Author name: highlandnews

Dáil asked for update on banks proposal to aid struggling DCB homeowners

The Dáil has been asked for an update on the banks’ proposal for an interest free loan to support defective block homeowners facing difficulty in moving forward with the remediation of their homes. The issue was raised in the Dáil this afternoon by Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty who also raised the need for the formation

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Almost €400,000 approved for Donegal Gaeltacht areas

Almost €400,000 has been approved for four Donegal Gaeltachts for the development of community initiatives and early years services. In Gweedore, Ranafast, Annagray and Loughanure, was awarded €47,320 for renovations to the Knock Fola Community Centre. Additionally over €262,000 has been approved for the Scoil Bhríde board of management for the construction of a naíonra.

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Drug debt a major problem that needs to be addressed – McMonagle

The Chair of the Donegal Joint Policing Committee has stressed the dangers of drug debts, and the risk of people being dragged into crime because of their drug use. Cllr Gerry McMonagle says families are being threatened, and in many cases, families are borrowing money to settle debts incurred by children or other relatives because

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Derry Chamber urges people to buy local and support the city centre

Derry Chamber is urging people not to write off the high street, saying the city centre has a lot to offer. It’s after recent figures suggested shoppers in the North West are concentrating their spending online. Chamber President Salina Horshi is hopeful people will buy local, and support the city centre……..

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Commercial rates increases can be avoided in 2025 – Crossan

A Donegal councillor says he believes a commercial rate increase can and should be avoided in 2025. Yesterday, Donegal County Council approved spending of over €400 million next year, with day to day spending of €185.5 million, and capital spending of €248 million anticipated. Commercial rates are not rising in 2024, although the recent revaluation

Commercial rates increases can be avoided in 2025 – Crossan Read More »

We’re expanding our News & Current Affairs team – Job Opportunity

Would you like to join the Highland Radio News and current affairs team? We are currently seeking to expand our weekend news team with options for weekday cover and other opportunities in our online and digital offerings. If you are an experienced or newly qualified journalist, why not apply to join the team in breaking

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Three Donegal animal welfare charities receive funding

Three animal charities in Donegal are to benefit from a €6 million national fund. The money announced by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue focuses on supporting charities involved in rehoming dogs and recognises that 2023 has been a particularly challenging year in terms of dog welfare and for those working to rescue, protect and rehome dogs.

Three Donegal animal welfare charities receive funding Read More »

Rally taking place outside Dail in protest at Green Paper on Disability Reform

A rally’s being staged outside the Dail this lunchtime in protest at the Government’s Green Paper on Disability Reform. Campaigners will assemble at 12 noon and hand over a petition to TDs and Senators. People Before Profit’s ‘Access for All’ activist Bernard Mulvany claims the new ‘tiered’ system of payments will force people into the

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Every household and business to benefit from DCC budget 2024 – John McLaughlin

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council says every household and business in the county will benefit from the budget decisions taken by members last evening. The council passed its revenue budget, with day to day spending of €185.5 million, and also approved capital spending of €248 million. John McLaughlin says that means over €400

Every household and business to benefit from DCC budget 2024 – John McLaughlin Read More »

Planning permission refused for Glenties wind turbines

Planning permission has not been granted for the erection of eight wind turbines in Glenties. An appeal, care of Harley Planning Consultants Ltd., to the initial decision made on last Thursday was refused. The proposed developments were in the townlands of Graffy, Meenamanragh and Dalraghan More in Glenties. It included access tracks and hardstands, underground

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DCC budget meeting adjourns with a vote expected this evening

Donegal County Council’s Budget meeting has been adjourned to allow the party whips met with the executive to clarify a number of issues. A vote is anticipated shortly. Just before the ,meeting adjourned, Cllr Frank Mc Brearty and Cathaoirleach clashed when Cllr Martin Harley accused him of using his time to address issues which had

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Donegal’s Eric Roberts features in Ireland’s top TikTok creators 2023

TikTok has announced its top creators, trends and songs among Irish users for 2023 which features a Donegal man. This year’s lists feature well-loved trends, such as the Roman Empire, girl dinner/boy dinner, and beige flag, red flag, green flag. A number of ‘breakthrough stars’ have also been recognised, including ‘Here We Go Again’ singer

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PPS do not prosecute 16 reported under Operation Kenova

The Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland has decided not to prosecute 16 individuals reported by Operation Kenova. It’s a major investigation into an army spy who infiltrated the Provisional IRA during the Troubles – known as “Stakeknife.” The probe has examined crimes such as murder and torture, and the role of security services. Our

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‘End the Freeze’ chanted at LUH gates this afternoon

The chanting of ‘End the Freeze’ and the blowing of horns was heard outside Letterkenny University Hospital today as clerical staff protested the HSE moratorium on recruitment as part of a co-ordinated national industrial action. The crowd held posters saying ‘support the workers’ and waved Forsa flags as they walked around the hospital wallls. Branch

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North West City Region showcased in Embassy of Ireland, London

Ireland’s North West City Region has been showcased in the Embassy of Ireland, London upon the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser. The objective event was to promote the North West City Region in relation to trade and investment and to demonstrate the competitive advantages of doing business in the

North West City Region showcased in Embassy of Ireland, London Read More »

Brown bins available to all households from January

Brown bins will be available to all households from January. Only 69 percent of households currently have access to a brown bin service. The service, which is mostly being extended in rural areas, is to encourage people to separate their waste properly. Spokesperson for MyWaste.ie, Pauline McDonogh, says an increased uptake will create more “green”

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‘Government should be blamed instead of immigrants for housing crisis’ – Community Links Officer, Donegal Intercultural Platform

The Community Links Officer for the Donegal Intercultural Platform says people should blame the Government rather than immigrants for the housing crisis. This week, the Department of Integration said it cannot provide accommodation to all international protection applicants. Instead people will be offered tents and sleeping bags due to a severe shortage of housing. Balume

‘Government should be blamed instead of immigrants for housing crisis’ – Community Links Officer, Donegal Intercultural Platform Read More »

Over €1m announced for Donegal sporting organisations

Finn Harps and the Letterkenny Regional Sports Activity Hub are to share over €1m in funding. The additional monies announced today by Minister Catherine Martin will see €422,000 going to the Letterkenny Regional Sports Activity Hub while Finn Harps will benefit from €693,550. Welcoming the funding, Donegal Green Party Chair, Michael White says sport is

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Failings of Tusla in case of Donegal man falsely accused of abusing his children raised in Dail

The Dail has heard how a Donegal man’s life was destroyed by failings by Tusla after being falsely accused of abusing his son and daughter. Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty raised the case of William Porter this morning and claims Tusla seemingly fabricated the allegations including the recording of a false confession which was only brought

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Man detained in Dublin in connection with string of thefts in Letterkenny

A man has been arrested in Dublin in connection with a string of thefts in Letterkenny on September 16th. Detective Gardai from Letterkenny travelled to Dublin over the weekend. The man in his 30s was detained, interviewed and charged to appear at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Monday. Gardai say enquiries will continue

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Ambulabnce, Shortage, Northern Ireland

BIPA Steering Committee corrects ‘drafting error’ which led to claim over NI ambulances response to Creeslough tragedy

The Steering Committee of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly has corrected a ‘drafting error’ which led to allegations that some ambulances from Northern Ireland were unable to cross the border into Donegal in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy. The committee has clarified that at a sitting in October this year, claims were made that individuals

BIPA Steering Committee corrects ‘drafting error’ which led to claim over NI ambulances response to Creeslough tragedy Read More »

South Donegal Deputy warns motorists can’t take more financial hits

Motorists can’t take any more financial hits according to a South Donegal Deputy. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed toll increases on ten routes around the country from January 1st. It’s the second increase in the last year with most car tolls increasing by 20 cent per journey and heavy good vehicle tolls by 30 to

South Donegal Deputy warns motorists can’t take more financial hits Read More »

New ESRI study finds Ireland has a chronic shortage of inpatient beds

Ireland has a chronic shortage of inpatient hospital beds. A new study by the ESRI suggests 1,000 beds are needed immediately to deal with the number of patients already seeking care. While 300 more beds will be needed every year to address population growth and a patient base that is getting older. The Government planned

New ESRI study finds Ireland has a chronic shortage of inpatient beds Read More »

Garda management asked to confirm that Milford will not lose gardai

The Donegal Joint Policing Committee has been told that people in Milford and its environs want reassurances that they will not lose gardai when the local station loses its district headquarters status. Cllr Michael McBride said while it’s welcome that Donegal will remain as a standalone Garda division, Milford will not be a district headquarters

Garda management asked to confirm that Milford will not lose gardai Read More »

DCC meets to consider 2024 budget with revenue spending of €185.5 million forecast

Donegal County Council meets in Lifford today to consider its draft budget for 2024. It’s envisaged the council will spend  €185,577,941 in 2024, with a new Annual Rate on Valuation of .232 following last year’s revaluation programme. In his introduction to the draft budget, Chief Executive John McLaughlin says it’s a very challenging but positive

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Housing estates yet to be taken over could get stuck applying for DCB redress scheme – Cllr. Canning

In a meeting of Inishowen MD, a county councillor has raised concerns that those living in a housing estate that is not yet taken over by the council could face lengthy waits to get on the defective concrete block redress scheme. Cllr. Paul Canning has called on the council to look into this, as there

Housing estates yet to be taken over could get stuck applying for DCB redress scheme – Cllr. Canning Read More »