Author name: highlandnews

Former SDLP Chairperson and West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has died. He was 72. Mr Byrne served as MLA for West Tyrone between 1998 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015. Before that, he was a member of Omagh District Council. Party leader Claire Hanna says Joe Byrne was a key member of the

Uisce Éireann says its crews are working to return normal water supply to customers in Portnoo, Rossbeg, Lettermacaward, Doochary and surrounding areas this afternoon. They say due a mechanical issue encountered this morning at the Lettermacaward Water Treatment Plant, reservoir levels have fallen and this is impacting supply to homes and businesses in the area.

6,484 admitted patients spent time without a bed at Letterkenny University Hospital over the course of 2025, according to figures released this morning by the INMO. Letterkenny registered the sixth highest total in the state. Sligo had the fourth highest figure with 8,004, giving a North West total of 14,488. That represents 13% of the

Fisheries Minister Timmy Dooley is in Killybegs this afternoon for a meeting with fisheries industry representatives. They’ll discuss recent quota cuts described by the industry as devastating, and overfishing in Irish waters by trawlers from other fleets. He’ll brief them on his plan to establish a task force to be chaired by a former IFA

There have been water supply disruptions in Derryconnor, Magheraroarty, Meenlaragh, Curransport, Meenaclady, Glascherchoo Glenhola and surrounding areas, with reservoir restrictions imposed overnight. It’s expected this will be repeated over the coming evenings. Cllr Michael McClafferty says people in high ground areas such as Fanmore and parts of Murroe may find themselves without water as a

Former Foyle MLA and Mayor of Derry Mary Bradley has died. She was 83. A member of the SDLP, she was elected to Derry City Council in 1985, serving as mayor in 1991 and 1992. She was elected to the Assembly in 2003, and served until she chose not to run again in 2011. She

Donegal County Council says its Economic Development Division will continue to deliver a range of initiatives to support economic development and job creation in Donegal during 2026, working in collaboration with a range of public and private sector partners. The council says in order to support job creation and development in Donegal and the wider North West, work will continue

Donegal County Council says its Local Enterprise Office supported 27 enterprises with grants totalling over €628,000 in 2025, while 43 training programmes and events in the county were attended by 969 people. The LEO’s core functions are funded primarily through Enterprise Ireland, with almost €274,000 being provided by Donegal County Council this year, with more commitment being promised for

A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate’s Court charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman on Saturday. 50-year-old Gerald Coyle of Moss Park in Derry faced a series of charges including malicious wounding of a female, possessing a knife with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault on a female

Police in Derry have launched an urgent appeal after they recovered a defibrillator. They suspect it may have been stolen from somewhere in the city or outside. The PSNI say they understand how vital the life-saving piece of equipment is and want to return it as soon as possible. They are asking all defib owners

Over €130 million has been issued to the farming and fishing industries in Donegal during 2025. Nationally, over €2.5 billion has been invested in these sectors. Welcoming the news, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD says the payments “provide vital supports for our farmers and fishers, in turn supporting rural and

Letterkenny University Hospital is the third most overcrowded hospital in the country this morning. 19 patients were waiting on a trolley, 3 in the Emergency Department and 16 in wards elsewhere in the hospital. Sligo University Hospital was the busiest hospital in the country, with 26 people waiting for a bed, followed by University Hospital

Ireland will face a slowing and declining population within thirty years. A National Economic and Social Council report says like many European neighbours there will be a shrinking workforce and a larger retired population. It says the precise timing of the demographic peak will depend on policy choices made today. The NESC suggests with strategic

A paraglider has been hospitalised after they crashed onto the roof of a hotel in Fermanagh. It occurred at the Lough Erne Golf Resort near Enniskillen at around 1pm yesterday. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service says they received a ‘Special Service Call’ at 12.51pm. Three appliances, two from Enniskillen and one from Lisnaskea, the Specialist

Two men in their 80s have died following a house fire in Co. Sligo. At about 11 o’clock this morning, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the fire, which happened at a house near Easkey overnight. The two men were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The scene is currently

A person was hospitalised after they fell at Ards Forest Park on St. Stephen’s Day. At approximately 3pm, the walker fell on rocks. The Rescue 18 helicopter was tasked to the scene, after ambulances struggled to get to the location. The casualty was airlifted to Letterkenny University Hospital, where they received treatment.

Police in Derry City and Strabane are urging online shoppers to be cautious during the sales. They say people should only shop with trusted retailers and check that the website starts with https. Shoppers are also being asked to not click on any links from unexpected emails or ads and use a credit card if

A number of searches have been carried out in Dungiven, following information received that a suspicious object may have been left in the area. Following the searches,nothing untoward was located and all roads have been re-opened. The PSNI have thanked anyone affected during this time for their understanding and co-operation.

ALL Donegal Winter Maintenance designated gritting routes will be gritted from 4pm today, Saturday and 6am tomorrow morning, Sunday. Donegal gritting route index as follows: 01: National Primary North 02: National Primary Central 03: National Primary South 04: Inishowen South 05: Inishowen East 06: Inishowen West 07: Milford South 08: Milford North 09: Cill Ulta

Police are currently conducting enquiries in the Ballyquinn Road area of Dungiven as part of an ongoing investigation. Cordons are in place along with local traffic diversions. The PSNI says a further update will be issued in due course.

Police in Derry and Strabane are urging motorists to ensure cars are defrosted before driving. They say it has been cold overnight so windscreens will be frosted over. They are also asking drivers to take care on the roads as it may be slippy in places.

Gardaí in Donegal are urging people to use your brain and not your fists when going out during the festive season. They say you should never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people, be streetwise when out and about, plan ahead and always be aware of your surroundings. They added an assault can ruin