Author name: highlandnews

Man on trial for murder of Danielle McLaughlin accused of trying to start riot in prison

The man on trial for the rape and murder of a Buncrana woman has been accused of trying to start a riot in prison. 28 year old, Danielle McLaughlin was murdered in Goa, India in 2017. Vikat Bhagat has been in prison since 2017 with his trial encountering many delays. He has now been accused

Man on trial for murder of Danielle McLaughlin accused of trying to start riot in prison Read More »

Donegal County Council secured an extra €15million in revenue funding last year

Donegal County Council’s revenue spending last year was almost €193 million, over €15 million more than was included in the Annual Budget which was agreed in 2022. Head of Finance Richard Gibson also told members the council ran a surplus of €1.2 million in 2023. Donegal County Council’s revenue spending last year was €192,882,000, €15,200,000

Donegal County Council secured an extra €15million in revenue funding last year Read More »

Upfront ancillary grants now available for defective concrete block homeowners

Defective block homeowners can now receive upfront emergency accommodation and storage costs. In a much needed change in the process of applying for ancillary grants, affected homeowners who need to vacate their home to facilitate remediation works are able to submit an invoice to Donegal County Council after which, money to cover accommodation will be

Upfront ancillary grants now available for defective concrete block homeowners Read More »

Gardai renew appeal for witnesses to death of man after car entered water at Buncrana pier

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for witnesses after the death of a man in his 80s whose car was recovered from the water at Buncrana pier yesterday morning. A multi-agency operation ensued after Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a vehicle in the water at around 7:30am. The man was discovered deceased inside the

Gardai renew appeal for witnesses to death of man after car entered water at Buncrana pier Read More »

Calls for traffic calming measures to allay fears of people in Greencastle

There’s calls for traffic calming measures to be installed to allay the fears of people in Greencastle. Concern has been raised by residents in the vicinity of Greencastle community centre over the speed at which vehicles are travelling through the area. Donegal County Council has agreed to visit the area to establish what measures should

Calls for traffic calming measures to allay fears of people in Greencastle Read More »

Tidy Towns committees worried election posters will lower their scores

Some Tidy Towns committees around the country are worried election posters will lower their scores. Local and European elections take place on 7th June, which is around the same time judging for this year’s competition is set to take place. Fianna Fail Senator, Robbie Gallagher has written to Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys, asking for

Tidy Towns committees worried election posters will lower their scores Read More »

Voters reminded to use their vote in upcoming elections

People aged 18 and over are being reminded to use their vote in the local and European elections. The National Youth Council is urging over 700,000 young people to register to vote by close of business today. 18 year-olds who are able to vote for the first time are also being encouraged to register before

Voters reminded to use their vote in upcoming elections Read More »

Children’s Hospice Week highlights plight of families caring for children with palliative needs

The plight of families caring for children with palliative needs is being highlighted today for Children’s Hospice Week. A survey carried out by LauraLynn found over 1 in 3 respondents care for their child 24 hours a day. A further 70 percent said they or their partner have to provide care all through the night.

Children’s Hospice Week highlights plight of families caring for children with palliative needs Read More »

Lifeguard training and garda vetting must be streamlined – McGuinness

Donegal County Council is being urged to strike a deal with BIM to allow a new pool at the National Fisheries College in Greencastle be used for training lifeguards. The call’s been made by Cllr Johnny McGuinness, who says it’s also imperative that delays in garda vetting are addressed. Cllr McGuinness says he believes the

Lifeguard training and garda vetting must be streamlined – McGuinness Read More »

All accidents need to be reported so safety improvements can be applied for – McClafferty

People involved in road accidents are being urged to report them to Donegal County Council. The appeal was made at a recent meeting of Glenties Municipal District, during which Cllr Michael McClafferty called for safety works at the Craig Road junction on the Termon side of Creeslough. He told the meeting there had been 19

All accidents need to be reported so safety improvements can be applied for – McClafferty Read More »

Poll suggests Donegal based Euro candidates have work to do.

An Ireland Thinks poll published in today’s Sunday Independent suggests both Donegal based European Election candidates have a lot of ground to make up. Independent Peter Casey and Fianna Fail’s Niall Blaney are at 4% and 2% respectively in the Midlands North West constituency. The poll has Fianna Fail’s Barry Cowen and Independent Luke Ming

Poll suggests Donegal based Euro candidates have work to do. Read More »

Tanaiste raising death of Private Sean Rooney during visit to Lebanon

The Tánaiste has raised the killing of Private Sean Rooney during a meeting with Lebanese Ministers today. Michael Martin has been visiting Irish troops at UNIFIL’s Camp Shamrock. He fold them the Government is determined to ensure those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to Justice. ecurity and Defence Analyst Declan Power says it’s

Tanaiste raising death of Private Sean Rooney during visit to Lebanon Read More »

Update – Body of man recovered from water after car went in off Buncrana Pier

The body of a man in his 80s has been recovered from the Swilly at Buncrana Pier. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a vehicle in the water  at around 7.30 this morning Following a multi-agency search and recovery operation, the car was recovered from the water, and the man’s body was discovered inside.

Update – Body of man recovered from water after car went in off Buncrana Pier Read More »

New Town Park for Drumboe, Stranorlar now a step closer – McGowan

  A new Town Park for Stranorlar is now a step closer. Donegal County Council has confirmed that the long awaited Drumboe Town Park has moved to detailed design stage. Funding and planning permission for the project is already in place. Councillor Patrick McGowan says once it comes to fruition, the park will be a

New Town Park for Drumboe, Stranorlar now a step closer – McGowan Read More »

Business in the Community Ireland celebrate completion of ‘World of Work’ programme

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) are celebrating with several Donegal schools at the completion of their 2023-2024 ‘World of Work’ programme.   Second-year students were partnered with local businesses who inspire them to reach their full potential by recognising the value of completing their education. Through workshops, including company visits, employee career talks, soft skills

Business in the Community Ireland celebrate completion of ‘World of Work’ programme Read More »

91 candidates nominated to contest next month’s Local Elections in Donegal

A total of 91 candidates have been nominated to contest the 2024 Local Election in Donegal. Nominations closed at County House in Lifford at 12 noon today. There are 18 candidates nominated to contest 7 seats in the Letterkenny Electoral Area, while 9 candidates will contest 3 seats in the Milford Electoral Area. The 10

91 candidates nominated to contest next month’s Local Elections in Donegal Read More »

Organisers say the situation in Gaza will be a major theme of this year’s Famine Walk

The annual Famine walk gets underway in Co. Mayo later today. Thousands of people are expected for the 18 kilometer event, starting at the Doolough Valley near Louisburgh. Organiser of the event Joe Murray, says the situation in Gaza will be a prominent theme today……….

Organisers say the situation in Gaza will be a major theme of this year’s Famine Walk Read More »

IFA call on Minister McConalogue to address delays in ACRES payments

  The Department of Agriculture is facing demands for an explanation regarding what the IFA says its failure to fully compensate farmers for their environmental work. The IFA has urged Minister Charlie McConalogue to provide clarity, stating many farmers have only received interim payments, instead of the full amounts promised under the ACRES agreement. IFA

IFA call on Minister McConalogue to address delays in ACRES payments Read More »

People forced to stand outside waiting on bus in adverse weather ‘is farcical’ – Cllr Crossan

An Inishowen Councillor says forcing people to stand out and wait on a bus in adverse weather conditions is farcical. Councillor Nicholas Crossan believes the peninsula is being left behind due to the lack of bus shelters. A pilot scheme was rolled out in Inishowen a number of years ago with six bus shelters erected.

People forced to stand outside waiting on bus in adverse weather ‘is farcical’ – Cllr Crossan Read More »

Fears Tramore beach carpark will fall into ‘complete disrepair’

Tramore beach carpark is running the risk of running into complete disrepair. That’s according to Cllr John O’Donnell. He says the efforts of local tidy town volunteers are going to waste without council support to upkeep of the area. Cllr O’Donnell is hopeful that works will be carried out in the near future:

Fears Tramore beach carpark will fall into ‘complete disrepair’ Read More »

More dog fouling bins needed on Culmore to Muff Greenway – Crossan

  The Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District has hit out at the lack of dog fouling bins on the Culmore to Muff Greenway. Councillor Terry Crossan says the absence of bins has resulted in dog waste bags on occasions being thrown into nearby agricultural land. He says it’s imperative that firstly, the bins are

More dog fouling bins needed on Culmore to Muff Greenway – Crossan Read More »

South Donegal Deputy warns that too many families are suffering the loss of loved ones on the road

A South Donegal Deputy has warned that too many families are suffering the loss of loved ones on the roads. Deputy Martin Kenny in the Dail, pressed Junior Minister Jack Chambers on what progress has been made on improving road safety. Minister Chambers admitted that the Government is not on track to meet it’s target

South Donegal Deputy warns that too many families are suffering the loss of loved ones on the road Read More »

Almost €100,000 allocated to Donegal biodiversity projects

Almost €100,000 has been allocated to Donegal in funding announced today for local biodiversity projects. It from a national allocation of €2.8 million. Seven initiatives will be funded in county Donegal. The largest sum of over €41,000 was awarded to the maintenance of predator exclusion fences. This was followed by €23,827 which was allocated to

Almost €100,000 allocated to Donegal biodiversity projects Read More »

HSE to arrange meeting on Radharc na Sleibhte in Carndonagh

A meeting is in the works to discuss concerns regarding the future of Radharc na Sleibhte in Carndonagh. The Acting Area Director of Nursing and a representative from the Donegal Mental Health Area Management Team will be in attendance to meet with families, advocates, and other representative members. The facility is in the process of

HSE to arrange meeting on Radharc na Sleibhte in Carndonagh Read More »

Creeslough, Ballybofey, Buncrana and Glenties included in latest ‘Town Teams’ announcement

Donegal is to benefit from the latest round of funding under the government’s Town Teams programme. Creeslough, Ballybofey and Buncrana will each receive €10,000. Meanwhile, Glenties is one of the towns selected to complete Town Centre First plans this year. ****************** Release in Full – Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces towns to receive funding

Creeslough, Ballybofey, Buncrana and Glenties included in latest ‘Town Teams’ announcement Read More »

Motorists urged to familiarise themselves with Strabane Lifford Half Marathon arrangements

Motorists planning journeys through Strabane and Lifford this Sunday are being warned to expect some minor traffic disruption. An estimated 1,200 runners will take to the streets for the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon. Diversions and road closures will be in place an hour before the race starts at 9.30am at Meetinghouse Street and until it

Motorists urged to familiarise themselves with Strabane Lifford Half Marathon arrangements Read More »

Nursing homes should be the State’s responsibility – Deputy Pringle

A Donegal TD believes that nursing homes should be the responsibility of the state. Deputy Thomas Pringle says its worrying to see the number of private beds increase on a yearly basis. He says that not enough funding is being allocated to rural care facilities, leading to closures in small communities. Deputy Pringle outlined the

Nursing homes should be the State’s responsibility – Deputy Pringle Read More »

Aontu leader Peadar Toibín to visit Donegal tomorrow

A Midlands-Northwest European election candidate is to visit Donegal tomorrow. TD Peadar Toibín is to meet with the Bluestack Foundation in Donegal Town at 11 o’clock tomorrow morning before going to the Diamond at 11:30am. The Aontu leader is to then meeting with those from the fishing industry in Killybegs, and then travelling to Ballybofey

Aontu leader Peadar Toibín to visit Donegal tomorrow Read More »

Chair of DCC Planning SPC says adoption of County Plan shows rural Ireland is being kept open

The Chair of Donegal County Council’s Planning SPC says the adoption of the County Development Plan shows that rural Ireland is being kept open. The plan which will govern planning policy and decisions until at least 2030 and possibly beyond will now be reviewed by the Office of the Planning Regulator. Councillor Paul Canning says

Chair of DCC Planning SPC says adoption of County Plan shows rural Ireland is being kept open Read More »

Protest to take place in solidarity with staff and patients of LUH

A protest is due to take place tomorrow in solidarity with the staff and patients of Letterkenny University Hospital. Organiser, Emma Gova says with extensive waiting lists and continuous overcrowding, it’s time the government stepped in and delivered the much-needed investment once and for all. People are being encouraged to come out and show their

Protest to take place in solidarity with staff and patients of LUH Read More »

LUH outpatient Cardiology waiting lists reduced through ECC Programme

The rollout of the Enhanced Community Care Programme has resulted in reduced cardiology waiting lists at Letterkenny University Hospital. As part of the Sláintecare plan, the initiative, has seen six consultants recruited and a 34% reduction in Cardiology outpatient waiting lists at the hospital while the number of patients waiting over a year for an

LUH outpatient Cardiology waiting lists reduced through ECC Programme Read More »

Closure of Lettermacaward GP surgery labelled an “abject failure”

The closure of Lettermacaward GP surgery has been labelled an “abject failure”. The facility was closed a year and a half ago over concerns that the building was not fit for purpose. Patients have been forced to travel to Glenties to avail of GP services since. Councillor Brian Carr has questioned why despite improvement works

Closure of Lettermacaward GP surgery labelled an “abject failure” Read More »

‘Security of funding for Foyle and Swilly ferries has been significant’ – Cllr Farren

An Inishowen Councillor says the security of ongoing funding for both the Lough Foyle and Swilly Ferry Services has been significant in enabling businesses plan ahead. For many years there was much uncertainty over the future of the ferry services due to a lack of funding from year to year. Funding is now set out

‘Security of funding for Foyle and Swilly ferries has been significant’ – Cllr Farren Read More »

154 commencement notices issued in Donegal in April

Construction has started on 248 homes in Donegal so far this year. According to data released today by the Housing Department, last month alone, commencement notices for 154 properties in the county were issued. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien says the development levy waiver and Uisce Éireann connection charge rebate, which were introduced last year, have

154 commencement notices issued in Donegal in April Read More »

Opposition to proposed renaming of Cockhill Bridge after Tipp O’Neill

The proposal to rename the Cockhill Bridge in Inishowen after Tipp O’Neill is facing opposition. It was announced at this week’s meeting of the Inishowen Municipal District that a public consultation will take place on the renaming of the bridge on a proposal put forward by Councillor Nicholas Crossan. He believes it would be a

Opposition to proposed renaming of Cockhill Bridge after Tipp O’Neill Read More »