Author name: highlandnews

The government’s record on transport infrastructure in Donegal has come under scrutiny in the Dail. Raising questions about plans for rail development, Deputy Charles Ward criticised Minister Darragh O’Brien, saying he turned his back on Donegal as Housing Minister, and urging him not to do so as Transport Minister. Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer said […]

A Consultant in Public Health Medicine says uptake in the North West of flu and Covid 19 vaccines last year was varied, and the hope is to significantly increase the uptake this year. Dr Anthony Breslin was talking to Highland Radio News as the HSE today commenced offering its winter vaccination programme. The free flu

The Seanad has been told that Donegal County Council has been given clearance to begin design on a safety scheme for Dunkineely National School near Killybegs. Junior Minister Kieran O’Donnell told Senator Manus Boyle this follows discussions earlier this year between the council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, in the hope that funding can be secured

Donegal County Council says it’s been engaging with the ISPCA regarding its planned withdrawal from the Donegal Dog Warden Service from next year. The council says the primary focus is to arrange a smooth transition of the Dog Warden Service over the coming months, and the closure of the ISPCA Centre at Ballyar near Letterkenny

More childcare providers may leave the Core Funding scheme, resulting in higher costs for families. The Journal Investigates found 51 owners have left in the last 4 years as they say the funding doesn’t cover their costs. By leaving the scheme, providers are free to increase their fees by up to 300 or 400 euro

The trial of ‘Soldier F’ over the events of Bloody Sunday resumes at Belfast Crown Court this morning. The former paratrooper is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney and attempting to murder five others in 1972 in Derry – he denies all charges. Thirteen people were shot dead when members of the parachute

The Dail has been told that if retrospective payments for defective block homeowners are not included in the budget next week, it will be a major failing on the part of the government. Raising the issue, Deputy Charles Ward also asked the Taoiseach about affected homes at Elm Park in Buncrana, which owners want to

Donegal County Council has been told there was no wrongdoing identified in a recent review of spending on council purchase cards. Chief Executive John McLaughlin said sampled expenditure was found to be legitimately required for Council business, and within approved budgets. The review made a certain number of recommendations which the Chief Executive said are

A cross-party Dail motion has called on Israel not to target the global aid flotilla. The flotilla is nearing Gaza with a number of Irish citizens on board, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews and Independent TD Barry Heneghan. The human rights activists are attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza to deliver food and

A row has broken out in the Dail between Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty and the Taoiseach over plans for a new bike shed at the National Maternity Hospital. Sinn Féin is calling for the plans to be scrapped. A tender has quoted a price of €100,000 for the project. It comes a year after revelations

The Seanad has been told that the courthouse in Donegal Town will close temporarily from tomorrow, with court sitting initially being transferred to Ballyshannon, while a temporary base is sought within Donegal Town itself. The issue was raised by Cllr Manus Boyle, who stressed the importance of keeping court sittings in the town. Responding on

Over 4,200 social housing units were left vacant in 2024. A new report from the National Oversight and Audit Commission shows social housing vacancy rates have decreased from 2.8% in 2023 to 2.75% last year. The local authorities with the highest vacancy rates were Kilkenny, with nearly 7%, and Carlow, with almost 6%. Donegal County

Gardai are trying to trace a cyclist who snatched a handbag from a woman in Muff, It happened at a bus stop in Wednesday evening last. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Garda Sean Sweeney made this appeal for information……….  

The Housing Minister is being urged to provide defective block homeowners with money to allow them to meet upfront costs. Moving the motion, Cllr Martin Mc Dermott said he believes there are people not engaging with the scheme because of potential cash flow problems. Cllr McDermott, whose own home is currently being rebuilt, says a

In Donegal, the average price of a four-bedroom detached house in the third quarter of 2025 has increased by nearly 9% when compared to last year. According to the latest Daft.ie House Price Report, the average price is now €384,000, up 8.8% on a year ago. Nationally, the average price of a three-bed semi-detached home

Inland Fisheries Ireland is investigating a “devastating” fish kill that has left 22 juvenile salmon and trout dead in the Owenwee River in South Donegal. The discovery was confirmed to the Sliabh Liag Angling Association, who described the incident as devastating. IFI staff found the dead fish during a survey last Tuesday, spanning a one-kilometre

The HSE has confirmed that it is seeking five new respite beds in Donegal for children with special needs. However, at the September meeting of the Regional Health Forum, Cllr Gerry McMonagle told officials that needs to doubled to ten at the very least. He also repeated his call for booklets to be produced clearly