Author name: highlandnews

‘Trans-Atlantic trade war could result in immediate decline of North West’ – MEP Walsh

A trans-Atlantic trade war could result in the immediate decline of the West and North West of Ireland. That’s the warning from Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh, who’s been speaking at the European Parliament ahead of Donald Trump’s expected tariffs announcement tomorrow. She says we have to remain vigilant:

‘Trans-Atlantic trade war could result in immediate decline of North West’ – MEP Walsh Read More »

Councillor highlights need for better EV infrastructure across Donegal

Donegal County Council is being urged to develop a better electric vehicle charging network for the county. Councillor Ali Farren says with the huge increase in EVs and just 19 public charging points in Donegal, the current infrastructure is totally insufficient. Donegal County Council is the lead authority for the west and north of the

Councillor highlights need for better EV infrastructure across Donegal Read More »

Donegal Coutnty Council collects record €34.7m in commercial rates

Donegal County Council collected €34.7 million in commercial rates in 2024, up €3.3 million on the previous year. It was the highest commercial rates collection in the history of the Council. In 2024, commercial rates bills were issued to 4,305 customers in respect of 5,607 properties across Donegal, to the value of €48.4 million. Of

Donegal Coutnty Council collects record €34.7m in commercial rates Read More »

New loan approved by Donegal County Council to help first time buyers

Donegal County Council has approved a loan of €2 million to assist first time buyers. The money will help those looking to get on the property ladder who are unable to obtain a loan from private lending agencies to purchase a new or second-hand property or to build their own home. Councillor Martin Harley, says

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Service Delivery Plan 2025 approved by Donegal County Council

Donegal County Council has approved its Service Delivery Plan for 2025. The plan outlines the principal services that will be delivered by the Council in the coming year. Donegal County Council’s Annual Service Delivery Plan has been prepared based on the provisions of the adopted budget of €185.6 million for 2025. The plan is underpinned

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There should be no more health discrimination in Donegal – DACC

Another protest has taken place outside Letterkenny University Hospital calling for improved cancer services in Donegal, including the provision of a dedicated cancer centre at the hospital. Among those the hospital today was Betty Holmes, the Chair of Donegal Action for Cancer Care. She says the map showing the geographical divide in cancer services that

There should be no more health discrimination in Donegal – DACC Read More »

Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

DCC moves to replace B&B vouchers with hostel accommodation in cases of emergency homelessness

Donegal County Council is moving to phase out the use of B&B Vouchers to tackle homelessness, with more emphasis on the use of hostels and other similar living arrangements. Local Cllr Michael Cholm McGiolla Easbuig is welcoming the new focus, but says there is a need to ensure that people can stay within their own

DCC moves to replace B&B vouchers with hostel accommodation in cases of emergency homelessness Read More »

DCC allocated €2 million for the acquisition of second hand homes

Donegal County Council has been allocated €2 million for the Social Housing Second-Hand Acquisitions Programme, including tenant in situ purchases targeted at those most in need. The allocation is part of the capital funding allocations totalling €325 million which have been notified to local authorities in respect of the second-hand social housing acquisitions programme for

DCC allocated €2 million for the acquisition of second hand homes Read More »

Condemnation of weekend damage incidents in Buncrana and Newtowncunningham

Two incidents of  damage in Inishowen on Saturday are under investigation, with calls on those responsible to foot the bill in both instances. In Buncrana, on Saturday night, someone drove through a fence at Festival Park on the Shore Front, before driving away. Inishowen MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Jack Murray says  whether it was accidental or deliberate, gardai will find whoever

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Pay related Jobseeker’s Benefit comes into effect today

Pay-related social welfare changes come into effect today, for people with a strong work history. Anyone who becomes unemployed from today and has made at least five years of PRSI contributions will have their jobseeker’s benefit linked to their previous earnings. It’s split into three different payment rates over 13-week periods – starting at a

Pay related Jobseeker’s Benefit comes into effect today Read More »

Uisce Eireann to proceed with works on pipe from Clonmany to Mindoran

  The section of mains has been the subject of regular bursts, including a significant one within the last two weeks, which left some homes and businesses without water for almost 24 hours. Local Cllr Martin McDermott says he’s now been told that the work will get underway immediately, with hopes that it’ll be complete

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Healthcare unions call off work to rule after weekend agreement with the HSE

Industrial action by healthcare workers today has been called off. The INMO, SIPTU and Fórsa reached agreement with the HSE at the Workplace Relations Commission over staffing and recruitment. The negotiations by unions went on for 25 hours over the weekend, but psychiatric nurses are continuing a work to rule. Fórsa National Secretary Ashley Connolly

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Minister must come to Donegal as quickly as possible – Devine

A 100% Redress representative says Donegal County Council must redouble its efforts to secure a visit from Housing Minister James Browne as quickly as possible. Cllr Thomas Sean Devine was attending a plenary housing meeting online last week, as he was assisting an elderly couple in the Glencar area of Letterkenny, one of whom is

Minister must come to Donegal as quickly as possible – Devine Read More »

Midlands North West MEP calls for regulatory reforms to address imbalance in food supply chain

Concerns have been raised in Brussels over the imbalance in the food supply chain. Speaking during his intervention at the AGRI Committee, Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly highlighted the urgent need for regulatory reforms to address unfair trading practices. He says farmers are finding themselves in a weak position in the food supply chain.

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EU ‘bracing’ itself for Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ on Wednesday

The EU is ‘bracing’ itself for Donald Trump’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’ on Wednesday. The US is expected to announce levies on a range of foreign imports – that could include pharmaceuticals, and food and drink products made in this country. Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Michael McGrath says tariffs are not good for anyone – and the

EU ‘bracing’ itself for Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ on Wednesday Read More »

Donegal County Library to unveil resources aimed to help adults improve English language skills

Donegal County Library have announced a variety of resources which aim to help adults improve their English language skills. Members of the public are invited to attend and learn more about the resources, which cover reading, writing, grammar, and comprehension. The workbooks are designed to support community inclusion and are available for free download on

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Healthcare unions suspend work-to-rule action planned for tomorrow

Healthcare unions have suspended work-to-rule action planned for tomorrow. It follows 22 hours of intense negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission across the weekend. Nurses and midwives will now be balloted on proposals to develop and improve recruitment processes and workforce planning. Emmet Malone from The Irish Times has the latest from the talks:

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Detectives investigating Tyrone assault involving motor vehicle

Detectives in Northern Ireland are appealing for information following a report of an assault involving a motor vehicle in Castlederg on Friday. The victim received injuries that are believed to be ‘life changing’. Shortly after 3:10pm, it was reported that a man in his 60s was deliberately struck by a black coloured van at the

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Almost none of 190 local authority members would nominate Conor McGregor for Presidency

Almost none of 190 local authority members surveyed this week said they would support Conor McGregor in a nomination for the Presidency. A poll for The Irish Times shows 188 of 949 councillors responded – and all but one said they would vote no. The former UFC fighter would require the nomination of 20 members

Almost none of 190 local authority members would nominate Conor McGregor for Presidency Read More »

Michael Boyle becomes Councillor following brother Manus’s appointment to Seanad

Michael Boyle has been co-opted onto Donegal County Council, becoming its newest member. Following his brother Manus’s appointment by Tanáiste Simon Harris to the Seanad, there was a Fine Gael seat vacant in the Donegal Muncipal District. Michael is the son of former Councillor John Boyle He successfully defeated former Councillor Barry Sweeny at yesterday’s

Michael Boyle becomes Councillor following brother Manus’s appointment to Seanad Read More »

New report shows over 350 illegal evictions and 4,500 eviction orders issued by Residential Tenancies Board between 2015 and 2024

A new report by the ‘Community Action Tenants Union’ reveals 353 illegal evictions and 4,524 eviction orders were issued by the Residential Tenancies Board between 2015 and 2024. The data includes analysis of the legislation covering no-fault evictions, where landlords can evict tenants in cases where they are planning to sell or renovate, or where

New report shows over 350 illegal evictions and 4,500 eviction orders issued by Residential Tenancies Board between 2015 and 2024 Read More »

PSNI appealing for information following vehicle pursuit in Tyrone

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a vehicle pursuit in Tyrone yesterday afternoon. The suspect fled the scene and continuing their attempts to locate them. While conducting a mobile patrol, officers observed a navy Mercedes driving erratically in the Barrack Street area at approximately 2.45pm. The driver failed to stop when signalled to

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Efforts ongoing to secure places for children applied to start at Little Angels School, Letterkenny in September

Efforts are ongoing to secure places for children who have applied to start at Little Angels School in Letterkenny in September. There have been calls for the Minister of State at the Department of Education Michael Moynihan to provide a response to the crisis. Donegal Minister of State, with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy,

Efforts ongoing to secure places for children applied to start at Little Angels School, Letterkenny in September Read More »

Students from St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar win national Model EU debate

  The team from St. Columbas College, in Stranorlar in County Donegal, representing Estonia won first place at this year’s Model Council of the EU debate. Teams from schools across the country gathered at Dublin Castle to hold a mock debate on potential laws to protect young people online. There was a team of three

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Donegal County Council opens consultation process for development of the Old Courthouse in Letterkenny

Donegal County Council has opened a consultation process on the proposed development of the Old Courthouse building in Letterkenny. The plans for the project are now available for public consultation through the Part 8 planning consent process and the public are invited to have their say. The project focuses on the change of use, extension

Donegal County Council opens consultation process for development of the Old Courthouse in Letterkenny Read More »

Police appealing for information following multi-vehicle collision in Omagh

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a multi-vehicle road traffic collision on the A5 in Omagh. At approximately 5.10pm yesterday evening of a collision at the Curr Road junction near Beragh involving two black VW Bora cars that collided with four other vehicles. Emergency services attended the scene and medical treatment was provided

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Podcast – Friday’s Nine Til Noon Show

The Friday panel joining Michaela Clarke this week was John McAteer, Tirconaill Tribune Editor, Harry Walsh, former Deputy Editor of the Donegal News and Donegal Mart Manager, Eimear McGuinness. Topics discussed include the chaos that descended upon the Dail this week as the speaking rights row continues and Garron Noone – when will society reach

Podcast – Friday’s Nine Til Noon Show Read More »

Young people from Donegal compete in semi-finals of Young Environmentalist Awards

A group of young environmental activists from Donegal have competed in the semi-finals of the Young Environmentalist Awards. The Ulster semi-finals of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) took place yesterday, with young people from schools and youth groups across Ulster, taking part in the event at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Craigavon. St Columba’s

Young people from Donegal compete in semi-finals of Young Environmentalist Awards Read More »

Almost €19 million allocated to National Roads in Donegal

Progress on the Ten-T Road improvement project in Donegal, and improvements to the N2 from Clonbtibret in County Monaghan to the border are among the provisions outlined in the annual allocation for the National Roads Network which has just been announced. A total of €6 million has been earmarked for phase two of the works on

Almost €19 million allocated to National Roads in Donegal Read More »

Councillors briefed on DCC’s land acquisition plans

Members of Donegal County County Council have been briefed on the authority’s land acquisition plans, after expressions of interest were sought from landowners with suitable sites. Sites that are sale complete, sale agreed or conveyancing stage have an overall potential for housing delivery of approximately 600 units. Following the receipt of expressions of interest, 481

Councillors briefed on DCC’s land acquisition plans Read More »