Author name: highlandnews

New ‘Culture and Creativity Strategy’ launched in Donegal

Donegal County Council’s Creative Ireland team has launched a Culture and Creativity Strategy intended to foster more support for creativity throughout the county. As well as larger projects such as the cultural corridor in Letterkenny to connect, the strategy is seeking to support smaller projects which wouldn’t otherwise get off the ground. Maureen Kerr, acting

New ‘Culture and Creativity Strategy’ launched in Donegal Read More »

New Cathedral Quarter signage to be installed in Letterkenny

New signage is to be erected at Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter. The current signage in the area of the Court House and Lower Main Street reads ‘Ecclesiastical Quarter’. In one case a visitor to the town could not initially locate the Cathedral Quarter due to the wrong signage being in place. Councillor Donal Mandy Kelly, a

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Former Stormont Finance Minister says regional balance must be a priority

Former Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy says promoting regional balance a priority for Sinn Féin in a new Executive. Mr Murphy, who is the Sinn Fein Economy Spokesperson in the North was addressing a business briefing in Donegal this morning. Speaking after meeting with local businesses at a cross border event in Burt this morning,

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‘Everyone must come together to save lives on our roads’ – Ryan

The Transport Minister says a combined effort must be made to tackle the rising number of road deaths. 168 people have died on Irish roads so far this year, nine of them in Donegal. This week, the Taoiseach met with Government Ministers, Gardaí, transport agencies and people who have lost loved ones to discuss how

‘Everyone must come together to save lives on our roads’ – Ryan Read More »

424 Vacant Property Grant applications received in Donegal since July last year

Donegal County Council says it has received 424 applications for Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants. Of those, 150 have been approved and 16 rejected. Four of the applicants have completed the works and these are currently being processed for payment, with one fully paid at this stage. In the Dail this week, Deputy Pearse Doherty claimed

424 Vacant Property Grant applications received in Donegal since July last year Read More »

DCC again urged to bring in its own OTs and Social Workers

Donegal County is again being urged to bring in Occupational Therapists from outside of the HSE to address a delay in the processing of Housing Adaptation Grants. At a Housing SPC meeting this week, Cllr Michael Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig said some people are being driven to commission their own reports privately, because the HSE cannot

DCC again urged to bring in its own OTs and Social Workers Read More »

INMO industrial action will not help overcrowding – Health Minister

Industrial action by front line staff will do nothing to help the overcrowding situation in hospitals. That’s according to the Minister for Health, who says efforts are already being made to tackle the crisis. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is considering industrial action, as over five hundred patients are now on trolleys. Minister Stephen

INMO industrial action will not help overcrowding – Health Minister Read More »

Ballylast NS continues to lobby for road safety improvements

Ballylast National School in Castlefinn is continuing to lobby for road safety improvements to be carried out outside the school. Concerns have repeatedly been raised over the speed at which motorists are travelling on the route between Lifford and Castlefinn. Flashing lights are in place to alert drivers but its claimed they are not being

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Files found in St Conal’s Hospital not from hospital flood – PRO Friends of LUH confirms

Claims patient files found in St Conal’s Hospital, Letterkenny were ones that had been transferred to the abandoned building in the aftermath of the flooding of Letterkenny University Hospital in 2013 have been refuted. A video was circulated on social media this week by a man who had gained access to St Conal’s Hospital and

Files found in St Conal’s Hospital not from hospital flood – PRO Friends of LUH confirms Read More »

Garda investigation underway into allegations of corruption within Council

A Garda investigation is continuing into allegations of corruption within Donegal County Council. Councillor Frank McBrearty made allegations of corruption by the Council in relation to the purchase of properties in Buncrana. Five houses, some of which were found to have deleterious materials in their blocks were purchased by Donegal County Council in An Crannla

Garda investigation underway into allegations of corruption within Council Read More »

Man arrested in connection with attempted murder of police officers in Strabane released

A man arrested as part of an ongoing operation into the attempted murder of police officers in Strabane has been released. The 59-year-old man was arrested in the town yesterday under the Terrorism Act. Police have confirmed he has been released following questioning. Additionally, the man will now also be reported to the Public Prosecution

Man arrested in connection with attempted murder of police officers in Strabane released Read More »

Labour says Government has to accept staff shortage problems in schools

The Government has to accept there’s a problem with staff shortages in primary schools across the country, according to Labour. The party’s Education spokesperson Aodháin Ó Ríordáin says there are around 800 posts unfilled across the primary school system. Primary schools are facing staffing and financial challenges. Deputy Ó Ríordáin is ‘extremely concerned’ the Department

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Health Minister to visit LUH next week

The Health Minister is to visit Letterkenny University Hospital next week. Minister Stephen Donnelly is expected to meet with GP representatives, hospital staff representatives and hospital management on Friday. It’s on the back of concerns raised by Donegal GPs and hospital consultants over patient safety in the Emergency Department. A previous meeting with Minister Donnelly

Health Minister to visit LUH next week Read More »

Modular Home manufacturing plant could be established in Inishowen

Donegal County Council’s Housing SPC has been told that the authority is open to the use of modular homes, particularly ones with a long term guarantee. Members were also told the council has met with two providers who are interested in providing modular homes, one of whom is interested in exploring the possibility of establishing

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No Vacant Property Grants drawn down in either Donegal or Cork – Doherty

The Government’s vacant property refurbishment grant scheme has failed to deliver, according to Sinn Fein. Figures from the Department of Housing show 4,640 applications have been made for the grant, with 1,975 being approved since the scheme came into effect in July 2022. However only twenty-one grants have been drawn down, with 16 being provided

No Vacant Property Grants drawn down in either Donegal or Cork – Doherty Read More »

Health and Social Care Recruitment Fair in Buncrana next week

A Health and Social Care Recruitment and Education Fair will take place in Buncrana on Tuesday of next week. The event, the first of its kind, will highlight numerous opportunities that are available within the HSE locally from entry level positions to more professional roles. There will also be advice and presentations on education and

Health and Social Care Recruitment Fair in Buncrana next week Read More »

Scottish minister’s £12,000 roaming bill explained

Scotland’s health secretary’s admitted a huge roaming bill for his parliamentary iPad was down to his children watching football during a holiday in Morocco. Michael Matheson says he’s repaid the over 12-thousand euro fee. In a statement to MSPs, he’s explained why he made no mention of his family using the device during his initial

Scottish minister’s £12,000 roaming bill explained Read More »

Gardai and PSNI team up for cross border speed tackling operation

The PSNI and An Garda Síochána are teaming up today – for a first of its kind cross border road safety operation to tackle speeding. The aim is to reduce the number of road deaths. Garda Superintendent David Kelly’s at a checkpoint straddling Donegal and Derry. He explains what’s involved in today’s road safety operation:

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Ceann Comhairle intervenes as Doherty and McGrath clash over Gaza

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty clashed with Finance Minister Michael McGrath in the Dail this afternoon over Ireland’s decision not to refer Israel’s actions in Gaza to the International Criminal Court. Deputy Doherty contrasted that the Ireland’s referral of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, accusing the government of adopting double standards. Minister McGrath denied that,

Ceann Comhairle intervenes as Doherty and McGrath clash over Gaza Read More »

Disappointment in Donegal at rejection of motion to expel Israeli Ambassador

The Co-Chair of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign in Donegal has expressed his disappointment that a motion seeking the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland was rejected by the majority of TDs. The Social Democrats’ put forward a motion demanding that the diplomatic credentials of Dana Erlich be revoked. Eyad, speaking on today’s Nine

Disappointment in Donegal at rejection of motion to expel Israeli Ambassador Read More »

LUH seeking ED extension to provide alternative access for mental health patients

Letterkenny University Hospital is seeking a two storey modular extension for it’s Emergency Department. Councillor Gerry McMonagle confirmed the plans at this week’s meeting of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District. It will provide alternative access for children and people with mental health issues attending the ED. This has been welcomed by the Cathaoirleach of the

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Man arrested in connection with attempted murder of police officers in Strabane

A man has been arrested today in connection with the attempted murder of two police officers in Strabane in November of last year. The 59 year old was arrested in Strabane under the Terrorism Act and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning. Police say investigations into the attack on the police officers continues.

Man arrested in connection with attempted murder of police officers in Strabane Read More »

Report on proposed changes to pub licensing to be published today

A major report on the proposed changes to pub licensing laws is being published today. The Oireachtas Justice Committee has been examining the changes being proposed by Minister Helen McEntee. There are suggestions to stagger and extend opening hours for nightclubs and late bars. Member of the Committee PA Daly says there would have to

Report on proposed changes to pub licensing to be published today Read More »

Three men arrested in Derry in connection with terrorism activity released

Three men arrested in Derry yesterday in relation to terrorist activity have been released. The three arrested men, aged 45, 30 and 19, have been released unconditionally. Police say the investigation continues. Separately, the 45-year-old man will also be reported to the Public Prosecution Service in respect of one count of assault on police.

Three men arrested in Derry in connection with terrorism activity released Read More »

OPW urgently urged to construct slipway for emergency access onto Lough Swilly

The OPW is being urged to urgently identify and construct an access site to facilitate the launch of boats by emergency services onto the River Swilly in Letterkenny. As it stands, rescue services have to travel to Ramelton to gain access to the river via boat when deployed during a search and rescue operation. Councillor

OPW urgently urged to construct slipway for emergency access onto Lough Swilly Read More »

Time for independent safety review of Kilmacrennan junction – Cllr O’Donnell

Donegal County Council is being urged to take matters into their own hands to tackle serious safety concerns at a junction in Kilmacrennan. There has been yet another crash at the junction where the road through Kilmacrennan intersects with the N56. Councillor John O’Donnell has warned that people’s lives remain at risk while the Council

Time for independent safety review of Kilmacrennan junction – Cllr O’Donnell Read More »

Councillor raises Palestinian flags at Dungloe PSC

As the Dail debates a motion from the Social Democrats calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled, a Donegal councillor has erected two Palestinian flags outside the Public Services Centre in Dungloe. Having successfully moved a motion at a meeting yesterday about raising the Palestinian flag, Cllr Michael Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig was told the

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DOH opens consultation on re-introducing Car Parking charges in NI hospitals

The North’s Department of Health has launched a public consultation on the reintroduction of hospital charges, six months before they are due to be scrapped. Under legislation passed by the previous assembly, charges will be abolished in May of next year. However, the department says doing so will mean less money for health and social

DOH opens consultation on re-introducing Car Parking charges in NI hospitals Read More »

Boil Water Notice issued for Cranford, Carrigart and Downings

A boil water notice has been issued for households and businesses in the Cranford, Carrigart and Downings areas. Uisce Eireann says areas that are served by the Cranford Public Water Supply are at risk due to operational issues at the treatment plant works. Following advice from the Health Service Executive, Uisce Eireann is issuing a

Boil Water Notice issued for Cranford, Carrigart and Downings Read More »

McConalogue says progress is being made in meeting agriculture emission targets

Momentum is needed to see agriculture align with climate goals. That’s one of the key messages as 500 agri-food delegates meet today for a conference on the latest climate policy developments. One focus is on the use of science and technology to help reach the 2030 51 per cent emissions reduction targets. Agriculture Minister Charlie

McConalogue says progress is being made in meeting agriculture emission targets Read More »

John McGinley Coaches spending €4 million on a new fleet of buses

John McGinley Coach Travel in Magheroarty, Co. Donegal, have just placed a major order for 10 new state-of-the-art coaches from Volvo. This new deal, worth over €4 million, will see the family-run company add ten new custom built Volvo coaches to their fleet in the Spring. It is one of the largest individual custom orders

John McGinley Coaches spending €4 million on a new fleet of buses Read More »