Author name: highlandnews

Families affected by Creeslough explosion tell Justice Minister they want urgent independent statutory inquiry

The families affected by the Creeslough tragedy have told the Justice Minister they want an independent statutory inquiry to be held urgently. 10 people died in the explosion on October 7th, 2022. Around 20 family members who have been directly impacted and their legal representatives attended a meeting this afternoon with Minister Helen McEntee, Environment

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ATU President calls for TUs to be able to fully deliver on promise to North West

The President of the Atlantic Technological University is calling on the Government and policymakers to enable it fully deliver on its promise to the North West. Dr Orla Flynn says it’s vital the current constraints on the ATU are lifted and the same tools afforded to other universities are available. She says it’s essential the

ATU President calls for TUs to be able to fully deliver on promise to North West Read More »

Gardai disappointed at high number of speeding detections over the Bank Holiday weekend

Gardai say they’re disappointed with the number of drivers caught speeding over the Bank Holiday weekend. Over 2,100 thousand drivers were detected above the speed limit with one driver doing almost 170 km in an 80 zone in Co Meath. Gardai say the figure would be similar to other Bank Holiday Weekends, but they were

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Kelly says there’s much more to be done as Carnatreantagh water improvements are completed

A Letterkenny Milford MD Councillor has welcomed Uisce Eireann works in the vicinity of Trentagh and Churchhill which have seen the laying of 2km of new water mains, but says there are still huge issues in that wider area which need to be addressed. In a statement today, Uisce Eireann says the works, which began

Kelly says there’s much more to be done as Carnatreantagh water improvements are completed Read More »

Uisce Eireann working to repair burst water main in Raphoe

Mains repair works in Raphoe today may cause supply disruptions to Craigs Road, William Street, McBride Street, Castle Road, Lifford Road, Derry Road and surrounding areas over the coming hours. Works are scheduled to take place until 3pm this afternoon. Uisce Eireann says it may take 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for supplies

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MacLochlainn says home assistance programme in Donegal is being denied resoures

A Donegal TD is claiming that while the HSE recruitment embargo has been lifted, the growing number older people in Donegal awaiting homecare assistants is becauae of a government-imposed cap on expenditure. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn says after submitting a number of questions to the Health Minister and the HSE, he’s been told the number of

MacLochlainn says home assistance programme in Donegal is being denied resoures Read More »

IBec says there are fears for the future in the ‘experience economy’

A survey of business owners shows many fear they won’t be able to re-open after Christmas. Almost 3 in 10 owners in the “experience economy” say they feel less optimistic about their future than they did 6 months ago. The industry includes those in the hospitality sector and contains up to 300 thousand workers. An

IBec says there are fears for the future in the ‘experience economy’ Read More »

Up to 80,000 construction workers will be needed for major infrastructure projects in Ireland

Nearly 80 thousand construction workers could be needed to address Ireland’s infrastructure deficits. That’s among the findings of a new report by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, which says we still have a big challenge when it comes to housing, healthcare, transport and electricity. Economist and lead author of the report, Niall Conroy, says one

Up to 80,000 construction workers will be needed for major infrastructure projects in Ireland Read More »

Shore Road remains closed at Kerrykeel following fatal collision

The R246 Shore Road at Kerrykeel remains closed this morning after a man in his 60’s was killed in a single-car collision. Diversions are in place via Harry Blaney Bridge. The collision happened at around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon. Gardaí are appealing to witnesses to come forward, and in particular, they’re asking that any road users

Shore Road remains closed at Kerrykeel following fatal collision Read More »

Police in Derry to increase presence in city ahead of Halloween

Police in Derry have said they will be visible in communities, with an increased presence ahead of Halloween tomorrow, in particular during the night-time economy. They are working with the hospitality sector, and will have plain clothed and uniformed officers on patrol to identify people who are displaying predatory behaviours. They have urged to call

Police in Derry to increase presence in city ahead of Halloween Read More »

Calls for Donegal County Council to provide test results from Donegal quarries

There’s calls for Donegal County Council to provide test results from the testing of quarries in Donegal. 100% Redress Party Councillor Denis McGee says the results must be made public to ensure people have confidence that the products they are purchasing are of a recommended standard. The Council’s Director of Community Development & Planning Services,

Calls for Donegal County Council to provide test results from Donegal quarries Read More »

Scheme to address retrospective costs for defective apartments launched on pilot basis

A new scheme to address retrospective costs for defective apartments has been launched on a pilot basis. Owners who bought defective apartments or duplexes during the Celtic Tiger years can now get reimbursed for certain work already carried out. Around 100 thousand apartments are defective, due to what the Housing Minister describes as ‘shoddy workmanship’.

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Irish peacekeepers “safe and accounted for” following attack on UNIFIL headquarters in Lebanon

There are no major injuries reported after a rocket attack on a UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon. The attack was carried out at the base in Naqoura this afternoon, with UNIFIL saying some peacekeepers suffered minor injuries after a vehicle workshop burst into flames. The group has opened an investigation into the incident and say

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Detectives in Derry issue appeal for information following sexual assault in city centre

Detectives investigating a sexual assault on a woman in Derry have issued an appeal for information and witnesses. The assault occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning at approximately 1.30am in Bank Place in the city centre. The suspect is described as a white male, believed to be 5 foot 10 in height, of

Detectives in Derry issue appeal for information following sexual assault in city centre Read More »

NW Energy Conference to be told new skills will be vital as innovations come onstream

The North West Future of Energy Conference takes place in Derry on Thursday week, November 7th. The event, which is now in its sixth year, is hosted by the chambers in Derry and Letterkenny, and this year’s theme is “Sustainable Energy through Innovation”. Highland Radio is this year’s media partner, and will be broadcasting live from

NW Energy Conference to be told new skills will be vital as innovations come onstream Read More »

TCS signs 15 year contract with Department of Social Protection

Tata Consultancy Services which is based in Donegal has signed a 15-year contract with the Department of Social Protection to implement the new Auto Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme, “My Future Fund.” This scheme will provide 800,000 workers with a digital, user-friendly platform to enrol in and manage their retirement savings seamlessly. The company says with

TCS signs 15 year contract with Department of Social Protection Read More »

Van covered in paint during criminal damage incident in Burnfoot

Gardai in Buncrana are investigating an incident during which a van was covered in paint in Burnfoot. The criminal incident occurred at Lios Na Greine between 10pm on Friday night last and 2:50am on Saturday morning. Gardai are appealing to residents in the area to make contact with them if they observed or heard anything

Van covered in paint during criminal damage incident in Burnfoot Read More »

Learner drivers face further delays in Donegal with tests cancelled today

Learner drivers are facing further delays in Donegal. It’s emerged that of the four driver testers assigned to the county, just one is available today due to sickness and annual leave. Eight driving tests that were scheduled to take place in Letterkenny today have been cancelled as a result. David Martin, Communications Officer with Road

Learner drivers face further delays in Donegal with tests cancelled today Read More »

Claudia Kennedy says track record on ground significant in being added to FF ticket

Claudia Kennedy says her tack record on the ground played a major part in being added to the Fianna Fail party ticket to contest the upcoming general election in Donegal. In a surprise move, the party confirmed last week that Ms Kennedy had been selected to contest the election alongside Minister Charlie McConalogue and Pat

Claudia Kennedy says track record on ground significant in being added to FF ticket Read More »

People urged to rethink buying or using fireworks this Halloween

People are being urged to rethink buying or using fireworks this Halloween. Gardai in Donegal are reminding people of the horrific life changing injuries sustained during the festivities. They’re warning that they are not only dangerous but also come with severe criminal penalties for anyone found igniting an illegal firework, throwing an ignited firework at

People urged to rethink buying or using fireworks this Halloween Read More »

Cars damaged during spate of criminal damage incidents in Ballybofey

A number of cars have been damaged in Ballybofey during a spate of criminal damage incidents. Between 7pm on Wednesday evening last and 9:30am on Thursday morning, the wipers were pulled off six cars in Navenny Carpark. Wiper brackets were bent and broken also while one of the cars was scraped along the passenger door.

Cars damaged during spate of criminal damage incidents in Ballybofey Read More »

Investigations continuing into crash involving ambulance in Letterkenny

Investigations are continuing into a crash involving an ambulance earlier this month in Letterkenny. Shortly before 6:10pm on Saturday evening, October 5th a minor collision occurred between an ambulance while responding to an emergency and a white jeep at the Polestar roundabout. The wing mirrors of both vehicles collided. The driver of the ambulance was not in

Investigations continuing into crash involving ambulance in Letterkenny Read More »

Not enough being done to control Japanese knotweed in Donegal – Cllr McClafferty

A West Donegal Councillor believes not enough is being done to control the spread of Japanese knotweed. A pilot scheme to treat the invasive species was previously rolled out in parts of the county. Councillor Micheal McClafferty believes the approach to treating Japanese Knotweed needs to be reviewed:

Not enough being done to control Japanese knotweed in Donegal – Cllr McClafferty Read More »

Downgraded defective block homeowners to lodge formal complaint with Housing Agency

Downgraded defective concrete block homeowners are to lodge a formal complaint with the Housing Agency. Over 100 families in Donegal have been left outraged after they had their remediation option downgraded. Homeowners are now demanding a thorough investigation into the decision to go against original recommendations made to demolish and rebuild properties. The move has

Downgraded defective block homeowners to lodge formal complaint with Housing Agency Read More »

DCC to liase with TII with view towards installing climbing lane at Blue Banks

Donegal County Council is to liaise with Transport Infrastructure Ireland with a view towards installing a climbing lane at the Blue Banks on the N56. The issue was raised by Cllr Michael McBride, who told members he believes such a development is necessary. Senior officials replied that a Climbing Lane was considered during the design

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Council urging people to ‘Stay Bright. Stay Safe and Be Seen’ on the roads

Donegal County Council is urging people to ‘Stay Bright. Stay Safe and Be Seen’ when out on the roads. Whether out for a walk or travelling to work, the Council is advising people to wear clothing that combines fluorescent and reflective materials. All pedestrians and cyclists are urged to wear bright clothing or carry a

Council urging people to ‘Stay Bright. Stay Safe and Be Seen’ on the roads Read More »

Freeze the Cuts, Unite the Nation and Age NI to campaign for reinstatement of winter fuel payment at meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council

A special meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council is being held today at 2pm to hear from Freeze the Cuts campaign, Unite the Union and Age NI representatives calling for the  reinstatement of the winter fuel payment. A protest organised by Freeze the Cuts and backed by UCU, NUJ, Derry Trades Union Council,

Freeze the Cuts, Unite the Nation and Age NI to campaign for reinstatement of winter fuel payment at meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council Read More »

Calls for representatives from Government departments to attend County Council meetings

A 100% Redress Party councillor says there should be representatives from a number of departments in attendance at special meetings of Donegal County Council. Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Children and Enterprise are some of a few who should be presents. Cllr Ali Farren says the issue isn’t confined houses and that message needs to

Calls for representatives from Government departments to attend County Council meetings Read More »

Eye experts warn against cosmetic contact lenses for Halloween

Eye experts warn cosmetic lenses may look spooky, but can have even scarier long term effects. The public is being strongly advised by optometrists to not use novelty lenses to complete their Halloween costumes as complications from unregulated materials can lead to blindness. Accidently sleeping in contacts or not washing your hands properly before touching

Eye experts warn against cosmetic contact lenses for Halloween Read More »

Fresh plea to Government to follow through with permanent social welfare increases

There are calls for the Government to follow through with permanent social welfare increases for the most vulnerable in society. In the coming weeks pensioners, carers and people with disabilities will be among 1.4 million people who’ll start to receive temporary double payments in their benefits. Nessan Vaughan, Chair of the Saint Vincent de Paul

Fresh plea to Government to follow through with permanent social welfare increases Read More »