Author name: highlandnews

Ireland is yet to draw down money from EU covid Recovery Fund

A Midlands North-West MEP has dubbed it a disgrace that Ireland still hasn’t drawn down a single cent from the Recovery Fund despite EU celebrations of reaching the halfway point. The fund was launched to help EU economies recover from the Covid recession. MEP Chris MacManus said it is now seems increasingly likely that Ireland

Ireland is yet to draw down money from EU covid Recovery Fund Read More »

Cllr Christopher Jackson re-appointed to LPHC Board

Cllr Christopher Jackson has been reappointed to the LPHC Board. Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd made the announcement, outlining the councillors statutory duty to improve, maintain, regulate, and manage the Foyle Port to facilitate the development of the harbour. It will be Cllr. Jacksons second four-year term, meaning he will hold the position until

Cllr Christopher Jackson re-appointed to LPHC Board Read More »

Terence O’Rourke appointed as new Chair of RTÉ Board

Terence O’Rourke is the new Chairperson of the Board of RTÉ. His appointment follows the recent departure of Siún Ní Raghallaigh. Media Minister Catherine Martin says she intends to meet him in the coming days. Terri Moloney and Neasa Hardiman have also been confirmed as board members. Minister Martin says all three “bring with them

Terence O’Rourke appointed as new Chair of RTÉ Board Read More »

Ours to Protect – Fairtrade Fortnight Part 1 – 05/03/24

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 – Fairtrade Fortnight Part 1 – 05/03/24 Read More »

2024 will be a disaster for the pelagic fish processing sector – IFPEA

The Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association says the pelagic sector has recorded a historically low level of fish landings so far in 2024, with mackerel landings effectively concluded. The group’s CEP Brendan Byrne says this is set to be the worst year ever in the history of pelagic processing, with Killybegs set to be

2024 will be a disaster for the pelagic fish processing sector – IFPEA Read More »

Official opening takes place of Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail in Moville

The official opening has taken place of Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail’s new school building in Moville. Unveiling a plaque marking the event, Minister Charlie McConalogue congratulated all those involved in achieving a new state of the art premises for the school, which first opened 23 years ago. Minister McConalogue recognised the hard work of parents, teachers

Official opening takes place of Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail in Moville Read More »

Survey launched to determine demand for an Affordable Housing Scheme in Donegal

Donegal County Council is carrying out an online survey in respect of the Local Authority Affordable Housing Scheme. The scheme is intended to help people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at an initially reduced price, with the council taking an equity stake in the property. The Affordable Housing Scheme is designed to make

Survey launched to determine demand for an Affordable Housing Scheme in Donegal Read More »

EU Commissioner urges Ireland to plant more trees

Ireland needs to plant more trees. That’s the message from European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. According to the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Statistics, Ireland was planting around 20,000 trees per year in the mid 1990s, but by 2022 it was down to around 2,000 new trees. The EU has committed to planting three billion trees across

EU Commissioner urges Ireland to plant more trees Read More »

‘Minister Martin not in control of her brief’ – Deputy Pearse Doherty

The Media Minister has been described as being ‘behind the curve’ when it comes to the ongoing crisis at RTÉ. There are calls for Catherine Martin to address the Dáil over the resignation of the former chair at the State broadcaster. In a statement, Siún Ní Raghallaigh claimed the minister took a “hands off approach”,

‘Minister Martin not in control of her brief’ – Deputy Pearse Doherty Read More »

Funding opportunities missed due to lack of resources in DCC Marine section – Claim

It’s claimed a lack of staff in the Marine section of Donegal County Council is resulting in funding opportunities being missed. Councillor Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig has written to the Council seeking an urgent meeting to address the understaffing issue. He believes funding is available for coastal and island communities however, he says limited resources

Funding opportunities missed due to lack of resources in DCC Marine section – Claim Read More »

Hundreds turn out as defective block campaign groups present ‘The People’s Document’

There was a huge turnout last night as defective block campaign groups presented ‘The People’s Document’ – a joint initiative to define what they believe to be 100% redress. Affected homeowners packed out An Grainian Hotel in Burt last night as the Mica Action Group, 100% Redress and Redress Focus Groups set out their four

Hundreds turn out as defective block campaign groups present ‘The People’s Document’ Read More »

Down Syndrome Ireland to appear before Oireachtas Education Committee today

Children with Down Syndrome are much more than how they perform in school. That’s according to Down Syndrome Ireland which will appear before the Oireachtas Education Committee this morning. The group, along with a petition of 730 school principals, are calling on the Government to reject plans to change the allocation of special education teaching

Down Syndrome Ireland to appear before Oireachtas Education Committee today Read More »

Transportation a major issue for Ukrainian refugees seeking employment

Ukrainians who have relocated to Ireland find transportation a major problem for finding employment. One of the largest employment-focused surveys of Ukrainians in Ireland to date, finds more than 50 percent have Masters Degrees, but say getting jobs can be difficult. Olena Redrugina from ‘Ukrainian Action in Ireland’ says temporary protection grants them the immediate

Transportation a major issue for Ukrainian refugees seeking employment Read More »

Calls for Media Minister to correct statements about former RTE Chair

There are calls for the Media Minister to correct statements she made about the former Chair of RTE, in the Dail. In a statement yesterday, Siun Ni Raghallaigh accused Catherine Martin of taking a “hands off approach” with the broadcaster and trying to “traduce” her reputation. In response, Minister Martin said she outlined her and

Calls for Media Minister to correct statements about former RTE Chair Read More »

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí new building to be opened for September

The long awaited new school building for Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí in Donegal Town will be open to take in children this coming September. Just one year ago the works were due to get underway when Government decided to halt the construction in conjunction with 70 others across Ireland. The tender for the works was

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí new building to be opened for September Read More »

PSNI in Strabane and Derry respond to 149 emergency callouts

PSNI responded to 149 emergency calls from Friday morning until just before midnight on Sunday. These included domestic-related incidents, assault, burglary and a report of drink-driving. Alongside these calls, officers also assisted with traffic management for sporting fixtures in the city, which had thousands of attendees. Derry City and Strabane Chief Inspector Luke Moyne said

PSNI in Strabane and Derry respond to 149 emergency callouts Read More »

Ulster University launch research into impact of defective block crisis on mental health

Ulster University is undertaking new research into the defective concrete block crisis, this time examining the impact it has had on the mental health of affected homeowners. Those impacted are being urged to complete an online survey to aid the research, it takes around half an hour. Dr. Karen Kirby, Senior Lecturer of Psychology at

Ulster University launch research into impact of defective block crisis on mental health Read More »

Derry City and Strabane District Council unanimously endorse £180m proposals for city revamp

Derry City and Strabane District Council unanimously endorsed a suite of proposals of more than £180m to revitalise Derry’s Central Riverfront Strand Road and Walled City area. The plans included the new Ulster University Innovation Centres of Excellence and School of Medicine, the creation of new public spaces and through the reorientation and reallocation of

Derry City and Strabane District Council unanimously endorse £180m proposals for city revamp Read More »

HSE says there are ‘no plans’ to move public health nurse from Fahan Health Care Centre

The HSE says there are no plans in place to see the nurse working at Fahan Health Care Centre relocated, nor is there plans to close any other health services. Concerns were sparked over the weekend that those in the area would have to travel to Buncrana to avail of healthcare services as a result.

HSE says there are ‘no plans’ to move public health nurse from Fahan Health Care Centre Read More »

Grants available for farmers to conserve traditional farm buildings

Grants ranging from €4,000 – €30,000 are available to farmers for the conservation of County Donegal’s traditional farm buildings from the Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The aim of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme is to ensure that buildings that contribute to landscape character and are

Grants available for farmers to conserve traditional farm buildings Read More »

Coroner to write NI SoS calling on British Government to establish public enquiry into Seán Brown death

A coroner is to write to Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State calling on the British Government to set up a public inquiry into the death of Seán Brown. The senior GAA official in Northern Ireland was abducted and killed by loyalists in 1997 as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Derry.

Coroner to write NI SoS calling on British Government to establish public enquiry into Seán Brown death Read More »

74% of students who graduated in 2021 employed within first year

74% of students who graduated in 2021 were in employment in the first year after graduation. That’s up from 62% in 2016. The largest employment sectors were wholesale and retail trade; accommodation and food; and health and welfare. The median weekly income for men graduating in 2021 was €375, while for women it was €345.

74% of students who graduated in 2021 employed within first year Read More »

‘Tearing down of referendum posters undemocratic’ – Mary T Sweeney

The tearing down of posters urging a No, No vote in Friday’s referendum is undemocratic. That’s according to Letterkenny Aontú representative, Mary T Sweeney whose posters have been removed in a number of areas. She says the actions of those responsible is totally unacceptable. Ms Sweeney says people deserve to express their views:

‘Tearing down of referendum posters undemocratic’ – Mary T Sweeney Read More »

Pre-hospital emergency care on Arranmore Island is getting a huge boost today

Pre-hospital emergency care on Arranmore Island is getting a huge boost today. A new replacement ambulance vehicle is being delivered while an emergency care information sheet is being distributed to every home on the island and 10 volunteer islanders will receive Emergency First Responder Certificates from the National Ambulance Service. John Joe McGowan, General Manager

Pre-hospital emergency care on Arranmore Island is getting a huge boost today Read More »

Campaign groups’ 100% redress definition to be unveiled at public meeting tonight

What defective block campaign groups believe to be the proper definition of 100% redress is to be unveiled tonight. A public meeting is being held tonight at An Grianan Hotel, Burt at 7pm as part of a joint initiative being led by the Mica Action Group, Redress Focus Groups and 100% Redress No Less. The

Campaign groups’ 100% redress definition to be unveiled at public meeting tonight Read More »

Three motorists arrested in Letterkenny for driving under influence

Gardai in Donegal have issued another stark warning to never ever drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It comes as three motorists were arrested in the Letterkenny area yesterday after being found to be driving under the influence. During a Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoint, one driver was arrested on suspicion of drink driving

Three motorists arrested in Letterkenny for driving under influence Read More »

Biodiversity Action Plan to be drawn up in Dunlewey

A Biodiversity Action Plan is to be developed for Dunlewey. Under the latest round of funding from the government’s National Biodiversity Fund, Cairde na hEaraigle has been allocated €4,000 towards drawing up a plan. So far, 213 plans have been completed nationally under the programme, which is supported by the Community Foundation Ireland and National

Biodiversity Action Plan to be drawn up in Dunlewey Read More »

DCC urged to carry out an audit of Inishowen beaches to determine extent of coastal erosion

Donegal County Council is being urged to carry out an audit of coastal erosion at beaches in Inishowen. Councillor Albert Doherty says measures need to be put in place to ensure safe access to beaches in the peninsula. He also backed a proposal by Councillor Martin McDermott that a meeting be held with the OPW

DCC urged to carry out an audit of Inishowen beaches to determine extent of coastal erosion Read More »

Water mains repair works may lead to supply disruption in Rathmullan

Uisce Eireann say water mains repair works may cause supply disruptions in Rathmullan and surrounding areas this morning. The works are scheduled to take place from 8am until midday, with people being advised it may be two to three hours after the estimated restoration time before supplies are fully back to normal.

Water mains repair works may lead to supply disruption in Rathmullan Read More »