Author name: highlandnews

Concerns raised that proposed Gweedore group home may be off the table

There are concerns that a proposed group home to aid independent living in Gweedore is now off the table. Cllr Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig says that it is his understanding that contracts are to be signed to see two-bedroom properties put in place instead. He has condemned the absence of consultation with elected representatives, […]

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FSAI issues peanut allergy warning for mustard containing products

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has alerted consumers to a potential peanut contamination in certain mustard products. Individuals with peanut allergies or sensitivities are advised to exercise caution and avoid consuming products containing mustard as an ingredient. The FSAI is working closely with UK authorities to identify the source and distribution of the affected

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€35m quay extension opens in Killybegs

A significant upgrade to Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre was unveiled today. The 125-meter extension to the smooth point quay aims to address congestion, expedite vessel turnaround times, and provide sheltered winter berths for larger fishing vessels. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, officiated at the opening ceremony. He praised the €35 million

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Breaking: Former tennis coached jailed for child sex offences in Britain coached at Ballybofey tennis club

A former tennis coach sentenced to six and a half years in prison for multiple child sex offences in Britain is believed to have recently coached in Donegal. 33-year-old, Sean Francis McGranaghan is understood to have coached at Butt Hall Tennis Club, Ballybofey between February 2022 and April 2023. Mr McGranaghan with an address at

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FinTrU to officially open new Letterkenny premises

Global technology-enabled Client Lifecycle Management solutions company FinTrU has announced the official opening of its new premises at Windyhall, Letterkenny. The facility marks a milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to expanding its base in the Republic of Ireland and cross border region. The new office building includes an array of meeting rooms, communal

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Mac Lochlainn and Doherty selected by Sinn Féin to run in General Election

Sinn Féin Deputies Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty have been selected by their party to run in the upcoming General Election. The Sinn Féin convention took place yesterday evening at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny and was hosted by the Sinn Féin MP for the Fermanagh South Tyrone constituency, Pat Cullen MP. The Deputies

Mac Lochlainn and Doherty selected by Sinn Féin to run in General Election Read More »

Letterkenny is the third largest labour catchment in Western Region

Letterkenny is now the third largest labour catchment in the Western Region of Ireland. There are now over 23,500 workers living in the catchment. This is one of the findings of a new report carried out by the Western Development Commission (WDC), which has carried out in-depth research into the commuting patterns of those at

Letterkenny is the third largest labour catchment in Western Region Read More »

Belfast Court of Appeal to make judgement regarding Troubles Legacy Act

Belfast’s Court of Appeal’s expected to make a judgement later surrounding a challenge to the Troubles Legacy Act; brought in under the last UK government. A previous High Court ruling found parts of the controversial act were incompatible with human rights law. Today the court will make decisions around the “truth recovery body” and the

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Office of Public Works to appear before Public Accounts Committee over €336,000 bike shed

Officials from the Office of Public Works have been asked to appear before the Public Accounts Committee next month. It’s in relation to the bike shed installed in Leinster House, which cost the tax payer more than €336,000. Earlier this week in the Dáil, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó’Fergháil described the ordeal as an “embarrassment”. The

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Citizens Information Service strike ballot to wrap up today

A ballot is wrapping up today on whether Citizens Information Service workers should strike. SIPTU says the action could lead to the closure of dozens of Citizens information Centres around the country. They say it’s due to a failure by their employers and the Department of Social Protection to give staff a pay hike. SIPTU

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Investigation underway after man dies in Fermanagh hit and run

Police are investigating the death of a man following a hit-and-run road traffic collision in Belleek, Co. Fermanagh. Police received a report of a serious collision on the Boa Island Road at approximately 2.55pm yesterday afternoon. Officers attended, alongside colleagues from other emergency services who provided first aid to the man, named as 70-year-old Richard

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Gap in supply and demand of social housing in Milford must be addressed – Cllr Meehan

The housing plight in the Milford electoral area has been highlighted at a special housing meeting of Donegal County Council this week. On the day of the meeting there was only one property available for rent in the area on Daft.ie. Councillor Declan Meehan addressed the council, raising concerns about the significant gap between need

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Government is getting it very wrong on downgrades – Beard

Donegal County Council’s Defective Block Committee has been told that the downgrading of applications is a serious problem that’s going to come back to bite the government in the future. It’s after Cllr Declan Meehan was told at the meeting that 35% of applications have been downgraded by the housing agency. 100% redress Councillor Joy

Government is getting it very wrong on downgrades – Beard Read More »

Killybegs Harbour extension to officially open today

The new €35 million smooth point quay extension in Killybegs was officially opened today. The project at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre involved the completion of a 125-metre long quay development, which aims to alleviate congestion during peak season, allow a faster turn-around for vessels, and provide additional sheltered winter berthage for larger vessels. The opening

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O’Brien says cabinet will decide shortly on whether DCB rate and cap increases are retrospective

The Housing Minister has said cabinet will decide shortly on the extent to which increases in the applicable cap and rates in the defective blocks scheme will be applied retrospectively. In the Dail, Deputy Thomas Pringle told Minister Dara O’Brien that when the new scheme was being announced, people were advised to continue with the

O’Brien says cabinet will decide shortly on whether DCB rate and cap increases are retrospective Read More »

Schools invited to take part in Time Capsule project

The Department of Education is launching a programme to document the lived experiences of modern-day students. It’s expected to be introduced into schools at the beginning of 2025, and will allow young people to share stories of their school and community experiences for future generations. It’s part of the department’s 100th anniversary celebrations, and is

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Donegal pharmacist outlines acute health issues of drug use at Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use

The Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use has been hearing submissions from the Irish College of GPs and Irish Pharmacy Union. They’ve been discussing the potential for decriminalisation and legalisation of drugs in Ireland. Donegal pharmacist, Tom Murray from the Irish Pharmacy Union gave this submission in his opening address:

Donegal pharmacist outlines acute health issues of drug use at Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use Read More »

Number of people employed in Letterkenny labour catchment area up 19%

The number of people employed in the Letterkenny labour catchment area has increased 19%. Over 23,500 workers are residing in Letterkenny, making it the third largest labour catchment area in the Western Region in 2022. The latest report from the WDC has also identified rural parts of Donegal, Northern Ireland and Ballybofey and Stranorlar as

Number of people employed in Letterkenny labour catchment area up 19% Read More »

Childcare should be provided by the state at an affordable cost – Pringle

A Donegal TD is calling for the introduction of a public childcare model, where care is provided by the state at an affordable cost. Speaking during a Dail debate on childcare, Deputy Thomas Pringle said some of the stories he’s been hearing from constituents in Donegal are shocking, and point to the need for childcare

Childcare should be provided by the state at an affordable cost – Pringle Read More »

‘Another community has been shattered’ after fatal crash – Inishowen MD Cathaoirleach

The road between Clonmany and Ballyliffin remains closed this morning following a fatal crash yesterday evening which claimed the life of a pedestrian. The man in his 80s was walking near Clonmany in the Annagh area when he was struck by a van at around 6:20pm. He’s the third person to die on Donegal roads

‘Another community has been shattered’ after fatal crash – Inishowen MD Cathaoirleach Read More »

Doherty says not enough is being done to support DCB affected childcare facilities

  It’s feared up 40% of childcare facilities in Donegal affected by defective concrete blocks will be forced to close in the coming years. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty raised the crisis community playgroups in Raphoe, Letterkenny and Ardara are currently facing with Minister Roderic O’Gorman in the Dail last evening. He says there has been

Doherty says not enough is being done to support DCB affected childcare facilities Read More »

€300,000 allocated to HSE North and North West under national drugs strategy

€300,000 has been allocated to HSE North and North West to sustain community-based drugs services and to support people in recovery from drug dependency. It’s part of a €2.3 million national drugs strategy fund announced today by Minister Colm Burke. €200,000 will go towards community-based drugs services in the region to sustain existing community-based drugs

€300,000 allocated to HSE North and North West under national drugs strategy Read More »

Cllr McDermott expresses frustration over modular home delays

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council’s Defective Blocks scheme has expressed frustration at the lack of any decisions or movement on the provision of modular homes. A meeting of the committee this week once again heard a number of members call for the provision of modular homes, but Cllr Martin McDermott says the committee is

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Arranmore RNLI responds to two medical evacuations in a week

Arranmore RNLI has responded to two medical emergencies within a week, both requiring evacuations. The lifeboat has been under the command of relief coxswain Sean Curtin from Kerry. The first call from Malin Head Coastguard took place at 10:30 PM on Wednesday, September 11th. The second was yesterday afternoon at 12:30 PM. Both patients were

Arranmore RNLI responds to two medical evacuations in a week Read More »

Locals raise concerns over Ballybofey Garda Station opening hours

A number of local residents have expressed their concerns to a local councillor about the opening hours of Ballybofey Garda Station. Cllr Patrick McGowan says that during the day, the station’s doors are locked as Gardaí are on patrol. This has led to a number of issues locally, particularly regarding passport applications. Cllr McGowan says

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