Author name: highlandnews

Police in Northern Ireland have confirmed they’re now reviewing three cases recorded as suicide, following the Katie Simpson case. Earlier this week, a police watchdog report, into the death of the showjumper, found the police investigation was ‘flawed and failed her family.’ Our reporter Tara Griffiths has more………………

More than 4 thousand 600 Irish trained teachers are currently working abroad. The joint research by the CSO, the Department of Education and the Teaching Council found about 60 per cent of teachers that emigrated are aged between 25-34. However, those identified in the study still pay the yearly Teaching Council registration fee – indicating

Donegal County Council is being asked to review priority group water schemes, with a focus on improving the scheme in Letterbric which serves 50 local families. The review has been ordered by Housing and Local Government Minister Darragh O’ Brien, who is seeking more information regarding options to minimise costs, and details about the history

A coalition of medical professionals and community leaders is asking General Election candidates to sign up to a Five Point Pledge commiting to real improvements in local healthcare services. The pledge states that Donegal residents have long faced extended wait times, overcrowded facilities and insufficient resources at Letterkenny University Hospital, one of the busiest in

Buncrana’s Children’s Charity is asking candidates in the upcoming general election to pledge their commitment to supporting local families facing the challenges of childhood illness. In their manifesto, released yesterday, the organisation aims to ensure every child facing illness has unwavering support, resources, and compassion. Calls include financial assistance to affected families, enhanced local healthcare

The Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District says it’s vital that planning clinics recommence in the area. Cllr John Sheamais O’Fearraigh says there needs to be a mechanism to allow people raise planning issues locally. He’s been told that clinics will resume shortly, and is calling on officials to do so as quickly as possible:

Donegal County Council is inviting public input for Donegal’s first County Biodiversity Action Plan. Recent studies indicate that 85% of EU-protected habitats are in an unfavourable status, highlighting an urgent need for collective action to address biodiversity loss. A number of drop-in events are to be hosted, kicking off at 11am tomorrow in Buncrana Library.

There have been 37 sexual assaults reported at Western Trust Hospitals from 2019 until 2024. The region seen the least number of reports in Northern Ireland from a total of 2,341. The Health Minister for Northern Ireland confirmed the figures to DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley in a written parliamentary question. 15 occurred at Altnagelvin Hospital,

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan is seeking to avert a potential last-minute legal challenge to the A5 road upgrade. He says news of the potential challenge emerged last night. Mr McCrossan says people in the area genuinely believed that finally, the end was in sight, and news of another potential legal challenge has come as

Young people are becoming more politically engaged and are ready to make their voices heard in the General Election. That’s according to the National Youth Council as they call for a dedicated Minister for Youth in the next Government. The Electoral Commission says a “significant wave” of people have registered and updated their details ahead

Despite an overall decrease in alcohol consumption,  there’s a growing number of people becoming dependent. The past decade has seen a shift in patterns of consumption, with increases in binge drinking and drinking at home. Ireland’s first ever national conference on alcohol-related brain injury is taking place in Sligo today. Paula Leonard, CEO of the

The lack of planned social housing in the Milford Electoral Area has been highlighted this week. At a special Donegal County Council housing meeting, members were told that Donegal County Council plans to have over 1,200 houses constructed by the end of 2026. However, Cllr Liam Blaney says while every other EA has multiple houses

Representatives from the Mary From Dungloe Festival have made a presentation to Donegal County Council seeking financial support, particularly in terms of Irish language workshops and other initiatives. Committee representatives told members that 33,000 people visited the festival last year, availing of 128 events. They stressed the importance of the event to the whole of Donegal,

Once speed changes on regional and national roads take effect, it will be the responsibility of the Gardaí to see them implemented. A meeting of Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District was told by the roads & transportation official that new speed signs are to be erected in the coming weeks and will be covered with black plastic

Northern Ireland’s First Minister is being urged to intervene, after a Co. Tyrone man was arrested in Dubai – over a negative online review he’d posted about working for a dog groomers. 33-year-old Craig Ballentine, from Cookstown, was arrested three weeks ago. Campaign group ‘Detained in Dubai’ says he’s facing prison because of the U-A-E’s

Concerns have been raised over the stability of the structure of the Milford Hotel building. Donegal County Council has confirmed an assessment of the vacant property will be carried out after which further contact will be made with the property owner. Councillor Declan Meehan says not only is the property an eyesore in the town

A defective block homeowner says he is sick of empty promises from Government. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Martin spoke of how he had brought a mould covered jacket to Letterkenny on Monday night last, hoping to show it to Taoiseach Simon Harris, but did not get the chance. Martin told Greg Hughes the

It’s essential the Department of Sport and Donegal County Council work with the Buncrana Leisure Centre Committee to secure funding for the amenity. That’s according to Minister Charlie McConalogue following a public meeting last night to discuss funding for the facility. There was much outrage after the Buncrana Leisure Centre missed out in the latest

A Letterkenny Councillor has warned that a lost life buoy is a lost life. There have been ongoing issues with life rings being tampered with in Letterkenny. A pilot project has seen smart ring buoys installed at 20 locations across the county since June. Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh however, is urging Donegal County Council to ensure

Emergency services were deployed to a fire in Newtowncunningham last night. What is understood to be a chimney fire broke out at around 9pm. The Donegal Fire Service brought the blaze under control. The extent of the damage caused is unknown at this time.

Parties and candidates canvassing for the General Election are being warned not to take tourism and hospitality for granted. The Irish Hotels Federation wants the next Government to change direction, to avoid a commercial crisis facing the industry. Federation President Michael Magner says they’re facing enormous challenges, driven largely by the Government’s own economic policies.

Rent in Donegal is 4.5% higher than this time last year. However, it’s down slightly on the second quarter of 2024. According to the latest Daft.ie report, the average rent in the county is €1,170. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Donegal is €755, 64% higher than the average mortgage for the same

Senator Niall Blaney has voiced his support for the cross-border ‘Poreto’ initiative between Loreto Community School, Milford and Portadown College in Armagh. The project has brought together students from both sides of the border to learn from each other. Senator Blaney highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering understanding and building peace. He emphasised

Donegal County Council is facing calls to halt an active travel plan in Letterkenny. Plans are in place to install cycle lanes in the Ballyraine area from the Polestar Roundabount to Thomas Keys. However, concerns have been raised that the development currently progressing is not in line with what was agreed with when plans were

A county councillor has voiced concerns over the rising cost of renting in her area. Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman highlighted exorbitant rental prices in Ballybofey, with some properties reaching as high as €950 per month. Currently residing in a mobile home, Cllr Nic Mheanman expressed worry about the impending cold weather. She called for an