Author name: highlandnews

How to access the video recordings of yesterday’s Oireachtas Committee hearing on Defective Blocks

Here’s how to access the full recordings of yesterday’s joint Oireachtas Committee meeting at which government officials and Central Bank representatives were questioned. Click on the following link –  https://www.oireachtas.ie/hourly/     Click on Committee 3, and then click on Wednesday May 8th 2024 Click on the line which indicates ‘last modified’ at 12:50, click […]

How to access the video recordings of yesterday’s Oireachtas Committee hearing on Defective Blocks Read More »

DCC briefed on progress being made on flagship housing projects in Letterkenny

Donegal County Council has been told that preparatory work is continuing on two flagship housing projects in Letterkenny which are set to deliver a total of 340 houses. On of the sites is at Ballymacool, opposite O’Donnell Park, the other is on High Road, behind Letterkenny Fire Station. The first 130 houses should be complete

DCC briefed on progress being made on flagship housing projects in Letterkenny Read More »

Extension to Finn Valley College will further delay the opening of a long awaited path to Drumboe Woods

It’s emerged that the planned development of a pathway to Drumboe Woods beside Finn Valley College in Stranorlar will be deferred for at least twelve months, until a new extension to the college is constructed and opened. Cllr Patrick McGowan’s been told that while the lease of the land, from Donegal ETB to the council,

Extension to Finn Valley College will further delay the opening of a long awaited path to Drumboe Woods Read More »

Committee told BPFI proposal stalled because of demand for state guarantees

A Joint Oireachtas Committee has been told that a proposal from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland to provide up front loans to homeowners affected by Defective Concrete Blocks stalled because BPFI wanted state guarantees. Aileen Gleeson, a Principal Officer in the Department of Finance told the committee this raised questions as to the

Committee told BPFI proposal stalled because of demand for state guarantees Read More »

Uisce Eireann carrying out works in Bridgend and Ballybofey

Pump installation works may cause water supply disruptions around Bridgend this morning. Uisce Eireann say Dundrean, Drumadooey, Birdstown Demesne, Drumhaggart, Elaghbeg and surrounding areas may be affected between 9am and midday. Meanwhile, as part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, mains repair works may cause supply disruption to Trusk Road, Ballybofey and surrounding areas from

Uisce Eireann carrying out works in Bridgend and Ballybofey Read More »

Council signs contract for acquisition of 21 apartments in Letterkenny

Donegal County Council and Mc Hugh Bros have signed a turnkey acquisition contract for the construction of 21 social homes at Windyhall, Letterkenny. This scheme comprises 12 1-bedroom apartments, 1 2-bedroom apartment and 8 3-bedroom apartments. It’s expected the development will be completed by the end of next year. Pictured at the signing of Contracts

Council signs contract for acquisition of 21 apartments in Letterkenny Read More »

42 year old man detained in relation to Caldwell shooting outside Omagh

A 42 year old man has been arrested by police investigating the attempted murder of Detective Inspector John Caldwell in County Tryone. He was shot several times at a sports complex in Omagh in February last year, and suffered ‘life changing’ injuries in the attack. The PSNI say the suspect presented himself to Musgrave Police

42 year old man detained in relation to Caldwell shooting outside Omagh Read More »

New evidence on deleterious materials may not be fully assessed until early next year

An Oireachtas Committee has been told today that it will could be several months before the standards governing the Defective Block Redress Scheme are changed. Derek Rafferty of the Department of Housing told the Joint Finance Committee this afternoon that the department is aware of the recent evidence which questions the IS 465 standard, and

New evidence on deleterious materials may not be fully assessed until early next year Read More »

Monsignor Gillespie reissues apology following sentencing of former priest

Former Donegal priest, Eamonn Crossan, was sentenced today for crimes committed against a minor. Monsignor Kevin Gillespie has reiterated an apology on behalf of the Raphoe Diocese with a deep sense of shame. Msgr. Gillespie says it’s his hope that the sentence handed down today will bring the victim some consolation. He also encouraged those

Monsignor Gillespie reissues apology following sentencing of former priest Read More »

John Swinney sworn in as Scotland’s new First Minister

John Swinney has been sworn in as Scotland’s new First Minister. After winning the vote in parliament yesterday, he was granted his official title today – First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal. He’s now expected to appoint his new cabinet. The SNP leader appeared before Scotland’s most senior judge at the Court of

John Swinney sworn in as Scotland’s new First Minister Read More »

Minister McConalogue announces decision to ban electric shock collars

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine says electronic shock collars should be banned. It comes as he moves to ban the hand-held remote control devices. Minister Charlie McConalogue says that the use of these is no longer an appropriate way to treat pets, but insisted that those that already use them may continue

Minister McConalogue announces decision to ban electric shock collars Read More »

Three more independent candidates to run under IrishPeople.org umbrella in local elections

Three more independent candidates are to run for the local elections in June under the umbrella of IrishPeople.org. Kim McMenamin is to contest in the Buncrana local electoral area, while Dr Ann McCloskey will run in Letterkenny. Finally, Donal McKinney has confirmed he put his name in the ring in the Carndonagh LEA.

Three more independent candidates to run under IrishPeople.org umbrella in local elections Read More »

Oireachtas committee to quiz government officials on DCB mortgage issues

The chair of the Oireachtas committee investigating ‘defective concrete blocks’ in dwellings, says coverage needs to be extended to include the foundations of affected buildings. The joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach – is meeting again this afternoon, to continue discussions about the difficulties faced by homeowners in Donegal, Mayo and

Oireachtas committee to quiz government officials on DCB mortgage issues Read More »

Proposed Active Travel Plan beside LUH to be voted on today

Donegal County Council meets in special session this morning to discuss a proposed Active Travel project on the KIlmacrennan Road, adjacent to Letterkenny University Hospital. It’s proposed that a new segregated cycling facility will be provided on the west side of the carriageway by removing the existing right turning lane. There was initial scepticism among

Proposed Active Travel Plan beside LUH to be voted on today Read More »

DCSDC consulting people on new Dual Language Street Naming policy

Derry City and Strabane District Council is seeking the views of the public in relation to a draft equality impact assessment report on the Council’s Dual Language Street Naming policy. It follows a decision three years ago to lower the threshold for the installation of dual language signage from 66.7% to 15%. Following the 2021

DCSDC consulting people on new Dual Language Street Naming policy Read More »

Eight drink and drug arrests in Donegal during holiday weekend

Gardaí say they were on the roads across the Donegal Division over the course of the May Bank Holiday Weekend conducting checkpoints, patrols and speed checks. There were 4 drink driving related arrests and 4 drug driving related arrests across the Division between Friday morning and this morning. Fixed Charge penalty notices have been issued for

Eight drink and drug arrests in Donegal during holiday weekend Read More »

McBrearty seeking a judicial review of the use of IS 465 in DCB redress scheme

A Lifford Stranorlar Area Councillor has confirmed he and 16 other homeowners are seeking a Judicial Review of what he termed the flawed testing protocol I.S. 465 which is used as part of the Defective Block Redress Scheme. Independent Cllr Frank McBrearty says he and the 15 other honeowners are all affected be defective concrete

McBrearty seeking a judicial review of the use of IS 465 in DCB redress scheme Read More »

Ours to Protect: Make Your Home a Nature Reserve with Donna Mullen pt. 1

Highland Radio are delighted to partner with Coimisiún na Meán in launching a new series dealing with various topics on sustainability. Donna-Marie Doherty of Highland Radio will have a weekly feature on Tuesdays at 12:30 covering a real mix of different topics and interviews with businesses and experts who have a common interest on expertise

Ours to Protect: Make Your Home a Nature Reserve with Donna Mullen pt. 1 Read More »

Fundraising for local groups is not the same as targeted gambling advertisements – Deputy Pearse Doherty

A Donegal Deputy says that fundraising for local and community groups is not the same as targeted gambling advertisements. Sinn Fein opposed a Gambling Bill put forward by Minister James Browne which would hamper fundraising efforts. It is believed amendments are being made, however the nature of which is yet to be revealed. Deputy Pearse

Fundraising for local groups is not the same as targeted gambling advertisements – Deputy Pearse Doherty Read More »

LUH third most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today

491 patients are waiting on trolleys in hospitals today, with Letterkenny University Hospital the third most overcrowded. The INMO’s Trolley Watch shows 357 of those are in emergency departments, with the remainder in wards. University Hospital Limerick remains the worst-affected with 107 patients waiting for a bed – followed by Galway with 56, and Letterkenny

LUH third most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today Read More »

Driver hospitalised following crash outside Finner camp

An investigation is ongoing into a single car collision which occurred just before 6:30pm yesterday evening outside Finner camp, in Bundoran. As a result, the driver was taken to hospital for treatment to serious but non-life threatening injuries. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They also ask that those who were travelling in

Driver hospitalised following crash outside Finner camp Read More »

Gardaí appealing for information into separate criminal incidents in chapels in Donegal

Gardaí have launched two investigations at places of worship in Donegal. Cash was stolen from the Chapel of Ease in Fahan, while an attempt was made to force open a security box in St. Crona’s Church in Dungloe. Garda Claire Rafferty appealed for information in relation to both incidents on the Nine til Noon show

Gardaí appealing for information into separate criminal incidents in chapels in Donegal Read More »

Media Minister to receive three reports relating to RTÉ today

Three detailed reports relating to RTE will be brought to Cabinet by the Media Minister today. They’re understood to contain more than 100 recommendation pointing to changes in practices at the national broadcaster. They include assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ. CEO of the independent production company ShinAwiL Larry Bass says

Media Minister to receive three reports relating to RTÉ today Read More »

169 people caught driving under the influence this bank holiday weekend

A driver was caught speeding every four minutes over the bank holiday weekend. A road safety campaign running this weekend also caught 169 people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 71 people have died on the roads already this year, 15 more than the same time last year. The RSA’s David Martin says

169 people caught driving under the influence this bank holiday weekend Read More »

Donegal County Council launches online portal ahead of local elections

Donegal County Council has launched an online Elections Portal for the upcoming Local Elections with information for Candidates and Voters. The portal includes maps of the county’s seven electoral areas, details of how voters can register, and also details of the process for nominating candidates, which begins next week.   Nominations to contest the election

Donegal County Council launches online portal ahead of local elections Read More »

Pringle urges Taoiseach to ensure social media algorithms don’t endanger children

Taoiseach Simon Harris says legislation is coming which will regulate the activities of social media companies, particularly in terms of their impact on and use by children. Simon Harris was responding in the Dail to Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle, who said some control must be exerted over the algorithms used by social media companies. He

Pringle urges Taoiseach to ensure social media algorithms don’t endanger children Read More »

Uisce Eireann carrying out works today in Carrick and Derrybeg

Uisce Eireann says mains repair works may cause supply disruptions to Carrick and surrounding areas today. The works are scheduled to take place from 9am until 11am this morning. Meanwhile, as part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, mains repair works may cause supply disruptions to Carrickataskin, Derrybeg and surrounding areas from 2pm until 5pm

Uisce Eireann carrying out works today in Carrick and Derrybeg Read More »

Man arrested in relation to online threats in Derry freed on Police bail

A 30 year old man arrested in Derry in connection with a report of online threats towards an individual has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The man attended Strand Road station yesterday, where he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of harassment, threats to kill and improper use of a public electronic communications

Man arrested in relation to online threats in Derry freed on Police bail Read More »