Author name: highlandnews

Leaving, Cert, Results

Mixed feelings on relevance of Leaving Cert in 2024

Today is the third day of the state examinations. Leaving certificate students are currently sitting their geography paper. Meanwhile those in the Junior cert are taking their history exam. There have been arguments that the state exams do not fully reflect students full capabilities. Panelist on this mornings Nine ’til Noon show, Dr Peter O’Rourke

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Expert recommendations on dangerous dogs will be implemented

Recommendations from an expert group on dangerous dogs will be implemented in full. Further and Higher Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan says “that’s really important” to give certainty to people who are concerned. The group is to recommend laws after the death of Nicole Morey in an X L bully attack in County Limerick on Tuesday

Expert recommendations on dangerous dogs will be implemented Read More »

Two Donegal schools shortlisted for Ocean Champions’ Awards

Two Donegal primary schools have been shortlisted for the Explorers Education Programme’s Ocean Champion Awards 2023–2024. The programme works with schools to highlight the value of ocean literacy themes being taught, along with the importance of community collaboration in changing how the marine environment is cared for. The Donegal schools that were shortlisted were Scoil Naomh Bríd, Muff, Lifford and Scoil Cholmcille National School,

Two Donegal schools shortlisted for Ocean Champions’ Awards Read More »

Banks must cut interest rates for mortgage holders – Pearse Doherty TD

  Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has called on the banking sector to pass on any interest rate cuts announced by the ECB today to mortgage holders. The European Central Bank cut euro zone interest rates by a quarter of a percent. The Donegal TD said that while the reduction by was welcome, he hopes it is passed on to

Banks must cut interest rates for mortgage holders – Pearse Doherty TD Read More »

€31m worth of payments processed by DCC under enhanced DCB Grant scheme

Almost €5.2m was paid out under the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme in Donegal last month. The Council says it fully recognises that the timely processing of valid Payment Claims is a key element of the scheme, to ensure cash flow for affected homeowners. To date, Donegal County Council has processed valid Payment Claims

€31m worth of payments processed by DCC under enhanced DCB Grant scheme Read More »

Man arrested in NW as part of investigation into complaint made by female public representative

Gardaí investigating a complaint from a female public representative in the west of the country have made an arrest in the North West. A man in his 20s was taken into custody earlier today, for an alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, specifically legislation on stalking. He’s being questioned at

Man arrested in NW as part of investigation into complaint made by female public representative Read More »

DCC to seek funding for a realignment of the N15 between Stranorlar and Killygordon

Minister Jack Chambers has asked Donegal County Council to send a briefing note to his department regarding the need for a realignment project between Stranorlar and Killygordon. It follows a recent visit to Donegal, during which he drove along the route, including the infamous Corcam Bends. Cllr Patrick Mc Gowan says it’s important that work

DCC to seek funding for a realignment of the N15 between Stranorlar and Killygordon Read More »

No Barriers Foundation looking forward to designing what will be an innovative children’s programme

The No Barriers Foundation in Donegal says it’s looking forward to leading out a comprehensive physiotherapy and neurology service for children in Donegal. Last night, Junior Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte confirmed just over €3 million in funding for the project as she launched the €7.6 million Children’s Disability Services Grant Fund at the No Barriers

No Barriers Foundation looking forward to designing what will be an innovative children’s programme Read More »

New airport security measures will reduce numbers arriving with false documents – McEntee

The Justice Minister says security measures introduced at airports here will minimise the number of people arriving into the country with false travel documents – or none. Airlines could now be fined up to €5,000 euro if found to carry a passenger to Ireland without a valid travel document, a €2,000 increase on the current

New airport security measures will reduce numbers arriving with false documents – McEntee Read More »

Dangerous dog breeds will be banned if that’s what’s recommended – Minister

The Minister for Rural and Community Development says dangerous breeds of dogs will be banned this Autumn if that’s what’s recommended. Nicole Morley died following a dog attack in County Limerick on Tuesday night, after celebrating her 23rd birthday. It’s understood the animal involved was an XL bully. A garda investigation is under way following

Dangerous dog breeds will be banned if that’s what’s recommended – Minister Read More »

Carers say means testing should be abolished for their weekly allowance

  Carers are renewing their call for the abolition of means testing for their weekly allowance payment. It comes as more than 130 thousand carers across the country will be receiving their once-off annual grant of 1,850 euro this morning. All of those taking full-time care of an older person or someone with a disability

Carers say means testing should be abolished for their weekly allowance Read More »

No Barriers Foundation, Letterkenny to provide Ireland’s first neurological paediatric scheme

The first neurological paediatric scheme in the country is being delivered by the No Barriers Foundation in Letterkenny with the group set to receive €3.1m in funding. It will provide paediatric services including physiotherapy on behalf of the HSE for children currently on a waiting list. The initiative was launched by Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte

No Barriers Foundation, Letterkenny to provide Ireland’s first neurological paediatric scheme Read More »

People believe their sixties will be the costliest decade of their retirement

Ireland’s soon to be pensioners…. fear they’ll be facing increased costs in their sixties. They believe they’ll be entering retirement while they still pay out for mortgages – college fees – and ‘live at home’ kids who don’t fly the nest. Pensions expert, Mark Reilly, from Royal London Ireland says 1 in 2 people believe

People believe their sixties will be the costliest decade of their retirement Read More »

North’s Economy Minister reaffirms decision to expand Ulster University in Derry

  The North’s Economy Minister has reaffirmed his intention to expand Ulster University in Derry. Foyle MLA Padraig Delargy had expressed concern to Minister Conor Murphy over a cap on recruitment. Minister Murphy however, says his intention is to honour a commitment contained in the New Decade, New Approach to increase student numbers at the

North’s Economy Minister reaffirms decision to expand Ulster University in Derry Read More »

Just over €40,000 announced for women’s groups in Donegal

Just over €40,000 in funding has been announced to support women’s groups in Donegal. The allocation announced today by Minister Heather Humphreys will assist groups enhance and improve their facilities and to purchase equipment. Among the 20 groups benefitting in Donegal is Donegal Women in Business Network, Letterkenny, Donegal Women’s Centre, Letterkenny Women’s Shed and

Just over €40,000 announced for women’s groups in Donegal Read More »

DCC set to acquire land for more than 20 housing units in Gweedore

It’s been confirmed that an agreement has been reached for Donegal County Council to acquire a site in Gweedore which has capacity for over 20 housing units. Members of the Glenties Municipal District have been told the Housing Capital section has submitted an application to the Housing Agency for funding via the Land Acquisition Fund.

DCC set to acquire land for more than 20 housing units in Gweedore Read More »

Nurse and GP unable to fly to Tory Island tomorrow due to ‘technical issues’

The helicopter that was scheduled to fly a nurse and GP to Tory Island tomorrow has now been cancelled due to technical issues. Interim measures are being put in place. Nurse cover remains on the Island as the existing Nurse who was there is remaining. The HSE has apologised for any inconvenience caused . The

Nurse and GP unable to fly to Tory Island tomorrow due to ‘technical issues’ Read More »

Donegal South Local Elections – Meet the candidates

It is only two days away from polling day as the local election are to take place this Friday. In the Donegal south LEA, fifteen candidates are seeking six seats, five of whom are already sitting councillors. Highland Radio contacted each of the candidates to position why they’re fit for the job. Independent candidate Jimmy

Donegal South Local Elections – Meet the candidates Read More »

Solicitor calls for ‘realistic’ PPO law after 15 year old is awarded an interim settlement of €1.5 million

There are calls for realistic Periodic Payment Order legislation to be implemented after the High Court has approved an interim settlement of €1.5 million in the case of a now 15-year-old girl from Letterkenny who was brain injured at birth. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Solicitor David O’Malley of Callan Tansey said Sarah is

Solicitor calls for ‘realistic’ PPO law after 15 year old is awarded an interim settlement of €1.5 million Read More »

Taoiseach demands fair play from banks ahead of interest rate rise

The Taoiseach has called for ‘fair play’ from banks here ahead of proposed interest rate cuts. The European Central Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates after it meets tomorrow, following ten rates increases since 2022 due to high inflation. Tracker mortgage holders will immediately be impacted by any changes, but variable rate customers

Taoiseach demands fair play from banks ahead of interest rate rise Read More »

IFA encouraging local election candidates to participate in survey

The IFA have expressed disappointment at the lack of response from Donegal local election candidates to a survey surrounding the most pressing issues face by farmers. 35 out of the 91 candidates in the county have responded, a number that IFA Ulster/North Leinster regional chairperson Frank Brady thought would be higher. The key areas of

IFA encouraging local election candidates to participate in survey Read More »

Biden representative should not be welcomed in Derry – Cllr Harkin

A Derry councillor says the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland should not been welcomed to the Magee Campus today. A meeting is to get underway later between Joe Kennedy III and Magee Taskforce to discuss expansion at Ulster University. Cllr Shaun Harkin says at a time when schools at universities in Gaza have

Biden representative should not be welcomed in Derry – Cllr Harkin Read More »

Junior Minister Anne Rabbitte visits Donegal today with a positive view towards CDNT recruitment

Junior Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte is visiting Donegal today to launch the latest tranche of Disability Service Grants and meet senior HSE personnel to discuss a number of issues, including recruitment. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, she told Greg Hughes that progress is being made in relation to recruitment for services such as the

Junior Minister Anne Rabbitte visits Donegal today with a positive view towards CDNT recruitment Read More »

Multi-agency response launched to fishing vessel in distress

A multi-agency operation took place on Sunday following a distress call from a vessel north of Bloody Foreland. Bunbeg Coast Guard was tasked alongside Arranmore and the Dublin based Coast Guard Helicopter ‘Rescue116’ to assist the fishing vessel, believed to be transiting through the area. It had began to take on water. Search and rescue

Multi-agency response launched to fishing vessel in distress Read More »

Rural Ireland is being left behind without proper digital infrastructure – Mullooly

The digital divide is leaving rural Ireland behind. That’s according to Midlands-North-West MEP candidate Ciaran Mullooly. He says immediate action must be taken to see the issue tackled. It’s his view that National Broadband Plan will take too long to roll out, especially given the new found dependency on wi-fi:

Rural Ireland is being left behind without proper digital infrastructure – Mullooly Read More »