Author name: highlandnews

A Lifford councillor says he’s been given assurances that the building of a new Community Hospital on a green field site at Lifford Common remains a priority, and he is hopeful of progress next year. Cllr Gerry Crawford says he had discussions with a number of senior HSE officials at the turning of the sod

Donegal County Council is being urged to act now to address safety concerns outside St Columba’s National School at Ballylast, Lifford. There’s been a speeding issue outside the school for some time, with several debates in the Donegal council chamber and also at local municipal district meetings. However, Cllr Gary Doherty told an MD meeting

There are concerns asylum seekers could end up sleeping rough as the accommodation supply dries up. The government has warned beds for those seeking protection here could run out within days. The Irish Red Cross says there is land available to develop more accommodation over the medium-term. Secretary General, Deirdre Garvey says all government departments

There’s a warning that vital news services on independent radio are under threat. The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has briefed TD and senators on the challenges facing the sector. The organisation wants the debate on the future of media moved away from focussing on RTÉ and its 56 million euro interim bailout. Chair of the

Agriculture and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue has told the Dail he is in discussions with the inshore fishing sector to explore how it can be helped through a challenging time. Last week, local fishers handed a letter into the minister’s Carndonagh office outlining their issues and seeking assistance. Today, in the Dail chamber, their case

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says the lack of the Gardaí is a reflection on the Government. He says while last Thursday was a clear indication in the collapse of policing, which the Minister for Justice bears responsibility, it’s evident right across the country including in Donegal. Deputy Doherty says there is less Gardaí now that

The Annual Report from the Curlew Conservation Programme was published yesterday. It seen the highest level of the endangered bird fledged into the wild since 2012. 38 breeding partners have been confirmed across the nine geographical areas of the programme, one of which is Donegal. Nest Protection Officer, Steven McGonagle says a protective fence has

A Palestinian man living in Donegal says the people of Palestine are tired of being treated as lesser. Fadl Mustapha is hosting an event in connection with The Henry girls in support of Palestine. He says while Palestine do have the right to resist, he would prefer a more peaceful means of doing so:

A North West TD has called on the Taoiseach to lead an open and honest discussion on migration, and Irish migration policy. Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal Deputy Marian Harkin raised recent incidents in Dromahair in Leitrim, where blockades were prepared by some local people after inaccurate that busloads of asylum seekers were en-route to the

The Palestinian flag will be flown from public services centres in Donegal today, marking the fact that November 29th has been designated International Day of Solidarity with Palestine.  The decision to fly the flags was taken after a lengthy discussion on a motion that the council do so tabled at a meeting this week by

Donegal County Council is calling on Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys to extend the CLÁR programme to additional areas of Donegal. The issue was raised by Cllr Albert Doherty, who told members this week he believes a 2021 review of the programme will show the need for additional investment, but that review hasn’t

The Tánaiste has accused Sinn Féin of exploiting recent events in Ireland and globally for political gain. Micheál Martin made the claim following the conclusion of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The power sharing situation in Northern Ireland, and further cross-border funding in education and research have been among topics on the agenda today. The

Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty says there should be a clear expectation that mortgage loans held by Ulster Bank are sold to mainstream lenders and not vulture funds. Ulster Bank announced today that it will compensate 4,500 customers who hold offset mortgages with the bank as it withdraws from the Irish

A documentary titled ‘Patrick – A Young Traveller Lost’ aired on RTÉ 1 last night, about the need for suicide prevention measures within the Traveller community. Donegal Senator and long time activist Eileen Flynn participated. Speaking to Greg Hughes on this morning’s Nine ’til Noon Show Senator Flynn said 1 in 11 deaths among Travellers

Residents of Knock and Glencovitt in Ballybofey have been urged to check their vehicles and sheds to ensure nothing has been stolen from them. The appeal comes from Gardaí following two overnight thefts which seen one victims livelihood taken. In the Community Garda Information slot on this mornings Nine ’til Noon show, Garda Grainne Doherty

Barry Cowen is to run for the European Parliament. He has issued a statement confirming he’ll be putting his name forward for selection as a candidate. He says now is the right time for him to try to deliver for his Midlands-North-West constituency at a European level. If elected, the Laois-Offaly TD would bring an

The final working light has broken at the main pier in Burtonport – leaving the fishing community working in the dark. Cllr. Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig says once again the fishing community has been neglected. Cllr. Mac Giolla Easbuig has requested a generator be put in place in the interim, however that is yet

Donegal County Council is being urged to work with the Department of Housing to urgently roll out affordable housing and cost rental projects across the county. The call has come from Cllr Gerry McMonagle, who says the extent of the housing crisis in Donegal is such that action is needed. At a recent Housing Policy

A Self-Advocacy Learning Event will be held today in Jackson’s Hotel Ballybofey. The event takes place from 10.30am to 3.30pm today and is hosted by the HSE Disability Services for Community Health Care. This is the second learning event to be hosted by the group, as the first took place last December. Attendees at the

The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has debunked speculation claims that he will not contest in the upcoming elections. There was growing speculation throughout the week that the Minister would favour an EU commissioner position. However, speaking to Highland Radio News, Minister Charlie McConalogue has rejected these claims. He says its purely speculation and that

Victims of domestic violence can now avail of five days paid leave from work. Ireland is one of the first countries in Europe to introduce the measure, which starts from today. Workers are entitled to take the time off with full pay, and don’t have to provide evidence. Linda O’Sullivan, a domestic abuse survivor and

The PSNI says new laws which come into force in Northern Ireland today fill the blanks in sexual offences legislation. New laws aim to specifically tackle cyber flashing, up-skirting, and down-blousing. It means anyone who takes or sends an unwanted intimate picture or video could face up to two years in prison, and being put

The register for long-term carers to apply for a pension is being opened today. The Government last week announced anyone who has been caring for a loved one for over 20 years will be entitled to a State pension from January 1st. In the meantime, carers are being invited to register with the Department of

Three more cost of living supports announced in the Budget are being paid today. People who live alone, carers, and those in receipt of the qualified child payment can expect to receive extra supports. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys outlines the details:

A Donegal Deputy says facial recognition technology is not the way forward. Deputy Thomas Pringle opposes Minister for Justice’s proposal of the technology for Garda use in response to the riots in Dublin last week. He say’s the technology puts people of colour at a pre-disposed disadvantage and earlier action should have been taken by