Sadness at Closure of Local Barber Shop

The business community of Ardara are sad to hear that popular barber, Fiona Boyle, will be closing her Barber Shop in Ardara on October 8th. Fiona was a popular member of the business community and will be sadly missed in her Barber Shop opposite Kelly’s Pharmacy.

With Fiona vacating the premises on such a key location there is an opportunity for another business to set up there. It would be great to continue the tradition and get another barber back in town and this is the ideal location to operate from in Ardara

Planning Permission for Parish Hall Conversion

Corner Stone Architecture have announced that Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of the former Parish Hall to a Technology Hub centre. This will be a great boost to the local area. Well done to Leonard Breslin for his vision and passion for this project.

Flu Vaccinations 2020. Ardara Health Centre.

Just follow the link below to book an appointment for the flu vaccination.

https://ardaraprimarycarecentre.ie/flu.html

If you are unable to “submit” your request successfully, you can call the surgery on 0749541134.

The Ardara Health Centre will be giving individual appointments to persons wishing to have the Flu vaccination. A walk-in Flu clinic is not possible this year. We will be devoting specific days entirely for Flu Vaccinations, making it possible for everyone to obtain an appointment.

Senator Eileen Flynn

We are delighted to announce that Senator Flynn has been appointed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

“So many inequalities still exist within the full spectrum of the Irish education system – from those with additional needs not receiving the vital support of an SNA, to those from minority ethnic and religious communities struggling with inclusion, to those families struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of higher education – there is so much work to be done but I’m up for the challenge and delighted to have this opportunity to do my part! Thank you to all the members of the #SeanadCEG for their support.”

Local Business Announcements Under Level 3 Restrictions

If information for your business is missing or incorrect, please contact us via our Contact Form or email ardara2017@gmail.com

Charlie’s West End Cafe

To all our loyal customers. Due to government restrictions we now have to close our doors for three weeks as of Friday 25th September. We will NOT be opening for takeaways during this time, to keep our staff and customers safe. We thank you all for your continued support and can’t wait to greet you with a warm Charlie’s welcome.

Charlie’s West End Cafe Facebook page

Diver’s Centra

We are in this together. To assist our loyal customers during the period of phase three restrictions, we are offering a tick & collect service. Forms can be got in store or from any staff member. simply fill in your details and what groceries you require. We will give you a call once it is ready for collection. Orders taken daily between 12pm and 6pm. Please note, As a precaution for staff we do not offer a home delivery service at this time.

Diver’s Centra Facebook Page

The Nesbitt Arms Hotel

Our team has worked tirelessly since July to keep our hotel safe for customers and the wider community and it is a credit to their collective hard work and resilience that we managed to do just that. We cannot thank them enough. However, with the decision to impose Level 3 restrictions on Donegal, and with the incidence rate increasing daily, the Hotel has closed as of Friday 25th Sept. We thank everyone in our local community and further afield for supporting us through one of the most difficult seasons we have ever faced.

We now urge everyone to double down on their efforts to do all we can to get things back under control in our beautiful county. Please take care of yourselves and each other and stay safe.

The Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel.

Nesbitt Arms Facebook Page

Nancy’s Bar

Hi Folks! New restrictions are being implemented in Donegal and pubs and restaurants may now only serve a maximum of 15 people at a time and only outdoor seating is acceptable. Unfortunately between the layout of our premises and the nature of these restrictions it’s just not feasible for us to stay open. We’ve done our best and we need to take the safety of our customers, staff and family as seriously as we did for the last two months while we were open.

Hopefully we’ll see you all back in Nancy’s soon but for now – stay safe. We’ve done this once and we can do it again if we all work together.

Best wishes to you and yours from the Nancy’s crew.

Nancy’s Facebook Page

Mickalene’s Bar

Well folks, unfortunately due to Donegal going into level 3 we have come to the decision to close our doors for the duration of restrictions.

We would also like to thank everyone who’s supported us for the last few months during these uncertain times and look forward to welcoming you all back to Mickalenes in a few weeks.

Mickalene’s Facebook page

Lake House Hotel

Since moving to level 3 we here at the Lake House Hotel are fully compliant with restrictions. We have a large covered in deck, patio heaters & lighting for outside dining – socially distancing seating for 15 people – booking is essential, full menu also available for take away.

Like the Government and the HSE we are trying to negotiate our way through these unprecedented times. We will be open Saturday & Sundays to give people a little respite from Lock down.

Masks are compulsory, we have hand sanitation stations, one way system – we take names, phone numbers & temperatures for traceability. We will do our utmost to keep guests and staff safe. Thank you, Stay Safe – Stay Strong Donegal.

Mary & Team Lake House

Lake House Facebook page

The Treasure Chest

Following the Government’s decision to move Co. Donegal into level 3, we have decided to close the Charity Shop for the next 3 weeks. We thank all our valued customers and all those who kindly donate. We look forward to reopening very soon.

The Treasure Chest Facebook page

The Barber Club

The last 6 months has been a challenging time for everyone, especially businesses moving forward with such uncertainty.

The Barber Club unfortunately will be closing its door come October 8th.

This was such a difficult decision to make and I have whole heartily loved the last three years on the main street. To all my customers from every community I want to thank you for the constant support you have shown me in and outside of the The Barber Club. I hope you all pop in to the shop before October 8th & chat it out in the chair one last time.

The Barber Club Facebook page

Donegal Covid-19 Community Response Forum

The Donegal Covid-19 Community Response Forum remains in operation for anyone who may need some extra assistance or information on support services at this time.

The helpline may be contacted on 1800 928 982 or by email at covidsupport@donegalcoco.ie Monday – Thursday 9am to 5pm or Friday 9am to 4.30pm. (Calls will not answered between 12.30pm to 1pm) Please pass these contact details to anyone who may need some help at this trying time.

Reminder for Covid-19 Close Contacts

A Donegal GP has said that close contacts who receive a negative Covid-19 test are not getting the message that they need to restrict their movements for 14 days.

Dr Martin Coyne, who is based in Lifford, said that people are interpreting a negative test as them being “fine”, when “it doesn’t mean that”. He said they have seen cases where one patient has tested negative the first time around, before being tested a second time and coming back positive, adding that people should get a test done, and then a second test seven days later.

Dr Coyne said: “You really don’t want to come in touch with this virus at all, because if you’re a contact and you’ve tested negative, you still have to restrict your movements and stay at home for 14 days, even if you’ve had a negative test. “And we’ve seen this with our own patients who’ve had negative tests where they don’t get that message. “They feel a negative test means I’m fine, it does not mean that.”

Donegal Level 3 Covid-19 Measures

In your home or garden, you can have a maximum of 6 visitors from 1 other household.

No social/family gatherings should take place, with exemptions to this for weddings and funerals (see below).

People living in Donegal should remain in the county (that is, they must not leave Donegal to travel either domestically or internationally), with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes.

People living outside of Donegal should not travel to Donegal, with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes.

People working in Donegal are asked to work from home unless absolutely necessary.

Schools, Early Learning and Childcare services should remain open. Adult and Higher Education Institutions should remain open, but are asked to review protective measures and take steps to limit congregation as much as possible.

You are asked to walk or cycle where possible so that public transport is available for use by essential workers and for essential work only.

Social and family gatherings

In your home or garden

You can have a maximum of 6 visitors from 1 other household.

Other settings outside your home or garden

No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings.

Weddings

Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

weddings in Donegal may proceed, but with a limit of 25 guests for ceremony and reception (irrespective of venue)
it will not be possible for residents outside of Donegal to attend weddings in Donegal, nor will it be possible for those in Donegal to attend weddings in other areas of the country
couples resident in Donegal with existing plans outside the county can travel to get married at another location

Organised indoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager.

For example: business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport).

No organised indoor gatherings should take place.

Organised outdoor gatherings

These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor arts events, training events.

Gatherings of up to 15 people can take place.

Sports

Training

Outdoors: Non contact training only in pods of up to 15 (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).

Indoors: Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes.

Matches and events

No matches or events to take place.

Exemption: professional/elite/inter-county/club championship/horse-racing can take place behind closed doors.

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools

Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools open with protective measures, for individual training only.

Religious services

Services move online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.

Funerals

Up to 25 mourners can attend.

Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions

All venues closed.

Libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect.

Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)

Can remain open for take-away and delivery and outdoor dining/service to a maximum of 15 people.

Wet pubs

Can remain open for take-away and delivery and outdoor dining/service to a maximum of 15 people.

Nightclubs, discos and casinos

Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.

Hotels and Accommodation

Open but services limited to residents.

Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)

Face coverings must be worn.

Open with protective measures in place.

There is specific guidance available for:

Work

Work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.

Domestic travel

People living in Donegal should remain in the county (that is, they must not leave Donegal to travel either domestically or internationally), with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes.

People living outside of Donegal should not travel to Donegal, with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes.

Schools, early learning and childcare services, adult and higher education

Schools and creches are open with protective measures.

Further, higher and adult education to escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible.

Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks

All remain open with protective measures in place.

Transport