Author name: highlandnews

Dail hears how it’s not only homes crumbling but families also amid defective block crisis

The Dail has been told that it is not just homes that are crumbling because of the defective concrete block crisis but families are crumbling too. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty pressed the Finance Minister this week on an update on the issue of mortgageability of affected properties. He told the Minister that six months on,

Dail hears how it’s not only homes crumbling but families also amid defective block crisis Read More »

DCSDC seeking local tourism reps to join Tourism Strategy Working Group

Derry City and Strabane District Council are seeking local tourism representatives to join the Tourism Strategy Working Group, to inform the delivery of the district-wide Tourism strategy. Representatives will oversee the implementation of the strategy on behalf of the sector, and support development of any emerging strategies, in partnership with other strategic stakeholders, such as

DCSDC seeking local tourism reps to join Tourism Strategy Working Group Read More »

21 fixed charge penalty notices issued in Letterkenny so far as part of ‘National Day Of Action’

As part of a ‘National Day Of Action’ to clampdown on the use of mobile phones while driving, 21 fixed charge penalty notices were issued to motorists in the Letterkenny area. Gardai say mobile phones are the number one distraction to drivers on Irish roads as people continue to text, make phone calls, take selfies

21 fixed charge penalty notices issued in Letterkenny so far as part of ‘National Day Of Action’ Read More »

Derry Courthouse

Man sentenced at Derry Court in connection with encrypted communication channel used by criminals

A man has been jailed in Derry today after pleading guilty to offences linked to an encrypted communication channel used by criminals. EncroChat is used to plan illegal activity, such as drug importation and the movement of cash. 44 year old, Michael O’Loughlin, who was arrested after the search of a property in Warrenpoint in

Man sentenced at Derry Court in connection with encrypted communication channel used by criminals Read More »

Vacant defective block properties in Letterkenny have become a ‘magnet for crime’

Vacant defective concrete block properties in one estate in Letterkenny have become a ‘magnet for crime’. That’s according to Councillor Gerry McMonagle who says other residents in Windmill View are living in fear after fires were started in a number of the derelict social homes. It was indicated late last year that a Government scheme

Vacant defective block properties in Letterkenny have become a ‘magnet for crime’ Read More »

Council urged to adopt ‘common sense approach’ to carry out tree survey

Donegal County Council is being urged to adopt a common sense approach in response to a call for a survey of all trees within housing estates in Letterkenny to be carried out. Councillor Ciaran Brogan says as a result of the strong winds that have battered the county over the past number of months, residents

Council urged to adopt ‘common sense approach’ to carry out tree survey Read More »

100,000 additional school bus places to be created over next six years

100,000 additional school bus places will be created in the next six years. More children are due to be eligible for the scheme, as distance criteria is to be reduced for secondary schools. Applications for school bus tickets for this September close on the 24th of April. Education Minister, Norma Foley, says it’s an important

100,000 additional school bus places to be created over next six years Read More »

Aquatech businesses encouraged to apply for new BIM mentoring programme

Aquatech businesses in Donegal are being encouraged to apply for a new BIM mentoring programme. The free two-week programme offers a unique opportunity for companies with technology applicable to the aquaculture sector to improve their investor readiness and increase market access. In announcing the Innovation Studio programme, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie

Aquatech businesses encouraged to apply for new BIM mentoring programme Read More »

Minister Anne Rabbitte responds to DCC motion on CDNT problems in Donegal

A member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum says he accepts a commitment from Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte that she is closely monitoring the issues affecting Community Disability Network Teams in Donegal, and working to ensure that necessary resources are available. Cllr Albert Doherty was responding to a detailed response sent by Minister Rabbitte on

Minister Anne Rabbitte responds to DCC motion on CDNT problems in Donegal Read More »

New migration protocols will help counter misinformation – Kavanagh

A Fine Gael councillor in Donegal has backed Ireland’s decision to opt into new Migration Protocols which were accepted by the European parliament. A number of politicians say the new regulations will make it harder for people to seek asylum here, but Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh says the new arrangements will make the process quicker, and

New migration protocols will help counter misinformation – Kavanagh Read More »

Doherty and Martin clash in Dail over cancer strategy funding

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty and Tanaiste Michael Martin have clashed again in the Dail, this time over the lack of funding for the National Cancer Strategy. Deputy Doherty told the Dail that after requesting €20 million for the strategy, the HSE rceived nothing, and questioned why radiotherapy machines and other pieces of crucial equipment are

Doherty and Martin clash in Dail over cancer strategy funding Read More »

Update – N14 reopens between Porthall and Lifford following earlier collision

Update – Gardai have confirmed this road is now clear.   The N14 Letterkenny to Lifford Road is partially blocked at the moment as a result of a collision between Porthall and Lifford. Gardai say traffic is moving, but people should expect delays, and be extra cautious when approaching the area. No serious injuries are

Update – N14 reopens between Porthall and Lifford following earlier collision Read More »

Derry Courthouse

Second man extradited from Poland to Derry for alleged cultivation of cannabis

A second man has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland this week in relation to cultivation of cannabis. The 40 year-old was extradited yesterday, and is due before Derry Magistrates Court later today. The alleged offences occurred in County Derry in October 2019, and the suspect skipped bail before court hearings in Coleraine and

Second man extradited from Poland to Derry for alleged cultivation of cannabis Read More »

Arranmore teenager’s wish to fish raised in the EU parliament

  The case of Donegal teenager Muireann Kavanagh has been highlighted in the EU Parliament. The 14 year from Arranmore Island previously fished for pollock with her family, but they are now prevented from doing so because of EU regulations. Midlands North West MEP Chris MacManus told the EU Parliament that while the likes of

Arranmore teenager’s wish to fish raised in the EU parliament Read More »

Project to increase capacities to reuse, repair and refurbish electric goods to be rolled out in Donegal

Donegal is one of 20 regions across Europe involved in a project to extend the lifetime of electrical and electronic equipment. The E6 programme aims to increase the capacities of regions to reuse, repair and refurbishment electric goods. €1 million in funding has been set aside to rollout the project across the North West and

Project to increase capacities to reuse, repair and refurbish electric goods to be rolled out in Donegal Read More »

2024 Community Recognition Fund open for applications

Funding is being made available for communities in Donegal hosting refugees or asylum seekers. The Community Recognition Fund 2024 is now open for applications. This Fund aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution being made by communities in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine

2024 Community Recognition Fund open for applications Read More »

Coolboy junction labelled a ‘death trap’

A dangerous junction leading onto the N56 just outside Letterkenny has been labelled a ‘death trap’. Councillor Michael McBride has called on Donegal County Council in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to review the safety concerns being raised by the 70 residents living close to the Coolboy junction. The local authority has previously said that

Coolboy junction labelled a ‘death trap’ Read More »

Derry Courthouse

41 year old man extradited from Poland to face drug charges in Derry

A 41 year-old-man is due in court in Derry today after he was extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland yesterday. The man had previously been charged with offences relating to the alleged cultivation of cannabis in the Maghera, Coleraine and Kilrea areas of County Derry in October 2019. The suspect breached bail and failed to

41 year old man extradited from Poland to face drug charges in Derry Read More »

Donegal born DUP lord says he would like a British passport to reflect his identity

A Donegal born former DUP councillor and Speaker in the Stormont Assembly says the fact that he cannot get a British passport is a source of frustration which he hopes will be resolved. Lord William Hay was born in Milford, but moved with his parents to Derry when he was three. After over three decades

Donegal born DUP lord says he would like a British passport to reflect his identity Read More »

Crawford wants regular DCC updates on Lifford Common site

A Lifford Stranorlar Councillor is asking Donegal County Council for regular reports on the negotiations with the HSE regarding the Lifford Common site, which has been earmarked for a new Community Hospital. The area is currently being development by Donegal County Council, with a roads and services such as water being planned. As well as

Crawford wants regular DCC updates on Lifford Common site Read More »

Council continuing to liaise with owner of Ballymacool estate to carry out block testing

Donegal County Council has confirmed that it is continuing to liaise with the owner of a Letterkenny housing estate where tenants  are facing eviction with regards to the testing of concrete blocks. Residents of The Forest, Ballymacool were served with eviction notices in October 2023. However, Twin Estates Ltd has confirmed no householder will face

Council continuing to liaise with owner of Ballymacool estate to carry out block testing Read More »

Residents in Ramelton ‘living a nightmare’ over road safety concerns

Residents living in the Church Street and Rectory Road areas of Ramelton say they are living a nightmare due to the speed and volume of traffic on the routes. Donegal County Council has agreed to carry out a traffic survey on the routes. Locals however, have warned that if work is not carried out, they

Residents in Ramelton ‘living a nightmare’ over road safety concerns Read More »

‘EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will add to suffering of refugees’ – Deputy Pringle

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will add to the suffering of refugees without addressing the causes of migration. That’s the view of Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle after the European Parliament passed the major new laws yesterday. The new rules will see faster processing of asylum seekers, and an option for member states to

‘EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will add to suffering of refugees’ – Deputy Pringle Read More »

Setanta Hurling Club honoured at Municipal Reception

Setanta Hurling Club have been honoured at Municipal Reception. The event was held in recognition of the club’s achievements over the last number of years and in particular, on becoming the first Donegal side to win the Ulster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship in December 2023. The Club have won back-to-back Ulster titles winning the Ulster

Setanta Hurling Club honoured at Municipal Reception Read More »

Dail suspended after row between Deputy Doherty and Finance Minister

The Dail was suspended for a time earlier after a row broke out between Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty and the Finance Minister. There were heated exchanges as Deputy Doherty called on Minister Michael McGrath to scrap increases in excise duty on petrol and diesel set to come into force in August and October. Deputy Doherty

Dail suspended after row between Deputy Doherty and Finance Minister Read More »

Over 400 children in Donegal experienced holiday hunger last Christmas

The Children’s Rights Alliance is calling on the government to support initiatives to tackle holiday hunger. Last Christmas, the Donegal Family Resource Centres Network supported over 400 children experiencing holiday hunger through the agency’s Food Provision Scheme. Meanwhile, in 2023, 96 Donegal schools availed of the Hot School Meals Programme, benefitting 9,118 students. Tanya Ward,

Over 400 children in Donegal experienced holiday hunger last Christmas Read More »

MEPs to vote on controversial new laws to tighten migration across EU

MEPs will vote today on controversial new laws to tighten migration across the European Union. The new pact – which is a decade in the making – would see common rules introduced across the bloc, including faster processing of asylum seekers. It’s facing opposition from those who say it infringes on member states’ sovereignty and

MEPs to vote on controversial new laws to tighten migration across EU Read More »

Trailer and approx. £16,000 worth of steel stolen in Derry

Police are appealing for information after a trailer containing approximately £16,000 worth of steel was stolen from a commercial premises in Derry last night. The Tri Axle Tuffmac trailer with a registration of 191-DL-2699, along with galvanised steel sheeting and purlins is believed to have been stolen from a driving range premises on Alder Road

Trailer and approx. £16,000 worth of steel stolen in Derry Read More »