Author name: highlandnews

Man shot in Derry

Investigations are underway in Derry after a man was shot last night. Shortly before 11:15pm, police received a report that the man, aged in his 20s had been shot in both legs and was found in the vicinity of Marianus Park. Detective Sergeant Ballentine says two masked men are reported to have been involved in […]

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Letterkenny mum left shaken after toddler allegedly approached by man in Town Park

A Letterkenny mother has been left shaken after her three year old son was allegedly approached and given sweets by a man in the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park. Emma’s son became unsettled and when she went to investigate she found a pile of sweets accompanied by a note reading ‘for kids, from Santa’ at the

Letterkenny mum left shaken after toddler allegedly approached by man in Town Park Read More »

Council urged to ensure second water tanker is located in Inishowen

Donegal County Council is coming under pressure from Councillors in the Inishowen Municipal District to ensure a water tanker that is currently on order is located in the peninsula. There have been calls for many years for such a resource for Inishowen to back up the fire service. There was huge disappointment when a much

Council urged to ensure second water tanker is located in Inishowen Read More »

Minister Rabbitte aware of significant CDNT staffing gaps in Donegal

The Minister of State for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth says she is aware that there are significant staffing gaps across three Children’s Development Network Teams in Donegal. Minister Anne Rabbitte recently visited the county to discuss various challenges in the area. Minister Anne Rabbitte has fully acknowledged the impact staffing shortages in Donegal

Minister Rabbitte aware of significant CDNT staffing gaps in Donegal Read More »

Investigations continue as shoplifting gang target Letterkenny

An organised crime gang has made off with thousands of euros worth of goods after targeting a number of businesses in Letterkenny on Saturday. The thefts occurred in Watson Hire, Ben Sweeny Euronics and Smyths Toy Store. Gardai have confirmed that investigations are ongoing but say no arrests have been made. John Watson is appealing

Investigations continue as shoplifting gang target Letterkenny Read More »

1 in 10 people in Republic could call themselves victims of the Troubles

One in 10 people in the Republic could call themselves a victim of the Troubles. That’s according to new research from the Commission for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland. It found 4% of those living south of the border have been bereaved as a result of conflict in the North, while 7% say their

1 in 10 people in Republic could call themselves victims of the Troubles Read More »

Number of offences detected at Buncrana checkpoint

As efforts to reduce road fatalities continue, Gardai are conducting multi-agency checkpoints nationwide. On Friday, Gardaí from Buncrana Roads Policing Unit were joined by Inspectors from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners as well as those from the Road Safety Authority Ireland to conduct a number of checkpoints. Gardai have confirmed that a number of

Number of offences detected at Buncrana checkpoint Read More »

Calls for Budget 2024 to avoid using taxation measures to provide short terms solutions

Budget 2024 should avoid using taxation measures as a means of providing short term solutions to the ongoing cost of living challenges. Social Justice Ireland outlines taxation proposals for Budget 2024. Colette Bennett, Economic and Social Analyst for Social Justice Ireland says that there that funding could be used for much more targeted purposes :

Calls for Budget 2024 to avoid using taxation measures to provide short terms solutions Read More »

Minister encourages students to take advantage of €500 support grant

The Minister for Further and Higher Education TD Simon Harris today encourages students to take advantage of new student supports as it emerged only one in four of those eligible had applied for a €500 grant towards their contribution fee. 40,000 students are estimated to be eligible for the grant, however, the most recent figures

Minister encourages students to take advantage of €500 support grant Read More »

INMO calls for HSE to renew solutions in order to reduce over

It was revealed hospitals in Letterkenny and Sligo were among the top five overcrowded hospitals in the country. On today’s World Patient Safety Day, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for the HSE to come to this week’s Emergency Department Taskforce meeting with revised and renewed solutions to reduce overcrowding which in turn

INMO calls for HSE to renew solutions in order to reduce over Read More »

Stormy weather to hit the country next week

Ireland is set to be hit with stormy weather next week. “Tropical Storm Nigel” is currently travelling across the Atlantic, bringing unsettled conditions. Nigel is forecast to develop into a hurricane by tomorrow, but transition back into a regular storm before hitting Irish shores. Met Eireann Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly says this is a usual process:

Stormy weather to hit the country next week Read More »

Possible short-term financial boost in upcoming budget

It look likes mortgage holders may get a short-term financial boost in the budget to pay their mortgages. The Government’s thinking about bringing in a new scheme to give them short-term support, according to the Irish Independent. It’s in the wake of the latest ECB rate hike which is putting pressure on home-owners. Donegal Deputy

Possible short-term financial boost in upcoming budget Read More »

Chinese Ambassador He Xiandong visits Donegal

Donegal County Council welcomed a visit from the Chinese Ambassador He Xiandong to the Lifford headquarters yesterday. The ambassador was greeted by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Martin Harley and Deputy Chief Executive Liam Ward. Several key areas were discussed during the visit including opportunities to explore areas of cooperation between Chinese local governments and County Donegal. Cllr.

Chinese Ambassador He Xiandong visits Donegal Read More »

Police appeal for information after shooting in the North this morning

Police in the north are appealing for information following reports of a shooting at a residential premises in the Gullion View area of Meigh early this morning. Detectives say a man in his 50s was shot in the stomach during the incident, which happened shortly before 2am. He was taken to hospital for injuries that

Police appeal for information after shooting in the North this morning Read More »

Northern Ireland Water says Lough Neagh poses no risk to supplies in spite of toxic algae

Northern Ireland Water insists there’s no risk to supplies despite toxic algae overtaking Lough Neagh. Footage shows an almost-luminous colour in the lake, with a deadly form of bacteria killing fish, birds, and even dogs. It’s mostly caused by farming discharge, and sewage. Gary McErlain’s family has fished in the waters for generations – and

Northern Ireland Water says Lough Neagh poses no risk to supplies in spite of toxic algae Read More »

Taoiseach confirms cost of living supports will be smaller this year

The cost of living supports in the budget will be smaller than last year. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed the support level will drop as the rate of inflation has eased. There also won’t be a return of the reduced VAT rate for the hospitality sector. The Taoiseach says people shouldn’t expect the level of different

Taoiseach confirms cost of living supports will be smaller this year Read More »

Auto-enrolment pensions to be in place by middle of next year

The Social Protection Minister says auto-enrolment pensions should be in place by the middle of next year. Heather Humphreys plans to bring forward legislation in this upcoming Dáil term to give effect to the plans. They will see some 750-thousand people currently without a pension automatically entered into one which both the employer and the

Auto-enrolment pensions to be in place by middle of next year Read More »

Outpatient waiting list at LUH falls, but inpatient and daycare lists are higher

Figures published last evening by the National Treatment Purchase Fund show a 2% decrease in the number of people awaiting outpatient appointments at Letterkenny University Hospital at the end of last month, compared to the figure at the end of July. However, there was an 11% increase in the number of people awaiting inpatient and

Outpatient waiting list at LUH falls, but inpatient and daycare lists are higher Read More »

Madden and Finucane to challenge Legacy Bill in the High Court and in Europe

A legal case is to be taken against the UK government’s new Legacy Bill on behalf of six families bereaved through what their solicitors call ‘state violence’. Madden and Finucane confirmed last evening that one of those involved in the case is Billy Thompson, son of Kathleen Thompson, who was shot dead by a member of

Madden and Finucane to challenge Legacy Bill in the High Court and in Europe Read More »

Community art mural in Rathmullan highlights environmental impact of single use plastic

A new mural has been unveiled in Rathmullan as part of a community art project, highlighting the risk posed to the environment by single use plastics. The mural, entitled ‘Time’s Running Out’ depicts life on land, biodiversity and all things natural, before gradually showing the impact plastics have on the environment, using over 8,000 plastic

Community art mural in Rathmullan highlights environmental impact of single use plastic Read More »

Varadkar pledges to raise nitrates derogation with commissioner after McConalogue rules out change

The Taoiseach has agreed to write to the European Agriculture Commissioner to discuss the issue of the nitrates derogation. Leo Varadkar will invite the commissioner to visit Ireland. That’s despite Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue earlier ruling out any re-negotiation when he appeared before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee earlier today. He told members Irish farmers must

Varadkar pledges to raise nitrates derogation with commissioner after McConalogue rules out change Read More »

MAG offers council the opportunity to use its info evenings to communicate with homneowners

The Mica Action Group have offered their DCB Scheme Information Evenings as an opportunity for Donegal County Council to communicate immediately and directly to impacted homeowners. It follows a discussion at yesterday’s meeting of the council’s Defective Blocks Committee, which heard calls for better communication from Chairperson Cllr Martin McDermott. MAG Chair Lisa Hone says

MAG offers council the opportunity to use its info evenings to communicate with homneowners Read More »

Failte Ireland stresses its commitment to Inishowen

Following questions at a recent Inishowen Municipal District meeting regarding  Failte Ireland’s commitment to the peninsula, a spokesperson told Highland Radio News today the tourism promotion body is deeply committed to the development and promotion of Inishowen as a prominent tourist destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. She said Inishowen is an integral part of

Failte Ireland stresses its commitment to Inishowen Read More »

New funding application for Riverine project submitted

Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council have submitted an application for the Riverine Project. Earlier this year, it emerged that works on the development could not be completed before the December 31st deadline for PEACE IV funding. The Councils have jointly sought PEACEPLUS funding for €14.9 million Riverine Cross Border Community

New funding application for Riverine project submitted Read More »

Vandalism on Arranmore Island condemned

Recent vandalism on Arranmore Island has been condemned. Significant damage was caused to lighting at the island’s foreshore amenity, in recent days. Comharchumann Arranmore says there were further attempts to break industrial lighting in the area. The organisation has warned that if the vandalism continues, there will be no other option but to permanently remove

Vandalism on Arranmore Island condemned Read More »

Moroccan barber in Letterkenny raising vital funds for earthquake-stricken country

A Moroccan barber who has been living in Letterkenny for over 20 years has launched a fundraising campaign to raise vital money to help in the wake of an earthquake which has caused much devastation in Morocco. Said Ben Salem is hosting a fundraising day at Future Style Barbers, Letterkenny on Sunday between 1pm-6pm. All

Moroccan barber in Letterkenny raising vital funds for earthquake-stricken country Read More »

Legislation around roadside drug testing to change

Legislation around roadside drug testing is set to change. It’s currently mandatory for gardaí to conduct a test for drink driving after serious road collisions, but not drug-driving. Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers says he’s asked officials in the Department of Transport to progress work which would allow Gardaí to carry out the test. Fine

Legislation around roadside drug testing to change Read More »

100% Redress Party granted approval to become registered political party

The 100% Redress Party has been approved by the Electoral Commission to contest the next local and general elections. It is the party’s intention to field candidates in Donegal and contest next year’s local elections. The decision made by the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Art O’Leary, as Ireland’s Registrar of Political Parties,

100% Redress Party granted approval to become registered political party Read More »

Dungloe has the oldest population of any town in Donegal

A new study has found that Dungloe has the oldest population of any town in Donegal while Newtowncunningham has the youngest. An analysis of Census data by intelligence company Gamma has found Letterkenny to have the biggest population in Donegal with at 22,549. Letterkenny was the one town in Donegal that recorded the biggest population

Dungloe has the oldest population of any town in Donegal Read More »

Minister McConalogue to appear before Oireachtas Agriculture Committee

Minister Charlie McConalogue will appear before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee this morning to face questions on the nitrates derogation. The derogation determines the amount of manure that is spread per hectare on land. Ireland currently has a derogation until 2026 however plans are underway to reduce the level from 250 kilogrammes per hectare to 220

Minister McConalogue to appear before Oireachtas Agriculture Committee Read More »

Major investment event taking place in Donegal today

A major investment event takes place in Donegal today. The ‘2023 Shark Tank’ investor conference in Rathmullan will see small scale-up companies pitch their ideas to larger US Corporations in return for investment. The winning pitch will receive 100,000 Euro. Organiser of the event, Kevin Sexton of Alpha Innovation, says the event will assist the

Major investment event taking place in Donegal today Read More »

DCC’s Defective Block Committee Chair says better communication with homeowners is vital

The Chair of Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Block Committee has proposed updates on the progress of the enhanced grant scheme be issued on a monthly basis. There have been calls for better communication on the transition of homeowner applications from the previous scheme onto the new one. The Council’s Director of Housing, Corporate &

DCC’s Defective Block Committee Chair says better communication with homeowners is vital Read More »

Plan to be drawn up to improve pedestrian access in the Twin Towns

An engineer attached to the Lifford Stranorlar Municipal District is working to improve access for people with disabilities in the Twin Towns, but members have been told there needs to be a plan in place to ensure government funding is available for a proper improvement programme. Proposing the move this week, Cllr Patrick McGowan said

Plan to be drawn up to improve pedestrian access in the Twin Towns Read More »

Up to 15 jobs expected as Carraig Donn prepares to open at old Topline premises in Buncrana

The fashion and lifestyle retailer Carraig Donn has confirmed it is to open a store in Buncrana on October 20th, with the initial creation of between 10 and 15 jobs. It will be based at the former Topline Department Store on Main Street, which ceased trading late last year. Carraig Donn say final contracts have

Up to 15 jobs expected as Carraig Donn prepares to open at old Topline premises in Buncrana Read More »

Falcarragh and Gortahork water supplies impacted by ‘technical issue’ at the Ardsbeg Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann says it is working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses served by the Gortahork Falcarragh water supply scheme following a technical fault at the Ardsbeg Water Treatment Plant. As a result, water supply to Gortahork Falcarragh and surrounding areas is impacted. Specialist contractors are on the ground working to restore

Falcarragh and Gortahork water supplies impacted by ‘technical issue’ at the Ardsbeg Treatment Plant Read More »

Harris will not quit as Garda Commissioner to seek top PSNI job

The Garda Commissioner says he is committed to his job and has no interest in applying for the role of Chief Constable of the PSNI. Drew Harris was speaking at the re-opening of a garda station in Rathcormac County Cork this afternoon, following yesterday’s overwhelming vote of no confidence by members of the Garda Representative

Harris will not quit as Garda Commissioner to seek top PSNI job Read More »