Author name: highlandnews

The government is being urged to take urgent action to address a serious crisis in dermatology services in the North West. Sligo Leitrim and South Donegal Deputy Marian Harkin has told the Dail that a year ago. Sligo University Hospital based consultant Dermatologist Dr Dermot McKenna was warning of excessive delays and cancellations because of

Work has begun to cut down six potentially dangerous trees at The Dark Hedges in County Antrim. The tunnel of beech trees has become one of Northern Ireland’s most ‘Instagrammable’ attractions after featuring as ‘Kingsroad’ in ‘Game of Thrones’. But there are fears some of the ageing trees pose a safety risk to the thousands

The Social Protection Minister says it’s “only fair” that those who lose their jobs after years of employment are given an enhanced social welfare payment. Heather Humphreys is bringing a memo to Cabinet tomorrow, which seeks to introduce pay-related welfare. She’s also looking for approval for a new pension for family carers who have looked

25 Men’s Sheds in Donegal are to receive a share of a €1 million fund to support initiatives across the country. Grants of up to €3,000 is being allocated to support Men’s Sheds with their running costs such as; heating, electricity utility and insurance bills. The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys says

There’s growing concern at the level of violence experienced by nurses working on the frontline. Almost 60% of violent incidents in the workplace last year were in healthcare – which also accounted for almost a quarter of all workplace injuries. General Secretary of the Irish Nurses’ and Midwives’ Organisation, Phil Ní Sheaghdha says the figures

The Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District is calling on Donegal County Council to revise its housing policy. It comes as its emerged fewer social houses are to built in Dungloe as was originally planned due to budget constraints as a result of inflated building costs. Councillor Michael McClafferty is concerned that more and more

Letterkenny native Troy Gallagher says he is honoured and humbled after being awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Councillor Gallagher was bestowed the freedom at a ceremony on Saturday for outstanding service to public life and community. He told the Nine til Noon Show that he accepted the Freedom of the City of

Elderly people in one estate in Letterkenny are effectively trapped in their homes during the winter months as they are afraid to leave their properties due to the absence of lighting. Residents in Muckish Avenue are said to feel unsafe within their homes also as there are no external lights in the area. It’s led

A public meeting is being held next week as concerns over Letterkenny University Hospital continue. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is to visit the hospital this week in response to serious issues raised by GPs and consultants over patient safety in the hospital’s Emergency Department. The meeting organised by the Letterkenny Hospital Campaign Group will take

Speeding in the Lismonaghan area of Letterkenny is back under the spotlight. A speed assessment survey was carried out in the area in April and revealed that 85% of motorists were travelling at a speed of 52kph. While Donegal County Council says the speed is not excessive, the Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District,

Almost 200,000 people have been in touch with The St. Vincent De Paul this year alone looking for help. The society says it has provided over €330 million of direct assistance to people who need help over the past 10 years. Its annual Christmas Appeal begins today, and this year it’s focused on providing help

The wellbeing of farmers is under the spotlight. The Health and Safety Authority says they’re at a higher risk of health conditions like stroke and heart disease. It says poor wellbeing can increase the risk of having a serious injury or death on a farm. HSA Senior Inspector for farm safety, Pat Griffin says they

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has told the Dail that the government is committed to promoting education on an All Island basis, and as part of that commitment, he would like to see the €1,000 reduction in student contribution fees extended to students studying north of the border and elsewhere. The issue was raised in

A public consultation for the Barnesmore Gap Greenway takes place today and tomorrow in Donegal. The consultation takes place today in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey from 12pm to 8pm and tomorrow at the Abby Hotel in Donegal Town from 12pm to 8pm. Donegal County Council invites residents, members of the public and other interested parties to

Irish bosses are being urged to ‘step up’ when it comes to tackling bullying in the workplace. A survey out today shows 39 percent of workers believe bullying is an issue – with 3 in 4 witnessing discrimination, verbal abuse and racism. Breda Dooley from Matrix Recruitment says bosses have a legal duty to protect

Businessman Ben Dunne is being remembered for his “extraordinary life”, following his death at the age of 74. The former director of Dunnes Stores and founder of Ben Dunne Gyms passed away while visiting Dubai. He’s survived by his wife, Mary, and four children. His colourful life saw him leave school at 14 to join

Alone says the ability to drive shouldn’t be based on people’s age. It’s backing the Taoiseach’s stance against a European Commission proposal, that drivers over 70 may have to have regular medical tests and refresher courses to renew their driving licence. The Journal.ie is reporting Leo Varadkar doesn’t think there should be a cut-off age

Gardaí in Donegal have issued road safety reminders as part of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Events are taking place nationwide. Gardaí in Donegal have issued the following reminders for all road users: Always wear our seatbelts and ensure that others in our vehicle are also wearing theirs. Always stay within the

A Vigil for the Children of Palestine will take place this week in Donegal. The Vigil will take place this Monday at 6pm in the Market Square Letterkenny. The theme of World Children’s Day 2023 is “for every child, every right” – the Children of Palestine are to be included in this theme. Fadl Mustafa

The future of farming and rural Ireland will dominate a special Fine Gael Conference in Kildare today. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is expected to receive “very honest feedback” from faming and rural community groups at today’s conference. Deputy News Editor of Agriland, Francess McDonnell says there are serious concerns that there’s no future for young people

A warning’s going out not to overuse antibiotics on European Antibiotic Awareness Day today. The HSE says they can cause more harm than good if taken unnecessarily. National Clinical Lead for Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, Eimear Brannigan describes when they shouldn’t be used:

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

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

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

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

There’s calls for more of a joint up approach to establish short and long term solutions for traffic flow in Letterkenny. Cllr Ciaran Brogan is calling for a meeting with the TII, Road Design and the Central Planning Unit to discuss transport plans in the town. He says while the TEN-T project will be a

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