Author name: highlandnews

Senator Eileen Flynn misses out on election as Seanad Leas Cathaoirleach

Senator Maria Byrne has been elected Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad in a contest between herself and Donegal based Senator Eileen Flynn. Senator Flynn became the first traveller to join the Seanad when she was nominated by Taoiseach Micheal Martin in 2020. In proposing her Seanad colleague as Leas Cathaoirleach earlier, Senator Frances Black spoke

Senator Eileen Flynn misses out on election as Seanad Leas Cathaoirleach Read More »

Council decides on Creeslough planning application, but details have not been revealed

Donegal County Council has made a decision on an application to develop a new filling station and shop on the site of the 2022 Creeslough explosion, in which 10 people lost their lives. However, the details of the decision have not yet been published. The application is for the demolition of the existing building and

Council decides on Creeslough planning application, but details have not been revealed Read More »

Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh hails former Donegal Minister’s efforts to learn the Irish language

Speaking in the Dail while lobbying for votes to become the Dail’s Leas-Ceann Comhairle, Aengus O’Snodaigh hailed a former Donegal Minister for his efforts to learn the Irish language. In 2014, Joe McHugh was appointed Junior Minister for the Gaeltacht and after being criticised for not being a native speaker, he began his journey to

Deputy Aengus O’Snodaigh hails former Donegal Minister’s efforts to learn the Irish language Read More »

Increased police presence in Coleraine following seizure of ‘sinister’ items

There’s an increased police presence in Coleraine following the seizure of a number of what have been described as ‘sinister items’. Police have confirmed that they seized a bicycle and a bag in the Strand Road area of the town on Thursday last. It’s understood the bag contained cable ties, blue surgical gloves, condoms, a

Increased police presence in Coleraine following seizure of ‘sinister’ items Read More »

123% jump in motorists caught driving without insurance in Donegal

There’s been a 123% spike in the number of motorists in Donegal caught driving without insurance. Donegal was amongst the worst Garda districts in the country for driving without insurance between 2023 and 2024. Figures provided to MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú show that there were significant increases in the number of vehicles seized right across

123% jump in motorists caught driving without insurance in Donegal Read More »

Omagh survivor tells inquiry how her body was “peppered with metal”

A survivior of the Omagh Bombing has described her body being “peppered with bits of metal,” after the Real IRA car bomb detonated. The blast claimed the lives of 29 people in August 1998. The first phase of the public inquiry is drawing to a close today. A statement’s been read on behalf of Mary

Omagh survivor tells inquiry how her body was “peppered with metal” Read More »

F93 Lifford eircode region among lowest residential dwelling prices

The F93 Lifford area Eircode recorded the 6th lowest price for a residential dwelling in Ireland last December according to the CSO. The average price of a dwelling was €178,984, up 4% from the previous year. Meanwhile, the F94 Donegal region ranked 17th cheapest out of 140 at €213,394 an rise of 3%. Finally, the

F93 Lifford eircode region among lowest residential dwelling prices Read More »

Special Education Minister to discuss capacity issues at new Little Angels School with NCSE

The Junior Minster with responsibility for special education and inclusion is to hold a series of meetings to discuss Little Angels School in Letterkenny. Last night in the Dail, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty said the new school is too small, and some parents are being told there won’t be a place for their child. Today

Special Education Minister to discuss capacity issues at new Little Angels School with NCSE Read More »

Police appeal for information after items taken from grave in Derry

Police in Derry have appealed for information following the removal of items from a grave at Altnagelvin Cemetery. The items were taken from the plot at Church Brae, Waterside, between Sunday, 12 January and the following Saturday. This was the week before Storm Éowyn. The PSNI say the family have been left upset, and are

Police appeal for information after items taken from grave in Derry Read More »

Man charged to Derry Court following vehicle and spitting incident

A 19-year-old man arrested in connection with a vehicle-related incident in Derry on Monday evening, has been charged to court this morning. He has been charged with a number of driving-related offences and assault on police. It’s after he failed to stop for police after hitting a kerb. He later spat at the officers who

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Call for action plan to expedite the reopening of the ‘Bonagee Bridge’ in Letterkenny

The small bridge at Bonagee, on the side of the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny has been closed as a matter of public safety following Storm Eowyn. Donegal County Council says it’s at risk of collapsing. Cllr Ciaran Brogan says the bridge was neglected and should have been seen to before it reached such a state

Call for action plan to expedite the reopening of the ‘Bonagee Bridge’ in Letterkenny Read More »

Loughs Agency confirms substantial fish kill in Artigarvin

The Loughs Agency has confirmed it is actively investigating a pollution incident on the Glenmornan River, Artigarvan, which has resulted in a major fish kill exceeding 4,000 mortalities. Multiple species are affected, including Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout and European Eel. The agency says statutory samples have been collected from the suspected pollution source, and the

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Impact of DCB crisis on mental health is outlined in the Dail

There is a profound mental health crisis in Donegal that is getting worse, and needs a government response. That’s according to Deputy Charles Ward who presented a summary of the findings of a recent Ulster University survey looking at how the defective blocks crisis is affected the health of those affected. Speaking during statements on

Impact of DCB crisis on mental health is outlined in the Dail Read More »

Dail told brand new Little Angels School building is too small

he Dail has been told a new school which has just been opened in Letterkenny for children with profound learning difficulties is much too small, and children are already being turned away because there is no space for them. Urging MInister Norma Foley to visit the new Little Angels School, Deputy Pearse Doherty said what

Dail told brand new Little Angels School building is too small Read More »

Voluntary ‘No Smartphone’ agreement reached at five Carndonagh schools

Five schools in the Carndonagh area have come together to introduce a ‘No Smartphone Voluntary Agreement.’ This community-wide effort is supported by school Principals, and encourages parents to delay providing their children with smartphones until they begin secondary school. The schools involved are Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Carndonagh, St. Patrick’s G.N.S, St. Brigid’s National School, Glassalts, Donagh National School and Glentogher National

Voluntary ‘No Smartphone’ agreement reached at five Carndonagh schools Read More »

Foley promises to address pay issues of Section 39 workers

The Government’s promising to tackle pay issues raised by disability workers. Section 39 workers are outsourced by the Government for healthcare services, and say their rate of pay is significantly different than that of their HSE counterparts. The issue rose to prominence in the lead up to the General Election, when disability worker Charlotte Fallon

Foley promises to address pay issues of Section 39 workers Read More »

Audio update – Ward criticises delays in DCC’s administration of the DCB redress scheme

Donegal TD Charles Ward says delays on the part of Donegal County Council’s administration of the Defective Concrete Block Redress Scheme are unfairly penalising homeowners. Deputy Ward says contractors are taking on other jobs due to cash flow issues, predominantly arising from council processing delays, which stem from excessive paperwork scrutiny, portal outages, slow claim approvals,

Audio update – Ward criticises delays in DCC’s administration of the DCB redress scheme Read More »

Strabane PSNI investigating theft of equipment from church shed

  Police in Strabane are investigating a report of theft from a church shed on Longland Road in Donemana. Yesterday, a number of pieces of gardening equipment were reported stolen. These include a strimmer, a lawnmower and a leaf blower. At this time, it’s believed these items were taken sometime between 1st and 8th February.

Strabane PSNI investigating theft of equipment from church shed Read More »

Protest to be held in next stage of Save Donegal Education Centre committee’s plan

The Save Donegal Education Centre committee is to organise a public protest as the next step in its efforts to stop the service moving to Letterkenny. Local TDs and Senators are also to meet with Education Minister Helen McEntee this week to discuss the issue. Clarity around the upcoming AGM is also to be raised.

Protest to be held in next stage of Save Donegal Education Centre committee’s plan Read More »

Further controversy over new Children’s Hospital

The Government’s being called on to clarify when the new National Children’s Hospital will be open to patients. The date has changed 14 times since planning permission was granted in 2016. There’s also further controversy about the cost, with the Irish Independent reporting today the builders are looking for an extra 853 million euro. Labour

Further controversy over new Children’s Hospital Read More »

Stormont committed to addressing violence against women and girls- Deputy First Minister

The North’s Deputy First Minister says a strategic framework for ending violence against women and girls is being rolled out, with applications for funding specific projects now open to councils and local groups for projects. Responding to questions from Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson, Emma Little Pengelly said it’s expected the projects being rolled out through

Stormont committed to addressing violence against women and girls- Deputy First Minister Read More »

Man questioned again about illegal moneylending in Derry

A 44-year-old man arrested on November 6th last in Derry returned for questioning yesterday. The man was arrested by detectives from the Police Service’s Terrorism Investigation Unit in relation to an ongoing investigation into illegal money lending. Following questioning, he was released last evening pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service. We understand the

Man questioned again about illegal moneylending in Derry Read More »

Ward urges minister to scrap ‘crazy’ BIK ruling for emergency response drivers.

Donegal TD Charles Ward has called on the Minister for Finance to amend the Finance Act to exempt emergency response drivers from having to pay Benefit in Kind. It’s after it emerged that following a decision by Revenue, seven senior ambulance service personnel in Donegal who would have brought their official vehicles home for use

Ward urges minister to scrap ‘crazy’ BIK ruling for emergency response drivers. Read More »

Deputy First Minister says NI Executive will seek to ensure new US adminisatration remains committed to the IFI

The North’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly has said no invitations have been received to travel to the White House on St Patrick’s Day, and if they are, she and First Minster Michelle O’Neill will ensure they respond positively for the good of Northern Ireland. She was answering questions in the Assembly this afternoon.

Deputy First Minister says NI Executive will seek to ensure new US adminisatration remains committed to the IFI Read More »