Author name: highlandnews

Rain and wind warning remain in place for Donegal this morning

Five counties are under Status Yellow weather warnings this morning. Donegal is under a rain alert until 11am, while Cork and Kerry will be affected by a similar warning until tomorrow morning at 6am. A wind advisory is also in place in Donegal, Mayo and Galway until 11am today. Possible risks for both warnings include […]

Rain and wind warning remain in place for Donegal this morning Read More »

Housing to be a key focus for Glenties Municipal District in 2025

2024 has been a challenging year for the Glenties MD regarding housing, but hope lies ahead. That’s the thoughts of Cathoirleath Cllr John Sheamais O’Fearraigh. He says housing projects to tackle the lengthy waiting lists for social homes are coming in 2025. However, there are larger issues at play in the area, something Cllr O’Fearraigh

Housing to be a key focus for Glenties Municipal District in 2025 Read More »

DCC will spend almost €417,865,000 on Capital projects in 2025

  Donegal County Council will spend almost €417,865,000 on Capital projects in the coming year. The projected figures are included in the Three Year Capital Budget approved by members at the same time as the Revenue Budget was agreed just before Christmas. The largest figure, €132,750,000 has been set aside for Defective Concrete Block remediation,

DCC will spend almost €417,865,000 on Capital projects in 2025 Read More »

Midlands NW MEP welcomes proposed changes to Credit Union lending rules

A Midlands North West MEP has welcomed proposed changes to Credit Union lending rules. Ciaran Mullooly says it will be a “game-changer” for addressing the housing crisis and supporting local communities. The proposed Central Bank changes would allow Credit Unions to allocate up to 30% of their assets—around €6 billion—for mortgages and 10% for business

Midlands NW MEP welcomes proposed changes to Credit Union lending rules Read More »

Better communication needed on Leaving Cert changes – ISSU Donegal Regional Officer

Better communication between teachers, teachers unions and the Department of Education is needed. That’s the view of the Donegal Regional Officer for the Irish Second Level Student Union as students prepare for Leaving Cert changes were are set to be implemented in 2025. Two new subjects are set to be added to the curriculum next

Better communication needed on Leaving Cert changes – ISSU Donegal Regional Officer Read More »

Much positivity in Inishowen but fighting to secure funding needed – Cathaoirleach of Inishowen MD

The Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District says looking towards 2025, there is a lot of positivity for the area but a lot of fighting needed to get a number of projects over the line. Plans for a shorefront project for Buncrana have been in motion for a number of years now with progress expected

Much positivity in Inishowen but fighting to secure funding needed – Cathaoirleach of Inishowen MD Read More »

Letterkenny Southern Network Project emerging preferred route submission deadline tomorrow

People are being encouraged to have their say on the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor for the Letterkenny Southern Network Project. The initiative aims to develop the transport network around the South of Letterkenny. The project is currently at phase 2, option selection, the feedback on which will help inform the final stages of the Option

Letterkenny Southern Network Project emerging preferred route submission deadline tomorrow Read More »

HSE advising patients with flu like symptoms to not attend EDs

People with flu like symptoms are being urged to speak to their GP, out of hours services or pharmacist, and not to attend emergency departments unless it’s strictly necessary. The number of people in hospital has rapidly grown since the weekend with close to 870 flu cases admitted. Dr Helen Cooper, Specialist Registrar, Department of

HSE advising patients with flu like symptoms to not attend EDs Read More »

Motorists and pedestrians warned to be extra careful on roads in run up to New Year

With 178 deaths on Irish roads this year, motorists and pedestrians are both being warned to be extra careful in the run up to the New Year. It follows the deaths of five people in separate incidents since Christmas Eve. Junior Transport Minister James Lawless says we know what to do to ‘keep it safe’:

Motorists and pedestrians warned to be extra careful on roads in run up to New Year Read More »

People urged to “use your brain and not your fists” when out socialising

People are being encouraged to “use your brain and not your fists” when out socialising this week. Gardaí are also urging victims of assaults to come forward. An Garda Síochána say an assault can ruin your future, but also wreck the life of the victim. They are urging people to Never attempt to reason with

People urged to “use your brain and not your fists” when out socialising Read More »

Homes and businesses could face 150 water outages a day by 2049 if infrastructure deficits persist

Homes and businesses could face 150 days of water outages a year by 2049. Uisce Eireann’s study says that’s if nothing is done about infrastructure deficits. Today’s Sunday Independent reports there will be higher than expected demand for water and supply challenges.

Homes and businesses could face 150 water outages a day by 2049 if infrastructure deficits persist Read More »

Three babies die of hypothermia in Gaza amid hospital attacks by Israel

Three babies have died of hypothermia in Gaza in the past few days. It comes as Israel continues to attack hospitals in the region, while arresting hundreds of medical staff and patients. Dr Mimi Syed, is an American emergency doctor working at the al Aqsa hospital in Gaza – she says conditions are appalling. Israeli

Three babies die of hypothermia in Gaza amid hospital attacks by Israel Read More »

Irish Blood Transfusion Service calls for donations over Christmas period

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says the holiday season is a challenging period for its services. 10,000 blood donors are needed over the Christmas period, to maintain hospital operations. O negative, A negative and B negative are currently in short supply. Paul McKinney, Operations Director of the IBTS, is urging people to donate.

Irish Blood Transfusion Service calls for donations over Christmas period Read More »

Rise in number of sexual assaults reported by Irish travelling abroad

There’s been a rise in the number of sexual assaults reported by Irish people while travelling abroad. A new study by the Royal College of Surgeons and the Rotunda Hospital shows that over 440 sexual assaults were reported following a holiday or period of travel, in the last 7 years. The number of cases reported

Rise in number of sexual assaults reported by Irish travelling abroad Read More »

Over 750 people receiving treatment for flu in Irish hospitals

Flu cases around the country are expected to increase as the HSE has advised over 750 people are currently receiving treatment in hospital. Pressure on acute hospital is increasing following the festive season, with numbers currently at the upper end of what was predicted. The HSE is urging members of the public to attend alternative

Over 750 people receiving treatment for flu in Irish hospitals Read More »

Drone owners urged to register with Irish Aviation Authority

The Irish Aviation Authority is warning consumers that drones are ‘not toys’ and can have serious consequences if mis-handled. The regulator’s seen a 24 per cent increase in the number of drone pilots being trained since last year, and it’s urging people to register drones received for Christmas, on the Authority website. Enda Walsh, IAA

Drone owners urged to register with Irish Aviation Authority Read More »

Donegal tweed makers call for legal protection of product

Makers of the famous Donegal tweed are calling for specific legal protection for their product. Weavers in County Donegal say they are increasingly facing cheaper imitations of their material. The industry is hoping to secure a protected status from the EU for the tweed, known for its distinctive flecks of colour. Kieran Molloy, from Molloy

Donegal tweed makers call for legal protection of product Read More »

Two pedestrations killed in separate collisions in Meath and Carlow

Two pedestrians have died in separate road traffic collisions in counties Meath and Carlow overnight. A 60 year old man died after a collision with a car at Flowerhill Road in Navan, County Meath, shortly after 10.40pm last night. His body’s been removed from the scene and taken to the Mortuary in Our Lady’s Hospital,

Two pedestrations killed in separate collisions in Meath and Carlow Read More »

McConalogue praises the environmental commitment of Irish farmers

Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue has commended farmers across Ireland for their efforts to protect water bodies and improve water quality, enhance habitats and reduce agricultural emissions. He says programmes such as ACRES, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, are hugely important, and the contribution farmers are making to the environment should be recognised.

McConalogue praises the environmental commitment of Irish farmers Read More »

Government and EU urged to end financial discrimination of cancer survivors

An Irish MEP is relaunching a campaign for cancer survivors diagnoses to be forgotten by the financial services sector. Billy Kelleher says some cancer survivors are being penalised unfairly and has written to the European Commissioner for financial services to ask her to restart negotiations. The right to be forgotten is written into law in

Government and EU urged to end financial discrimination of cancer survivors Read More »

Defective Blocks must be DCC’s priority in 2025 – Kennedy

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council believes significant advances will be made in the provision of social housing in 2025. Cllr Niamh Kennedy says the series of special meetings that began earlier this year is bringing a new focus, and that’s important. However, she says it’s clear that progress in addressing the defective blocks crisis

Defective Blocks must be DCC’s priority in 2025 – Kennedy Read More »

Letterkenny Milford MD Mayor says 2025 presents challenges, but there’s also cause for optimism

The Mayor of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District says there’s a lot to be optimistic about heading in to 2025. Cllr Gerry McMonagle acknowledges that housing remains a key issue, particularly in the context of addressing the Defective Concrete Crisis and delivering redress to affected homeowners. However, he says progress with various regeneration plans and funding

Letterkenny Milford MD Mayor says 2025 presents challenges, but there’s also cause for optimism Read More »

DCC confirms Buncrana Leisure Centre is on a reserve list for government funding

Donegal County Council says the proposed new Buncrana Leisure Centre is on a reserve list of projects which may be funded under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund in the event that more funding becomes available. Officials have been answering a number of questions from Cllr Jack Murray and Fionan Bradley. Officials say the council

DCC confirms Buncrana Leisure Centre is on a reserve list for government funding Read More »