Author name: highlandnews

SIPTU calls for adequate and safe staffing levels for Letterkenny Fire Station

SIPTU has called for a commitment from Donegal County Council and Fire Service Management to increase staffing levels at Letterkenny Fire Station. In February, it was announced without prior consultation with members, that the Station would be downgraded to a 1 Pump Station. This decision included the removal of the second fire engine and its

SIPTU calls for adequate and safe staffing levels for Letterkenny Fire Station Read More »

Two hospitalised following two-vehicle collision on the Barnesmore Gap road

Two people have been hospitalised following a two-vehicle collision on the Barnesmore Gap road last night. It’s being reported that a minibus was overturned during the incident, which took place in Meencarragh at around 12:45am. The drivers of both vehicles were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Gardaí say enquiries

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Reports of life saving equipment being tampered with in Newtownstewart

Police in Strabane have received a report of life saving equipment in Newtownstewart being tampered with or being destroyed. This occurred along the river walk area. They say this is the 3rd time this has happened within the last few months and that it is “totally unacceptable”. Anyone has any information in relation to this

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Traffic management costs hindering tree maintenance in Donegal

There’s call for a review of the current policy governing the cutting of overhanging trees. Councillor Donal Mandy Kelly says as it stands, the terms around the cutting of overhanging trees is hampering the efforts of landowners rather than assisting them. He says in some instances, a traffic management system is needed to facilitate the

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Donegal councillor wants safe spaces for young car fans

There’s calls for facilities to be developed in Donegal for young car enthusiasts. Councillor Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig believes providing a controlled environment such as stock car tracks will in turn improve road safety by helping to reduce danger from public roads. He says engagement with young people is vital to establish a safe space

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Month long wait for Oireachtas Committees ‘Unacceptable’ – Deputy MacLochlainn

Sinn Féin Chief Whip, Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn, says the government is “allergic to accountability.” The Donegal TD was speaking in response to the confirmation that Oireachtas Committees will not be established for another month, on May 8th. Deputy MacLochlainn says this is solely down to the so-called Michael Lowry deal. He added that with upcoming

Month long wait for Oireachtas Committees ‘Unacceptable’ – Deputy MacLochlainn Read More »

CDI launches online guide to combat school absenteeism

A new online manual designed to tackle school absenteeism has been launched by the Childhood Development Initiative. The toolkit includes practical strategies for supporting children and young people struggling with school attendance. Over a quarter of primary school students, and more than a fifth of post-primary students, missed 20 or more school days during the

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Men sentenced in relation to the supply of cocaine in Coleraine and Derry

Three men were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court for their roles in connection with the supply of controlled drugs in the North West. The men are believed to be members of an organised crime group operating primarily in the Coleraine area. 38 year old Peter Anthony Neill from Coleraine was sentenced to two years, suspended

Men sentenced in relation to the supply of cocaine in Coleraine and Derry Read More »

Water conservation measures being enacted in Raphoe, Convoy and Surroundrng areas

Uisce Eireann says overnight water conservation measures may cause supply disruptions to Raphoe, Convoy, Carnone, Rooskey, Calhame, Bohanboy, Whitehill, Mullingar, Kildoney and surrounding areas for the next nine nights. The works will take place nightly from 7pm until 7am from tonight to until Saturday April 12th. Earlier this week, people in the area were urged

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DCC’s Thatch Repair Scheme now accepting applications

Donegal County Council’s Thatch Repair Grant Scheme has opened, with applications being accepted until Thursday week, April 17th. Now in its seventh year, the scheme assists the owners and occupiers of historic thatched dwellings and businesses with small scale maintenance and repair. It’s funded by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council. Heritage Officer Joe

DCC’s Thatch Repair Scheme now accepting applications Read More »

Conditional planning permission granted for crematorium in Letterkenny

Planning permission has been granted for the development of a crematorium in Letterkenny. The owners of Eternal Light Chapel of Rest have made provision for a cremation facility within a new funeral home in the Carmamuggagh area for which permission has already been granted. That cremation facility has now been given the go-ahead by Donegal

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CLÁR programme opens for applications today

Community groups in areas of Donegal affected by depopulation are been urged to seek funding under the CLÁR 2025 programme, which opens for applications today. The programme, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development through local councils, provides vital funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas, and also includes a measure under

CLÁR programme opens for applications today Read More »

FLAG funding for maritime projects to be made available in the coming weeks

The Fisheries Local Action Groups Coastal Communities Development Scheme 2025 – 2029. There are seven such groups across the country, with Donegal a single entity under the title FLAG North. €15 million is being made available over the next five years, and Donegal enterprises and initiatives in the fishing, aquaculture, and maritime related sectors can

FLAG funding for maritime projects to be made available in the coming weeks Read More »

PNA suspends industrial action after HSE agrees to carry out review

The Psychiatric Nurses Association has suspended its industrial action. It’s been involved in a dispute over proposed cuts to nursing numbers. The Psychiatric Nurses Association has decided to call off its action after reaching agreement the HSE will now carry out a review, to set out the nursing numbers needed to run mental health services.

PNA suspends industrial action after HSE agrees to carry out review Read More »

Councillors from other areas should have a say in how Letterkenny develops – McGee

A Donegal County Councillor believes elected public representatives in the West of the county should have a say in the planned development of Letterkenny. Councillor Denis McGee says road works, housing developments and Active Travel schemes don’t just impact the town of Letterkenny but also people who use it as a gateway to the rest

Councillors from other areas should have a say in how Letterkenny develops – McGee Read More »

DCC seeking land for the development of a municipal cemetery

Donegal County Council is expected to seek expressions of interest from landowners in the Letterkenny area in the coming weeks with a view towards acquiring land for the development of a municipal cemetery. The need for a new burial ground for Donegal was first raised in 2020. Donegal County Council has undertaken a significant survey

DCC seeking land for the development of a municipal cemetery Read More »

Donegal ranked fifth most popular Irish filming location

Recent data analysis by Virgin Media Ireland, examining a range of films and television productions, has identified Donegal as the fifth most popular filming location within Ireland. The county has served as a backdrop for 13 productions included in the research, with locations such as Slieve League and Malin Head proving particularly popular. These locations

Donegal ranked fifth most popular Irish filming location Read More »

Deputy Doherty calls on Tánaiste to honour playgroup rebuilding promise

The Tánaiste has been urged to intervene to secure funding for the rebuilding of Raphoe Community Playgroup. The previous building the group was operating in has been condemned due to defective blocks with the property they are currently operating out of said to not be fit for purpose. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says despite a

Deputy Doherty calls on Tánaiste to honour playgroup rebuilding promise Read More »

Police in Derry seize £150k drugs haul, two arrested

Suspected Class A and B controlled drugs, with an estimated street value of £150,000, were seized from a car in the Glengalliagh Road area yesterday afternoon. Detectives from the Organised Crime Branch, investigating criminality linked to the INLA in Derry, made two arrests. Among the items seized were quantities of suspected cocaine and amphetamines. Two

Police in Derry seize £150k drugs haul, two arrested Read More »

Day and respite services reopen in Inishowen

Respite services have been restored at Riverwalk House in Carndonagh. The facility provides care for adults and children with disabilities. It had been closed for several years due to emergency residential placements. Councillor Albert Doherty, who has long campaigned for the service’s reinstatement, described it as a good day for the peninsula: Meanwhile, it has

Day and respite services reopen in Inishowen Read More »

Man sentenced at Derry Crown Court in connection with phone network used by criminals

A 36-year-old man from Belfast appeared before Derry Crown Court today, 3 April, in connection with drug offences linked to EncroChat, an encrypted phone network used by criminals. Shaw was sentenced to three years and four months, half to be served in custody and half on licence. Today’s sentencing stems from Operation Venetic which, led

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UK Government’s refusal to order Sean Brown inquiry unlawful, rules appeal court

Belfast’s Court of Appeal has ruled the UK Government’s failure to order a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown in Derry, was unlawful and “can’t stand”. The chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club was abducted and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in 1997. The Government had appealed against a decision by

UK Government’s refusal to order Sean Brown inquiry unlawful, rules appeal court Read More »

Bereaved family member believes it’s a miracle the A5 death toll is not higher

A large number of supporters of the A5 ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign attended the High Court in Belfast yesterday, where a judicial review is underway into the planned upgrade of the A5 from Derry to Aughnacloy. Gary Duffy, who lost family members in a multiple tragedy near Aughnacloy two years ago this month, was one

Bereaved family member believes it’s a miracle the A5 death toll is not higher Read More »

UK government’s refusal of a public inquiry into Sean Brown murder deemed unlawful by Court of Appeal

Belfast’s Court of Appeal has ruled the UK Government’s failure to order a public inquiry into the murder of Derry GAA official Sean Brown, was unlawful and “can’t stand”. The chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club was abducted and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in 1997. The Government had appealed against a decision by the

UK government’s refusal of a public inquiry into Sean Brown murder deemed unlawful by Court of Appeal Read More »

Little Angels parents ‘optimistic’ after meeting Special Education Minister in Dublin

One of the parents whose children face not having a place at the new Little Angels School in Letterkenny in September says they are hopeful that places will be secured. Aoife Dorrian and colleagues met with Minister Michael Moynihan in Leinster House last evening after travelling to Dublin for a national sleepout and demonstration. On

Little Angels parents ‘optimistic’ after meeting Special Education Minister in Dublin Read More »

Former IFI Chair says impact of tariffs may not be as bad as many fear

A former Chair of the International Fund for Ireland says there is a resilience in Irish industry and business which will come to the fore as the tariff debate rages following yesterday’s announcement by US President Donald Trump. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Paddy Harte said this is not the time for panic, and

Former IFI Chair says impact of tariffs may not be as bad as many fear Read More »

Civic Reception to be held to recognise 100 years of Blaney family representation on DCC

Donegal County Council is to hold a Civic Reception to recognise 100 years of continuous political representation on Donegal County Council by the Blaney family. Neal Blaney was first elected to the Council in 1925 and since then, further generations of the family have been successful in obtaining a seat on the local authority. He

Civic Reception to be held to recognise 100 years of Blaney family representation on DCC Read More »