Author name: highlandnews

Work on Strabane Public Realm Scheme to start early next year

Confirmation that the Strabane Public Realm scheme is to go ahead has been welcomed by the local business community. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed almost £7 million in capital investment, which will go towards improving the streetscape, lighting, footpaths and traffic flow within the town. The investment is being made by the department, in

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Trial of man accused of murdering Danielle McLaughlin expected to end next month

The mother of Danielle McLaughlin says she’s been told the trial of the man accused of her rape and murder in Goa, India in 2017, will be completed by the 17th of October. Danielle, who was from Buncrana, had turned 28 the month before she was killed. Vikat Bhaghat was arrested charged shortly after Danielle’s

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Taoiseach says maximum pressure must be put on contractors to finish Children’s Hospital

  The Taoiseach says maximum pressure must be put on all involved in the National Children’s Hospital to “finish the job”. The facility is once again delayed, with the estimated cost rising to at least 2 billion euro – making it the most expensive children’s hospital in the world. In a letter to senior government

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Pringle confirms he will run in the next General Election as SF select two candidates in Donegal

Donegal T.D. Thomas Pringle, has confirmed that he will be seeking to retain his Dail seat in the upcoming General Election. Announcing his decision, Deputy Pringle said as an independent, he’s always put people first rather than party, and he believes that’s what’s been missing with the current government. On the prospect of a large number of

Pringle confirms he will run in the next General Election as SF select two candidates in Donegal Read More »

SJI says social housing and child poverty must be the priorities in next week’s budget

One in seven children across the country are suffering from child poverty. Social Justice Ireland says it needs to be urgently addressed by the government in Budget 2025. It’s looking for affordable and social housing to be put to the top of the budget agenda along with decent pay for working parents and an increase

SJI says social housing and child poverty must be the priorities in next week’s budget Read More »

Ballyness Bay Action Group to seek Judicial Review on aquaculture licencing

The Save Ballyness Bay Action Group has confirmed this morning it is seeking a judicial review of a decision to issue a number of aquaculture licences for the bay. In November 2019, the then Minister Michael Creed announced the granting of 14 aquaculture licences, on Ballyness Bay, which has been designated as a Special Area

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Poor air quality causing over 1,500 premature deaths every year

Almost 1,600 are dying early each year because of poor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency says Ireland is not on track to reach its air quality target by 2026. There are 115 air quality monitoring stations in the country, three of them in Donegal. Fine particulate matter which comes from solid fuels is responsible

Poor air quality causing over 1,500 premature deaths every year Read More »

Derry City and Srabane District Council warn against parking fine text scam

Derry City and Strabane District Council have been made aware of a text scam in which people are being asked to pay a parking fine via text message. They have confirmed that any issuing of fines would be done via Marston Holdings. Texts are being received regarding a parking penalty charge (PCN) which appear to

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Deputy Doherty says ARP scheme is ‘squeezing ordinary workers’ out of rental market

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has said that the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) Scheme is squeezing ordinary workers out of the market. The Donegal Deputy raised the the issue with Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien in the Dáil last week. The ARP scheme currently provides €800 per month to provide accommodation for

Deputy Doherty says ARP scheme is ‘squeezing ordinary workers’ out of rental market Read More »

Vigil taking place to remember women killed in the North since 2020

A vigil to represent the 23 women who’ve been killed in the North since 2020 is taking place in Portrush later. It’s happening at the town hall and organisers say it’s also to raise awareness around gender-based violence. It comes following the recent launch of a framework to end violence against women and girls. Riley

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Health Minister accuses National Children’s Hospital developers of excessively extracting tax-payer money

The Health Minister is accusing the developers of the National Children’s Hospital of trying to extract as much money as possible from the tax-payer. The Sunday Independent reports Stephen Donnelly wrote to the Taoiseach and coalition leaders about cost overruns and delays to the project. In a statement BAM disputes the claims calling them misleading,

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Irish postal votes could be crucial for upcoming US Presidential election

Postal votes from Ireland could be the difference in the upcoming US Presidential election. The race for the presidency continues to be a close one, and Americans living abroad are being reminded they can widen the margins. An estimated 25 to 35 thousand Americans are currently based in Ireland and are eligible to vote. Patti

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Public warned to be aware of scam correspondence from An Garda Síochana

An Garda Síochána have warned the public to be aware of a scam where a person receives correspondence claiming to be from them. The correspondence states that the individual is currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings as traces of their “identification data” has been found in investigations related to child pornography and similar offences. An

Public warned to be aware of scam correspondence from An Garda Síochana Read More »

Two drivers arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Carndonagh

Two drivers were arrested on suspicion of drug driving in the Carndonagh area last night. One driver tested positive for cocaine. The other driver tested positive for cannabis while also having a small quantity of suspected cannabis in their possession. Court proceedings will follow. Gardaí have urged the public to not take risks on the

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UN Security Council hold emergency meeting following Lebanon attacks

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting last night over pager explosions in Lebanon this week. Walkie-talkies were detonated in the country on Wednesday, a day after pagers used by Hezbollah blew up. At least 20 people were killed and more than 450 wounded in the second wave, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. Independent

UN Security Council hold emergency meeting following Lebanon attacks Read More »

People encouraged to buy pre-loved clothes for Christmas

People are being encouraged to support the circular economy by buying pre-loved clothes for Christmas. New research from An Post shows over half of 16 to 34 year olds have sold used clothing online, with 1 in 5 people buying second hand clothes. Depop is the most popular reselling website, followed by Facebook. Marketing Communications

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Report finds multiple security failures on day of Trump’s first assassination attempt

A US Secret Service internal review has found there were multiple security failures on the day of the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The report identified poor planning and communication breakdowns, as well as ‘complacency’ among some agents, at the Pennsylvania rally. The report also highlighted the failure to secure the building the shooter

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Derry City and Strabane District Council to pilot solution for sticky situations

Derry City and Strabane District Council have received a special grant towards a campaign to clean up chewing gum and reduce gum littering on the Council area’s streets and pavements. Gum Busters will receive project funding of £24,500 from the Chewing Gum Task Force, administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The Foyle Street area

Derry City and Strabane District Council to pilot solution for sticky situations Read More »

Means tests criticised for ignoring disabled people’s needs

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has criticized means tests for disability allowance, stating that they fail to recognize the realities faced by disabled people. He expressed his support for a motion calling for urgent action on disability and special needs provision. Pringle emphasized the need to acknowledge the true cost of disability. Outlining the

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Gardaí warn of illegal parking consequences ahead of weekend matches at O’Donnell Park

Gardaí are urging attendees of this weekend’s matches at O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, to park responsibly or face fines. They say to avoid parking on footpaths, especially in the Ballymacool estate and along the main road. Parking in a way that obstructs emergency access is strictly prohibited. Gardaí will be patrolling the area and will issue

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Eight new garda recruits for Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim falls short – Cllr McMonagle

A total of 108 new Gardaí were sworn in at a ceremony in Templemore today, but only eight will be stationed in the North West Region. This decision has sparked concerns among local residents and officials, who have been calling for increased Garda presence in the region to address rising crime rates, particularly road fatalities.

Eight new garda recruits for Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim falls short – Cllr McMonagle Read More »

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,

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

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

FSAI issues peanut allergy warning for mustard containing products Read More »

€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

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

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 »