Author name: highlandnews

Water safety advice issued ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

Lough Swilly RNLI have shared water safety advice in conjunction with the Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Those looking to enjoy water-based activities are advised to check the local forecast, including tide times and sea conditions for coastal activities. As well as this acclimatise to cold water temperatures

Water safety advice issued ahead of Bank Holiday weekend Read More »

Public meeting on judicial review into IS465 taking place in Raphoe this evening

A public meeting is taking place at 7 o’clock this evening, hosted by the Justice 4 Donegal Defective Concrete Home & Properties Organisation. The group is made up of 16 defective concrete home and property owners. It will see a discussion surrounding a judicial review of the testing standard IS465. A spokesperson from the group

Public meeting on judicial review into IS465 taking place in Raphoe this evening Read More »

Donegal Deputy says transcriptions of recent Dáil meetings on defective concrete ‘disturbing’

A Donegal Deputy has branded the findings of the Dáil’s Finance and Housing Committees which discussed the Enhanced Defective Block Grant Scheme in recent weeks as disturbing. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, speaking in the chamber yesterday said the process as it stands does not work, and in particular the testimony from Engineers Ireland was cause

Donegal Deputy says transcriptions of recent Dáil meetings on defective concrete ‘disturbing’ Read More »

Taoiseach frustrated that suspects in killing of Private Sean Rooney remain at large

The Taoiseach has expressed frustration that suspects in the killing of peackeeper Private Sean Rooney remain at large. The 24 year old, from Donegal, was killed in an attack near the south Lebanon border in December 2022. Simon Harris spoke to the Prime Minister of Lebanon today about a range of issues, including the work

Taoiseach frustrated that suspects in killing of Private Sean Rooney remain at large Read More »

226 children remain on waiting list for assessment of needs in Donegal

A parliamentary question has revealed that 226 children in Donegal remain on disability assessment wating lists, leaving families in limbo in terms of receiving appropriate health and educational supports. Letterkenny LEA candidate Michael McLaughlin says it’s devasting to learn. Of the children on the list, 196 have been over due their appointment by longer that

226 children remain on waiting list for assessment of needs in Donegal Read More »

Deputy Pearse Doherty says Government is ‘asleep at the wheel’ when it comes to National Children’s Hospital delay

Exchanges in the Dail got heated once again between Deputy Pearse Doherty and Tanaiste Micheal Martin. It was in relation to the delay in the completion of the National Children’s Hospital. The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee has heard that it’s now expected the site at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin won’t be finished until February

Deputy Pearse Doherty says Government is ‘asleep at the wheel’ when it comes to National Children’s Hospital delay Read More »

Podcast: Simon Harris Interview and Local Election Debate 10 – Lifford/Stranorlar Pt2

The Nine Til Noon Show  is broadcast live weekdays 9am til 12noon! If you missed Wednesday’s live show, you can listen to the podcast below! In the first hour we have an exclusive interviews with Taoiseach Simon Harris covering a range of issues including health care, defective blocks and support for the county in homing

Podcast: Simon Harris Interview and Local Election Debate 10 – Lifford/Stranorlar Pt2 Read More »

DACC welcomes confirmation that new Amyloidosis drug will be funded by the HSE

  Donegal Action for Cancer Care is welcoming confirmation that a drug to treat Amylidosis, a rare cancer that has higher rates in Donegal than elsewhere in Ireland, is to be funded by the HSE. The manufacturers announced last evening that Vutrisiran will be made available by the HSE for adults who have Amyloidosis with

DACC welcomes confirmation that new Amyloidosis drug will be funded by the HSE Read More »

Dail told it will be August next year before the new Children’s Hospital accepts patients

Patients will not be admitted to the new National Children’s Hospital until August 2025 – at the earliest. The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee has been receiving updates from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board this morning, which confirmed the new facility won’t be completed until next February. TDs have been questioning the board and the

Dail told it will be August next year before the new Children’s Hospital accepts patients Read More »

Taoiseach offers to intercede on behalf of Childcare facilities affected by defective blocks

Letterkenny Community Childcare is to lead a picket outside the Donegal County Council offices in Letterkenny tomorrow week, June 7th as people are voting in the European and Local Elections. It’s to highlight the fact that they, and 22 other services from all over the County, are affected by Defective Concrete blocks. LCC Manager Geraldine Burke says this means

Taoiseach offers to intercede on behalf of Childcare facilities affected by defective blocks Read More »

Letterkenny Chamber produces ‘manifesto’ for local election candidates

Letterkenny Chamber has released its Local Election Manifesto for 2024, outlining a what it describes as strategic vision to enhance the socio-economic and environmental landscape of Letterkenny and the wider North West Region. The manifesto highlights the pivotal role local authorities have played over the past five years, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and responsiveness.

Letterkenny Chamber produces ‘manifesto’ for local election candidates Read More »

DUP will not contest Fermanagh South Tyrone in July’s General Election

Gavin Robinson has been ratified as the new DUP leader, and used his acceptance speech in Lisburn last night to confirm the party will not stand candidates in Fermanagh South Tyrone and North Down in July’s General Election. It follows news that Pat Cullen, the head of the Royal College of Nursing, has stepped down

DUP will not contest Fermanagh South Tyrone in July’s General Election Read More »

Irish Farmers Journal poll suggests SF vote is slipping among farmers

  A new poll out this morning shows Sinn Fein’s vote has collapsed among farmers. The Irish Farmers’ Journal says support for Sinn Fein continues to plummet, while support is on the rise for fledgling party ‘Independent Ireland’ and the country’s independent candidates. The paper’s Political Correspondent, Pat O’Toole, says Fine Gael tops their poll

Irish Farmers Journal poll suggests SF vote is slipping among farmers Read More »

Hopes that scheme to see students study medicine in the North on Irish fees expanded shared by Taoiseach

There’s hopes to see an expansion to the funding available that enabled Irish students to study medicine in the North while only paying the fees they would be if they had studied in the republic. So far the project enabled 25 students to attend Queens University. Deputy Thomas Pringle raised the question to the Taoiseach

Hopes that scheme to see students study medicine in the North on Irish fees expanded shared by Taoiseach Read More »

Scoil Mhuire National School in Milford raised in Dáil

The Dáil has heard of the poor conditions faced by the staff and children of Scoil Mhuire National School in Milford. Deputy Padraig MacLochliann raised the concerns voiced to him by staff to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley. These include the site itself being landlocked and located at dangerous junctions. He says while the

Scoil Mhuire National School in Milford raised in Dáil Read More »

25 year old to appear in court today on a number of offences following Derry arrest

A 25 year old man who was arrested on an array of offences has been charged to appear before Strabane Magistrates Court today. These include three counts of theft, two counts of possession of a Class C controlled drug, possession of a Class B Controlled drug, possessing article with blade or point in public place,

25 year old to appear in court today on a number of offences following Derry arrest Read More »

HIQA publishes three reports on residential centres for older people in Donegal

HIQA has published reports on three residential centres for older people in Donegal. Inspections were carried out at Dungloe Community Hospital, Harbour Lights Nursing Home and St. Joseph’s Community Hospital at the start of the year. A number of non-compliances were recorded in all three. There were 32 residents at Dungloe Community Hospital when the

HIQA publishes three reports on residential centres for older people in Donegal Read More »

Five ‘Bridgils’ for Palestine to take place on Friday evening

Five Bridge Vigils will take place in Donegal on Friday evening as part of a nationwide protest calling on Ireland to impose sanctions on Israel until it ends its war on Gaza. The “Bridgils” will be held at Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Falcarragh, Crolly and Buncrana. Meanwhile, speaking in the Dail after Ireland formally recognised Palestine

Five ‘Bridgils’ for Palestine to take place on Friday evening Read More »

Demonstration at Leinster House this afternoon calling for Gaeltacht planning guidelines

A group of people from Gaeltacht areas will hold a demonstration outside Leinster House this afternoon highlighting the failure of the government to publish guidelines for planners designed to help people stay in Gaeltacht areas, and by doing so, protect the Irish language. Dónall Ó Cnáimhsi is the Irish Language Planning Officer in Gweedore, and

Demonstration at Leinster House this afternoon calling for Gaeltacht planning guidelines Read More »

ICU audit identifies pressures on the system and outlines how to address them

An audit of the country’s intensive care units shows they’re operating at near maximum capacity. The report also highlights a need for hospitals to prioritise discharges, to free up space for their sickest patients. Professor Rory Dwyer is the Clinical Lead for the annual Irish National ICU Audit. He says there are ways to improve

ICU audit identifies pressures on the system and outlines how to address them Read More »

Mandatory drug testing starts this weekend for drivers in serious crashes

Mandatory drug testing for drivers in serious crashes will be in in place by the bank holiday weekend. Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers has signed a new order into law – which comes into effect from midnight on Friday the 31st of May. It’s being introduced as part of the new Road Traffic Act, which

Mandatory drug testing starts this weekend for drivers in serious crashes Read More »

Data Protection Commissioner investigating St Conal’s data breach

The Data Protection Commission has launched an investigation into two data breaches at the HSE last year. The inquiry will look into how a video, featuring a person looking through a large number of historic patient files in a disused part of St Conal’s Hospital in Letterkenny, appeared on TikTok last year. It’ll also examine

Data Protection Commissioner investigating St Conal’s data breach Read More »

Lough Swilly RNLI offer condolences after missing woman found under sad circumstances

Lough Swilly RNLI have offered their condolences to the family of a woman who was located under sad circumstances following a search operation on Monday night. In a statement they say both their lifeboats were tasked just after 3:15pm by the Malin Head Coast Guard to assist the Rescue 118 helicopter in a missing person

Lough Swilly RNLI offer condolences after missing woman found under sad circumstances Read More »

Carnatreantagh to benefit from National Leakage Reduction Programme

Carnatreantagh is the latest area to benefit from the National Leakage Reduction Programme. 2km of watermains will be replaced in a bid to see a reduction in bursts and supply interruptions for customers. These works will take place along a section of the Trentagh Road, which will have a closure in place until October. Diversion

Carnatreantagh to benefit from National Leakage Reduction Programme Read More »

Dáil suspended during Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine

The Dáil was briefly suspended this evening during statements on Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine. Cabinet signed off on the proposals which were announced last week, while the Palestinian flag is being flown outside Leinster House. As the Leas-Ceann Comhairle invited Minister Emer Higgins to speak, chanting of ‘sanctions now’ erupted from the

Dáil suspended during Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine Read More »

North West Regional Development Group put forward case for funding to NI Infrastructure

A delegation from the North West Regional Development Group recently met with the Northern Irish Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd. The meeting seen a case put forward for future investment in the road, rail and air network in the area to allow for balanced regional development. The delegation sees councillors and senior executives from Donegal County

North West Regional Development Group put forward case for funding to NI Infrastructure Read More »

Ms Sue Donaghy appoint Deputy Principal of Moville Community College

Ms Sue Donaghy has been appointed by Donegal ETB as the new Deputy Principal of Moville Community College. The school is one of three post-primary schools in Inishowen under the management of Donegal ETB and has a school population of over 600 students. The Carndonagh native has worked in a number of roles within the

Ms Sue Donaghy appoint Deputy Principal of Moville Community College Read More »