Author name: highlandnews

Future plans for Donegal ISPCA building remain unclear

Future plans for the Donegal ISPCA building in Ballyare remain unclear. The organisation says the closure of the centre is not related to the proposed merger with the DSPCA but rather a decision based on it no longer being financially viable. A demonstration, organised by Donegal SPCA, will take place outside the centre at 2:30pm […]

Future plans for Donegal ISPCA building remain unclear Read More »

Cathaoirleach urges Council to take preventative action to deter diffing events

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council says action must be taken to prevent diffing events taking over towns in the county and instilling fear in local residents. Over the weekend, residents in Killea felt terrorised during a diffing event which saw around 50 cars and 100 spectators descend on the village. Councillor Paul Canning says

Cathaoirleach urges Council to take preventative action to deter diffing events Read More »

ISPCA says closure of Donegal centre is not related to proposed DSPCA merger

The ISPCA has stated that the closure of its Donegal centre is not related to the proposed merger with the DSPCA. Instead, the organisation says it is a decision taken with regard to its immediate viability. The centre in Ballyare is due to close tomorrow. The ISPCA says it has faced a number of serious

ISPCA says closure of Donegal centre is not related to proposed DSPCA merger Read More »

RSA delivers on Driving Test Action Plan to reduce waiting times

The Road Safety Authority says it’s ‘delivered’ on its Driving Test Action Plan, reducing waiting times to a 10-week average. From June to August, it conducted more than 74,000 driving tests, which is a 17% increase on the same period last year. It says applications remain at record levels, with 192,373 driving test applications received

RSA delivers on Driving Test Action Plan to reduce waiting times Read More »

Meeting with Glenties Councillors and Uisce Éireann described as “frustrating”

A meeting with West Donegal Councillors and Uisce Eireann yesterday has been described as “frustrating”. The meeting had been postponed a number of times and took place in Donegal Town. Cllr Michael McClafferty was in attendance. He says, while progress is being made in some areas, the lack of answers from Uisce Eireann led to

Meeting with Glenties Councillors and Uisce Éireann described as “frustrating” Read More »

Government urged to make more provisions for social housing in Donegal

The government is being urged to make more provisions for social housing in Donegal, particularly in light of the defective block crisis, with a remediation scheme for social homes expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Cllr Thomas Sean Devine raised the issue of housing stock, saying there are many second hand homes for

Government urged to make more provisions for social housing in Donegal Read More »

Ireland’s population could reach over 7.5 million by 2065

Ireland’s population could grow much faster than previously expected, according to a new Department of Finance report. In a high growth scenario, there would be over 7.5 million people living here by 2065. The report also states Government departments should be prepared for a high-case migration scenario, to avoid potential infrastructure shortfalls in the future.

Ireland’s population could reach over 7.5 million by 2065 Read More »

Meeting in Letterkenny hopes to push for rail connectivity in Donegal

It’s hoped a meeting being held in Letterkenny can push for rail connectivity in Donegal. The West Ulster Rail Initiative is holding its Annual General Meeting at the Station House in Letterkenny at 7.30pm. The WURI says the current plight experienced by drivers in traffic congested cities and towns means trains are needed in Donegal

Meeting in Letterkenny hopes to push for rail connectivity in Donegal Read More »

Funding announced for preliminary studies in Magheraroarty and its environs

A West Donegal councillor is welcoming news that money is being provided by government for a number of studies in the Magheraroarty area. Cllr Dennis McGee says his hope is that this will be the precursor to a masterplan for the area, something that’s been sought for several years. Cllr McGee, who’s been involved in

Funding announced for preliminary studies in Magheraroarty and its environs Read More »

COO of Irish Cancer Society says there’s more scope for research projects at LUH

The Chief Operations Officer with the Irish Cancer Society says there is scope for more research to be conducted at Letterkenny University Hospital. Edel Shovlin, a native of Donegal, was speaking at a function during which a cheque for almost €223,000 was handed over by Relay for Life Donegal, the proceeds of this year’s event.

COO of Irish Cancer Society says there’s more scope for research projects at LUH Read More »

Brogan calls for workshop to discuss multi-agency approach to traffic calming

The Mayor of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District says it’s time for an honest and open discussion about what can and can’t be done to improve traffic management. Cllr Ciaran Brogan is proposing a Special Roads Workshop to discuss the whole area of traffic calming, with a focus on what measures would be appropriate for each

Brogan calls for workshop to discuss multi-agency approach to traffic calming Read More »

HSE urging people to look at its online suicide prevention programme

  The HSE is highlighting its online suicide prevention training programme – to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The award winning FREE training programme helps show how to spot the signs of suicide, and provide support. The HSE’s John Meehan, is Head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention. He says we can help save

HSE urging people to look at its online suicide prevention programme Read More »

Both NW hospitals are operating at ‘unsafe’ bed capacity levels

31 public hospitals are operating at unsafe bed occupancy levels, according to figures published in the Irish Times this morning. It’s recommended that hospitals should operate at 85% bed capacity. However, the national level for the first half of this year was 95.9%, up from 94.2% over th same period last year. The Letterkenny University

Both NW hospitals are operating at ‘unsafe’ bed capacity levels Read More »

Children’s Rights Alliance launches campaign to end child poverty

The Children’s Rights Alliance is calling on the Government to place a specific focus on educational disadvantage in Budget 2026. The Alliance wants funding to support the development of a pilot DEIS Plus Programme to ensure supports for children who experience the highest levels of deprivation in the country. The Children’s Rights Alliance is launching

Children’s Rights Alliance launches campaign to end child poverty Read More »

Letterkenny MD backs call for enforcement order against Ramelton food van to be suspended pending new by-laws

Members of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District have backed a motion from Cllr Pauric McGarvey asking that Donegal County Council refrain from escalating the enforcement order against the Johnny’s Ranch Catering Van in Ramelton. Cllr McGarvey argued that the order should be suspended until new casual trading by-laws are agreed and in place. Cllr Liam Blaney

Letterkenny MD backs call for enforcement order against Ramelton food van to be suspended pending new by-laws Read More »

Calls for ramps to be installed at Wood Park, Letterkenny after toddler had a narrow escape

Letterkenny Municipal District has been told a toddler had a narrow escape recently at Wood Park in Lismonaghan. Cllr Gerry McMonagle told a meeting that the two and a half year old would have been hit by a speeding car, and it was only the fact that the child’s father grabbed him and pulled him

Calls for ramps to be installed at Wood Park, Letterkenny after toddler had a narrow escape Read More »

Variable Message Sign damaged near Raphoe on the Letterkenny to Lifford Road

A Variable Message Sign has been attacked in a criminal damage incident in the Whitecross area of Raphoe. Paint was sprayed on the sign, which was advertising a local event between 9pm on Friday evening and  7am on Saturday morning. Paint was also thrown over the sign. Gardai are urging anyone who may have travelled at

Variable Message Sign damaged near Raphoe on the Letterkenny to Lifford Road Read More »

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly visiting Donegal this week

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly is visiting Donegal this week. The Independent TD is due to travel to the county on Thursday and Friday. Ms Connolly’s trip will include visits to Arranmore Island, Gaoth Dobhair, Milford, Buncrana, Malin Head, Letterkenny, Ballybofey, the Glenties Harvest Fair, Ardara, and Donegal town. She says she is looking forward to

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly visiting Donegal this week Read More »

Conor McGregor officially writes to Donegal County Council, seeking support in Presidential bid

Conor McGregor has officially written to Donegal County Council seeking nomination to run in the Presidential election. In his letter to the Chief Executive of the Council on September 5th, he says he believes now is the time for an independent, people-first voice to enter Áras an Uachtaráin, one that reflects the values, struggles, and

Conor McGregor officially writes to Donegal County Council, seeking support in Presidential bid Read More »

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty doesn’t rule himself out as SF’s Presidential election candidate

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has refused to rule himself out as Sinn Féin’s Presidential Election candidate. The party’s leader Mary Lou McDonald confirmed yesterday she won’t be the party’s candidate. Sinn Féin’s process of selecting a nominee will be brought to members on the 20th September. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s name has been

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty doesn’t rule himself out as SF’s Presidential election candidate Read More »

Rail will return to Donegal, but not in my lifetime – Canning

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council has said he doesn’t believe he will see rail restored to Donegal in his lifetime, but believes it will happen in the future. Cllr Paul Canning was speaking after Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council met with Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, in relation

Rail will return to Donegal, but not in my lifetime – Canning Read More »

European fish producers meeting in Killybegs this week

European fishing leaders are gathering in Killybegs this week, with a challenge to new EU control rules high on the agenda. The AGM of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations opens tomorrow at Ireland’s largest fishing port. The meeting is hosted by the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation. Delegates from

European fish producers meeting in Killybegs this week Read More »

DCC should request garda help with traffic management in Letterkenny – Devine

Donegal County Council is being asked to formally ask for gardai to be deployed on key roundabouts in Letterkenny to help regulate traffic. The issue will be raised at a meeting of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District this afternoon by Cllr Thomas Sean Devine, who says immediate steps are needed. Cllr Devine says the reality is

DCC should request garda help with traffic management in Letterkenny – Devine Read More »

Cllr Terry Crossan elected Chair of Donegal ETB

Cllr Terry Crossan was today elected Chairperson of the Donegal Education and Training Board,  with Cllr Declan Meehan elected as Deputy Chair. They replace outgoing Chairperson Cllr Donal Coyle and outgoing Deputy Chairperson Patsy McVicar. In 2024 over 34,000 students availed of education and training through Donegal ETB. Chief Executive Anne McHugh says it’s wonderful

Cllr Terry Crossan elected Chair of Donegal ETB Read More »

2,185 children on waiting lists for childcare places in Donegal – NWC

Latest figures from Pobal show there were 2,185 children on waiting lists for childcare places in Donegal at the end of last year, with childcare costing just under €180 per week for one child in full time care. The National Women’s Council is now urging Government to use Budget 2026 to deliver a transformative shift

2,185 children on waiting lists for childcare places in Donegal – NWC Read More »

Calls for road to be realigned at Clar Corner following two-vehicle collision

Concerns have been raised about Clar Corner following a collision yesterday. The two-vehicle crash occurred at Ballyratten at approximately 2.45pm. Two people were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital as a precaution. The area is known to be a dangerous location for drivers. Cllr Martin Farren says the road needs to be realigned before somebody is

Calls for road to be realigned at Clar Corner following two-vehicle collision Read More »

Over €2.6 million secured for Donegal Retrofit Mission Project

The Donegal Retrofit Mission Project is set to boost the ongoing establishment of an Energy Agency for the North West. Donegal County Council and the North West Energy Agency have secured €2.66m in Project Development Services financing through the ELENA Facility under the InvestEU Advisory Hub. The North West Energy Agency (NWEA) was established by

Over €2.6 million secured for Donegal Retrofit Mission Project Read More »

LUH third most overcrowded hospital in the country this morning

Letterkenny University Hospital is the third most overcrowded hospital in the country this morning. According to the INMO, 38 patients are waiting on beds at the hospital. 12 were on trolleys in the Emergency Department, with the remaining 26 waiting on a ward elsewhere. University Hospital Limerick is the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland, with

LUH third most overcrowded hospital in the country this morning Read More »

Killea community “terrorised” by Saturday night diffing

It’s claimed the Killea community was “terrorised” by diffing on Saturday night. Gardaí received a report of a gathering of motorists where alleged dangerous and illegal manoeuvres were carried out at Kildrum Upper, Carrigans at approximately 12:50am. They attended the location and dispersed the cars and onlookers, saying “no offence was caused”. Speaking to Michaela

Killea community “terrorised” by Saturday night diffing Read More »