Author name: highlandnews

There are calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of children attending Scoil Eoin Baiste at Umlagh in Carrigart. A public meeting was held over a year ago after which a petition gathered and a motion raised through the Council calling for traffic calming measures. However, no progress has been made since. Now, locals

Radical reform is now the only viable option for the Irish health system. That’s the warning from the Irish Medical Organisation as it releases its pre-budget submission. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is already under pressure for budget overruns, despite continued pressure on services. IMO President Dr. John Cannon says Ireland has less beds in the

It’s been claimed we’re returning to the days of drivers in Donegal filling up their cars in Northern Ireland. South Donegal TD Marian Harkin says some filling stations in the border region face closure, as drivers take their business elsewhere due to the high cost of fuel. The Government is being called on to introduce

Donegal County Council has been told that a forum’s been established through the Local Community Development Committee with a view to co-ordinating public transport services in the county with the needs of the public, business and education. The first scoping meeting of this forum took place this month with representatives from DLDC, ATU, ETB, HSE,

The three days of action campaign by childcare providers and families highlighting what has been described as the “dire state” of the industry in Ireland comes to a close today. According to the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, 97 childcare providers across the country have closed since March due to inadequate Government funding, excessive regulation

The continuing crisis among CDNTs in Donegal is resulting in children regressing. The issue was a hot topic at the latest Regional Health Forum meeting. It has been confirmed that contingency plans are in place to manage the impact of the current vacancies within the sector. Councillor Gerry Crawford however, says children who are being

Rank and file Gardaí have voted to withdraw from voluntary overtime throughout October. The GRA has been holding a special conference in Kilkenny following a no confidence vote in Commissioner Drew Harris in a dispute over rosters. GRA President, Donegal based garda, Brendan O’Connor has been speaking in the past few minutes:

With an 80% increase in homelessness in the North West since 2021, a Donegal Deputy has called for the Eviction Ban to be reinstated. Deputy Thomas Pringle says the passage of the Eviction Ban Bill must be accelerated. He says its vital tenants are given proper security. Deputy Pringle told the Dail that the lack

Gardaí estimate €157 million worth of drugs were found aboard a cargo ship off the south coast. It’s the largest drugs seizure in the history of the State. The cocaine has been removed from the MV Matthew, which was detained at gunpoint by Army Rangers. Gardaí say about 25 people were on board, but cannot

Healthcare staff in a number of community and voluntary agencies will embark on indefinite strike action next month in a row over pay. Up to 5,000 staff are expected to take part across the country from October 17th. Members of Forsa, Siptu and the INMO are taking part in the action. Mary McGrenra works with

The Seanad has been told that the government is awaiting legal advice on whether it should take a case in Europe against the UK government’s Legacy Bill which passed into law last week. Minister of State Sean Fleming said it’s an issue the government is taking very seriously. The issue was raised by Senator Niall

The relationship between the Garda Representative Association and Commissioner Drew Harris has been described as irreparable. The GRA has formally requested that the date for changing rosters of the 6th of November be removed or deferred during a meeting yesterday. However, speaking ahead of the Special Delegates Conference taking place in Kilkenny today, Association President

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly is calling for a Citizens Assembly to be set up to examine how greater levels of regional autonomy can be delivered in Ireland. According to the NWRA, a policy of positive discrimination would result in rebalancing what’s been a legacy of underinvestment in new infrastructure projects for Donegal, Sligo,

The Dail has been told that rising fuel prices hit people in Donegal harder than in many other counties. A vote will take place in the Dail tonight on a Sinn Fein motion calling for rises in fuel prices to be deferred. Temporary reductions in excise duties are ending, and as a result, prices at

Donegal County Council needs to do much more to help homeowners affected by defective blocks work their way through the application process for the enhanced scheme which is now in operation. That’s according to Cllr Paul Canning, who says at present, the process is cumbersome and frustrating for applicants. He’s proposing a series of online

Donegal’s Joint Policing Committee has been warned that a life will be lost unless work is carried out at a dangerous junction in Kilmacrennan. There’s calls for a special meeting to address serious safety issues in the town. Councillor Michael McBride says it is not a case of if someone will be seriously injured but

Concerns have been raised over the drinking water quality in the Strabane area as the outbreak of algae blooms continues on Lough Neagh. It’s emerged that 40% of drinking water originates from Lough Neagh. NI Water has provided assurances that drinking water in Strabane and surrounding areas is safe to consume. West Tyrone MLA Daniel

Long-awaited works have commenced to upgrade the Illies Water Treatment Plant. Uisce Éireann is to invest €8 million in the Treatment Plant. Once operational the upgraded Illies water treatment plant will improve drinking water quality, increase capacity, while ensuring compliance with the current Drinking Water Regulations. The project will also support the long-term sustainable growth

The Tánaiste has warned next month’s budget will be tough. Final decisions are being made about one off supports, taxation, and the healthcare overspend. Micheál Martin says there are a number of factors making this year’s decisions particularly difficult:

A number of Donegal childcare providers have closed their doors this morning as part of a three-day protest, calling for an increase in government funding. A demonstration gets underway at 12 o’clock by members of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers outside Leinster House. The group is urging the government to increase the current funding