Author name: highlandnews

Business owners in Strabane warned of rise in fake bank notes

Strabane businesses have been alerted to a recent surge in counterfeit banknotes circulating in the town. Strabane BID issued a warning after receiving multiple reports from local vendors. Cllr Raymond Barr, a pub owner in Strabane, noted that this type of crime often increases during the holiday season. He advised businesses to use UV scanners

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Children shouldn’t have to travel abroad for spinal surgery – Labour

No child should have to travel abroad for a spinal surgery according to the Labour Party. Government plans to help reduce the number of kids with spina bifida and scoliosis who are waiting for their life changing surgeries, by making the procedures available overseas. Latest figures from Children’s Health Ireland show 264 kids are waiting

Children shouldn’t have to travel abroad for spinal surgery – Labour Read More »

Dáil to vote this evening on assisted dying reccomendations

The Dáil will this evening vote on the recommendations of an Oireachtas Committee report on assisted dying. The document recommends assisted dying be made available in Ireland in extremely limited circumstances. The Oireachtas Committee report said people should be able to request an end to their life if they have an incurable and irreversible condition

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Council tenants living in DCB homes in unacceptable condition needs to be treated as emergency – Cllr Devine

A Letterkenny based councillor says many council tenants in Defective Block Homes are living in unacceptable conditions, and this situation needs to be treated as an emergency. Cllr Thomas Sean Devine of the 100% Redress Party says there needs to be more focus on securing a remediation scheme. Officials say if necessary, people can apply

Council tenants living in DCB homes in unacceptable condition needs to be treated as emergency – Cllr Devine Read More »

UFU says farmers impacted by A5 upgrade must be properly compensated

The Ulster Farmers’ Union says while it accepts the need for the upgrade of the A5, it’s vital that those affected are treated fairly. UFU deputy president John McLenaghan, says a meeting in Omagh brought together over 150 farmers, landowners and local political representatives, and delivered a very clear message. Mr McLenaghan says the key

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MacLochlainn urges Taoiseach to begin planning for Irish unity

  A Donegal TD has urged the government to begin planning for a meaningful discussion on Irish unity. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn told Taoiseach Simon Harris that the most recent poll published this week suggests there is now a majority in favour of Irish unity north of the border, and called for a citizen’s assembly. The

MacLochlainn urges Taoiseach to begin planning for Irish unity Read More »

Sinn Fein leader corrects Dail record regarding Ó Donnghaile texts

The Sinn Féin leader has corrected the Dáil record this afternoon and apologised to the teenager at the centre of a text scandal involving her party. Mary Lou McDonald said the teenager was 17 years old when, in fact, he was 16 at the time of receiving the messages. He received inappropriate texts from former

Sinn Fein leader corrects Dail record regarding Ó Donnghaile texts Read More »

All road users urged to be responsible this Bank Holiday Weekend

Gardaí in Donegal are asking all road users to take extra care on the roads this Bank Holiday Weekend. Drivers have been urged to not drive under the influence, while distracted and to ensure all seatbelts are fastened, while walkers and cyclists are reminded to wear a high-vis at all times. Garda Claire Rafferty made

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Gardai investigate window smashing incidents in Letterkenny and Buncrana

Gardaí in Letterkenny are appealing for witnesses to an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a business premises at Lower Main Street, Letterkenny in the early hours of Saturday last. The front window of the premises was smashed between 00.50 and 0400. Gardai are urging taxi drivers or anyone else who may have dash

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Gardai urge caution in construction and farming sectors as thefts are reported

  Gardai in Donegal are urging anybody involved in construction or farming to conduct a review of the security measures that they have in place. The appeal comes in the wake of a number of  recent incidents. They include the theft of digger  track pads in Illistrin last week, and the theft of tractor parts

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Gardaí seeking dashcam footage of weekend collision

A man and a woman both received hospital treatment following a car crash in Ballynacor, Crossroads. The two-vehicle collision happened at 12:40PM on Sunday last. Injuries sustained by both drivers were said to be non-life-threatening. Gardaí are now investigating and are appealing to anybody who traveled between Ballybofey and the Crossroads and who may have

Gardaí seeking dashcam footage of weekend collision Read More »

Children left traumatised after having firework thrown at them

Two young children have been traumatised after a firework was thrown at them in Buncrana. The Cathaoirleach of Inishowen Municipal District is now appealing to parents to ensure their children are not being sold these devices. Cllr Jack Murray says while the children were fortunate to have escaped physical harm, they were left very frightened

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Fines set to double for unemployed people who refuse to engage with social services

Fines are set to double for unemployed people who refuse to engage with social services. The current fine is €44 and that’s set to rise to €90 according to the Irish Independent. It’s one of the last acts of Minister Heather Humphreys who is standing down in the upcoming General Election.

Fines set to double for unemployed people who refuse to engage with social services Read More »

UN peacekeepers in “regular” contact with Israel Defence Forces in Lebanon

UN peacekeepers are in “regular” contact with the Israel Defence Forces in Lebanon. Recent instances of IDF gunfire towards UNIFIL peacekeeper positions have raised tensions about the possibility of casualties as Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon. However, security and defence analyst Declan Power says there are robust lines of communication with the IDF designed

UN peacekeepers in “regular” contact with Israel Defence Forces in Lebanon Read More »

Durkan urges Infrastructure Minister to act on Derry parking problems

The Stormont Assembly has been told that car parking in the streets around Derry City Centre and the University is creating serious problems for local residents, many of whom are regularly unable to park near their own homes. Foyle MLA Mark Durkan urged Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to take action, saying that pilot projects in

Durkan urges Infrastructure Minister to act on Derry parking problems Read More »

Courts Service faces further pressure to set out timeline for restoration of Carndonagh Courthouse services

The Courts Service is coming under mounting pressure to set out a timeline for the restoration of services at Carndonagh Court House. The building was closed due to health and safety concerns five years ago. Donegal County Council has agreed to write to the Courts Service and the OPW seeking clarity on the future of

Courts Service faces further pressure to set out timeline for restoration of Carndonagh Courthouse services Read More »

Portuguese man living in Donegal jailed for raping and coercively controlling his wife

A Portuguese man living in Donegal has been jailed for eight years for raping and coercively controlling his wife. 48 year old, Sergio Correia, of Front Street, Ardara was found guilty earlier this year. His former wife, 41 year old, Kathleen Correia has waived her right to anonymity. In her victim impact statement, she said

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DCC receives highest number of applications for derelict or vacant property grants

Over 6,700 applications have been approved under the derelict or vacant property grants. Figures from the Department of Housing show €45 million has already been paid out to over 860 homeowners. So far, Donegal County Council has the highest number of applications at 994, completions at 614, and payments at 60. The grant offers up

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Work starts on Habinteg housing project in Castlefinn

Work has started on a 34 social housing unit development in Castlefinn. Dorrian Construction Ltd is set to deliver the €9.5 million project within 18 months in association with Habinteg. Pat the Cope Gallagher, Fianna Fail General Election Candidate, was the Junior Environment Minister when Habinteg began planning its first development in Lifford. He says

Work starts on Habinteg housing project in Castlefinn Read More »

Billboard campaign launched urging NI Executive to develop a plan to end sectarianism and division

A billboard campaign launched in Derry and Belfast today is calling on the Stormont Executive to prioritise the realisation of a peaceful and reconciled society. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Peace Summit partners, and using the slogan “Are We There Yet?” it is highlighting the urgent need to move beyond the divisions of

Billboard campaign launched urging NI Executive to develop a plan to end sectarianism and division Read More »

Palestinian Ambassador says silence from international community is shocking

Explosions are being heard and smoke has been seen billowing over Beirut’s southern suburbs – as Israel launches fresh attacks on Hezbollah. There are reports of panicked crowds filling the streets – with hundreds fleeing their homes in the capital. Last night Israel warned of an imminent attack on the militant group’s financial arm across

Palestinian Ambassador says silence from international community is shocking Read More »

Cllr calls for meeting to help struggling tourism in Inishowen

An Inishowen councillor is calling for a meeting with tourism bodies to plan for the upcoming year. Cllr Martin McDermott noted that the past year has been challenging for many businesses in the sector. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues that arose this year to prevent them from hindering the industry’s progress in 2025.

Cllr calls for meeting to help struggling tourism in Inishowen Read More »

Demolition work in Letterkenny praised by Mayor

The Mayor of Letterkenny MiIford Municipal District has praised the team which demolished three derelict buildings on Letterkenny’s Main Street over the weekend. Cllr Gerry McMonagle says the demolition was necessary because of the danger the buildings posed to people, and also the risk to the structural integrity of other buildings in the area. On

Demolition work in Letterkenny praised by Mayor Read More »

Over 950 teaching positions vacant in schools across Ireland

Over 950 teaching positions are currently vacant in schools across the country. A survey from the INTO, which covered 40% of primary and secondary schools, found 195 permanent posts and 756 long term temporary or substitute jobs are unfilled. That number is set more than to double after Christmas, with a further 1,816 vacancies expected

Over 950 teaching positions vacant in schools across Ireland Read More »

Almost 140 without power in Donegal this morning

Cleanup operations are scheduled to begin this morning in Donegal and across the country following Storm Ashley. Nearly 140 homes, farms, and businesses remain without power in the county. Carndonagh is the worst affected, with 113 properties impacted. It is expected that power will be restored by 4:00 PM. Killybegs and Bundoran are also reporting

Almost 140 without power in Donegal this morning Read More »

Upcoming General Election will see largest number of female candidates

It has been confirmed that the upcoming General Election will see the largest ever number of women contesting for seats, with 165 contesting this year. In Donegal, there are no women currently representing the county and since 1921, only two women have ever been elected, with Mary Coughlan being the first in 1987. A candidate

Upcoming General Election will see largest number of female candidates Read More »

Ballybofey – Stranorlar Town bridge to close for night-time works

The bridge at Ballybofey/ Stranorlar Town will be blocked for night-time works only between today and the 9th of November. It will be open during Day Time Hours and closed between 8pm and 7am. There will be a diversion around the Dreenan Bridge Road, Ballybofey and diversion signs will be in place. Donegal County Council

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One-stop recycling shop for waste materials from homes affected by defective blocks proposed

A 100% Redress Party member has suggested a ‘one-stop-recycling-shop’ for waste material from demolished houses affected by defective concrete. Cllr Joy Beard says that while affected homeowners reuse as much as they can from their previous home in a bid to reduce costs, not all wood, glass and PVC is salvageable. She says a depot

One-stop recycling shop for waste materials from homes affected by defective blocks proposed Read More »