Author name: highlandnews

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

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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 »

Midlands NW MEP believes dedicated Fisheries and Marine Minister is needed

A dedicated Fisheries and Marine Minister is needed to save Ireland’s dying fishing industry. That’s according to Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh who says the sector is now on a downward trajectory. Speaking after a recent visit to Killybegs, Ms Walsh says fishing communities need support:

Midlands NW MEP believes dedicated Fisheries and Marine Minister is needed Read More »

‘Urgent investment and action vital to deliver adequate respite services for people with disabilities in Inishowen’ – McMyler

Urgent investment and action is vital to ensure adequate respite services for people with disabilities in Inishowen. That’s according to Adrian McMyler, a local election candidate in the Buncrana local electoral area. He says many families in the peninsula are facing a daunting challenge with the closure of River Walk House in Carndonagh and the

‘Urgent investment and action vital to deliver adequate respite services for people with disabilities in Inishowen’ – McMyler Read More »

Order called for in Dáil as sparks fly between Deputy Doherty and the Tánaiste

Things came to blow once again in the Dáil between Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty and Tánaiste Michael Martin. In a debate on the provision of housing, an argument broke out between the pair leading to raised voices and the Ceann Comhairle calling for order. Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl threatened to suspend the house, warning

Order called for in Dáil as sparks fly between Deputy Doherty and the Tánaiste Read More »

Highland Radio remains the most listened to radio station in the North West!

Highland Radio remains the most listened to radio station in the North West. New JNLR listenership figures released today show 79.8% of people choose Highland Radio as their number one station each week, while 53.7% or 62,000 people tune in everyday. Meanwhile, the station’s market reach remains the highest in the country at 59.5% meaning

Highland Radio remains the most listened to radio station in the North West! Read More »

Irish agri-food sector must work to strengths – Lorcan Roche Kelly

While the agri-food sector here is struggling, working to our strengths is the way out of the crisis. That’s according to the Irish Famers Journal Agribusiness Report which looks at the challenges to the food processing sector here. Labour shortages, market volatility and policy uncertainty mean many in the industry are unable to keep their

Irish agri-food sector must work to strengths – Lorcan Roche Kelly Read More »

LUH breaks record for number of patients without beds in April

The Dáil has heard how Letterkenny University Hospital seen the highest number of patients waiting for beds for the month of April on record. Almost 600 were admitted without beds last month. Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle said the health system on its knees and needs a complete overhaul in order to deliver universal healthcare. Deputy

LUH breaks record for number of patients without beds in April Read More »

Derry man to appear in court in relation to drug charges

A man in Derry has been charged to court for drug-related offences. The 25 year old will appear before Londonderry Magistrates Court today. The charges are possessing criminal property, possession of a class C controlled drug and importing a controlled drug. As is usual procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

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Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

Decision must be made today on County Development Plan

Donegal County Council is meeting in a special session today to adopt the County Development Plan, which will guide planning decisions until at least 2030, and possibly beyond. Today is the deadline for a decision, with members considering the recommendations of the Chief Executive following the latest round of public consultation. That includes the recommendations

Decision must be made today on County Development Plan Read More »

Tánaiste to demand progress in murder trial of Private Sean Rooney

Tánaiste Michael Martin is to demand progress in the murder trial of a Donegal solider. UN peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney was killed on December 14th, 2022 when the convoy he was travelling in came under attack in Lebanon. The Irish Mirror reports that the Tánaiste is visiting to the middle-eastern country at the weekend to

Tánaiste to demand progress in murder trial of Private Sean Rooney Read More »

Lady’s Bay one of five nationally to receive poor water quality grade

The Environmental Protection Agency have recommended to avoid swimming in Lady’s Bay in Buncrana. It comes with the release of their annual bathing water quality report for 2023. Out of the 22 bathing waters in Donegal 77% have excellent quality and 14% are of good quality. One beach was said to be sufficient, and Lady’s

Lady’s Bay one of five nationally to receive poor water quality grade Read More »

LUH hospital consultants seeking another urgent meeting with Health Minister

A group of hospital consultants in Donegal are requesting another urgent meeting with the Health Minister Last year, consultants at Letterkenny University Hospital wrote to Minister Stephen Donnelly expressing serious concerns over the operation of the Emergency Department and it’s impact on patient outcomes. In their most recent letter to Minister Donnelly, the consultants highlight

LUH hospital consultants seeking another urgent meeting with Health Minister Read More »

Call for meeting to progress development of facilities at Donegal’s beaches

Donegal County Council is being urged to convene a meeting of all relevant departments to discuss how best to progress the development of facilities at Donegal’s beaches. The issue was raised by Cllr Anthony Molloy, who told members that many beaches in West Donegal are seeing substantial increases in the number of visitors, but don’t

Call for meeting to progress development of facilities at Donegal’s beaches Read More »

Proposal put forward to rename Inishowen bridge ‘Tipp O’Neill Bridge’

It’s been proposed a bridge in Inishowen be named after Tipp O’Neill. The renaming of ‘Cockhill Bridge,’ the ‘Tipp O’Neill Bridge’ will go out to public consultation and members of the public will have their chance to put forward other suggestions also. Tipp O’Neill was an American politician whose grandparents originated from Donegal. Councillor Nicholas

Proposal put forward to rename Inishowen bridge ‘Tipp O’Neill Bridge’ Read More »

Garda

Child hospitalised after being hit by car in Donegal Town

A child has been hospitalised after being struck by a car in Donegal Town this afternoon. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene on Upper Main Street at around 2pm. The child has been transferred to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment to what Gardai say are non life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made. Gardaí

Child hospitalised after being hit by car in Donegal Town Read More »

Government urged to provide core funding for Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre

There’s calls for Government intervention to ensure the Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre can continue to provide the same level of services. The Centre has been open for 33 years but has received no core funding for the past 13 years. Midlands North West MEP Chris MacManus says the difficulties facing the Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre

Government urged to provide core funding for Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre Read More »

Patients advised of possible delays at LUH as ICT upgrades are carried out

People are being advised of possible delays at Letterkenny University Hospital this coming weekend as necessary upgrades to the hospital’s ICT system are carried out. The upgrades on the system that manages patient activity in the hospital will improve links with other hospitals and community services in the region. Saolta says it expects some delays

Patients advised of possible delays at LUH as ICT upgrades are carried out Read More »

GDPR is a cop out when it comes to documenting road traffic collisions – Deputy Pringle

A Donegal Deputy says that GDPR is being used as a cop out when it comes to properly documenting road traffic collisions. Deputy Thomas Pringle says the RSA should be able to record of crashes without storing details such as the names of those involved or licence plate numbers. Speaking in the Dáil on motions

GDPR is a cop out when it comes to documenting road traffic collisions – Deputy Pringle Read More »

Future of popular Killybegs seafood van in doubt as they’re told they must move

A popular Killybegs Seafood vendor has been told they must move from their current location as a bus stop is to be installed. The Seafood Shack have received a 12 day notice to move their takeaway van from the Old Pier in Killybegs. Owner Gary Anderson says their location is vital to their business and

Future of popular Killybegs seafood van in doubt as they’re told they must move Read More »

€30,000 in funding secured for Mount Errigal parking facility

€30,000 of funding has been secured to see resurfacing works carried out at the car parking facility at Mount Errigal. Cathoirleath of Glenties MD, Cllr Micheal McClafferty has welcomed the news. He says while there has been growing frustrations in the locality regarding the condition of the carpark, there are boundaries when it comes to

€30,000 in funding secured for Mount Errigal parking facility Read More »

Michael McGarvey clarifies ‘lifestyle’ comment MAG has dubbed offensive

Director of Services Michael McGarvey welcomed the opportunity to clarify a comment he made at yesterday’s meeting of the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage when discussing why more people weren’t joining the enhanced defective block scheme. Mr McGarvey had said it was a ‘lifestyle choice’ in some cases to not join the

Michael McGarvey clarifies ‘lifestyle’ comment MAG has dubbed offensive Read More »

55% increase in drivers caught using phones since April

It’s claimed new high-visibility roads policing measures has led to a 55% increase in detections of motorists using mobile phones. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will address the Oireachtas Transport Committee this afternoon on road safety. Since April 12th, all uniformed Gardaí have conducted 30 minutes of high-visibility roads policing every day. Commissioner Drew Harris will

55% increase in drivers caught using phones since April Read More »

Call for increase in car parking spaces at Bernard McGlinchey Town Park, Letterkenny

There has been calls to increase the number of car parking spaces at the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park in Letterkenny. There’s concerns the carpark is being used by people visiting Letterkenny University Hospital and as a result park users are having to turn away. Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly says demand is simply not being met.

Call for increase in car parking spaces at Bernard McGlinchey Town Park, Letterkenny Read More »

NSAI questioned as to why IS 465 interim recommendation has not been introduced

The National Standards Authority of Ireland has been questioned as to why an interim recommendation to the IS 465 standard governing the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme has not yet been introduced. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn while addressing the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage yesterday pressed the body on why the foundations

NSAI questioned as to why IS 465 interim recommendation has not been introduced Read More »