Author name: highlandnews

Council must rebuild relations with residents associations – McMonagle

A Letterkenny councillor has claimed the spirit of cooperation between the council and residents associations has been lost in the 10 years since the town council was abolished. Cllr Gerry McMonagle was speaking after being told that the council did not have the wherewithal to support residents and the local Tidy Towns committee in replacing

Council must rebuild relations with residents associations – McMonagle Read More »

7 Donegal organisations receive €155,000 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal

€155,000 has been awarded across seven Donegal based organisations from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Recipients include Cancer Fund for Children, Spraoi agus Spórt and the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre. It’s from a national total €4 million euro which is set to benefit 1.2 million children across the island.

7 Donegal organisations receive €155,000 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Read More »

‘Perfect storm’ in Donegal – Mary Lou McDonald

Leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald has said the ‘perfect storm’ is in effect in Donegal. Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Deputy McDonald says challenges facing the region are the result of chronic political neglect. The Deputy was the keynote speaker of the Letterkenny Chamber President’s annual lunch in the Radisson Hotel on

‘Perfect storm’ in Donegal – Mary Lou McDonald Read More »

McConalogue confident Nature Restoration Law can be achieved

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says he believes a resolution can be found to the ongoing controversy over the Nature Restoration Law which is currently under discussion. The law envisages the restoration of at least 20% of the EU’s damaged land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050 through strategies such as bog

McConalogue confident Nature Restoration Law can be achieved Read More »

Uisce Eireann repairing two burst mains in South Inishowen and one in Letterkenny

Uisce Eireann are tackling two burst water mains in South Inishowen this afternoon. Supplies are being affected at Burnfoot, Inch Level and surrounding areas with an estimated repair time of 3pm, while a burst affecting Muff and surrounding areas should be repaired by 2pm. Meanwhile, in Letterkenny, a burst is being dealt with at Ardiganny

Uisce Eireann repairing two burst mains in South Inishowen and one in Letterkenny Read More »

Seven men arrested during major garda operation in Galway and Mayo

Seven men have been arrested during a major operation targeting organised crime in Mayo and Galway. 85 gardaí were involved in the operation this morning – including the Armed Support and Air Support Units. A number of properties were searched in Ballinrobe in Mayo and in the Ballybane ((pron: bally-ban)) and Bohermore areas of Galway

Seven men arrested during major garda operation in Galway and Mayo Read More »

TII urged to paint yellow on two major roundabouts in Letterkenny

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is being urged to paint yellow boxes on two roundabouts in Letterkenny. The issue was raised at a Letterkenny Milford MD meeting this week by Cllr Donal Coyle, who says in the case of the Kiltoy Roundabout, traffic heading for the Ramelton Road is coming on the roundabout and getting stuck, and

TII urged to paint yellow on two major roundabouts in Letterkenny Read More »

People with disabilities are still being denied access to transport supports – Ombudsman

The Ombudsman says it’s “shameful” people with disabilities are continuing to be denied access to transport supports. Ger Deering says his office has been demanding reforms in the area for 12 years, but the situation remains unfair and unacceptable. The Ombudsman says there are inequities when it comes to funding for accessing transport for people

People with disabilities are still being denied access to transport supports – Ombudsman Read More »

MacLochlainn urges O’Brien to change his position on firefighter dispute

Retained firefighters walked out of the Dail’s public gallery last night during Minister Darragh O’Brien’s contribution to a debate on a private members motion moved by Sinn Fein seeking a resolution to their industrial dispute over pay and conditions. Minister O’Brien said a separate arrangements cannot be made outside the overall agreement on public sector

MacLochlainn urges O’Brien to change his position on firefighter dispute Read More »

Woman freed pending further enquiries as solicitor condemns drugs arrest

A 27-year-old woman arrested in Derry yesterday as part of a drugs investigation has been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries. The investigation is being headed up by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force and the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch. In a statement, Ciarán Shiels of Madden & Finucane, the woman’s solicitor, condemned

Woman freed pending further enquiries as solicitor condemns drugs arrest Read More »

Doherty urges councils to seek Peace IV extension so Riverine project can succeed

Donegal and Derry City & Strabane District Councils are being urged to redouble their efforts to get the foreshore and marine licence for the Riverine project over the line. It was confirmed back in February that the development would not be completed within the initial timeframe, throwing the future of the project into doubt, as

Doherty urges councils to seek Peace IV extension so Riverine project can succeed Read More »

Wheel Chair,

Council to write to Housing Minister in bid to increase mobility grants

Donegal County Council is to write to the Housing Minister asking that adaptation and mobility grants be increased. Letterkenny Municipal District was told that the grants are not increasing at the same level as others, but in many cases, these are the grants targeted at those most in need. Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh says increasing these

Council to write to Housing Minister in bid to increase mobility grants Read More »

Deputy Pringle tells Dail pay disparity for Section 39 workers is driving recruitment crisis

Pay disparity between Section 39 workers and HSE is driving the recruitment crisis. That’s according to those on the ground in Donegal. Deputy Thomas Pringle raised the issue in the Dail and called on the Government to ensure it is addressed. In response, Minister Roderic O’Gorman says talks are continuing:

Deputy Pringle tells Dail pay disparity for Section 39 workers is driving recruitment crisis Read More »

Extension projects for two Donegal schools gets green light

Extension projects for Scoil Chroine and the Abbey Vocational School have been given the green light. Minister Charlie McConalogue has confirmed that approval has been granted to proceed to construction for the two projects. Two SEN base classrooms will be delivered for Scoil Chroine while the Abbey Vocational School will receive one general classroom and

Extension projects for two Donegal schools gets green light Read More »

Motion of no confidence in Housing Minister fails at Letterkenny Milford MD

Councillor Michael McBride’s motion of no confidence in Minister Darragh O’Brien has failed to get the backing of Councillors in the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District. A counter motion moved by Fianna Fail Cllr Ciaran Brogan was accepted in its place. Moving the motion, Cllr Michael McBride said he was doing so on behalf of the

Motion of no confidence in Housing Minister fails at Letterkenny Milford MD Read More »

Facebook scam targeting Irish political parties, media and businesses

  A Facebook scam is targeting the pages of Irish political parties, media and businesses. It leads users to believe something on their Facebook page goes against community standards. It claims if the user doesn’t “request a review” in 48 hours, their page will be permanently deleted. Anyone who comes across this scam is urged

Facebook scam targeting Irish political parties, media and businesses Read More »

Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative shortlisted for award

The Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland Public Choice Award 2023. The initiative was a partnership between Donegal County Council, Ballyshannon Regeneration Group, Dedalus Architecture, local property owners, The Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Over two phases in 2021 and

Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative shortlisted for award Read More »

Gardai seek information and dash cam footage of Ballyshannon collision

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle in Ballyshannon a week ago today. It happened at Lower Main Street at approximately 1.20pm. The cyclist had to receive medical attention for injuries sustained, none of which are believed to be life threatening in nature. The driver of

Gardai seek information and dash cam footage of Ballyshannon collision Read More »

Gardai and DRSWG urge people to be personally responsible during rally weekend

Gardai and the Donegal Road Safety Working Group are urging people to enjoy rally weekend, and ‘keep the race in its place’. So far this year on Donegal’s roads, two people have lost their lives, compared to five for the same period in 2022, and one for the same period in 2021. In a statement

Gardai and DRSWG urge people to be personally responsible during rally weekend Read More »

Inspection to be carried out on Dromore footbridge handrail

A Killygordon councillor is welcoming word of an inspection to be carried out on the handrail on Dromore footbridge, but says the delays to action are unsatisfactory. Cllr. Patrick McGowan says the level of deterioration on the bridge railing has left it with sharp edges that could easily injure a pedestrian. He added the bridge

Inspection to be carried out on Dromore footbridge handrail Read More »

Burst main may cause water supply disruptions to Urris, Clonmany and surrounding areas

Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Urris, Tullagh, Straid, Clonmany and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place until 5pm this evening. It is recommended that an allowance of 2-3 hours after the estimated restoration time is made for supplies to supply to fully return. Please take note of

Burst main may cause water supply disruptions to Urris, Clonmany and surrounding areas Read More »

Ireland closer to an extra seat in European Parliament

Ireland has moved a step closer to securing an extra seat in the European Parliament in the upcoming elections. It comes following a vote last night in the parliament endorsing a plan to extend the number of MEP’s. It’s proposed adding 11 extra members, with Ireland benefiting from one additional representative. Ireland South MEP Sean

Ireland closer to an extra seat in European Parliament Read More »

Cllr hits out at lack of contingency plan as retained fire fighters begin strike

Donegal County Council has confirmed that all 5 of the 15 fire brigades in the county will be on strike each day as a week of rolling strike action by retained fire fighters begins today. The council is advising householders to ensure that they have working smoke alarms fitted, and that they are checked weekly.

Cllr hits out at lack of contingency plan as retained fire fighters begin strike Read More »

Sod turned on major new wastewater treatment plant

Uisce Éireann and Donegal County Council have turned the sod on a €50m investment in wastewater infrastructure for Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan. They say this new sewerage scheme will finally bring to an end the decades-long practice of discharging raw or poorly treated sewage into the Leannan Estuary, Lough Swilly and Maggie’s Burn. The scheme

Sod turned on major new wastewater treatment plant Read More »

McGrath says government must be prudent ahead of budget

The Finance Minister is warning there would be no budget surplus this year without the once-off corporation tax windfall. Ministers are meeting with lobby groups and industry representatives today, to discuss priorities ahead of the budget. The National Economic Dialogue heard from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier, who warned the government shouldn’t be too careful in

McGrath says government must be prudent ahead of budget Read More »