Author name: highlandnews

Ceann Comnhairle rules Regional Independents cannot be an opposition technical group

The Ceann Comhairle has ruled the Regional Independent Group of TDs cannot form a technical group. It marks a significant development in the row over speaking rights. This row caused chaotic scenes in the Dáil as four Independent TDs who helped form the programme for government wanted to have opposition speaking time. Now, the Ceann

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Renewed calls for provision of homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Donegal

There’s renewed calls for the provision of homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Donegal. Councillor Jack Murray says it’s essential homes are acquired and constructed to ensure people with an intellectual disability can reside in their own community. He says it’s imperative properties are dedicated for people with additional needs in new developments. Councillor

Renewed calls for provision of homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Donegal Read More »

ATU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health and Social Care course approved by CORU

Atlantic Technological University has announced that its Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health and Social Care has been formally approved by CORU, Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator. The course based in ATU Donegal is the third to be approved by CORU in recent years and marks its commitment to providing high-quality education in the field of

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MEP Maria Walsh calls on Justice Minister to prioritise implementation of EU human trafficking laws

There are calls for the Justice Minister to prioritise the implementation of EU human trafficking laws. Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh has written to Jim O’Callaghan requesting details of his plans to deal with the growing threat of trafficking and forced labour. Speaking this afternoon, MEP Walsh said a recent UN report shows numbers are

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WhatsApp, iMessage and Snapchat messages to be scanned by EU under new child protection laws

WhatsApp photos, iMessage texts and Snapchat videos could all be scanned by the EU, under new proposed child protection laws. In 2023, more than 29-thousand recorded incidents of child sexual abuse were recorded in Ireland. It also comes as the UK is set to become the first country to make AI-generated child abuse material a

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163 arrested for drink or driving this Bank Holiday weekend

  163 people have been arrested for drink or drug driving this Bank Holiday weekend, while over one thousand were caught speeding. Gardaí have high-visibility policing checkpoints stationed across the country, as part of their St. Brigid’s weekend road safety campaign, to clamp down on unsafe driving. During the first four days of the operation,

163 arrested for drink or driving this Bank Holiday weekend Read More »

Omagh bombing enquiry hears how school teacher killed was to be her sister’s chief bridesmaid

The inquiry into the Omagh bombing has heard how a Sunday school teacher who was killed in the atrocity was due to be her sister’s chief bridesmaid. 36-year-old Esther Gibson was also engaged. The inquiry’s examining if the Real IRA Car bomb – in which 29 people were killed – could’ve been prevented Esther’s sister

Omagh bombing enquiry hears how school teacher killed was to be her sister’s chief bridesmaid Read More »

Gardaí urge public to be aware of ESB crews working to restore power

An Garda Síochána in Donegal have urged people to be aware of ESB crews working to restore power after Storm Éowyn. They say motorists should slow down when they come across ESB personnel working along roadsides. Gardaí praised the crew, saying they are “working tirelessly” to restore power in the county and drivers should play

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Man arrested following seizure of Class B and C drugs in Derry

A man has been arrested after Police in Derry City and Strabane seized suspected drugs in the city. The planned search of a property was conducted by District Support Team officers today, who seized a quantity of suspected Class B and Class C controlled drugs, with a total estimated street value of close to £2,500. Officers

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Power restored to 729,000 properties following Storm Éowyn

Power has been restored to 729,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country, following Storm Éowyn. Approximately 39,000 customers remain without supply, down from a peak of 768,000 last week. Customers who remain without power will progressively have their supply restored over the course of next week. If you are in a position to visit www.PowerCheck.ie, estimated restoration times

Power restored to 729,000 properties following Storm Éowyn Read More »

British PM rejects suggestions UK will rejoin the EU

The British Prime Minister’s called Brexit a ‘settled’ decision, as he rejects suggestions the UK will rejoin the European Union. Keir Starmer’s ‘resetting’ relations with the EU, by hosting the German Chancellor at Chequers for lunch, before a visit to Brussels tomorrow. Mr Starmer says he’s working towards closer ties on defence, security, energy, trade

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Government considering recommendation to investigate all schools for historical sex abuse

The government is considering a recommendation to investigate all schools in the country for historical sex abuse. It comes after a scoping inquiry into day and boarding schools run by religious orders across the country, revealed 2,395 allegations of sex abuse had been uncovered in 308 schools. The principal recommendation of the scoping inquiry is

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Poll shows two-thirds of voters agree with Opposition over TD speaking time debate

There could be more disagreements in Leinster House this week over Dáil speaking time. The latest Ireland Thinks poll in the Sunday Independent shows almost two thirds of voters agree with the Opposition in the row over TDs speaking time. The poll also shows Fianna Fáil has its biggest lead over Fine Gael in the

Poll shows two-thirds of voters agree with Opposition over TD speaking time debate Read More »

1,250 properties remain without power in Donegal one week after Storm Éowyn

Over 40 thousand homes and business continue to struggle without electricity for a ninth consecutive day. As of 10.30am this morning, approximately 1,250 customers in Donegal remain without power, which is down from a peak of around 87,000 last Friday. More than 400 premises also have no water, with some areas still affected by phone

1,250 properties remain without power in Donegal one week after Storm Éowyn Read More »

Calls for Donegal County Council to recognise those with epilepsy in the county

Donegal County Council is being urged to recognise the 1,400 people living with epilepsy in Donegal. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Niamh Kennedy is also calling for the Department of Health to implement a World Health Organisation Plan on epilepsy. Councillor Kennedy believes February 10th, International Epilepsy Day, is the ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the illness:

Calls for Donegal County Council to recognise those with epilepsy in the county Read More »

Motorist arrested in Letterkenny for drink driving was 8 times over legal limit

A motorist has been arrested after being caught drink driving in Letterkenny. The driver is disqualified and their car was seized for having no insurance. A further test conducted at the station established that the driver was 8 times over the legal limit. Court proceedings will follow. It comes as 264 motorists have been caught

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Man arrested in connection with theft of high value machinery in Letterkenny

Detectives investigating recent cross-border thefts in Donegal have made an arrest in Omagh. The PSNI say they were made aware of stolen high-value machinery, scrap metal and other items in Letterkenny. It’s understood the stolen property was then transported across the border with the intention to sell on. As part of ongoing enquiries into these

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Burst water main causing supply disruptions in South East Donegal

Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Crossroads, Gleneely, Monellan, Rushyhill, Cornabrogue, Corradooey, Killygordon and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place until 6pm this evening. Meanwhile, repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Doorin Line, Stonepark, Mountcharles and surrounding areas in Co. Donegal. Works are

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Swimmers urged to be cautious this Bank Holiday Weekend

Three Maritime organisations are reminding swimmers and walkers to be careful this Bank Holiday Weekend. The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have said falling into cold waster can result in cold shock, which can lead to hypothermia. Members of the public are being advised to wear appropriate clothing like wetsuits, brightly coloured swimming

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Applications open for Tertiary Nursing Degree Programme in Donegal

A means of allowing people access to university courses without CAO points has been extended, with applications open from today for an honours nursing degree in Donegal. Under the Tertiary Degree Programme, people who are returning to education, or don’t have the prerequisite points can spend a year doing a pre-college course with the Donegal

Applications open for Tertiary Nursing Degree Programme in Donegal Read More »

Traffic delays possible in Derry with a number of events taking place over the weekend

Police in Derry are urging motorists in the city to take extra care over the weekend, and to expect traffic delays, with a number of events taking place. A Eucharistic Procession leaves St Columba’s Church, Longtower at lunchtime today, while tomorrow will see the annual Bloody Sunday commemoration, and a football match in the city

Traffic delays possible in Derry with a number of events taking place over the weekend Read More »

Derry & Strabane Council to offer weekend support to those imacted by storm outages

Derry City and Strabane District Council say they will continue over the weekend to offer help and support to those impacted by Storm Eowyn. All leisure centres remain open and available for those who require heat, showers, hot drinks and charging facilities for devices. A community drop in facility is also available at Glenelly House,

Derry & Strabane Council to offer weekend support to those imacted by storm outages Read More »

HSE continues to prioritise vulnerable individuals in storm aftermath

The HSE says community health services are prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals in the wake of Storm Éowyn. Wellbeing checks are being conducted with existing home help and personal support service users. Assistance is available for queries regarding medical equipment such as electric beds, mattresses, hoists, and oxygen and home help teams

HSE continues to prioritise vulnerable individuals in storm aftermath Read More »

Homeless figures see a marginal decrease in Donegal

14,864 people were in emergency accommodation in December across Ireland, including 4,510 children. It’s down from November’s total of 15,199 which was a new record. The numbers released by the Department of Housing does not include rough sleepers and the hidden homeless. Homeless figures in the North West region have seen a marginal decrease for

Homeless figures see a marginal decrease in Donegal Read More »

Non-Compliances identified by HIQA in three Donegal nursing homes

A number of non-compliances have been identified in three nursing homes in Donegal. HIQA inspection reports have been published today in respect of Hillcrest Nursing Home, Donegal Community Hospital and Falcarragh Community Hospital. Hillcrest Nursing Home in Letterkenny had 52 residents in place when the inspection took place in September. Six non compliances were identified

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Lessons learned from Éowyn must be learned next time – NicMheanman

A Donegal councillor says lessons from Storm Éowyn must be learned by Donegal County Council, and chief among them must be that humanitarian hubs being offered through local community groups should be identified and mobilised as soon as a Red Weather Warning is issued. Speaking on this morning’s Nine til Noon Show, Cllr Dakota NicMheanman

Lessons learned from Éowyn must be learned next time – NicMheanman Read More »

Deputy Harkin says ‘not everything will be simple’ in her role as Junior Minister

Deputy Marian Harkin says not everything will be simple in her new role as Junior Minister in the Department of Higher Education. She says she will build upon the existing blocks and identify blockages and opportunities to improve further education. Deputy Harkin’s Ministry is subject to legislative change to increase the number of Junior Ministers

Deputy Harkin says ‘not everything will be simple’ in her role as Junior Minister Read More »

Council to write to FG and FF leaders to remind them of their commitment to review DCB scheme

Donegal County Council is to write to the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to remind them of their commitment made during the General Election campaign to conduct a review of the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme. Tanaiste Simon Harris, during a visit to Donegal on the campaign trail said if his party was

Council to write to FG and FF leaders to remind them of their commitment to review DCB scheme Read More »

Two Donegal recipients of Presidential Distinguished Service Award

Two Donegal people have received a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for Irish Abroad. At the awards ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin, Republic of Ireland international football captain, Seamus Coleman and Rosalind Scanlon, the Artistic Director of Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London were recognised for their service to Ireland and to Irish communities abroad. The

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North West City Region cannot be left behind any longer – Cllr McMonagle

A Donegal County Councillor has warned that the North West City Region cannot be left behind any longer. Councillor Gerry McMonagle is seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister for Local Government, James Browne to lobby him to recognise the North West City Region within the National Planning Framework, to further strengthen the role of

North West City Region cannot be left behind any longer – Cllr McMonagle Read More »

Gardai trageting speeding and driving under the influence this Bank Holiday

Gardaí will be stepping up their bank holiday campaign as they crack down on speeding and drink drivers. Motorists in counties still affected by Storm Éowyn have been urged to be extra careful, as many roads remain blocked by fallen trees and debris in the northwest and midlands. Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for Roads

Gardai trageting speeding and driving under the influence this Bank Holiday Read More »