Author name: highlandnews

Harris commits to fulfilling programme for government if elected FG Leader and Taoioseach

Further Education Minister Simon Harris says he is fully committed to the current Programme for Government, and will remain so if he’s appointed Taoiseach. The Minister for Higher Education says he’s not currently planning to call an early General Election as he looks set to become the next leader of Fine Gael. He’s the only […]

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Two men arrested as part of the garda investigation into the Creeslough tragedy

Two men in their 50s have been arrested as part of the ongoing garda investigation into the fatal explosion in Creeslough which killed 10 people in October 2022. The men were arrested for alleged offences contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and are currently being detained under the provisions of section

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Minister Noonan launches new book on Donegal’s native woodlands

The Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcom Noonan yesterday launched a new book titled ‘Native Woodlands of County Donegal’. The book was written by Seán Ó Gaoithín, Foreman and Gardener at Glenveagh National Park which describes the significance of Donegal’s native woodlands and their context in the Irish landscape. It aims to foster

Minister Noonan launches new book on Donegal’s native woodlands Read More »

100% Redress Party endorse ‘The People’s Document’

100% Redress Party has endorsed ‘The People’s Document’. The document outlines what is required to achieve a genuine 100% redress scheme for all those with properties affected by defective concrete according to the homeowners. Representatives from all political parties will be invited to publicly endorse the document at a follow-up meeting to be held on

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HIQA publishes four nursing home reports, three focussing on restrictive practices

HIQA has published four reports following inspections of Nursing Homes in Donegal. A full inspection of the Lake House Nursing Home in Portnablagh found two non-compliances, while no non-compliances were detected during thematic inspections into restrictive practices at nursing homes in Convoy, Fahan and Buncrana. There were 47 residents in place at the Lake House

HIQA publishes four nursing home reports, three focussing on restrictive practices Read More »

National Oversight and Audit Commission concerned at some elements of internal auditing at Donegal County Council

The National Oversight and Audit Commission publishes its Internal Audit in Local Authorities Report 2023. The Chair of the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), Michael McCarthy, along with the NOAC Board, has today announced the publication of NOACs report, Internal Audit in Local Authorities Report 2023. The Report is informed by a comprehensive survey

National Oversight and Audit Commission concerned at some elements of internal auditing at Donegal County Council Read More »

McMonagle wants meeting with NTA to discuss bus shelter provision

A Letterkenny councillor says it’s vital that the National Transport Authority come to Donegal to discuss the provision of bus shelters, particularly for school children. Cllr Gerry McMonagle raised the issue as he moved a motion calling for the provision of a bus shelter in Drimicanoo in Churchill. He called for a full assessment of

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HSE urges people in eligible people in Donegal to avail of MMR catch up programme

The HSE has launched its MMR vaccine catch up campaign, with walk in and appointment led clinics available in Donegal. Clinics are taking place across the county, with vaccinations also available through GP surgeries. Dr Anthony Breslin is the HSE’s Public Health Medicine specialist in Donegal. He says anyone in their early twenties or younger

HSE urges people in eligible people in Donegal to avail of MMR catch up programme Read More »

Strabane PSNI carry out extensive road safety operation

Police in Strabane carried out vehicle check points, speed checks and proactive patrolling yesterday as part of a road safety operation. Officers conducted high visibility checkpoints and patrols in areas including Sion Mills, Artigarvan, Lifford Bridge and Newtownstewart bypass. Over the course of the operation, four drivers were detected driving with excess speed, while a

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Doherty clashes with Tanaiste in Dail over SF call for a General Election

Sinn Fein has accused Leo Varadkar of “throwing in the towel” in his decision to step down. Finance Spokesperson and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty told Tánaiste Micheal Martin in the Dáil it’s now time for an election………… Responding, Michael Martin said the government is committed to seeing out its term, and hit back at Deputy

Doherty clashes with Tanaiste in Dail over SF call for a General Election Read More »

Increases in costs could put thousands of jobs at risk in tourism and hospitality sectors

  Thousands of jobs could be lost in the tourism and hospitality sector because of an increase in costs. A report conducted on behalf of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation found the sector could be facing €1.4bn in additional payroll costs by 2026 as a result of employment changes introduced by the Government. The ITIC

Increases in costs could put thousands of jobs at risk in tourism and hospitality sectors Read More »

Donegal Sports Partnership allocated over €400,000 in funding through Sport Ireland

  Donegal Sports Partnership has been allocated €444, 877 in funding through Sport Ireland for 2024, an increase of €60,000 on last year’s allocation. €7,000 of this was allocated to Women in Sport. Donegal Sports Partnership was established in 2001. The organisation works hard to deliver programmes to increase participation in sports, targeting hard-to-reach groups

Donegal Sports Partnership allocated over €400,000 in funding through Sport Ireland Read More »

CFP needs relooked at to create fairer coastal communities, says Midlands North-West MEP

  Focused leadership and more support at a domestic level is required to create a fairer environment in our coastal communities. That’s according to Midlands North-West MEP. Speaking to Greg Hughes on the Nine til Noon Show, MEP Chris McManus states that the Common Fisheries Policy needs to be relooked at:    

CFP needs relooked at to create fairer coastal communities, says Midlands North-West MEP Read More »

GP capacity issues left pregnant woman without healthcare in South Donegal

A pregnant woman in South Donegal struggled to access healthcare earlier this year. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says the woman in question was left distressed as she couldn’t get the GP referral she needed to be seen by a doctor in the maternity departments of either Sligo or Letterkenny University Hospital. This was due to

GP capacity issues left pregnant woman without healthcare in South Donegal Read More »

Government urged to take on European Parliament’s recommendations

The government is being urged to take the European Parliament’s recommendations on board when it comes to dealing with defective blocks. This week, MEPs published a report calling on the State to improve the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme and provide 100% redress for those affected by the defective concrete block scandal. Campaigners say

Government urged to take on European Parliament’s recommendations Read More »

Handling of the housing of IPAS applicants an ‘absolute shambles’ – Deputy MacLochlainn

A Donegal Deputy has labelled the Government’s handling of the housing of International Protection Applicants an ‘absolute shambles.’ Hundreds of male asylum seekers have been living in tents on Mount Street in Dublin after Government late last year announced that beds would no longer be offered to male International Protection Applicants due to a severe

Handling of the housing of IPAS applicants an ‘absolute shambles’ – Deputy MacLochlainn Read More »

Police in Derry continue efforts to take illegal scrambler bikes and quads off the streets

Police in Derry are appealing to people to desist from the illegal use of scrambler bikes and quads engaging in criminal and anti social behaviour before someone is seriously injured. There have been ongoing concerns over the use of such vehicles in the Brandywell and Creggan areas. As recently as this afternoon, a person was

Police in Derry continue efforts to take illegal scrambler bikes and quads off the streets Read More »

114 people have died in IPAS accommodation since their inception, two in Donegal

114 people have died in International Protection accommodation since such facilities were opened in Ireland. Figures from IPAS show 78 men and 32 women passed away as well as four people whose genders were unknown in protected accommodation with the average age being between 26 to 39, followed by those aged 40 to 55. 2

114 people have died in IPAS accommodation since their inception, two in Donegal Read More »

Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh ‘shocked’ as Taoiseach announces he’s stepping down

There’s widespread shock following the announcement this lunchtime that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is stepping down. Fellow Fine Gael party member, Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh has echoed that sentiment. Leo Varadkar has indicated his successor will be elected before the party’s Ard Fheis on April 16th. Deputy McHugh is not contesting the next general election but

Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh ‘shocked’ as Taoiseach announces he’s stepping down Read More »

Msgr Kevin Gillespie to serve as Diocesan Administrator in Raphoe

Monsignor Kevin Gillespie has been named as Diocesan Administrator in Raphoe after Bishop Alan McGuckian took up his new position in Down and Connor yesterday. He will run the diocese in a caretaker role until a new Bishop is appointed. A native of Gaoth Dobhair, Monsignor Gillespie is currently the Administrator of St. Eunan’s Cathedral,

Msgr Kevin Gillespie to serve as Diocesan Administrator in Raphoe Read More »

Raphoe Community Playgroup building condemned due to the presence of mica

The Raphoe Community Playgroup has confirmed it is moving to a temporary premises in June because its building has been condemned due to the presence of defective concrete. For some years, management have been aware of mica in the foundations and rising walls, and it was being regularly monitored, but now an engineer has confirmed

Raphoe Community Playgroup building condemned due to the presence of mica Read More »

GRA to ballot members on proposed resolution to roster dispute

The head of the GRA says he’s confident members will back proposals to end the Garda roster dispute. The National Executive of the Garda Representative Association has accepted a new proposal, and a ballot of members will now take place. At the height of the dispute, rank and file Gardaí voted no confidence in Garda

GRA to ballot members on proposed resolution to roster dispute Read More »

Report of Assisted Dying Committee to be published today

A major report on proposed assisted dying laws is set to be published later. However, divisions have emerged in the committee overseeing it. The Oireachtas Assisted Dying Committee has been examining whether to introduce voluntary assisted dying laws in Ireland which has been described as complex and extremely sensitive. The report recommends allowing for assisted

Report of Assisted Dying Committee to be published today Read More »

Family of Donegal girl who was hospitalised in Spain is ‘overwhelmed’ by support

The family of a young girl from Redcastle who became very got sick while on holiday in Benidorm say they are “blown away” by the support they have received from the public. Millie Wilson, who turns two next month, was hospitalised after becoming very ill, and was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and sepsis. To help

Family of Donegal girl who was hospitalised in Spain is ‘overwhelmed’ by support Read More »

Pringle concerned by increased “EU militarisation”

There are claims ‘EU Militarisation’ will have serious implications for Ireland. A Dáil protest will take place today against any move towards a European Army. The EU has set out proposals for a European Defence Industrial Strategy. Independent TD Thomas Pringle believes there has been an intensification in efforts to militarise the bloc………..

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Alcohol Action Ireland threaten legal action over the promotion over ‘Zero Alcohol’ products

Alcohol companies are being warned they could face legal action over the promotion of zero alcohol products. Alcohol Action Ireland says drink brands are “egregiously flouting” laws around advertising at sporting events. They are calling on the government to close the loopholes around alcohol marketing practices, as they could be “predatory” towards children. CEO of

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Families in Donegal struggling to put food on the table due to high mortgage rates and extortionate rents

Families in Donegal are struggling to put food on the table as they grapple with high mortgage rates and extortionate rents. Councillor Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig says for some children schools meals are the only bite of food they will receive all day as families simply can’t make ends meet. He says the Government must

Families in Donegal struggling to put food on the table due to high mortgage rates and extortionate rents Read More »

Foyle MLA stresses need for job creation to ensure young people stay in NI

A Foyle MLA has urged the NI Assembly to do all it can to create jobs and opportunities to retain people. Mark Durkan was speaking during a debate on job creation targets. An SDLP amendment proposed the North’s economy to be regionally rebalanced. Mr Durkan says support for Universities right across the North is essential

Foyle MLA stresses need for job creation to ensure young people stay in NI Read More »