Author name: highlandnews

Slight drop in homelessness figures recorded at the end of December

There’s been a small fall in the number of homeless people both regionally and nationally according to the government’s latest figures, which have just been published. Figures published today by the Department of Housing show 155 adults were without a home in the North West at the end of December, down 9 on the November […]

Slight drop in homelessness figures recorded at the end of December Read More »

Almost 1,900 admitted patients spent time without beds in NW hospitals during January

There were 1,893 admitted patients without beds in the two North West hospitals over the course of the month of January, according to figures published this afternoon by the INMO. That represents just under 15% of the national total. There were 995 at Sligo University Hospital and 898 in Letterkenny, the fourth and fifth highest

Almost 1,900 admitted patients spent time without beds in NW hospitals during January Read More »

HSE urges people to consider all healthcare options as busy weekend looms for EDs

The HSE is advising people in Donegal to be aware of their healthcare options this Bank Holiday weekend. Donegal Healthcare Manager Dermot Monaghan says if people do get sick this bank holiday weekend there are a number of healthcare options. In a statement., Mr Monaghan says January has placed significant pressure on hospitals, with high

HSE urges people to consider all healthcare options as busy weekend looms for EDs Read More »

Gardai promise a high visibility presence all over Donegal for the holiday weekend

Gardaí have begun what they’re calling a comprehensive road safety operation across the St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday. This will include high visibility patrols, high visibility checkpoints, mandatory drink and drug driving tests, and speed checks across the weekend. People are being urged to use care when using the roads if they are a pedestrian, driver

Gardai promise a high visibility presence all over Donegal for the holiday weekend Read More »

Irish Rural Link says the threat of rural depopulation is very real

The government’s being urged to act to preserve small towns and villages in rural areas, with Irish Rural Link warning the ongoing decline in pupil numbers in primary schools must be addressed and reversed. The network says the falling numbers reflect deeper structural challenges that threaten not only the schools themselves, but also the long-term

Irish Rural Link says the threat of rural depopulation is very real Read More »

DCC must give more priority to the small jobs that people want to see done – McDermott

Everyday, small jobs are not being given enough priority in Donegal County Council’s Draft Annual Service Delivery Plan for the coming year. Cllr Martin McDermott says 42% of funding to the council is allocated to project based works which may be carried out over an extended period of time. He believes that as a result,

DCC must give more priority to the small jobs that people want to see done – McDermott Read More »

Gardai launch road safety campaign for St Bridget’s holiday weekend

There’ll be an increased number of Gardaí and speed vans on the roads over the coming days. An Garda Síochána and the RSA have launched their Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign, which runs from today until Tuesday. In addition to extra checkpoints, every Garda on duty will be conducting road traffic enforcement activity. Assistant Commissioner

Gardai launch road safety campaign for St Bridget’s holiday weekend Read More »

Anger at exclusion of St Eunan’s College from latest schools funding announcement

St  Eunan’s College in Letterkenny has expressed disappointment over their exclusion from yesterday’s funding announcement under the Department of Education’s National Development Plan. Of the projects approved, only one in Donegal, St Columba’s College in Stranorlar, received the green light. On today’s Greg Hughes Show, Principal Damien McCrory said the lack of communication regarding the decision

Anger at exclusion of St Eunan’s College from latest schools funding announcement Read More »

110 admitted patients without beds in the NW today, 45 of them in Letterkenny

There were 110 admitted patients awaiting beds in the North West this morning, with 65 at Sligo University Hospital and 45 in Letterkenny, the third and fourth highest figures in the state respectively. It comes a week after the INMO warned the North West is one of the worst areas in the country for hospital

110 admitted patients without beds in the NW today, 45 of them in Letterkenny Read More »

The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 29/01/2026

In today’s episode, we navigate a packed agenda covering everything from major national policy shifts and local environmental concerns to heartwarming community milestones and sporting excellence. The Morning Paper Review: We kick off the morning by dissecting the lead stories in the local and national press, setting the agenda for the day ahead. The Social

The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 29/01/2026 Read More »

Gardaí appeal for information following fatal collision in Monaghan

Gardaí are appealing for information, witnesses or footage following a fatal single-vehicle road collision yesterday in Monaghan. Gardaí and emergency services attended the incident which happened on the R187 at Inishammon, Smithboro. The sole occupant of the car, a man in his 30s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The road remains closed pending technical

Gardaí appeal for information following fatal collision in Monaghan Read More »

Doherty says the lack of progress on the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is an outrage

  A Donegal TD says he’s outraged that Uisce Eireann has not included the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme in its capital plan up to 2030. Deputy Pearse Doherty had submitted a complaint to the EU Commission in 2015 about the lack of facilities in the area, resulting in infringement proceedings being taken against the state. As

Doherty says the lack of progress on the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is an outrage Read More »

Drinkaware report highlights strong awareness of drink-driving risks

87 percent of adults agree ‘any amount of alcohol impairs driving’. The latest findings from ‘Drinkaware’ ahead of the St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday weekend show a strong awareness of alcohol-related road safety risks, but it also highlights worrying gaps – particularly among people under 35. Drinkaware CEO Dearbhla O’Brien, says awareness of the risks

Drinkaware report highlights strong awareness of drink-driving risks Read More »

Donegal’s Residential Vacancy Rate is well above the national average

  Donegal has a residential vacancy rate of 9%, over twice the national average. That’s according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report. 867 new residential address points in Donegal were added to the GeoDirectory database over the course of 2025, while 998 residential buildings were classified as under construction in the county at the

Donegal’s Residential Vacancy Rate is well above the national average Read More »

Bloody Sunday families considering legal action after PPS decides not to prosecute former soldiers for perjury

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood MP has expressed his deep disappointment that once again, families have been let down by the state following a PPS decision not to prosecute eight former soldiers for perjury, just days before the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. During the trial of Soldier F at Belfast’s Crown Court last year, Mr

Bloody Sunday families considering legal action after PPS decides not to prosecute former soldiers for perjury Read More »

Contractor to be appointed for an initial 12 social homes in Gweedore

It’s hoped a contractor will be appointed shortly for the construction of 12 housing units at the old Radharc an Earagail site in Gweedore. Officials say subject to Department funding approval, it’s expected the Contractor appointment will be finalised in March, with a 15 month design and construction window for the building of one four

Contractor to be appointed for an initial 12 social homes in Gweedore Read More »

The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 28/01/2026

In today’s episode, we dive into the pressing social issues and sporting highlights shaping Donegal this week. From housing policy debates to the glitz of the upcoming Sports Star Awards, we’ve got it covered. The Morning Papers: A deep dive into the headlines hitting the stands today across the Northwest. Homelessness Crisis: Councillor Gerry McMonagle

The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 28/01/2026 Read More »

Ward tells Dail Donegal’s mental health crisis is being exacerbated by defective concrete

The Dail has been told that Donegal is facing a significant mental health crisis, characterised by long waiting lists, rising demand and overstretched services. Deputy Charles Ward said the problem in the county is further compounded by the defective concrete crisis, which he says is causing profound mental health issues across all generations. Deputy Ward

Ward tells Dail Donegal’s mental health crisis is being exacerbated by defective concrete Read More »

Rural Ireland suffers from lack of taxis – Freenow GM

Rural Ireland continues to suffer from a lack of available taxis, according to Freenow. Representatives from the taxi app are due to appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee today to speak about issues facing the taxi industry. Uber, Bolt and the All Ireland Taxi Association will also be in attendance. Danny O’Gorman, General Manager of

Rural Ireland suffers from lack of taxis – Freenow GM Read More »

Frustrated Irish fishers see little evidence of EU ‘solidarity’ – Mullooly

Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has challenged the Cypriot Minister for Agriculture to ensure that Irish fishers are given fair play during Cyprus’s EU presidency which began this month. Mr Mullooly said Irish coastal communities are being pushed to the brink, particularly after the December council meeting which effectively saw the Hague Principles abandoned. He said

Frustrated Irish fishers see little evidence of EU ‘solidarity’ – Mullooly Read More »

Over €1.5m of solar grants claimed in Donegal last year

Donegal homeowners claimed over €1,512,260 in Solar Panel Grants in 2025. The finding comes from an analysis of SEAI data by electricity price comparison website Kilowatt.ie. During the year, 792 properties availed of SEAI Solar Panel Grants to install the panels across the county. This is an increase on 2024, where 672 installations took place

Over €1.5m of solar grants claimed in Donegal last year Read More »

Ballymacool housing development gains Department approval

Donegal County Council’s proposal for the 172-unit housing development at Ballymacool in Letterkenny, which will cost around €50 million, has been approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The application was moved from the planning stage into pre-construction after Donegal County Council granted Part 8 planning approval in September 2025. The development

Ballymacool housing development gains Department approval Read More »

Renewed call for traffic calming on Letterkenny’s Glencar Road

There have been calls for more traffic calming measures to be implemented in Letterkenny, particularly on the Glencar Road close to the Gaelscoil. Cllr Gerry McMonagle highlighted the fact that 85% of traffic was exceeding the speed limit on that stretch. He had raised the issue at a Municipal District meeting earlier this month, and

Renewed call for traffic calming on Letterkenny’s Glencar Road Read More »

Children’s Minister urged to address need for a DCB scheme for childcare facilities

Children’s Minister Norma Foley is being urged to come to Donegal to see childcare buildings affected by defective blocks. The issue was raised by Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty during a debate on the second stage of the Child Care Amendment Bill 2025. It’s believed there are over 20 facilities affected, and three of the buildings

Children’s Minister urged to address need for a DCB scheme for childcare facilities Read More »

Taoiseach declines to comment on council decision not to livestream DCB Committee meetings

Taoiseach Michael Martin has refused to comment on Donegal County Council’s decision yesterday not to stream meetings of its Defective Blocks Committee online. The issue was raised in the Dail this afternoon by Deputy Charles Ward, who described the decision as a betrayal of homeowners. At a plenary meeting last evening, the DCB Committee Chair

Taoiseach declines to comment on council decision not to livestream DCB Committee meetings Read More »

Andrew McGinley’s quest for more information on his children’s deaths raised in the Dail

The need for more information on the deaths of three children killed by their mother five years ago this week has been raised in the Dail today. Their father, Donegal born Andrew McGinley was in the Dail chamber today to hear the issue raised by Independent Deputy Paul Gogarty. Mr McGinley has long sought an

Andrew McGinley’s quest for more information on his children’s deaths raised in the Dail Read More »

Councils’ Irish Unity Working Groups hold their first joint meeting

Irish Unity working groups from Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Councils have held their first joint meeting. Both councils have established working groups to examine how unity might happen, and what changes might be needed in the region to facilitate it. Strabane Councill Brian Harte says it was a positive and

Councils’ Irish Unity Working Groups hold their first joint meeting Read More »

Irish voluntary medical charity experiences record calls in 2025

Voluntary medical charity CRITICAL have revealed that 2025 was their busiest year yet, with a 54% increase in calls during 2025. The charity assist the National Ambulance Service in responding to emergency calls. Volunteers from the charity attended 2,022 medical and trauma emergency calls last year, up from 1,308 in 2024. One of the busiest

Irish voluntary medical charity experiences record calls in 2025 Read More »

Industrial action for CMPs in voluntary hospitals may begin Friday

Fórsa has said industrial action by clinical measurement physiologists (CMPs), working in HSE and voluntary hospitals, will get underway on Friday (30th January) unless agreement can be reached at talks scheduled to take place at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tomorrow (Wednesday). Unless the parties secure an agreement at the WRC, CMPs will begin a

Industrial action for CMPs in voluntary hospitals may begin Friday Read More »

Extension of DCC’s period products initiative is a positive step for women’s health – Kennedy

A Donegal Councillor has welcomed the news that period products are now available in the County Museum, The Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny and in every public library across the county. This development builds on the original programme launched in June 2024, which introduced free period products across Donegal’s Public Service Centres and Family Resource

Extension of DCC’s period products initiative is a positive step for women’s health – Kennedy Read More »

People invited to submit interest for projects under LEADER

Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Donegal Local Development Committee are inviting people to submit expressions of interest for community projects under the LEADER Programme. This initiative is being taken with the aim of strengthening rural communities and supporting the local economy. The grants are available to help communities develop high-quality sustainable festivals that sustain Gaeltacht

People invited to submit interest for projects under LEADER Read More »

DCC’s Service Delivery Plan should contain specific references to the border – McGowan

There have been calls for Donegal County Council’s 2026 Service Delivery Plan to acknowledge the border. The draft was by council this week, with the plan outlining how the council will deliver the budget agreed in December under the headings of Driving Growth, Delivering Services, Empowering Communities, Moving to Low Carbon Climate Resilience, and Building

DCC’s Service Delivery Plan should contain specific references to the border – McGowan Read More »

McLaughlin hits put at SF’s stewardship of the NI economy

Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin says Sinn Fein need to do more to boost the economy in Northern Ireland. Speaking on a Sinn Fein motion noting the ESRI’s report Assessing Economic Trends on the Island of Ireland, the SDLP Economy Spokeserson welcomed the motion and the report, but said progress on developing the All Island Economy

McLaughlin hits put at SF’s stewardship of the NI economy Read More »