Author name: highlandnews

Reccomendation to see John Hume awarded for reconciliation efforts welcomed by family

A recommendation to recognise the commitment of John Hume through an award by the European Parliament has been welcomed by the late Derry man’s family. The award honours a person or organisation who promotes reconciliation and shared prosperity in Europe. John Hume jr, his son, and chairperson of the John and Pat Hume Foundation released […]

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Deputy Doherty critical of planned yearly increase on carbon tax

The leadership of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will spend the coming days selling the latest programme for government to their party membership. Fianna Fail will hold a special Ard Fheis on Sunday to ratify the deal, while Fine Gael members will vote at a series of regional meetings which get underway tomorrow. Sinn Fein

Deputy Doherty critical of planned yearly increase on carbon tax Read More »

Call for serious safety concerns near two Buncrana schools to be addressed

There’s calls for serious safety concerns to be addressed close to two schools in Buncrana. Residents of St Oran’s Oaks near Scoil Iosagain and Scoil Mhuire are said to be effectively trapped in their homes by people using the small estate as a pick up and drop off area. On one occasion access for an

Call for serious safety concerns near two Buncrana schools to be addressed Read More »

Inquiry into proposed goldmine in Tyrone suspended

An inquiry into proposals about a controversial gold mine in County Tyrone has been suspended – three days after it started. The Planning Appeal’s Commission, which is managing the inquiry, says the break-down was because the Department for Infrastructure failed to follow its own legal procedures. Protestors gathered in the county ahead of the opening

Inquiry into proposed goldmine in Tyrone suspended Read More »

Report finds Michael McMonagle was contracted to work 80 hours per week

In the north, Sinn Fein is welcoming the findings of a report which has called into question its role as an employer. It found the party’s former press officer, 42-year-old Michael McMonagle of Limewood Street, Derry,  who was later convicted of child sex offences, at one point was contracted to work 80 hours a week,

Report finds Michael McMonagle was contracted to work 80 hours per week Read More »

We can’t address garda resource shortages without the JPC – Cllr McClafferty

A west Donegal Councillor says with the absence of the Joint Policing Committee, it’s more difficult to address the short fallings of Garda resources Donegal. It was to be replaced by a Local Community Safety Partnership, but is facing delays. Cllr Michael McClafferty says before Christmas, the patrol car in Falcarragh broke down and still

We can’t address garda resource shortages without the JPC – Cllr McClafferty Read More »

Reasons to keep the first 20 minutes of the day phone-free

Dr Lollie Mancey, an anthropologist & futurist, delivered a keynote presentation at the 2025 Pendulum Summit in Dublin’s Convention Centre, in which she talked about her extensive research on the effect of mobile phone usage before bed and in the morning. She spoke to Highland Radio News this morning. According to Dr Mancey, the first

Reasons to keep the first 20 minutes of the day phone-free Read More »

Derry driver charged to court on number of road offences

Police in Derry have charged a man to court following a driving-related incident in the city centre area yesterday. The 31-year-old, who was arrested on William Street, has been charged with a number of offences including driving while unfit and dangerous driving. He was due to appear before Derry Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Derry driver charged to court on number of road offences Read More »

No non-compliances found in two HIQA inspections

HIQA has published inspection reports on two designated centres for people with disabilities in Donegal, with no non-compliances found at either centre. There were four residents present at Riverside when an announced inspection took place in October, while there were three residents at Dunshenny House when an unannounced inspection took place. 20 regulations were assessed

No non-compliances found in two HIQA inspections Read More »

Car stolen in Letterkenny after keys taken from kit bag during training

A warning is being issued to those who attend facilities with storage lockers. It’s after an incident occurred at a premises yesterday evening on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny where keys were taken from a kit bag in a locker. Subsequently a car was taken from the adjacent car park. Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Fergus

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Deputy Ward rejects ‘baseless accusations’ of intimidatory protests

A Donegal Deputy says he is rejecting what he has called baseless accusations, in a bid to defend defective concrete block homeowners. It’s in relation to a comment made by Aine Stapleton, an assistant secretary in the department of housing in which she described protest by the DCB campaigners as “bordering on the intimidatory”. The

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Man with address in Derry is one of four arrested in Kerry drug investigation

Four men are being held in Killarney and Tralee Garda stations on suspicion of assisting a criminal organisation in the importation of controlled drugs – one of whom is from the North West. RTÉ reports that the men in question have had their period of detention extended by up to an additional 72 hours for

Man with address in Derry is one of four arrested in Kerry drug investigation Read More »

Woman (80s) hospitalised following Buncrana crash yesterday

An elderly woman has been hospitalised following a collision in Buncrana yesterday at around 2.20 pm in the afternoon. A section of St. Oran’s Road remains closed following the crash that involved a car and two pedestrians. One of the pedestrians aged in her 80s is in Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Woman (80s) hospitalised following Buncrana crash yesterday Read More »

Over €500,000 spent on tackling knotweed in Donegal

Over half a million euro was spent on tackling invasive vegetation in Donegal over a four year period. A Journal Investigates report has revealed that €8.5 million was spent by Councils across the country in controlling the spread of Japanese, Himalayan and Giant knotweed between July 2020 and August last year. Donegal County Council received

Over €500,000 spent on tackling knotweed in Donegal Read More »

Commemorative plaque to be installed at former home of only Buncrana man to have played for Celtic FC

A commemorative plaque is to be installed at the former home of the only Buncrana man to have ever played for Celtic FC. Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty went on to have a successful sporting career including playing for Blackpool FC and Derry City Football Club before becoming a founding member of Buncrana Hearts FC in the

Commemorative plaque to be installed at former home of only Buncrana man to have played for Celtic FC Read More »

DCC urged to clarify if submission has been made to ongoing inquiry into controversial goldmine in Co Tyrone

Donegal County Council is being urged to clarify whether it has made a submission to an ongoing inquiry into proposals for a goldmine in Co Tyrone. Dalradian has been working on the site near Greencastle in the Sperrin Mountains since 2009. The Planning Appeals Commission inquiry commenced on Monday at the Strule Arts Centre in

DCC urged to clarify if submission has been made to ongoing inquiry into controversial goldmine in Co Tyrone Read More »

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Regional Independents reach Government formation deal

A deal has been reached between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the regional independents. It will allow a Government to be formed on January 22nd. Under the terms of the deal the Regional Independent Group will get two super junior ministries. Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has more:

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Regional Independents reach Government formation deal Read More »

New Garda policing model must recognise specific challenges facing Donegal – Deputy Doherty

Concerns continue to be raised over the new Garda policing model set to be rolled out this year in Donegal. The fear among members of the force on the ground is that the implementation of the new model will be rushed through ahead of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris stepping down. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says

New Garda policing model must recognise specific challenges facing Donegal – Deputy Doherty Read More »

Critically low Lough Mourne water levels impacting residents

Due to critically low water levels across the Lough Mourne Public Water Supply, Uisce Éireann is advising home and business owners in Ballybofey and Stranorlar that they might experience supply interruptions in the coming days. Works are ongoing to restore supply to the network with people being urged to conserve water. Uisce Eireann say a

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Man arrested after driving-related incident during morning rush hour in Derry

A man has been arrested in Derry following a driving-related incident this morning. Police say it was a busy time in the area and it’s fortunate no one was injured. Police were on patrol in the William Street area just before 9:30am when they attempted to stop a grey Vauxhall Corsa. As the driver of

Man arrested after driving-related incident during morning rush hour in Derry Read More »

Calls for safety review of Millbrae Junction following morning collision

A local councillor says it was only a matter of time in relation to a collision in Stranorlar this morning. It occurred at the Milbrae Junction, adjacent to traffic lights at McClay’s Corner. Traffic at this junction includes those travelling to the local GP and a local primary school, as well as traffic travelling to

Calls for safety review of Millbrae Junction following morning collision Read More »

Man charged to court in Derry following a failure to co-operate with police

A 33-year-old man has been charged with offences to appear before Derry Magistrates Court on the 5th of February. The offences are failing to co-operate with a preliminary test and failing to provide a specimen when in charge unfit. It follows a report of a driving related incident in the Waterside area yesterday.

Man charged to court in Derry following a failure to co-operate with police Read More »

Boiler and heating oil stolen during Christmas week in Letterkenny

Gardaí are investigating the theft of a boiler and a quantity of home heating oil from a house at Gleann Tain Manor in Letterkenny over the Christmas period. It’s believed to have happened between 6pm on Monday December 30th and noon on the following day. Gardai in Letterkennny are urging anyone who observed any suspicious

Boiler and heating oil stolen during Christmas week in Letterkenny Read More »

Gardai investigating window smashing incidents in Letterkenny and Buncrana

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to criminal damage incidents in Letterkenny and Buncrana. Shortly after 8.20 on Sunday night in Fernhill, Letterkenny, rocks were thrown at a window of a house in that area and it was smashed as a result. Nobody was injured. Gardai are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious or has dash

Gardai investigating window smashing incidents in Letterkenny and Buncrana Read More »

Ambitious tourism targets for island of Ireland, but new ETA is a problem – Tourism Ireland

Overseas tourism brought in €7 billion euro to the island of Ireland last year. That was up ten percent on 2023 – and 500 tourism leaders are meeting in Dublin today to discuss how to build on that this year. Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland says it’s targeting an overseas tourism spend of

Ambitious tourism targets for island of Ireland, but new ETA is a problem – Tourism Ireland Read More »

Water conservation restrictions continuing in Raphoe, Convoy, Lifford and surrounding areas

Uisce Eireann says water conservation restrictions may cause disruptions to water supplies in Stranorlar, Raphoe, Convoy, Lifford, Liscooley, Leaght, Scotland, Blairstown, Meenahoney, Magheraboy, Powderly, Kildoney, Ballybofey and surrounding areas until 10 o’clock this morning, and again from 10 o’clock tonight until 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. It’s part of an ongoing conservation drive that’s been underway

Water conservation restrictions continuing in Raphoe, Convoy, Lifford and surrounding areas Read More »

Some overnight water issues as a result of conservation restrictions in the Twin Towns

Uisce Eireann says any overnight supply disruptions as a result of water conservation restrictions in the vicinity of the Twin Towns should end at 8 o’clock this morning. The operation is focused on Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Drumboe, Aughashiel, Cooladawson, Cavan Lower and surrounding areas. People are advised to allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time

Some overnight water issues as a result of conservation restrictions in the Twin Towns Read More »

Teen Parent Support Programme to expand to include other young parents

A support programme for teenage parents in Donegal is to be evolved into a new service for young parents, in response to the changing needs of at risk families. At a recent special event 25 years of the Teen Parent Support Programme was celebrated after it has supported approximately10,000 women and men, across ten counties,

Teen Parent Support Programme to expand to include other young parents Read More »

€1m secured to enhance sustainable development and digital innovation of NW City Region

The ERNACT network has secured €4.2 million in funding to drive healthcare innovation and green digital transformation across Europe. €1 million in funding has been announced for the North West City region which will go towards further enhancing the region’s position as a key player in sustainable development and digital innovation. It’s part of a

€1m secured to enhance sustainable development and digital innovation of NW City Region Read More »

Public consultation launched on strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Derry

A public consultation has been launched on a strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Derry. The Living with Water in Derry Plan sets on a number of proposals for the city and surrounding areas. The draft Living With Water in Derry Plan proposes a collaborative multi-agency approach by encouraging partners to work together to develop the

Public consultation launched on strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Derry Read More »

Tyrone Hair and Beauty business owner fined for unlawful possession of weight loss medicines

A 33-year-old Co Tyrone woman today received fines totaling £3,300 for breaches of Human Medicines Regulations. Shaunagh McElroy, of Fardross Road, Clogher appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to 18 charges. The Court heard that in March 2023 and again in March 2024, enforcement officers from the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory

Tyrone Hair and Beauty business owner fined for unlawful possession of weight loss medicines Read More »