Author name: highlandnews

Senator Nikki Bradley says she’s not a ‘single issue’ politician

A Donegal disability campaigner says she’s honoured to take up the role of Senator with Fine Gael. Nikki Bradley was formally appointed yesterday by Taoiseach Simon Harris to succeed Regina Doherty who was elected to the European Parliament. Senator Bradley founded ‘Fighting Fit for Ewings’, to support and raise awareness of the rare form of

Senator Nikki Bradley says she’s not a ‘single issue’ politician Read More »

Taoiseach rejects claims that Government is not following the science in DCB crisis

The Ditch has now published a total of four articles surrounding advice issued to the Housing Minister from the Attorney General in relation to the defective concrete block grant scheme, focusing on cost management. The narrative of the correspondence has left many homeowners affected by the crisis in Donegal angry. It included Paul Gallagher saying

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Thousands gear up for 12th of July parades in Northern Ireland

Thousands of people are getting ready for the 12th of July celebrations across the North Around 600 marching bands are expected to take part in parades throughout the six counties. In Derry the main parade is due to get underway at 11:30 this morning from various assembly points including Glendermott Road, Carlin Terrace, Bond Street,

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Falcarragh, Satellite Picture, Water outages, Highland Radio, News, Letterkenny, Donegal

New road scheme between Falcarragh and Gortahork proposed

A new road scheme has been proposed on the N56 between Falcarragh and Gortahork. Donegal County Council says the sub-standard nature of the road increases the risk of incidents and accidents with 10 collisions recorded on the route since 2016. In conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Donegal County Council has proposed a new road scheme

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‘Udaras na Gaeltachta needs to reconsider its function’ – Deputy Pringle

A Donegal Deputy believes Údarás na Gaeltachta needs to reconsider its function. Deputy Thomas Pringle says the organisation lacks culture and heritage. He was speaking in the Dail during the second stage of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Amendment Bill. The piece of legislation will change the nomination and election of members to the board of

‘Udaras na Gaeltachta needs to reconsider its function’ – Deputy Pringle Read More »

Plans for new Letterkenny Town Bus Service to go out to public consultation

Plans for a new Letterkenny Town Bus Service have been unveiled. As part of an investment by the NTA a network of local urban-style bus services will operate 17 hours a day on two routes every half hour, starting from early morning and running until late at night. A public consultation is taking place on

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HIQA publish three reports on centres for older people in Donegal

HIQA has published 50 inspection reports on residential centres for older people, three of which are based in Donegal. Larissa Lodge Nursing Home in Letterkenny recorded no non-compliances, Aras Ghaoth Dobhair recorded one non compliance while Aras Ui Dhomhnaill Nursing Home in Milford was found non compliant in the two regulations which it was examined

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Early Childhood Ireland calls for radical new approach from government

Early Childhood Ireland has published it’s 4 Asks for Children ahead of Budget 2025. The organisation says a radical new approach is needed to see early years education as the same status of primary education in Ireland. There is currently 8,200 children using such services in Donegal. The four demands relate to recruitment and retention,

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Donegal to benefit from national disability capital funding

A number of Donegal projects are included in a €23 million disability capital funding announcement. Making the announcement, Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte says it includes the provision of housing for people moving on from congregated settings, the building and refurbishment of facilities for children’s services, day services and respite facilities. The Cleary

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Public consultation to be held in relation to Red Cross Creeslough Fund

The Irish Red Cross is hosting a community consultation in a bid to decide how the remainder of the Creeslough Fund should be spent. There is over €144,000 left in the fund, which has seen €1.7 million expended to date. The money was used to put supports put in place, particularly for the bereaved families,

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The Ditch releases second article on DCB scheme correspondence

The Ditch has released a second article pertaining to correspondence between Attorney General Paul Gallagher and housing Minister Darragh O’Brien. It reports that in a letter in sent in September 2021, Mr. Gallagher said that applicants to the defective concrete block redress scheme need to understand why they weren’t getting the same terms as the

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Poor condition of social housing in Killygordan needs to be addressed – Cllr McGowan

The poor conditions of social houses in Killygordan needs to be addressed. That’s according to Councillor Patrick McGowan who says the Council has responsibility for the upkeep of the exterior of social properties such as the cleaning of spouting. He’s proposed charging tenant’s a small fee for maintenance works. Councillor McGowan says if the properties

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100% Redress Cllr warns mistakes made in other parts of Donegal cannot be repeated in West of county

Donegal County Council has been told that it must learn from the mistakes made in Inishowen and Letterkenny when it comes to dealing with the defective concrete block crisis in West Donegal. Councillor Denis McGee is calling for a hub to be established and facilitators employed to assist impacted homeowners in the Glenties Municipal District

100% Redress Cllr warns mistakes made in other parts of Donegal cannot be repeated in West of county Read More »

Donegal Deputy hits out at apparent differing SFPA oversight

A Donegal Deputy has hit out at what appears to be differing oversight and monitoring by the SFPA on Donegal seafood factories compared to super factory ships. A recent report highlighted how during an inspection of a Dutch owned ship in Irish waters by Sea Fisheries Protection Authority officers, despite suspicions that fish were being

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Mayor of DCSDC pledges support to people of Creggan following night of disorder

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council pledged her support for the people of Creggan following last night’s disorder. Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr says the incident was having a hugely negative impact on the local community. She says it’s important the local community responds positively and continues to work with the PSNI and

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Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly confirms intention to contest General Election

A Letterkenny Councillor has confirmed his intention to contest the upcoming General Election. Fianna Fail Councillor Donal Mandy Kelly, who topped the poll in last month’s local election in Letterkenny has put his name forward for selection. Nominations close on Monday after which the party will hold a selection convention. Councillor Kelly says he feels

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Students need affordable housing for their wellbeing – Deputy Pringle

A Donegal Deputy says student wellbeing starts with housing. Deputy Thomas Pringle says that the term is being used as a buzzword by third level education institutions while students struggle in the current housing and cost of living crises. The Independent TD yesterday expressed the need for more State-funded accommodation to lessen the burden. He

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Donegal FRC Network receives €3,000 for National Play Day

30 local authorities across Ireland have received €3,000 each to support National Play Day. Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman made the announcement today. Here the money will used by the Donegal Family Resource Centre Network to provide play packs and host external play community events. These will be held across the ten family resource centres

Donegal FRC Network receives €3,000 for National Play Day Read More »

Dry spell for Finn Valley Leisure Centre as staff find empty pool this morning

The Finn Valley Leisure Centre have announced their swimming pool facilities will be closed for the next few days as the pool has drained unexpectedly. Staff happened upon the empty pool this morning upon opening. It means that swimming lessons and planned water activities are now cancelled, with attendees being notified by phone. The leisure

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Private correspondence leaked urging that costs be kept down in DCB remediation scheme

An article released by The Ditch has revealed that Housing Minister Dara O’Brien was urged to keep costs down in relation to the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme by Attorney General Paul Gallagher. In was in private correspondence to ensure the scheme wouldn’t be abused. Mr. Gallagher shared his fears that affected home owners

Private correspondence leaked urging that costs be kept down in DCB remediation scheme Read More »