Author name: highlandnews

Former Donegal Councillor criticises Presidential election process

Meanwhile, a former Donegal councillor has criticised the Presidential election process. To be eligible for the Presidency, you must be an Irish citizen aged 35 or older, and must be nominated by at least 20 Oireachtas members or 4 local authorities. Former Independent Councillor Nicholas Crossan says he was shocked that Fine Gael put the

Former Donegal Councillor criticises Presidential election process Read More »

Smartphone filmmaking training to be made available to young people in Donegal

Smartphone filmmaking training is to be made available to young people in Donegal. Póca Productions and Donegal County Council’s PEACEPLUS Partnership have launched the New Horizons Countywide Programme. This New Horizons Programme is one of 32 PEACEPLUS programmes managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and is part of Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan.

Smartphone filmmaking training to be made available to young people in Donegal Read More »

75% of people south of the border have knowledge about end of life care

Three quarters of people south of the border have knowledge about end-of life care. This compares to around two thirds of people north of the border, in key findings for Palliative Care Week. Overall, the island is ahead of other countries with its knowledge about palliative care. All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care

75% of people south of the border have knowledge about end of life care Read More »

Police in Tyrone appealing for information after theft of power tools

Police in Tyrone are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of the theft of power tools from a shed in Newtownstewart on Saturday. It’s understood entry was forced into a shed in the Drumlegagh Road North area overnight and a number of power tools were taken. Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who was in

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Programme of events announced for Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter’s Culture Night

Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter has announced the programme of events for Culture Night. The event is taking place on Friday September 19th at No. 3 Church Lane and the yard behind. Culture Night celebrates the heritage, theatre and live music in the heart of Letterkenny’s cultural district. Between 6 and 10pm at No. 3 Church Lane,

Programme of events announced for Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter’s Culture Night Read More »

100% Redress Councillor slams concrete levy that has funded 33% of payments

A 100% Redress Councillor has criticised the funding of the defective concrete remediation scheme through a concrete levy. A Freedom of Information request was submitted by the party in regards to the levy, which was introduced by the Government to help fund the enhanced defective concrete grant scheme. This saw 5% added to the cost

100% Redress Councillor slams concrete levy that has funded 33% of payments Read More »

Heather Humphreys inches ahead in race to become President

Heather Humphreys has inched ahead in the race to become president, according to the latest opinion poll. Asked which likely candidate they’d vote for, 21 per cent of respondents said they’d back Fine Gael’s candidate, with 20 per cent supporting Catherine Connolly and Jim Gavin respectively. 39 per cent said they don’t know, according to

Heather Humphreys inches ahead in race to become President Read More »

Tánaiste claims online threats to his family are part of pattern to “intimidate” him out of public office

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said online threats to him and his family are a clear and sinister pattern to “intimidate” him out of public office. The Garda’s Special Detective Unit, which investigates threats to the State, is carrying out a criminal investigation and has taken a statement from Mr Harris and the member of his

Tánaiste claims online threats to his family are part of pattern to “intimidate” him out of public office Read More »

School secretaries and caretakers’ strike suspended to allow for talks on potential deal

The school secretaries and caretakers’ strike has been suspended to allow for talks on a potential deal. Fórsa has confirmed strike action will be withdrawn to allow the implementation of the Workplace Relations Commission agreement. The key element of the agreement is a Government commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers.

School secretaries and caretakers’ strike suspended to allow for talks on potential deal Read More »

Those withholding information in Kyran Durnin case may face criminal charges

The Garda Commissioner has said anyone withholding information in relation to the case of Kyran Durnin could face criminal charges. The boy, who would now be nine years old, was reported missing from his home in Drogheda in August of last year. The case was soon upgraded to a murder investigation. It’s understood a number

Those withholding information in Kyran Durnin case may face criminal charges Read More »

Witness appeal after electronic sign vandalised outside Raphoe

A local hardware company has made a witness appeal after their electronic sign was damaged outside Raphoe overnight. In a social media post, Watson Hire showed pictures of the spray-painted VMS board at Whitecross, with white paint also thrown over the base. They are now asking the public to help them find those responsible. Watson

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Public consultation period for two Donegal Greenways extended

The public consultation period for two Greenways in Donegal has been extended. The emerging preferred route for both the Carrigans to Lifford Greenway and the Three Trees to Carndonagh Greenway has been identified. The public consultation on the Carrigans to Lifford Greenway and the Three Trees to Carndonagh Greenway has been extended until the end

Public consultation period for two Donegal Greenways extended Read More »

New Deputy Principal appointed to Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Béal an Átha Móir

Donegal ETB has appointed a new Deputy Principal to Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Béal an Átha Móir. Ms Sinéad Ní Dhochartaigh replaces Ms Aoife de Náis, who recently moved to a Deputy Principal post in Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny. Originally from Glenfin and a former pupil of the school, Sinéad holds a Bachelor of Arts

New Deputy Principal appointed to Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Béal an Átha Móir Read More »

Donegal Woman wins EirGrid Community Hero Volunteer Competition

A Donegal woman has won EirGrid’s Community Hero Volunteer competition. The state-owned company charged with securing the transition of Ireland’s electricity grid to a low-carbon future, and official timing partner of the GAA and Camogie Championships, has named Mary Cooke of Naomh Bríd GAA, Laghey, as its 2025 winner. Despite being a non-native of the

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Sister of Creeslough explosion victim says families ‘have lived a merry-go-round of uncertainty’

The sister of Jessica Gallagher, who was one of 10 people who died in the Creeslough explosion, says she and her family have lived a merry-go-round of uncertainty since that fateful day in October 2022. Lisa Gallagher says she and the relatives of other victims of the tragedy are still waiting for answers as to

Sister of Creeslough explosion victim says families ‘have lived a merry-go-round of uncertainty’ Read More »

Extension and refurbishment of Donegal Hospice progressing

The extension and refurbishment of the Donegal Hospice is progressing. It’s been confirmed that the project is now at a detailed design stage. A planning application for the works, which include the construction of four new apartments at the facility for patients and families, as well as the provision of additional rooms for physiotherapy, occupational

Extension and refurbishment of Donegal Hospice progressing Read More »

Insurance firm seeking High Court direction in dispute over Creeslough explosion insurance claims

An insurance firm is to seek High Court direction in settling a dispute over insurance claims relating to the Creeslough explosion. It’s understood, following the tragedy in October 2022, Vivo Shell Ltd, a company controlled by Danny Martin Lafferty and Annette Lafferty and the owner of the complex overall, claimed losses arising from the explosion

Insurance firm seeking High Court direction in dispute over Creeslough explosion insurance claims Read More »

NI domestic abuse victims call for tougher sanctions against their abusers

Domestic abuse victims across Northern Ireland are calling for tougher sanctions against those convicted of violence against women. Almost 30 people have been killed since 2020 in the North – one of the worst rates in Europe. Several of those deaths have been in Derry and the North West. Abigail Lyle’s ex-partner Jonathan Creswell was

NI domestic abuse victims call for tougher sanctions against their abusers Read More »

County councilors should be free to back independent presidential candidates – Cllr Scanlon

A local councilor says the process through which potential independent presidential candidates go through to get their name on the ballot is unfair. The prospective candidates must garner the support of four local authorities based on a majority vote, which is difficult to achieve when parties have their own candidates in the race. Cllr Martin

County councilors should be free to back independent presidential candidates – Cllr Scanlon Read More »

SIPTU urges minister to intervene in Donegal ISPCA redundancies row

  SIPTU is urging Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon to intervene in the situation surrounding the proposed closure of the ISPCA’s rehabilitation centre in Ballyare, County Donegal. The union has been involved in discussions with the association about its plans ahead of a forthcoming merger between the ISPCA and DSPCA.   However, organiser, Peter O’Brien, says

SIPTU urges minister to intervene in Donegal ISPCA redundancies row Read More »

No ‘one off’ payments in Budget 2026 – Donohoe

The Finance Minister insists there will be no once-off payments in the budget. Previous budgets included lump-sum payments for child benefit, as well as energy credits for all households. In March, wholesale electricity prices were still 52 percent higher than the same time last year, according to the CSO. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, says the

No ‘one off’ payments in Budget 2026 – Donohoe Read More »

Government and TUSLA questioned on response to case of missing boy

The Children’s Ombudsman is expressing shock a child who was known to Tusla could have disappeared four years ago. The young boy is now feared dead. Niall Muldoon says he’s extremely concerned that the only response from the Government and Tusla so far to the case has been to refer it to the National Review

Government and TUSLA questioned on response to case of missing boy Read More »

Tanaiste to outline progress on framework to address NI legacy issues

The Tánaiste will deliver an update today on a framework agreement with the UK government to address legacy issues in the North. Simon Harris will detail the progress so far, in his speech at the British Irish Association Conference in Oxford. He’ll discuss approaches including tackling paramilitarism and addressing the legacy of historic violence across

Tanaiste to outline progress on framework to address NI legacy issues Read More »

ASTI calls on government to address issues raised by striking school secretaries and caretakers

The ASTI is calling on the Education and Public Expenditure Ministers to take immediate action to end the ongoing strike by secretaries and caretakers. The strike, which has caused significant disruption in schools, is centred around access to public service pensions and other entitlements. Over 115 teachers in Donegal are involved in action at almost

ASTI calls on government to address issues raised by striking school secretaries and caretakers Read More »

Over £27,000 allocated to help Derry City and Strabane District Council tackle chewing gum problem

Funding of £27,500 has been allocated to Derry City and Strabane District Council to help tackle the “unsightly chewing gum problem”. The council successfully applied to the Chewing Gum Task Force Grant Scheme, which is open to councils who wish to clean up gum in their local areas and invest in long-term behaviour change to

Over £27,000 allocated to help Derry City and Strabane District Council tackle chewing gum problem Read More »

Derry City and Strabane Police issue traffic advice as events take place today and tomorrow

Derry City and Strabane police have urged motorists to take extra caution as a number of events will be taking place today and tomorrow. Band parades are scheduled to take place in Newbuildings this evening; the first from 7.30pm until 8.15pm and a second, larger parade from 8.30pm until 11pm. Diversions will be in place

Derry City and Strabane Police issue traffic advice as events take place today and tomorrow Read More »

Nominations open in Donegal for the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards

The Heritage Council has announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards. Communities, organisations, and individuals across Donegal are invited to submit nominations to recognise the most engaging projects and events presented during National Heritage Week. This year’s National Heritage Week was the biggest yet, with over 2,500 events registered

Nominations open in Donegal for the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards Read More »

Health Minister refuses to give estimated completion date for National Children’s Hospital

The Minister for Health says she won’t give a date “that moves the dial” for the builders of the National Children’s Hospital. It’s reported the completion date has been pushed to the end of November, despite previous commitments to finish the job this month. It would be the 15th time the €2.2 billion project has

Health Minister refuses to give estimated completion date for National Children’s Hospital Read More »

Police in Derry becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ for the whereabouts of missing girl

Police in Derry say they are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ for the whereabouts of missing Ciara Quigley. Ciara was last seen in Irish Street area of the city on Tuesday evening. She was last seen wearing light blue jeans, a black jacket and black DM boots. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI on

Police in Derry becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ for the whereabouts of missing girl Read More »