Author name: highlandnews

Tribunal of Inquiry into bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in Defence Forces to begin immediately

A Tribunal of Inquiry into bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces will get underway immediately. The inquiry to be chaired by Ms Justice Ann Power and will examine the effectiveness of the internal complaints processes. It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use

Tribunal of Inquiry into bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in Defence Forces to begin immediately Read More »

Aer Lingus to inform passengers impacted by industrial action today

Passengers will be contacted from today if their flights are the ones being cancelled by Aer Lingus next week. Up to 20% of routes will be cut from next Wednesday when pilots begin a work-to-rule. The members of the Irish Airline Pilots Association are refusing to work overtime or engage in out-of-hours contacts in a

Aer Lingus to inform passengers impacted by industrial action today Read More »

Vehicles seized and motorist arrested as rally weekend policing operation gets underway

Gardai in Donegal have already seized a number of cars as a major policing operation continues this rally weekend. Gardai are cracking down on dangerous and defective vehicles. One car found with a makeshift breaking system has been described as ‘shockingly dangerous’. One motorist was arrested last night for drug driving after testing positive for

Vehicles seized and motorist arrested as rally weekend policing operation gets underway Read More »

Donegal County Council announce extension of Period Dignity Initiative

Donegal County Council have announced the extension of its Period Dignity Initiative. The initiative aims to help end period poverty through access to free menstrual products as well as hygienic spaces to use them and safe waste management in accessible public buildings. Margaret Fitzgerald, Healthy Ireland Coordinator welcomed the initiative and says it will help

Donegal County Council announce extension of Period Dignity Initiative Read More »

Measures put in place to facilitate emergency vehicles in Letterkenny this weekend

A Garda Superintendent says measures are being put in place to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles in Letterkenny and around the county during over the course of the Donegal International Rally. Superintendent David Kelly says gardaí, rally organisers and Donegal County Council will all be present in a control room over the weekend, and

Measures put in place to facilitate emergency vehicles in Letterkenny this weekend Read More »

PSNI seize suspected drugs, cash and paraphernalia in Derry and Strabane searches

Suspected drugs, cash and paraphernalia were seized yesterday in the Derry City & Strabane area. Police seized suspected Class, A, B and C drugs and a substantial sum of cash during searches carried out by Tactical Support Group officers on behalf of the District Support Team, assisted by neighbourhood colleagues. Drug-related paraphernalia and electronic items

PSNI seize suspected drugs, cash and paraphernalia in Derry and Strabane searches Read More »

Gardaí to modify patrol car in Operation NEXUS in Donegal Rally festivities

Gardaí have launched operation NEXUS this evening following the Donegal Rally Ceremonial start in Letterkenny. It involves one of the newest vehicles in the Garda Roads Policing Fleet, a Volkswagen Golf, that was seized during an operation that uncovered large volumes of illegal drugs and unexplained cash. The patrol car is now used for road

Gardaí to modify patrol car in Operation NEXUS in Donegal Rally festivities Read More »

PSNI in Derry appeal for information after near miss between car and walkers with baby

PSNI in Derry are appealing for information after a near miss occurred between a car and two pedestrians with a baby yesterday afternoon. It’s reported that a black ford focus failed to stop at a red light at the pedestrian crossing nearest the Carlisle Road Roundabout at around 12:25pm, forcing the walkers with a pram

PSNI in Derry appeal for information after near miss between car and walkers with baby Read More »

Gardaí launch investigation into allegations inappropriate behaviour at Donegal based gymnastic club

Gardaí have confirmed they have received a complaint in relation to Gymnastics Ireland. Highland Radio news queried reports heard that an individual is being investigated due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour. In their response Gardaí say they have received a complaint in Donegal and an investigation is ongoing but no further information is available at

Gardaí launch investigation into allegations inappropriate behaviour at Donegal based gymnastic club Read More »

Man killed in crash between motorbike and police vehicle in Derry

A man in Derry has died following a crash yesterday between a police vehicle and a motorcycle. Police received a report shortly after 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon of the collision which happened near Maydown Police Station. Emergency services attended the scene, however the motorcyclist passed away in hospital from his injuries. PSNI are appealing for

Man killed in crash between motorbike and police vehicle in Derry Read More »

Donegal’s Chief Superintendent speaks about Garda operations over rally weekend

Donegal’s top garda says visitors are welcome in the county over rally weekend, but law breaking and bad driving will lead to arrests and court appearances. Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan was speaking on Lifford Bridge this morning, as gardai and the PSNI launched their annual ‘Keep The Race In Its Place” campaign. Chief Superintendent Sheridan

Donegal’s Chief Superintendent speaks about Garda operations over rally weekend Read More »

Women’s Aid received record high disclosures of abuse in 2023

3,350 more women suffered physical violence from stabbings to strangulations in 2023, compared to 2022, in record disclosures of abuse to Women’s aid. An additional 520 women revealed they had been sexually abused, including over 300 that said they had been raped. In total, Women’s aid received more than 40,000 disclosures of abuse against women

Women’s Aid received record high disclosures of abuse in 2023 Read More »

Calls to extend Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter

There has been a call to extend the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to more towns. Speaking in the Dáil earlier today, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Community Development Paul Donnelly said projects such as the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter could benefit from the scheme. He says the group doesn’t fit into the urban scheme so should

Calls to extend Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Read More »

Michael Martin adamant he’ll lead Fianna Fail into the next election

The Fianna Fail leader says he has no intention of stepping down. Michael Martin is  the only one of the three coalition party leaders who entered government together in 2020 who will lead their party into the next General Election. Leo Varadkar stepped down from the Fine Gael leadership earlier this year, while Eamon Ryan

Michael Martin adamant he’ll lead Fianna Fail into the next election Read More »

Harkin says EU Migration Pact is not a magic bullet as debate is extended to next week

A South Donegal TD has accused the government of using the EU Migration pact to cover up its own failure to bring in efficient and humane systems to deal with refugees and people seeking international protection. Deputy Marian Harkin was one of the last TDs to speak in the Dail on the pact last night

Harkin says EU Migration Pact is not a magic bullet as debate is extended to next week Read More »

Aer Lingus bookings plummet as airline seeks to minimise impact of pilots’ action

Bookings at Aer Lingus have plummeted since industrial action by pilots was confirmed. The airline has said it will work other carriers to hire in planes in order to limit the disruption. The work to rule action by Aer Lingus pilots does not begin until next week – but its already having an impact on

Aer Lingus bookings plummet as airline seeks to minimise impact of pilots’ action Read More »

Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards open for applications

The Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards have been launched and are now open for applications. The awards were launched officially by former Mayor of Letterkenny Milford MD Cllr. Kevin Bradley at the event that was held in Century Cinema. Toni Forrester , Chamber CEO says they have made a few changes this year, which includes the

Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards open for applications Read More »

Ardara Community Childcare and other settings need a DCB plan from government – Deputy Doherty

A Donegal Deputy says history is repeating itself when it comes to childcare facilities affected by defective concrete blocks. Deputy Pearse Doherty appealed to the government to find a solution to the imminent crisis facing Ardara Community Childcare. The setting serves over 100 children and 76 families in the area but now hangs in limbo

Ardara Community Childcare and other settings need a DCB plan from government – Deputy Doherty Read More »

Visitors encouraged to plan journey ahead of the Foyle Maritime Festival

Visitors are being urged to plan their journey ahead of the Foyle Maritime Festival. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the event next weekend. People are being encouraged to plan ahead for their trip, taking into account a number of restrictions that are being put in place to facilitate this year’s

Visitors encouraged to plan journey ahead of the Foyle Maritime Festival Read More »

Water outage scheduled for parts of North Donegal this morning

Valve installation works may cause water supply disruptions to North Donegal today. Areas impacted include Shandrim, Kinnagoe, Foffenagh, Ballynakeeloge, Connaghkinnagoe, Meendacalliagh, Illies, Glenard and Umrycam. Works are scheduled to take place from 8am until 2pm this afternoon. However it may up until 6 o’clock this evening before supplies return.

Water outage scheduled for parts of North Donegal this morning Read More »

€34.5m of PEACEPLUS funding to roll out shared learning projects in NI and border counties

€34.5m of PEACEPLUS funding has been awarded to a see shared learning in formal education settings across Northern Ireland and the border counties. The ASPIRE project will bring students from different cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds together to learn, while also providing joint training schemes to upskill educators in facilitating shared learning. The project aims

€34.5m of PEACEPLUS funding to roll out shared learning projects in NI and border counties Read More »

Implications of EU migration pact described as “devastating” by Deputy Pringle

A Donegal Deputy says the implications of the EU migration pact are “devastating”. Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle spoke against the motion proposed for approval in the Dail yesterday. He says people have a right to international protection and the well-being of children should be protected. Deputy Pringle says the pact will allow for

Implications of EU migration pact described as “devastating” by Deputy Pringle Read More »

Taylor Swift’s Derry roots published by Irish Emigration Museum

The Irish Emigration Museum has published information linking Taylor Swift’s family to Ireland. The singer’s ancestors on one side departed Derry on a ship in the year 1836 – and later got married. Meanwhile her great-great-grandfather George, on the other side of the family, was serving in the Royal Navy. Fiona O’Mahony, Head of the

Taylor Swift’s Derry roots published by Irish Emigration Museum Read More »

Quality of inland waterways the focus of a special ATU seminar this evening

The need for more action to protect inland waterways is being discussed at a special event this evening at ATU Sligo. ATU is a member of the EU Green European University Alliance, which focused on the need to protect aquatic ecosystems for future generations. The event at the main lecture hall in Sligo between 6pm

Quality of inland waterways the focus of a special ATU seminar this evening Read More »

Car parking charges at UHG are impacting Donegal cancer patients – DACC

The Chairperson of Donegal Action for Cancer Care says the imposition of car parking charges on cancer patients is adding to an already significant financial burden. Betty Holmes told today’s Nine til Noon Show that with many Donegal cancer patients regularly travelling to University Hospital Galway, provisions must be made to ease the pressures they

Car parking charges at UHG are impacting Donegal cancer patients – DACC Read More »

HIQA publishes reports on two centres for people with disabilities in Donegal

HIQA has published reports on two unannounced inspections carried out at centres for people with disabilities in Donegal. Four non-compliances were noted in the case of Dunshenney House in Carndonagh, in the areas of notification, risk management, behavioural support and protection. You can read the full Dunshenney House report HERE In the case of the

HIQA publishes reports on two centres for people with disabilities in Donegal Read More »

Cancer services are grossly underfunded, and patients are suffering as a result- ICS

Cancer services here have been underfunded by 180 million euro since 2017. The Irish Cancer Society is launching its Budget 2025 submission today calling on the Government to properly invest in the National Cancer Strategy, and also provide more support to patients. It says the scheme’s budget should have increased incrementally by 110 million euro

Cancer services are grossly underfunded, and patients are suffering as a result- ICS Read More »

Family carers in Donegal are saving the state €500 million per year – Harkin

The Dail has been told that the state is saving €500 million a year because of the work being done by family carers in Donegal, with a further €375 million being saved in Sligo and Leitrim. The figures were presented by Deputy Marian Harkin during a Dail debate on the abolition of the means test

Family carers in Donegal are saving the state €500 million per year – Harkin Read More »

Children of Derry should not be subject to black mould in schools – MLA Delargy

A Derry MLA says children in his area should not be subjected to having to attend schools where there is black mould growing on the ceilings. Sinn Feins Padraig Delargy held up photographs in the NI assembly yesterday to show the poor conditions of some schools which he visited in Derry. He says it’s unacceptable,

Children of Derry should not be subject to black mould in schools – MLA Delargy Read More »

400 additional staff allocated to International Protection System this year

400 additional staff are being allocated to the International Protection System here over the next 12 months. Justice Minister Helen McEntee also received Cabinet approval today to bring forward proposals to increase fines for airlines which do not ensure passengers have the correct documentation. Plans to revoke certificates of citizenship for in very limited circumstances

400 additional staff allocated to International Protection System this year Read More »