bread on the table as they say. You're here with your family, your, your children are in school. Your youngest daughter actually attends an Irish language school? Yes, it's right. I'm here with my family. My wife is working as well in the co-op store now and my son is studying in Rose Community School, Secondary School and my daughter is studying in a national school in Anagri and I'm very proud of her because she speaks now English and Irish as well. I was very surprised and we are very happy. Yeah, well our young ones are like sponges aren't they? They soak up so much, so much information and it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a great string for her bowl later in her life as well. So whilst thanks to this retraining you are able to get employment in administration still working towards practicing medicine I presume and I suppose as well through your work and engaging with other people all the while English is improving. Yes, it helps me a lot because I have to speak with customers and with my colleagues and I, I'm very helpful for my colleagues as well because they are great help for me and I hope it helps me eventually to get my job in medicine. Okay, well listen you're happy here anyway and life is good. Yeah, it's nice. Okay, excellent stuff. Thank you so very much indeed and that is and talks to a gentleman Dr Martin Gormley and Eamon Ryan who's with us. Martin that talks to the, the, the benefits beyond what we've already been talking about of the Donegal ETB. Yeah, yeah I suppose like there's a typical example of a family that has come to Ireland and Donegal ETB has been able to respond to their need for example there you know in terms of adult classes for the parents and that would be through what we call our ESOL program there so we have an awful lot of new people who've come into the country and this was, we're charged with trying to deliver or the English language to them and trying to improve their proficiency in English but it's great to hear Valerie there that has settled down in the West Donegal and his kids going to an Irish primary school and stuff like that there. I think even he's surprised at how well his daughter has taken to the Irish. It just shows you do you see and that's what's happening in our schools at the moment we've you know a lot of new kids that have come into our different schools and what we have to do then is we're supporting them through what we call an EAL program which is English as an additional language so we're getting some resources to do that and you know schools are much different places. That is a challenge though isn't it and I don't mean this in any way negative at all but if you we're in a unique situation where you get a lot of people coming into a school right and maybe there is a language barrier there that you want to accommodate those children and ensure that they reach their full potential but at the same time you don't want that to have any negative impact on the school experience of children up until then because the sort of you know two speeds of traffic going there a balance I perhaps wouldn't like to try and strike myself. Yeah but but our teachers in our schools are very skilled with our staff there or SNAs and all the support staff we have there in terms of overcoming those types of challenges. We tend to have a very positive approach to it so when a new kid comes to the school if they're for Croatians or somewhere like that there we would introduce them as this young boy speaks Croatian and a little bit of English so we don't sort of maybe try to focus on the fact that you know that there are challenges with the language but once they get immersed in a school and there's integration and you know teachers and that put structures in the classroom themselves to try to include those kids there you can see them improving and leaps and bounds. Well when you see what humans are capable of this is surely a not we can crack. It is yeah. Do you know what I mean it can't be beyond us can it. And the other thing about schools is it's great to see diversity in them because that's really a mirror of wider society then and you know the world is so interconnected now so if we can reflect that in our schools with young people at a very young age that gives them great skills in terms of going forward into adult life. Yeah and so who can talk to the services of Donegal ETB from you or Raymond in terms of you know those listening today that are outside the school they've left school for some time maybe they're in a job they'd like to try something else or pursue a scratch niche that they've always had what can the Donegal ETB assist in that regard. Well we've a further education and training service and through that we have an adult learner guidance service so that probably is the first point to call for them to contact adult learner guidance service within Donegal ETB and they weave a number of professionals there who would be able to point them in the right direction then and just get them started and sometimes it's little steps at the start but a lot can be achieved. Yeah that's the further education and training in in terms of ethos as ethos coordinator Ayman is it like are we in a period of time now where we're trying to get everything right if you know what I mean that we're trying to be inclusive but but then there are lines that people don't want you to cross like is there any challenges in your work to ensure that the school environment is the environment that is reflective of parents wishes? I think I mean the important thing for a parent is that there's choice there and choice of school in so far as possible and that's one of the things that ETB is trying to do is trying to be as inclusive as possible but the bottom line for schools is they're trying to be as good as they can be so they're trying to be meet the academic wishes of parents and students but at the same time recognizing that you'll only reach your academic potential if you're in a school where you feel you belong, where you're happy, where you feel cared for and so on so the two things are interlinked in terms of meeting parents and parents wishes and ambitions and then the students and the happiness of the students in the school environment. Yeah and children feel safe as well of course. Martin staffing what's the staffing situation across the the 15 Donegal ETB schools is that a challenge? Well it can be a challenge it depends on particular subjects we're probably not as acutely affected as say our schools in Dublin or in a commuter belt there in Donegal ETB by and large we have most of our posts filled sometimes you know later in the year things like a maternity leave kind of occur there and we may have issues trying to fill posts at the times at short notice like that but by and large we don't experience the same difficulties around recruitment in fact we'll be advertising over the coming weeks now around teaching vacancies for the fourth coming year so we would encourage any of our people out there who's interested in joining Donegal ETB as a teacher to watch out for those adverts. All right brilliant stuff it's been really interesting anything else that you we didn't touch on either you Mark nor Ayman that might be uh interesting to our listeners I think I think what you know what you were saying there around schools the big thing from talking to parents about schools is students need to be safe and they need to be happy and if we can get those two things right the learning comes in quite easy and it's much easier but if you don't get those things right there and I think to also another thing that parents might say or might text students they want to be heard as well that they feel that the schools are you know dealing with any concerns that they might have yeah yeah well not alone have parents to be heard but students have to be heard also and I think that's something that you know schools have been working on this last while they've been promoting student voice and it's not just student voice through a student council a student voice in the actual classroom for example teachers now when they're doing different texts and different subjects and that they talk to students about you know giving them a choice which would they prefer maybe point out you know that what's involved in it and there's little decisions made there which which are very effective and you know contribute and recognize students have been very very important part of schools community and just aiming on the sort of engagement with with parents and guardians does I mean obviously presumably that falls under the the remit of ethos as well does it absolutely it falls under the the the issue of voice and agency and making sure that both students and parents and staff have their voice and have their voice heard and taken into account one of the initiatives that many of our schools are involved in is school self-evaluation and that's a process whereby the school actively seeks out the voice of the parent of the student of the staff before making changes to things like policies and practice and it's making sure that that that voice is at the heart of changes rather than one or two people making a decision it's a very democratic process yeah and that's you know one of the values or one of the important values of a good etb school yeah and I suppose too the the challenge is isn't that in trying to get everything correct it has to be done in a way though that can be navigated can't it because if this was done wrong it could just be layer and layer and layer of of things with a name to make things better but so convoluted that it would be like walking through a maze to get to to a resolution or to to get to a point where a school might want to be in a particular area that's a brilliant point because I mean schools are the school are schools are full of human beings you know whether it's staff or students and everything that's decided has to be easily implementable and then when it is implemented and it happens it needs to be assessed to see well is this doing what we hoped it would do and if not we need to be able to make changes but there's no point as you say in layering policies upon policies upon policies if practices don't change and if practices are practices must be implementable and where would you gauge where we're at and where we need to be I mean nothing is complete but in terms of your 15 schools how satisfied what would you give them of what grade would you give where we're at I suppose we want to be at a plus well it's always a work in progress our schools are very progressive yeah and they've taken on a lot of change and teachers have taken on often a lot of change in recent years in schools and there's more down the line for example we're going to see the whole senior cycle redevelopment the leaving serve being redeveloped and teachers are getting ready for that the conversations have happened a number of years ago and they're really now talking about how that's going to work in practice and we're having those discussions with our principals with our deputies our community of practices across the subjects are also talking about that there and how it's going to change school lives school has changed so so much like I know myself and Ayman would have started that you know back in 87 around that time there 86 87 around that time and you know if you look now at how a school has changed there's been you know so so many different things that have happened in schools and it's really for the good and even if we look at our student population you know the fact that there's so much diversity there you know there's different cultures there's different people eat different things you know they they behave differently they have interest in different sports their music art all of those things are so important but at the same time you want to recognize we of course want to recognize what makes us different or what is culturally appropriate or wherever it might be but also to the school environment you want to set up to that there's there's full integration as well there's full integration and there's you know there's understanding there's tolerance there's you know and that people can see different perspectives and that's so important if it's geography if it's history we'd have very interesting debate around flags with our with our schools there where you know we were talking about flags and flags can be offensive sometimes to different students depending where they're coming from and you know we had a very good debate around that and we were sort of concluded that you know promoting different countries through language through the cuisine that they have through the you know their their geography their history all of that there would make them very very welcome yeah and it's such an important role just to wrap it up I mean like you know we need to hear young voices more as well and I'm on about when I say young I'm about like 25 down this is their country do you know what I mean with with all due respect to all three of us I think we've spent more time here in the past than we might in the future if you know what I mean and if you often listen to debate and conversation about various different things and I'm not saying it shouldn't be had but you know it doesn't necessarily talk to or on behalf of the young people you know I suppose we've been responsible to what country we're leaving them but they it is their country going forward can I tell you can I tell you about an initiative that happened just yesterday it was in Finn Valley College College in Stranola which is one of the ETB schools and they hosted a debating competition between eight local primary schools fifth class students so the students who were debating were typically about 10 or 11 years old but the whole debate was organized by and run by the Finn Valley students and then the Finn Valley students who were aged about 16 they sat with each of the teams the younger teams and prepared them for the debate so they explained to them how to debate and you know what points they might make and how to research for the debate and then when that debate was over they went away and they prepared for the next debate and that was a real example of we were promoting the student voice of the 10 year olds but it was the 16 year olds who were supporting them where the adults the older people took a step back and it's that type of model of involvement and making sure the student voice is at the heart of what we do what's clever about what's clever about that too is is whilst the 16 year olds may think and they are assisting and helping the younger students they themselves are oh they're developing too yeah yeah leadership leadership development sometimes that's the best learning isn't it when you don't really realize everybody everybody left the event a little bit taller than when they came into it that's what it's all about isn't it education all right listen it's been really interesting thanks to Valerie who joined us a little earlier on and also Dr Martin Gormley director of schools with the ETB and also Aiman Ryan ethos coordinator with the ETB that was part of your voice your community brought to you by commissioner man we look at the work of the ETB as we looked at the work of the ETB in education and training gentlemen thank you very much for your time thank you thank you the 9 till noon show is brought to you by letter Kenny credit union offering low rate car loans with fast approval apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today testing testing do you need to get your hearing tested test your hearing with a free sample hearing aid from hidden hearing or do your free sample hearing aid today call 1-800-370-00 or visit hiddenhearing.ie present link retail park or online as easylivingfurniture.co.uk when it's time for confirmation or first communion it's time for a trip to wantson menswear letter Kenny choose from a great selection of top label casual and formal wear suits with 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hennies ballet buffet for quality you can trust so mostly dull and dumb today with outbreaks of patchy rain and drizzle at times through the day highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees and a moderate westerly wind increasing fresh west and northwest and weather is going to get ever more pleasant as we head into friday and then into saturday and sunday brian kelly is a defective block homeowner and he joins us on the program now brian thanks for your time how are you greg how are you doing when did the the penny drop that that use were affected by defective materials um as far back as 2016 long before i suppose a lot of these groups came online there was talk and we had some suspected cracks in the house all right so yeah go ahead sorry brian yeah we contacted an engineer and he came out and looked and he tried to convince us we didn't have an issue that he had seen bad houses and our house wasn't bad so gave us a report on the visual inspection charges for that report and three years later we got the same engineer out in 2019 and he said oh maybe it's no time to do a bit of testing so that was in august 2019 and there was quite a hefty bill associated with that test in 2019 upwards of six and a half thousand pounds for the for the for the testing for the dcb scheme and it took from august 2019 until february 2021 to get the reports and engineering reports ready and for submission to the council for a state one application which happened in february 2021 uh and then you got approval in 2022 you mentioned for full demolition isn't um the house was initially for i'd believe uh uh we got approval and demolition in december 2022 that was 71 weeks ago as soon as we got approval um we realized that our house is a big house is almost three and thousand four hundred square feet there was never going to be enough money to rebuild it in the cap which had been proposed at four hundred and twenty thousand so we were conscious that our kids were almost out of university that let's build something that the grant will cover uh and that's what we chose to do so we applied for a smaller house we reduced the size to two thousand square feet um were you accepted um that went through the planning the first thing we hit a hiccup where the housing department asked us for archaeological dig on the site uh it involved a lot of lobbying to get over that um as of today i don't know if that's been accepted and we haven't had a grant award we've been told we can have a demolition we've been told the planning has been passed for a new house but um set 18 weeks into our stage two application which is supposed to four and a half months we don't know what grant they're going to give us because this sounds to me like what was being sought as part of this new scheme penalty-free downsizing but that wasn't approved but you still believe that you can apply for a grant to replace the bigger house with a smaller house or are you unsure about that at this point oh no i i uh what i what i believe is i i breach the cap once my house went over 3400 square feet there is no opportunity for me to rebuild that i'm working with my architect he believes he can get a 2100 square foot house passed so but i don't know what what grant will come with that i don't know yeah 165 weeks uh since you applied for stage one uh it's 18 weeks now since you applied for stage two and still you haven't a clue as to what's next for you israeli well that's that there's more than the 18 weeks that that 18 weeks includes my my wife rings the council twice a week it's never a five minute call she's always on the phone for over half an hour to three quarters of an hour by the time she gets through to people she's on first name basis with most of the guys in there they say it's with the technical department no date when it's going to complete it seems if it takes four and a half months to get this rubber stamp to go to the next stage then how long is the whole process going to get we're not sure how long that's going to take um talking to other people who applied in the same time frame they found out in january what their grant allocation would be so effectively they're three and a half months further down the road than we are but you're in limbo really at this point in limbo no word coming back then we're actually going to get this grant award that is only the current obstacle we have found obstacles the whole way through this process all of which require further information all of which require getting back to people eyes dotted and t's crossed we honestly believe we've been on top of it and i only feel for those that probably haven't i got the ducks in a row that their life is going to be almost impossible but even as we try to do everything by the book i currently have paid out almost suppose three and a half thousand euro to an architect i don't get that money back until at some stage i get into my build and get a claim no and i have more to i've been in i've been invoiced pending too but a thousand euro is not that easy to put your hands on these days no it certainly is not this house is unlivable at the moment chimney ready to fall off plaster off black mold inside sick children as a result you have to move out i take it and i think that date is is looming isn't it yeah yeah that that date is in the next two weeks my children have already left the house my both of them are university students they came back to live with us one of them developed a cough there has been black mold in his room for almost a year and a half we have tried our best to keep it back we just took a decision that we have to move out and we have a property now in dairy we can't get anything in the in the locality and he has moved into that my daughter's a medical student she's away from home most of the time but when she comes back she would be living in an area as well and i have shut down the sky so i have no tv in two weeks time and i would be moving out too i do have a problem i do i do have a problem where i'm going to put my dogs yeah i have two little jack muscles i don't know where to house them you work in project management so you know how the stuff works and you you obviously also know how the scheme is working in terms of engagement and information being sought and that archaeological report being sought on a house that's 17 years old i understand i'm not saying it's the case but i can understand how you might feel that the scheme feels like it's being designed to frustrate you in actually replacing this house that's exactly what it seems to me greg you took the words out of my mouth i the more i look at this scheme it seems like it's intentionally attempted to stifle people everywhere through the process how i can be three years through a four-step application process is beyond me i do understand that the stage one was mixed up with the transition from the 1910 scheme to the new enhanced scheme to wherever the scheme is going next but when you are only allowed contact someone for an updated status two days a week and are then put in a queue that's that's not right nobody is answerable from the bookstops nowhere we've no one to nowhere to ring to find out what the real what the real answer is when is the completion date something without a completion date never ends can i ask if you don't mind too in terms of the accommodation grant have you been okayed for that even though the you will be living no i haven't i haven't made an application for an accommodation grant i am trying to use as much money as is in that 420,000 if that's what i get allocated minus engineer fees to rebuild my house i will pay mortgage and rent up to that time i haven't asked for an application grant because i see that as more paperwork and more stifling work uh luckily i suppose i can just about to afford to do that with two children in college that's not easy uh something has to give i mean you're right enough some amount of positive equity whatever comes of this uh you know in terms of our worth as you know we pay off on mortgage and whatever we have is what we're worth i mean if you are approved for a smaller house which i didn't really realize the scheme allowed for which is an education i think the downsizing was if someone had a 2000 square foot house which was fully covered could they get the grant for a 2000 square foot house and build a 1500 square foot house and use that equity to try and finish it i think that's what the downsizing clause was relating to that makes sense i fall i fall outside that i believe today that anybody with a house over 2000 square foot will fall into a a shortfall that the cap will not build a house bigger than 2000 square foot uh so you really have no choice unless you want to put your hand in your pocket i did some stats on the numbers which were available to me on the web on the council webpage etc 60 percent of houses in Donegal are over 2000 square foot so that's 60 percent of houses where people will have to put their hand in their own pocket together like for like house back some might be able to i definitely couldn't how that can be a hundred percent redress for a hundred percent of the population is beyond me the stats just don't add up yeah but if you will cover maybe smaller but if you point that out you know you're accused of being all manner of things yet the the statistics are there to show that for the majority of people this isn't a hundred percent redress but as i say you almost get if people were truthful with themselves and really sat back and examined this and examined what has been spun it is a lie it is a big lie in my opinion i want i i have great great respect for the action groups and the people who brought me to Dublin twice and who have two schemes on the table i don't believe they would be there if that work wasn't done uh really great respect for these people share your concerns as i just believe they're being tossed aside now though okay listen brian it is just 11 o'clock uh so i have to go thank you very much for your time i hope things get resolved for you and your family as soon as is possible and uh it it comes up to a situation that's some way manageable with all the stories that matter across the northwest it's greg hughes on the nine to noon show on highland radio okay it's just turned 11 o'clock time for news update and it's over to dona marie daherty thanks greg good morning northwest candidate for the upcoming european elections kieran mulally is visiting kelly bags today to discuss the ongoing quotas issues faced by the fishing industry he says there's a void in representation at a european level for the fishing sector that he hopes if he's elected it's a role he can fulfill alongside a new irish government when asked if he believes anything can be done by the newly elected mps before the general election which is due to take place next year mr lemoulie responded by saying the gap between the two will be shorter than anticipated today marks the fifth anniversary of lyre lyre mcquee's death in dairy the 29 year old journalist was killed while observing a riot in the city in 2019 three men have since been charged with her murder with seven others charged in connection with other offenses letter kenny road's policing unit are appealing to road users to make responsible decisions after making two arrests in the early hours of this morning the first driver was caught traveling at 156 kilometers per hour in a 100 zone a second motorists who test positive for cocaine and cannabis was also arrested gardi are reminding the public that making the decision to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have devastating consequences families will now be able to record stillbirths on a public register the public register of stillbirths is set to be introduced by the social protection minister and will remain private unless parents choose to make the information public under a new bill families can also register the birth or death of a loved one online for the first time minister heather homephrase it says these changes are being introduced to bring Ireland in line with the practices in place of other countries the regional traveler health action plan was launched in bali shannon this week the aim of the five-year implementation plan is to work together to improve the health experiences and outcomes for travelers a spokesperson says that while there are ambitious actions within the plan it highlights a real desire for meaningful change and inclusive collaboration and finally donnie gall spirits will soon be available in america the muff liquor company based in nshown has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for u.s market with the lucas bowls company it means the lucas bowls company has exclusive rights to import and distribute muff liquor products in the united states of america the u.s company is among top leaders in the global cocktail market that's all for now we'll be back again at 12 o'clock that's right on number eight twelve o'clock well done all right she had to glance over her shoulder to check the time all right don and re thank you very much indeed for that loads to come with the next hour of the night on noon show please stay right where you are we are going to take a break the night on noon show is brought to you by letter kenny credit union digital loans now available apply online or via our app today and get your loan transferred directly to your current account virgin media is bringing islands best broadband to more and more homes big homes little homes outhouses houses big gaps in the country non-bouncy castles number 16 oxbow lake houses the house with all the cats get two gig full fiber broadband with 99.9 percent reliability from virgin media it's playtime tason sees apply see virgin media dot i e subject to availability harland's best broadband see virgin media dot i e for such proof all you need to make your house a home at patterson's the hall livered from garden furniture to kitchens sofas and dining sets all under one roof need a new mattress why not visit our sleep center on the first floor with a large range of quality beds and mattresses in stock and ready for collection or delivery relax in our coffee shop serving hot lunches daily open monday to saturday nine a.m to five thirty p.m patterson's kitchens and interiors the hall effort as soon as we mentioned the following from algae you probably won't be able to concentrate on anything else so i hope you're not doing dental work cottage pie made with board be a quality assured irish organic lean round steak mince five percent fat was four ninety nine now three ninety nine one of our super six fresh meat offers this week buy all six and save even more follow the path to lower prices go all algae see in store or online for offers terms and conditions while stocks last are you ready for caring community games come and make some noise throw shapes run paint cycle sing take to the stage and make friends it doesn't matter where you're from or what you're into there's a place for you a caring community games because together we're all in play your part at caring community games dot i charlie mcclafferty funeral directors serving letter kenny and the surrounding areas for over 100 years charlie mcclafferty funeral directors and our family take care of your family and guide you through a difficult time the effects feel terrible i just wasn't getting better i was breathing fast and i felt confused i achieved some pain through my body i was drinking water but i wasn't sepsis i felt like i was going to die in the hospital they said i had sepsis and it's urgent sepsis can hide behind any infection at any age so watch out for the signs visit hse dot ie forward slash sepsis for more information and don't be afraid to ask the question could it be sepsis from the hsc now we're joined on the program by the Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly good morning to you Pauline thanks for your time good morning Greg right you recently raised the issue of a hair loss therapy for cancer patients that as far as i'm aware and i think you are outlined is not available in letter kenny so could you give us the uh could you give us the details of the issue that you raised sure yeah well there's about half of the hospitals in Ireland provide this service but actually it's on the hsc website that you should be able to get it and it was it was brought my attention that many many of those and particularly women going through cancer treatment weren't getting access to it so as we know in some cancer treatments hair loss is one of the side effects and there is a device that you can put on a patient's head and it basically makes the scalp cold and it prevents in many instances it prevents hair loss now it doesn't work every time and it's really a matter for the oncologist a conversation with with the person going through the treatment but it works in a lot of cases and so i raised the matter i did a motion in the shannot and and brought in the minister for health and really i suppose tried to persuade him of the merits of it and i think it's yeah i think too and we'll get onto that i think it's important that that all people have equal access to whatever therapies or treatments are available including hypothermia it's great that it's provided in seven hospitals currently but everyone and and you know pauline i think it's it's a given that for a lot of people for a lot of women um hair loss through chemotherapy uh can compound obviously what's already a difficult situation it can be a very difficult part of that uh healing process absolutely and i mean some studies would even show that people in some cases decide not to go ahead with treatment because of the um the devastating i suppose emotional side that is that that visible hair loss it impacts on other people as well in the family young children seeing perhaps their mother losing their hair and it's not necessary um but as you say i mean it's it's this shocking i suppose state of affairs where you have some hospitals that have it and others that don't and i have people contacted me since i've raised the issue people contacted me to see how they can get it in parts of the country in gallway neither of the hospitals have it in letter kenny again the same nace um and in um in dundalk and then many some others do have it so it's it's deeply unfair a situation okay so after you raised it you mentioned you received contact then from the health minister steven donnelly uh what had he got to say yeah so he said he thanked me for raising it initially last year and said he had never heard of it um and i i suppose i laid out what the costs would be and they're relatively minor costs and last night then he gave me a call and he said great news um thanks for raising it and he's going to um fund it for every hospital in the country so every hospital be offered it and those hospitals that might want more will also be offered more yeah and just to be clear it's it's not necessarily a silver bullet it does work it has been proven to work of course uh but it it it depends on sometimes the type of treatment that people get but one of the most common cancers of course is uh breast cancer and it is quite effective is it uh particularly for the chemotherapy that would be given to people undergoing treatment for breast cancer it is and i've met women who have undergone treatment and um one woman in particular and once she was offered the the cold cap and once she wasn't and she said it was like night and day her experience of going through treatment so yes it is effective not in every case but um it's it's worth a conversation with your oncologist to see it's going to suit your particular type of treatment now i mean you will of course uh chase this up uh to ensure the money is available as promised but also to where it is offered to hospitals what happens there as well because you know we have to and we will as well you have to we have to be sure don't we that if the hospital is offered this that they take up this offer that it doesn't get lost in paperwork or what have you that the people seeking treatment in our local hospital and in Galway of course uh many people from here go down to Galway uh that uh the hospitals actually do accept these offers yeah well i mean the minister has spoken to the hospitals and some are saying that they will available and some are yet to be persuaded i suppose the minister's feeling and mine as well would be that once it starts to be rolled out people can see how um how easy it is to manage and indeed like it's a very easy process it's not even a procedure wouldn't be the correct word you just attach it to a person's head and and they do the rest you know so i i'm hopeful i mean if some hospitals can do it there's no reasons why others can't do it yeah and it is about that equality of access as you said at the starting day thanks pauline i appreciate your time that is uh senator pauline already of the green party we're going to put an inquiry into uh letter counting university hospital to see if they are open to uh accepting the offer of funding to provide this very interested to if any of you out there listening and it obviously depends on the person because we're talking about you know what some people might seem is very private but if any of you perhaps did go through a cancer treatment and did have the cold cap it seems quite simple really in that um it's a cap one puts on the head and it cools the blood in the head uh and that for for for many people but not for all and dependent on the the type of chemotherapy and what have you that that can uh reduce uh hair loss or minimize hair loss if you've had experience of that and it worked for you uh really would be useful to speak to you and obviously maybe even then strengthen the argument for uh this to be made available to anyone getting treatment in letter kenny and go away as soon as possible the county's number one talk show the nine till noon show on highland radio the nine till noon show is brought to you by letter kenny credit union with monster loans available up to 60 000 euro for all occasions visit letter kennycu.ie silage costs to remain high this summer for more in your irish farmers journal his paul mooney we'll feel how much it will cost you to make bail silage this year flooding at russ commons luck fungina the worst in living memory dry stock farmers sleepwalking into nitrase penalties everything farmers need to know about the new fodder scheme minister kills compensation for dairy exit scheme high court blocks for the work of dunigal wind farm we analyze lake land aribo and araban annual results and how to register for the upcoming renewables roadshow win cavern all inside the arish farmers journal on sale now introducing super values new real rewards prices scan your card or app and get kellox cocoa pops for only 250 was 539 and coca noodles four pack range for 250 was 399 don't forget our amazing lower prices are exclusive to real rewards members so start making real savings at super value knuckle down knuckle down knuckle down i'm pat short i'm fey short we're performing our new show knuckle down at baller art center ballet buffet friday tickets available at ballerartcenter.com scoters two brand new models are going fast this is donal driving off in his new hvo powered superb comedy and the brine family getting their plug in hybrid kodiak and this is the sound of someone who didn't get their order in on time order your new scota today before it's too late scota let's explore your local scota dealer is dmg motors klar road dunigal town telephone 074 9721 396 the northwest cross-border jobs expo will be held on wednesday 24th of april from 10am till 3pm in the radison blue hotel letter kenny the event provides an opportunity to meet employers check out their current vacancies and learn more about what training or education opportunities are on offer so whether your job seeker graduate or employed and wish to change jobs start a new career or relocate then please register your interest on event pride dot ie we look forward to seeing you there this event is supported by the cross-border partnership for employment services the department of social protection and department for communities are you ready to take the next step in your career journey or are you keen to get back into the local wealth for well workforce then look no further because the inichown's job fair could be just what you are looking for uh schnade mcday team lead and enterprise officer with inichown development partnership good morning to you good morning greg and we are also joined by ann mccolgan employer management officer with inichown development partnership both of you thanks so much for calling jan thank you greg and thank you for giving us the opportunity to highlight our inichown job fair that's on this saturday april 20th in the inichown gateway hotel from 10 to 1 and we're really calling out for all job seekers recent graduates school levers or anyone looking for a change in their career to come along uh this saturday and hear from the wide range of high quality employment opportunities they are available and maybe to set the context of where i came about i'll just get out of here you don't need me uh schnade i'll just go i'll back in five minutes is that all right yeah hey anna what's your in perfect be nice oh what a joking no schnade set the context for yeah so really within our and in business initiative we can engage with the local employers and sms within uh the peninsula and again and again recruitment comes back as the main challenge and the flip side of that we have our employment support team that actively engage with the job seekers on a daily basis with that employment strategy so the both pull of people were there so we kind of put our heads together and how we would get an avenue for both of them to link in together uh for the beneficial of all we put a call out to our local employers and we were kind of overwhelmed yeah i'm interested in how many local employers not a specific number but you know the level of interest uh in this you put the call out you were surprised by the response we really were surprised and it's really about the depth of the the active uh the varied vacancies across multiple sectors but probably one thing because anna now he's kind of going to link in with who's in the room and the type of vacancies but maybe to get across uh active uh an immediate uh and multiple all the stand holders on the day have multiple vacancies and a lot of them have immediate to quote one employer um if they get the right candidate on saturday they would be commencing you know employment the following week so that's there's a lot of opportunities out there and it can be a bit of a maze you know i mean like linkedin is there and stuff but i mean i i don't really i don't really find that easy to engage with personally i haven't really tried but that's a me problem uh or newspapers or whatever and i know there's job spots but there is a lot of availability of of employment right and there's lots of people looking for jobs maybe it's something they were very passionate about or qualified in and then it took a different direction or what have you this is a great opportunity to get all of those people in under the one roof um as part of our in business series um we discussed an awful lot with our local employers because we have some very long established businesses none of shown and they're looking to sustain their business but also to have a pathway for their employees to grow so then they also need you know to be able to fuel that with with new people as well so that was really really important for them um i think whenever like we have 20 employers going to be in the room okay um over 170 jobs that we know of that are active oh so that's great that's ready to go can you give us an idea of some of the areas that these employers are in i'll give you i have a list here of the employers like if you don't mind because i'll go through them so hml plant and construction they have a huge number of jobs both available locally here in the northwest but also across in in england forward emphasis um are going to double their workforce between malin and um boncranah this year they've taken 60 on and have another 40 posts going out now uh mcdade's bathroom and plumbing frames direct one of our long-standing employers along with lynch windows and um and a shown engineer you know they're the ones there the the the jobs that are you know steady there and they're actively recruiting from school leavers right the way through two professional services within that um and efficient renewables you know and and just thinking like along the lines of if you became a joiner tomorrow you know you be thinking i'm going to go out into construction site and everything else efficient renewables are looking for apprentice joiners apprentice electricians and everything so there's on-the-job training as well do you know what i mean and it's in all of the different areas of construction so you might have you know did your training for one pacific job but think about that it's like a doctor specializing in an area you can also do that so from for school leavers especially looking at the opportunities within these employers to build actually a a um a career a skill yeah so we have vertif um which a lot of people wouldn't know is he an engineer um lynch windows and a shown co-op uh with a couple of accountancy firms ml mg and um that's my god i go my god i go mcglacklin and mcginnis wanela countens north fox facilities and it's a guy james grant down in clemanne now he started literally on the back of coven and it was really like he's commissioning the work that's that's done by an engineer all over the world right so you know that's what i'm saying it's yes and we have even the like of the initial gateway hotel so it's you know it's important that there's so cross sector that's it and it's also cross skill sets uh from school leavers to people who might be qualified in certain areas i don't think people should exclude themselves from this process go along and see what matches really really as i said we can i really refer to it's skilled and unskilled and it's kind of not the aim of the job fair as well is to allow people to come at talk directly to the employer see what opportunities is out there because there is a lot of vacancies in our county you know if there is a skills gap or employment supports team will be there on hand we have to deal with people with their cv if there's a gap and we can provide that referral process and what is the need and provide that um high quality service um also as well as of our our large vacancy the employers in the room we will have a jobs wall you know we we regularly do that so our employment supports team will be managing that and helping the people so a wide range are varied so if you're unemployed and looking for it but again it's it's it's the recent graduates as well we have a high level of uh professional posts out there as well yeah you know even though you know you can get stuck in a rut too in in a in a working environment you know and and we don't want to take work workers away from any established business don't get me wrong but if someone's working for you when they're not happy maybe it's better than to move on who's to say so you know go in look around and see if something catches your interest like we have kingsbridge private hospitals and they're going to be there and they're looking for all across the northwest you know both letter county and bali kelly but then you have um you know Irish home care they're looking for cares so from health care is such a big area you know and you know it's all about that whole career progression too you know you want people to be able to you know really enjoy what they do and as you say if they need or want to move or get a nice injection of energy by moving somewhere else they're bringing that energy with them you can also look at someone in the white of their eyes and see what what they can bring to you what you can bring to them and of course this is in a shown development partnership and this is based in in a show but who's to say people won't travel to this event you know that is you know hopefully this will highlight today does people travel from dairy down to working habits and donning all time and a lot of the positions is over the county do you know and a lot of the big employers that Anna's really referred to have positions yes and in a show but many of the positions is based in letter Kenny are more countywide and some even as possibilities for overseas so yeah we really are we really are calling out for anybody that's in the in the county at all that would wish to avail please please come along north and south north and south yes yes and i'm right in saying too that this is obviously for people in in shown that there's some transport links to yes so we're good to highlight that because we are closing that so we are just so that the job fair is accessible to all we know transport can be a barrier for some job seekers so we are putting on transport from Mavill, Cairndonna, Balli Liffen, Moff and Born Fod area we do the only ask on that is that we have to there is our booking on our socials on our on our Facebook and on our Instagram and with our PR Katie there down there but if we are asking that if you could book that by this afternoon we are closing that to kind of manage the logistics on that tomorrow or ring into our reception and Maureen and Marie will gladly take your details this afternoon and of course that also recognising that there are people who've moved to Boncranna to in a show recently as well you're engaging with the Ukrainian communities etc to see if any of these positions match we are yes and we will have yeah we will have our connecting community officers are both linking in with that and it's well well promoted and we will have all them on the day as well and we as I said our employment support team will be able to help them in relation to any job ready supports they needed in their CV to prepare them to submit so we're asking people as well to come with their CV Greg you know if you're coming from letter Kenny and you have CV because employers are going to actively accept them on the day if you don't have it don't let that be a barrier you know the employers will take your contact details directly and again you can link in with our with our team that will do your CV or make an appointment and we can submit that but if you do have your CV bring it with the we are really hoping that opportunity is ready to go yeah we're hoping this is not the guard Anna it's the jobs fair gets underway in the initial gateways gateway hotel in Boncranna from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday so short window you're not asking for a big commitment this April the 20th of course which is Saturday free to attend an open to everyone as we've been outlining the weather is going to be good on Saturday so nobody has any excuses for comment yeah could be the day you meet your next potential employer and we definitely will be there to give you a warm welcome and assist you in whatever way we can all right so get along if any of that interests you and I imagine some people it's probably even just the conversation is little a little lit a little fire underneath them because I as I said right from the very beginning it's connecting the right people to the right jobs especially a minefield we don't realise the amount of talent there is there in the engineering sphere you know and you know there's just so many jobs and possibilities right the way through from the apprenticeship all the way through and even or as I said are two big accountancy firms there you know trying to get them before we maybe go to Australia because they have that accountant apprenticeships you know available as well so maybe any parents listening in that might want to reveal what opportunity might be there as well for their for their maybe senior students that leave in search year that are come along and you know engage and see what opportunities is out there yet because of course you know I mean obviously we always have to highlight where there are deficiencies right but we also too have to celebrate where you know it is a beautiful part of the place to live it is it's expensive right but it's not the most expensive there are good job opportunities here I think what you know for a lot of people you can get a job you can then apply for a credit union or whatever and you can sort of get on the road I know which is stroke I'm not trying to make out it's easy either but also we don't want to make out that it's impossible we can progress yourself here and there are opportunities out there and we can as well as we as adults have to take responsibility to to ensure that we talk equally about the positives as we do we have to highlight the gaps don't we but you know at the same time we do have to say yeah there's quite a bit going on too and there is and probably you know as Anna read I alluded to like there is about conservative conservatively 170 vacancies available there on Saturday you know so that is an opportunity to be highlighted you know and these companies are companies that have been working you know long term and Anna Schoen knew that they're well established you know and you know the thing about it is they want to continue to be there it's such an important point to make Anna because in the past you know we had a situation as often when we talked about job creation right or job opportunities it was maybe money was thrown at a startup or something runs for a year money runs out jobs go here we're talking about businesses that have a long term history and and significant business and growth plans going forward and as I say it's good to see us moving to them you know yeah okay listen um Shanae check out initial and development partnership if you want and I think you have to be quick on this if you want to see if there are transport options available yeah the numbers have to be finalised there and what have you but there are options there for people within the initial area and look forward to it Saturday Anna has promised is Anna or Anna Anna has promised us good weather yes we will yeah it's always the sun's on and you'll have the lovely uh back set of the beach behind you so that will be yeah and then afterwards me and Anna are going to get into our cozys and jump off the plane okay everything everything's not until there was the photographic evidence oh no no no what happens in initial but come here and I think it's going to be I think there's going to be great buzz and I think it's going to be really well attended uh and Shanae both you and Anna you can you can and we will be there all the day and do you maybe Greg if anybody is follow us on our socials because we are doing a spotlight of each one of our employers over the next couple of days at Katie's run on that so follow us on our Facebook or Instagram a little bit more about the companies that are going to be there companies it's going to be there yeah yeah and some of these are are good conditions I think you know it's uh I think employers know that you have to look after your employees now to to hire retains so there's good options as part of our in business series we've been working with the employers for the last number of years and you know they really are putting so much effort effort and to making sure that you know that the right conditions are there to get is this helps that they've got the the IDP to work with as well too do you know what I mean it's good it's enjoyable it's really is because you know they they do they they work very hard on the job that they do but they also like they work as well collaboratively with each other you know what he's doing great things up there we've we were up with you it's not so long ago and it's great to have you down here and you do great things and we really appreciate you coming down and being good sports as well as shane mcdade team lead and enterprise officer with initial and development partnership and Anna McColgan employment engagement officer with the IDP as well both of you thank you so much thank you thank you great we'll be back with more after these watch the show live now on youtube facebook and at highland radio dot com the 90 noon show with letter kenny credit union now offering mortgages from 40 000 to 600 000 euro with no hidden fees or transaction charges letter kenny credit union 9102127 foy and company belly buffet and letter kenny are the largest docus of interior and exterior paint in the northwest if you're planning a painting project and need help picking the right color and brand of paint for your home or commercial premises call in and ask our qualified paint color consultants interior designers and interior stylists the team at foy and company belly buffet and letter kenny will be delighted to help easy living furniture's biggest ever roadshow sale is here come discover the amazing roadshow deals such as all sofas reduced all dining reduced all bedroom reduced all mattresses reduced and with interest free finance available this is one sale not to be missed the spectacular roadshow sale with absolutely everything reduced is now on an easy living furniture crescent linked retail park or online at easylivingfurniture.co.uk yet ready to experience the ultimate tribute to the king of rock and roll the elva spectacular show is coming to incurch hotel on saturday april 27 tickets priced at 25 euro are available from event bright and on curts hotel reception with big scoop ice cream at kelly steiner and letter kenny there's so much choice from bubblegum blast to orio crunch named after kelly's famous robot waiter there's loads of flavors to choose from or you can create your own treat the kids and the big kids to a yummy ice cream dessert at kelly steiner mountaintop letter kenny ladies and gentlemen it's time to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the best and brightest in the business world it's time for the highland radio customer service awards in association with michael hinney's department store from your local community center your favorite takeaway to your go-to pet shop we're recognizing the businesses that go the extra mile for you this award is a great way to show your appreciation for the businesses that make a difference in your life but you better act fast the deadline for entries is just around the corner so visit our website and nominate now nominations closed tuesday the 23rd of april the awards will take place on the 2nd of june now i'm sure uh i'm not sure what if anything is in this but got a few messages um just after 11 o'clock from people in the trusk loch area to say they heard a very loud bang that seemed to shake houses this was just after 11 o'clock now i'm not sure if this is something that someone felt locally or it's broader than that but i believe that's in the battle of face to an all area trusk lask trusk lock but if you are in that area you heard a loud bang maybe the people talked about maybe the house shook a little bit get in touch with us let us know if you felt that oh wait 60 25 000 or call 07 491 25 000 now we heard from santa paulina riley a little earlier on that she raised the issue of cold caps which can be effective for some in reducing hair loss during cancer treatment particularly during um chemotherapy um we're joined on the program now by sally hi sally hello greg thank you very much for answering the call every day don't be nervous sally every day is a learning day for me so i really appreciate you uh coming on right okay so you it's all right for us to talk about your cancer isn't it you've got cancer i surely i know bother so you got you found out that you had cancer in 2015 2016 is that correct yeah i found it in 2015 and then i had to have uh to um i routine mammogram and uh then i had that in golly because letter candy was uh quite busy so golly was taking up the extra appointments then i had it in golly and um then they uh was in about an hour and a half two hours to talk me that i had uh breast cancer and which i was devastated because nobody could feel alone by gp uh the registrar that examined me and go away i couldn't find anything so they did the biop they the ultrasound the biopsy and although it took three weeks for the opposite to come back but they did say that we're 99.9 percent sure that it was a cancer and um because i uh i was sent then to letter candy uh to the consultant there but uh because i was living on my own and the floods could go down during chemo and you could become quite ill quite quickly you need to have something in the house so i went down to love with my daughter just outside the slaggle in uh bonnie conlon and she teaches down there and um i was sent to slaggle then uh which was great and had the cold guy that was january 16 and i had the cold cap but before we talk about the the cold cap and the experience sally everybody's different okay and deals with things in a different way how much of a factor in your mind was the the the the loss of your hair during treatment like it was it well sure it's part of it i'll have to get through what was it very distrustful for you it was distrustful when i was first diagnosed i didn't ask her that it was uh well i never die how long have i got i just said what about me hair it's amazing how how some things are so uh important okay it was just the main thing because i thought i didn't want want to look as if i had cancer i just cut in looks and all the rest of it and i thought no if i can get something so there was a breast care nurse who was retiring in slaggle and of course when i went to see the consultant slaggle i was the very first question as well what about me hair so um they mentioned then had the cold cap and i'd never heard tell of it and uh it's now it's very cold you need to be put on like me to stick it out it's um you get a brain freeze yeah but i got used to it and i'd stick with that some gauze in and before it so it didn't have the forehead and it goes on and it's on about 20 minutes to half an hour before your treatment starts and the freeze is the hair follicles and then it's on again for another maybe half hour so after you finish your treatment so during so during that chemotherapy process it greatly reduces the flood of flow of blood to your scalp and presumably that's where for some uh it's effective yes so you had it 15 something like sorry no no it's just going to say sally you were telling us that you put it on for 15 minutes before reach chemotherapy treatment no it's not as normally 20 minutes to half an hour okay and you have to have that on first before you start your chemo and you it's called a cold cap uh it's a freezing cap it's very cold um it's hooked up to antifreeze right some people were some people have said that the headaches were so bad that uh it wasn't worth it for them but i think you described yourself as being trying enough to stick it out well that was it and the first day that i had it on the first day was fine because you just you damp your hair before you put it on the second day i thought to myself well i'm gonna make sure this works so i um i soaked the hair and it was like a brain freeze yeah so the nurse came around and she said look you're freezing i'm taking this off i said no i'm eating or not and uh she's you're cold i says yes you can give me a cup of tea you give me a blanket i you're not taking it off so she came back again to him with a letter she says be ahead the guy says yeah but you give me something for that too and um i i just got used to ways then if you put in the bit of gauze around the forehead and it didn't hit onto your skin that's how i cope with it i suppose it's like everything sally i mean lots of people now seem to be doing and it's not to do with cancer treatment but jumping into barrels of ice and all that kind of stuff uh you know i suppose you don't think i do that no neither would i but i think you get used to to anything as such so you had it on um before all of your chemotherapy treatments and it worked for you did it it worked for me it was uh it was a godsend for me it really was and it meant then uh i could care i didn't think of the cancer i could go from your walks i could you know i drove the car a few days after they came over again as you say i'm turn i just wanted life to go as normal of course that was the way you were keep dealing with your diagnosis and treatment yeah exactly and um that all went well for you thankfully uh in terms of treatment as well because you're in great right now thankfully the only downside of the chemo was the taste yeah mine's were too about a wood as you know have your dinner the taste the lot of taste was uh that was hard to deal with did that return for you have heard others who never returned for oh yes it did come i had i had six chemo uh and six dose of chemo and every three weeks now come the coming towards the end of the the second week two and a half weeks maybe the taste would return uh but then as soon as you got the chemo that went again okay well listen uh sally thank you so much for your experience uh for sharing your experience senator pauline old riley senator pauline old riley said that she raised this and our health minister steven donnelly had never heard of it i was a wee bit shocked at that that that's what prompted me uh to ring um because i thought to myself of this is going and now i had it in 216 and slaggle obviously it's going a long time before that and how come he doesn't know anything about it and i always said if i had the good sense to win money i would definitely get one for letter kenny it is the the greatest thing for women and an actual fact when i was up there there was a gentleman and the same you know when the came award and uh he had on the cold cap so you were so moved by your experience that you if you had to come on money you would have provided it so people in letter kenny could have had it i think it's the most fantastic thing for women now as i say it doesn't work for all treatment but to me it was the greatest thing and i keep telling everybody about it and even hairdressers i go to and i always mention it to them do you know if they would have patients coming in apparently it was um designed by a german doctor and the sons because it's um their mother had cancer and lost her hair yes and she was so devastated that this is called the pacman cold cap uh huh okay and they designed this that's the german design they designed this cap way back i don't know you know whatever do you know well i think it's fascinating but it's fantastic and i'm really pleased that it worked for you especially given uh as you said in your own words that that was almost the the main thing you were thinking about and i'm really really pleased sally uh that that uh your treatment well well for you and that you're in great form so thank you very much for calling in and chatting to me no bother darlin i hope it helps somebody i'm sure it will because you've it's a great endorsement thanks sally um now some other comments hi greg we're waiting 14 months on getting back on 90 percent from paying six and a half thousand euro when we ring to inquire when we'll be reimbursed a new requirement is asked for if we didn't ring we'd never be informed absolutely so destroying greg i can only speak about my own situation but the scheme is far from smooth i'm very soon going to be at a standstill due to money not being paid as would the council council has worked for weeks on end without receiving payments why a builder's expected to we as homeowners have jumped through hoop after hoop to get to this rebuild stage to now be told not enough information on one invoice and a few weeks later too much information on another stalling tactics at their best it's an absolute joke believes this listener i hope the scheme is running smoothly for some but it certainly is not the case for me on my family it's a living nightmare and by the way can i say we're very keen to listen to or i'm very keen to hear from people uh who it is working smoothly for uh as well by the way very important for that to be highlighted also alifarn is a homeowner and a candidate for the 100 percent redress party and he had this to say via voice note morning greg um alifarn here and i was out canvassing yesterday and met a builder who says he's inundated with people looking for him to rebuild houses but he says he can't afford to even get on you know to consider them because of the lack of money and the length of time he has to wait to get paid um so this is this is what we're finding all over north and he's shown um there's just lots of things not working with this present scheme at the moment and you can understand why builders do not want to get involved with the scheme if they go to wait for money because the the building provider the person who provides the blocks the concrete the roof or whatever he's looking for his money within a month so why can't the council not keep the the funds flowing to deliver that all right alifarn via voice note there by the way and the voice note option is available to all of you uh by the way if you've got uh even if you want to play a request for someone um do you know what i mean uh lots of people sending requests for people celebrating special days uh feel free to what's up that i want it to be absolutely clear that all of our lines of communication are for requests for comments for shoutouts anything that you want to use it for there's nothing like a request in your own voices there and i also want to play a request for shelly mcfaden and leem holian they're getting married today so a beautiful day for them and hopefully they have a wonderful uh future ahead that's for shelly mcfaden and leem holian i believe his name is they're getting married uh today so as i say the voice notes 08 6 60 25 000 08 6 60 25 000 and your voice notes to that number be it a comment be it a query be it a request or dedication for someone don't be shy uh best wishes uh to shelly mcfaden and leem holian who are getting married today from mom dad and all the family any possibility of place playing shout up and dance shout shout up shut up and dance with me shut up and dance with me i can't play it but i will certainly pass it on to uh either john or david and they'll get hopefully they'll get out but anyway shelly and leem have a wonderful day hope the celebrations go really really well and best of luck with everything going forward the nine till noon show is brought to you by letter kenny credit union offering low-rate car loans with fast approval apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today big news the centra big brand sale is now on with big savings on the big brands you love like nestle cheerio's multigrain 390 gram half price now 229 le perrier copte genois now 10 euro and centra fresh our sirloin steak 454 gram now six euro centra live every day enjoy a call sensibly looking for that hoca experience try the new range at bmcsports.ie new a rye seven clifton nine or the ever soft bond eye eight step into our safe size experience so you can fit the best trainer for your foot let us make your trainer experience the best it can be ryan mccormick sports main street letter kenny join the team at homeland letter kenny for their gardens super saturday this saturday 20th meet the expert homeland garden team and enjoy exclusive offers in store including lawn edging two for 35 euro decorative stone 10 percent off and there's true timber hand tools 20 percent off all this and much more for detail see homeland.ie charge into summer with tui secure your holiday today with savings for families and adults flying from dublin cork and channel holiday sorted tui live happy lorraine what's the story with all the pat the baker sourdough packs framed on your wall what they're my diplomas diplomas i've taken a lot of tests you know for deliciousness for freshness for flavor for taste sorry tests you need to butter up your act and take the crusty craving taste test with the new pat the baker sourdough bread go on be a taste champion pat the baker so fresh it's famous pat the baker fresh it's famous highland radio weather updates brought to you by macklehenny's with over 50 years of serving the community and dunny gall macklehenny's is proud to be part of every moment big and small support local shop macklehenny's ballet buffet okay so the weather forecaster for today mostly doll and damp with outbreaks of patchy rain and drizzle at times through the day temperatures 8 to 11 degrees and a moderate westerly wind increasing fresh west and northwest hey you got a feel for all the people who fix and repair lawnmowers you know the people and i'm probably one of them you last cut probably what when would the last cut be maybe start of august maybe the end of august you chuck the lawnmower into the shed don't it or into wherever you can store the lawnmower and then the next time you see is around about now as soon as the weather forecast predicts a little bit of sun you pull it out you try and give it a pull the rope breaks or the blades of stock or whatever and we all land in our thousands to the local lawnmower repair shop so they're going to get some rush i think over the next few days so we wish them well and they can make hay financial hay whilst the sun shines and then there are those of you out there of course who were very responsible and got it serviced whilst they were quieter i want to say good morning to you hi a hue uh good morning quick it's great to have you on the program hue now uh you're you tell us the situation that you found yourself in and it's really some damage to your property and your dealings then within insurance company so you tell us the story from wherever you're comfortable with you yeah uh craig i wish because it shows that the fire light the fire every evening and uh you know and from five o'clock on you know and when the water day i would on all the time you know but uh i was sitting here a couple of a couple of weeks back and they're sitting here let the fire and oh god bless us the smoke and smoke how they open doors and smoke alarms going off and all so i rang me shot and i love alone i rang me shot and he came down and we've got the thing you know out you know and uh the fire out and he put his hand around that i said to him could you lift that uh draft out all together and she made go but he put his hand on round the draft and the radio and there were pile of stones and flu pieces you know came out or it was there so we he left them out till we felt near their bum bag so that was okay uh the other son came down the following day and he says he would go up to the chimney and they would see if there's anything wrong up there so he took a crowbar up and they tried to push things down to try and release it and no good so that was okay the following day i contacted the insurance broker and just before we get to that hue if you don't mind you effectively then had a chimney fire which damaged uh damaged the flu inside the chimney as well thankfully you had your sons on hand and your fire alarms and everything but it was effectively a chimney fire that you had no it wouldn't have that was the i can honestly say they come i wouldn't tell lies but the whole the flu's has collapsed you know and left the chimney do you know so that was okay we were all like as they say we didn't know what to do then so we decided then right i contacted the insurance broker and certainly so they said they'll send somebody out and the couple of days after the followers out i think so from godway to i think he made a statement and he came here the next morning at half ten and all up and adding he took photos of another he took photos out down here and he took photos of the kitchen he went up to the chimney and he took the winnacle he took the thing off you know that he tried to keep the board out or whatever you know so that was all he was agreed with i tell you son i thought i couldn't have met a nicer man so lo and behold he away went and he says to me he says uh he says um next week or the week after he says he'll be getting the check on the post so off the back of that presumably then because you need your fire hue off the back of that did you start selling materials and stuff i would of course i'm a sort of real look i've no fire no not enough of a blow heater electric heater and all of i've oil heating but the sun must house 60 years do you know what i mean that's not wouldn't heat nothing do you know but like uh that was okay then so um i was sitting back then for a week a fortnight witness check to come through so that i would be able to get somebody to fix me no fix the chimney and all you know and uh they have to bore holes on the wall and take out all flues and put on new flues and that's a whole big job and wallpaper and all has to come off because it's that big a job no much shit and dirt you know so then uh i got a letter then from an insurance company then stating stating that uh to contact such no person and so what i'd done next day and i what i called i was told that i wasn't covered is that uh the um they what i called uh assessor sent on a report and says it was blocked both boardings and asks well i can assure you and anybody knows anything about wildlife the crows doesn't start to bow to the march the middle of march they're bowing for and let me tell you just with a click of your fingers my what i called my fire started to smoke and like that had happened the middle of the night and me as a fire had been there today and god forbid that would have happened to you but your son was up hulking up up with the crowbar do you think that made it look worse than it actually was in other words of the insurance okay for assessor that was handy for him because he turned around and he told the insurance company that it was was the crowbar done the damage had pushed the mess down the boards nest down and blocked the gym left yeah but that was that was afterwards that was that that was afterwards you know but like as you see as you see i'm left now you know that uh i have to try and get it sorted for myself and like fair play to the lady i was talking to the lady um after insurance company you know the the gentleman was to you look after me it wouldn't come on it didn't come on i like and i i was nice enough to the girl and i apologize thank you well listen you're a gentleman of course you're going to be nice to them and maybe sometimes yeah you're too honest for your own good but anyway listen yeah we're going i know that your your health is not fantastic and i know that you very much rely on this fire and it's been over a week since you were able to like this fire yeah we're going to get on to the insurance company and on the off chance we can appeal to their we're going to get into the insurance company on the off chance that it appeals to their better judgment and can understand the situation you're in and and can can can pay it out i'm not sure that's gonna work you but i think at this point it's all if i could do it i'd call random do it right now for you but i can't but we can try with the insurance company and see what the story is you yeah i would appreciate that great because i'm certainly nice now no fire no no as i say i have to try and get somebody to do this i'm going to be out of pocket for at least at least maybe 3000 pound because the house is going to have to be decorated and all and like as i say i i just can't afford it okay of course you of course listen leave it with us all right and i'm sorry you're going through this it's distressed for but as i say thank you so much for talking to us leave it with us we'll chase it up on the off chance it might be able to help in some way or other but that's Hugh an older person living on his own obviously loves the fire every evening but can't like the fire and the insurance company say they won't pay out because it's down to bird nests okay we'll we'll look at that we're back tomorrow morning at nine have a great day everyone than