Author name: highlandnews

Drug tests are the latest step to safer roads this bank holiday. Mandatory drug-testing for drivers in serious crashes has been introduced this weekend. Gardaí have been supplied with 10,000 ‘drugwipe’ kits for roadside testing after new measures were signed into law last Wednesday.

Gardaí in Buncrana have seized a van while on patrol last night. The vehicle no tax or insurance. Buncrana Roads Policing Unit also arrested a driver at a checkpoint on suspicion of drink driving. It comes as high visibility checkpoints across Donegal come into force this Bank Holiday weekend.

Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Ramonaghan, Sandhill, Dunfanaghy and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place until 2pm. Uisce Eireann recommend that those affected allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for supply to fully return.

Drivers are being reminded the only way to remove alcohol from the body, is time. DrinkAware is encouraging people to count their drinks, stop drinking in plenty of time and leave an hour per unit of alcohol before driving in the morning. It comes after 196 arrests for driving under the influence were recorded over

Letterkenny University Hospital’s Emergency Department is to be provided with 10 extra beds under the Health Capital Plan for 2024. Minister Charlie McConalogue says the project is one of 22 earmarked for funding in Donegal. The increase of capacity at LUH’s Emergency Department will involve the relocation of the existing Acute Medical Assessment Unit and

Letterkenny University Hospital and the Saolta University Health Care Group welcome the announcement of 72 new beds for the hospital. The HSE says this is part of an ambitious plan to develop adult acute inpatient beds over the course of the next seven years. The new beds in Letterkenny will be provided between 2029 and

Footage of the final moments of Lyra McKee’s life have been shown at a trial of three men accused of her murder. The 29-year-old journalist died after being struck in the head by a bullet in April 2019, while observing a riot in the Creggan area of Derry. 56 year-old Paul McIntyre, Peter Cavanagh, 35,

There is uncertainty over the future of GP services at the Ardara Health Centre. In a statement posted on social media this morning, Dr Mireille Sweeney confirmed that after 29 years as a GP in Ardara, it is with a heavy heart that she has handed her resignation to the HSE. She says for years,

The State has released its emergency accommodation statistics this afternoon. Figures in the North West are virtually unchanged, with 172 adults accessing homelessness services in the region at the end of April, the same as in March. Of those, 69 were in Donegal, down one. There were 23 families registered at the end of last

Donegal has been allocated almost €2 million to see roads damaged by heavy rainfall repaired. The €1.945 million will cover regional and local roads which fall into a state of disrepair over the winter and spring months. It’s part of a €30 million investment nationally. Minster Charlie McConalogue says Donegal has seen the third highest

Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Leaght, Killygordon, Scotland, Kildoney, Meenahoney, Magheraboy, Blairstown, Liscooley and surrounding areas in Co. Donegal. Works are scheduled to take place until 2pm this afternoon. Uisce Eireann recommend that you allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for your supply to fully return

Donegal has been announced to host the Travel Blog Exchange 2025, the world’s largest conference and community of travel creators and influencers. The announcement was made this morning in San Sebastian in Spain. It will see around 500 travel influencers visit the county and explore Donegal destinations. TBEX CEO Rick Calvert says Donegal has been

A 12 year old boy has been arrested in relation to an arson investigation in Limavady. The blaze was reported shortly before 5:55pm yesterday in a derelict premises in the area. It has since been brought under control. The boy, who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, has been bailed

Catherine Street in Limavady remains closed this morning following a fire in the area. The blaze has been brought under control and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

Lough Swilly RNLI have shared water safety advice in conjunction with the Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Those looking to enjoy water-based activities are advised to check the local forecast, including tide times and sea conditions for coastal activities. As well as this acclimatise to cold water temperatures

A disqualified driver was arrested in Quigley’s Point yesterday. Gardaí from Buncrana Roads Policing Unit stopped the car which was later seized. A court appearance will now follow. Gardaí are appealing to the public not to take risks on the road.

Almost 100 homes and businesses are without power in Newtowncunningham this morning. The fault was reported at around 6:15am this morning. It’s hope to be restored by 9am.

Sections of new legislation to ban e-cigarettes and tobacco from vending machines are being introduced today. The step’s are being taken on World No Tobacco Day, ahead of the law coming in, in September of next year. The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has today begun sections of the Public Health Act 2023, that brings in

A public meeting is taking place at 7 o’clock this evening, hosted by the Justice 4 Donegal Defective Concrete Home & Properties Organisation. The group is made up of 16 defective concrete home and property owners. It will see a discussion surrounding a judicial review of the testing standard IS465. A spokesperson from the group

Bus Éireann services will operate on a Sunday schedule this Bank Holiday Monday. The company says this includes ExpressWay routes. It’s also encouraging passengers to book ahead. Bus Éireann has published updated travel information, with events like the Women’s Mini Marathon taking place in Dublin.

The Taoiseach has expressed frustration that suspects in the killing of peackeeper Private Sean Rooney remain at large. The 24 year old, from Donegal, was killed in an attack near the south Lebanon border in December 2022. Simon Harris spoke to the Prime Minister of Lebanon today about a range of issues, including the work

Gavin Robinson has been ratified as the new DUP leader, and used his acceptance speech in Lisburn last night to confirm the party will not stand candidates in Fermanagh South Tyrone and North Down in July’s General Election. It follows news that Pat Cullen, the head of the Royal College of Nursing, has stepped down

A drug to treat a rare disease most commonly found in Donegal is to be funded by the HSE. Alnylam, the manufacturer of the drug made the announcement yesterday. Vutrisiran will be made available by the HSE for adults with amyloidosis with stage 1 or stage 2 polyneuropathy. hATTR Amyloidosis is a progressive, increasingly debilitating

The Department of Health is to supply an additional 4,656 acute inpatient hospital beds across Irish hospitals by the year 2031. 122 of those are assigned to Letterkenny University Hospital. 50 have already been delivered and the remaining 72 are to be rolled out between 2029 and 2031. It means between now and 2028, no

Three men have been sentenced at Newry Crown Court in relation to the kidnapping of a man from Donegal. He was bundled into a car and driven across the border. It happened on Sunday, the 4th of October in 2020. A man was taken from his home, before midday and driven roughly 11 miles to

A 25 year old man who was arrested on an array of offences has been charged to appear before Strabane Magistrates Court today. These include three counts of theft, two counts of possession of a Class C controlled drug, possession of a Class B Controlled drug, possessing article with blade or point in public place,

HIQA has published reports on three residential centres for older people in Donegal. Inspections were carried out at Dungloe Community Hospital, Harbour Lights Nursing Home and St. Joseph’s Community Hospital at the start of the year. A number of non-compliances were recorded in all three. There were 32 residents at Dungloe Community Hospital when the