Author name: highlandnews

Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity denied funding by Assembly

Those living with HIV in the North are threatened – after the only dedicated HIV charity there, has been denied Core Grant funding by the Assembly. Health Minister in the North, Mike Nesbitt says those who have missed out this time will have a further opportunity later this year to bid for funding in 2026/27. […]

Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity denied funding by Assembly Read More »

Man charged to court in relation to Castlederg and Strabane burglaries

Police investigating a number of reports of burglaries in the Castlederg and Strabane areas have charged a man to court. The man, aged 23, has been charged with burglary with intent to steal, taking a motor vehicle without authority, using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, and two counts of theft. He was

Man charged to court in relation to Castlederg and Strabane burglaries Read More »

The Vatican says Pope Francis had ‘tranquil’ night in hospital

  The Vatican says Pope Francis has had a “tranquil” night in hospital and rested. The 88-year-old is in a critical condition after being admitted to hospital nine days ago, where he’s being treated for respiratory problems. The Pope missed Sunday prayers for the second week in a row. Reporter Lisa Holland says the Vatican’s

The Vatican says Pope Francis had ‘tranquil’ night in hospital Read More »

25% of Fianna Fáil voters would have voted differently if they knew the true level of housebuilding

A quarter of Fianna Fáil voters admit they would have voted differently in the General Election had they known the true level of housebuilding here last year. The latest Business Post/Red C poll puts Sinn Féin as the most popular party. The latest poll will come as a blow Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who in the

25% of Fianna Fáil voters would have voted differently if they knew the true level of housebuilding Read More »

Government seeking to implement cash and tax-back incentives for house developers

The Government is looking to implement cash-back and tax-back incentives for developers, in a bid to speed up the building of homes. The scheme would allow developers to get either tax refunds or straight cash grants when a job is completed, helping bridge the gap in financing projects. It’s being modelled after a similar and

Government seeking to implement cash and tax-back incentives for house developers Read More »

Police in Omagh appealing for information after car involved in collision stolen

Police in Omagh are appealing for information after a car involved in a collision was stolen. A red Kia Soul was involved in a collision on Todd’s Road, near the Beltany Road junction on February 8th. The car was not driveable and the owner left it to arrange recovery. However, when he returned to lift

Police in Omagh appealing for information after car involved in collision stolen Read More »

Donegal heritage groups invited to apply for funding

Applications for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme have opened for groups in Donegal. The initiative provides funding for proactive, voluntary heritage groups. The Community Heritage Grant Scheme provides funding for community groups that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections, buildings, monuments, habitats, species or objects. The initiative is also aimed at

Donegal heritage groups invited to apply for funding Read More »

Marian Harkin confirmed as Junior Minister at the Department of Further and Higher Education

South Donegal Deputy Marian Harkin has been appointed by the Taoiseach as Junior Minister at the Department of Further and Higher Education. She will have special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction, and Climate Skills. Deputy Harkin says she’s very happy to take on this new role and to contribute to a department that’s wholly

Marian Harkin confirmed as Junior Minister at the Department of Further and Higher Education Read More »

Calls for ‘crucial’ investment in primary care and clinical spaces in Milford area

There’s calls for ‘crucial’ investment in primary care and clinical spaces in the Milford area. Councillor Declan Meehan says waiting lists for services such as speech and language therapists are growing as satellite clinics are not being delivered in Milford and surrounding areas due to the unsuitability of the current facilities. Planning permission was previously

Calls for ‘crucial’ investment in primary care and clinical spaces in Milford area Read More »

North’s Health Minister acknowledges need for new ED at Altnagelvin Hospital

The North’s Health Minister has again acknowledged the need for a new Emergency Department at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, but repeated his belief that it will be at least five years before that can be achieved. He was responding on the Assembly floor to Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson, who told Minister Mike Nesbitt that some

North’s Health Minister acknowledges need for new ED at Altnagelvin Hospital Read More »

Taoiseach promises to support New Look workers as retailer closes Irish stores

The Taoiseach has promised to support the 347 New Look workers who are facing redundancy as the fashion retailer pulls out of Ireland The British-owned clothing retailer which has 26 stores around the country blamed years of sustained losses as the reason behind the closures. 14 staff at New Look’s Letterkenny store will be affected

Taoiseach promises to support New Look workers as retailer closes Irish stores Read More »

SF will not travel to the White House for St Patrick’s Day this year

Sinn Féin won’t travel to the White House for St Patrick’s Day this year. Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill have made the decision after Donald Trump’s comments about the future of Gaza. The US President has threatened to remove the Palestinian people from the area to create a new “riviera of the Middle East.”

SF will not travel to the White House for St Patrick’s Day this year Read More »

Property company promises to pay RZLT on land it buys in Donegal

  One of the country’s leading property development companies is offering to pay the Residential Zoned Land Tax on land it purchases in Donegal. As part of its expansion strategy, Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes says it is actively looking to acquire residentially zoned land in the county. CEO Ciaran Fitzpatrick says the company currently has

Property company promises to pay RZLT on land it buys in Donegal Read More »

Healy Rae promises a swift response for foresters affected by storm damage

Minister Michael Healy-Rae says he’s standing ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with those people who put land aside for forestry over the past two decades. Satellite images show nearly 24,000 hectares of forestry have been damaged by storms Darragh and Eowyn. A ‘Forest Windblow Taskforce’ is putting together a plan of action for owners. The Junior Minister

Healy Rae promises a swift response for foresters affected by storm damage Read More »

Harris acknowledges it could be years before house prices drop

It could be a number of years before house prices start to drop, according to the Tanaiste. CSO figures yesterday found prices rose faster in 2024 than the previous year. The government has struggled to respond to missing its own house completion targets last year. Speaking at the G20 Summit in South Africa, Tanaiste Simon

Harris acknowledges it could be years before house prices drop Read More »

Creeslough families have been let down and ignored – McGranaghan

Donegal County Council is being criticised for not informing families in advance of the decision to grant planning permission for the proposed development of the site of the Creeslough explosion. Bereaved families and their supporters are challenging the planning permission for the rebuilding of a service station and shop at the site of the blast.

Creeslough families have been let down and ignored – McGranaghan Read More »

Durkan stresses need for an Infrastructure Commission to oversee public spending

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan says an Infrastructure Commission is needed to drive essential reforms for major capital projects. He says a commission is necessary to ensure projects like the A5 and A6 are delivered on time and within budget. Last year the NI Audit Office reported that NI major capital projects would cost £2.45

Durkan stresses need for an Infrastructure Commission to oversee public spending Read More »

Death of Pt Sean Rooney raised during calls for retention of triple lock system

Removing Ireland’s triple lock system without an alternative is reckless. That’s according to Senator Patricia Stephenson who in the Seanad, highlighted the danger facing Irish troops deployed overseas, recalling how Donegal man Private Sean Rooney was killed when the convoy he was travelling in in Lebanon came under attack in 2022. The triple lock guarantees

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Donegal fishing sector needs to be turned around – Deputy MacLochlainn

The Minister for the Marine, Martin Heydon has heard of the plight faced by the fishing sector in Donegal as the industry continues to decline. Sinn Féin Fishing Spokesperson and Chief Whip Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn says he was shocked to see what had happened at the hands of the State when he last visited

Donegal fishing sector needs to be turned around – Deputy MacLochlainn Read More »

Láithreoir Highland Radio Colm Feiritéar ainmnithe mar ambasadóir Seachtain na Gaeilge Co. Dhún na nGall

Tá Colm Feiritéar, láithreoir an chláir Ruaille Buaille ar Highland Radio ainmnithe mar ambasadóir Seachtain na Gaeilge Co. Dhún na nGall 2025. Seolfar an fhéile chultúrtha agus teanga ag ócáid ar an Chlochán Liath Dé hAoine seo chugainn. is é an Comhairleoir Contae John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh a sheolfaidh Seachtain na Gaeilge ag Ionad Teampaill

Láithreoir Highland Radio Colm Feiritéar ainmnithe mar ambasadóir Seachtain na Gaeilge Co. Dhún na nGall Read More »

Highland Radio’s Colm Ferriter announced as Seachtain na Gaeilge Ambassador for Donegal

Highland Radio’s Colm Ferriter has been announced as this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge Ambassador for Donegal. Seachtain na Gaeilge will be launched at an event in Leabharlann na Rosann, Ionad Theampall Chróine, An Clochán Liath on Friday, 28th February at 7.30pm. The festival promotes the use of the Irish language and Irish culture in Ireland

Highland Radio’s Colm Ferriter announced as Seachtain na Gaeilge Ambassador for Donegal Read More »

Arranmore RNLI crew respond to two medical emergencies in four days

Arranmore RNLI’s volunteer crew have attended two medical evacuations within four days, the most recent occurring at 10 o’clock last night following a call from Malin Head Coastguard. The casualty was transported by lifeboat to an awaiting ambulance in Burtonport and subsequently taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment.

Arranmore RNLI crew respond to two medical emergencies in four days Read More »

880 planned procedures cancelled at LUH in January

It’s emerged 880 planned procedures were cancelled at Letterkenny University Hospital last month. In 2024, almost 2,000 procedures were cancelled at the hospital, down significantly compared to the previous year when there were 6,000 cancellations. Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn says it’s clear that the Government has repeatedly refused to intervene to address the ongoing crisis

880 planned procedures cancelled at LUH in January Read More »

Doherty urges government to proceed with public inquiry into Creeslough tragedy

Former Justice Minister Helen McEntee says the government has not ruled out a public inquiry into the Creeslough tragedy, but believes the garda investigation should be completed first. She was responding to Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty, who said even the Garda Commissioner has accepted there is nothing to prevent an inquiry being initiated while the

Doherty urges government to proceed with public inquiry into Creeslough tragedy Read More »