Author name: highlandnews

Calls for Donegal Assistant Heritage Officer to be recruited

There’s calls for an assistant Heritage Officer for Donegal to be recruited. Councillor Barry Sweeney who is Chair of the Heritage Forum says the abundance of heritage in the county more than warrants an additional Heritage Officer. Donegal County Council says it is hopeful that as part of the new Heritage Plan, funding will be

Calls for Donegal Assistant Heritage Officer to be recruited Read More »

Donegal biodiversity projects receive over €80,000 in funding

Biodiversity projects in Donegal are to benefit from over €80,000. Funding from the Local Biodiversity Action Fund has been allocated to 5 projects in Donegal. They are the Birds Habitat Protection project, Phase II of a Wetland Survey, the monitoring of birds on Tory Island, the Native Woodlands of Donegal Illustrated Book and for Invasive

Donegal biodiversity projects receive over €80,000 in funding Read More »

Over €108m to be spent on HSE older services buildings in Donegal

Over €108 million is to be spent in Donegal on a number of Older Services buildings. Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo says the funding is part of the wide spread of projects at varying stages of development taking place across the region. A number of projects in Donegal have

Over €108m to be spent on HSE older services buildings in Donegal Read More »

Donegal Cllr believes cost of recycling must be lowered

A Donegal County Councillor believes efforts must be made to lower the cost of recycling. Councillor Patrick McGowan says people should be rewarded for recycling and not penalised. The Draft National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy is set to go out for public consultation and aims to accelerate the transition where materials remain

Donegal Cllr believes cost of recycling must be lowered Read More »

Implementation of Defective Concrete Block scheme delayed again

The implementation of the revised Defective Concrete Block Scheme has been delayed yet again. It was previously expected that the scheme would be published this week, that’s now been pushed to June 14th. In an update from the Mica Action Group, they say following a meeting between officials from the Department of Housing and Donegal

Implementation of Defective Concrete Block scheme delayed again Read More »

Study recommends new domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency be set up

Pregnant women or new mothers are most likely to die at the hands of their partner or former partner. An independent study into domestic murders and familicide published today is recommending a new agency be set up for domestic, sexual and gender based violence. This study commissioned by the Department of Justice examined violent deaths

Study recommends new domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency be set up Read More »

Recommendation to be formally made today to relax abortion laws

A recommendation will be formally made today to relax Ireland’s abortion laws. The chair of an independent review will appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee. Marie O’Shea is expected to tell committee members changes should be made, including the removal of the three day mandatory waiting period before a woman can access a termination of

Recommendation to be formally made today to relax abortion laws Read More »

Donegal Wellness Cafés win at Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2023

The Donegal Wellness Cafés were the winners of the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2023 in the Healthcare Initiative Patient Education/Lifestyle Project category. There are currently 15 cafes established throughout the county, with the latest addition in ATU Letterkenny, where the students are verbalising the benefits of being involved.   Read full press release:   Donegal

Donegal Wellness Cafés win at Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2023 Read More »

Donegal County Council and Government must meet in the middle to ensure affordable housing – Cllr Gary Doherty

Donegal County Council is being urged to make representations to the Department of Housing to ensure all housing schemes are being availed of. Councillor Gary Doherty says with the affordability crisis worsening, responsibility lies with the local authority to outline to the Department the urgent need for the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme and LDA

Donegal County Council and Government must meet in the middle to ensure affordable housing – Cllr Gary Doherty Read More »

Leo Varadkar ‘doesn’t accept’ Deputy Pringle’s premise regarding inequality crisis in Ireland

Speaking at the Dail yesterday, Deputy Thomas Pringle made calls for future Government policy to  prioritise people at the bottom of income distribution, calling inequality the crisis that underpins all others. Following an initial response from The Taoiseach, Deputy Pringle said picking out suitable figures won’t change the reality of situation: Concluding, Leo Varadkar said

Leo Varadkar ‘doesn’t accept’ Deputy Pringle’s premise regarding inequality crisis in Ireland Read More »

Minister of Health suspicious of ‘whispering campaign’ taking place in Donegal

Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn yesterday raised concerns regarding the care for adults with diabetes in Letterkenny University Hospital in the Dáil. It follows the resignation of two Consultant Endocrinologists from the hospital in recent times. In his response, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly says he believes a whispering campaign is ongoing in Donegal. He added he

Minister of Health suspicious of ‘whispering campaign’ taking place in Donegal Read More »

Three Donegal school extension projects to proceed to tender

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, confirmed today that three school extension projects in Donegal have gotten approval to proceed to tender. The schools, St Baithin’s National School, Scoil Mhuire Milford and Cranford National School, have received the go ahead to move to tender stage for their extension projects under the Additional

Three Donegal school extension projects to proceed to tender Read More »

Redress Focus Group has first meeting with banks

The Redress Focus Group for Banking and Insurance had their first meeting with banking representatives yesterday. In a statement the group say its the first time banks have positively engaged in talks regarding specific products for defective concrete block homeowners. The banking federation of Ireland, AIB, Permanent TSB and Bank of Ireland were in attendance.

Redress Focus Group has first meeting with banks Read More »

O’Fearraigh believes enhanced Loganair Glasgow service will be a succees

It’s been confirmed that Loganair is to add a Wednesday flight to its Donegal – Glasgow service over the summer. The airline had previously announced a weekend service from July, but at a recent meeting of Glenties Municipal District, Cllr John Sheamais O’Fearraigh called for that to be augmented with a midweek flight. He’s welcomed

O’Fearraigh believes enhanced Loganair Glasgow service will be a succees Read More »

Burst water main causing supply disruptions to Barnesmore and Donegal Town

Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Barnesmore, Donegal Town and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place until 6pm this evening It is recommended that an allowance of 2-3 hours after the estimated restoration time is made to allow for water supply to fully return.

Burst water main causing supply disruptions to Barnesmore and Donegal Town Read More »

Derry men arrested in dissident republican activity investigation

Two men have been arrested in Derry as part of an ongoing investigation into violent dissident republican activity by detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Unit. The arrests was made under the Terrorism Act 2000. The men aged 36 and 59 years old are being questioned by detectives at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite. Planned searches were

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Investigations continuing into possibility fire at Convoy derelict property was deliberate

Gardaí have not ruled out the possibility that a fire at a derelict property in Convoy was started deliberately. The blaze broke out at the property in the Main Street area at around 3:35am on Sunday morning. Gardaí and the fire services attended the scene and the fire was brought under control. Gardaí are appealing

Investigations continuing into possibility fire at Convoy derelict property was deliberate Read More »

Gardaí say assault on schoolboy in Milford ‘worrying’

Gardaí have described an assault on a boy walking home from school in Milford as ‘worrying’. On Wednesday last, the boy was walking home from school when he was assaulted by two males who were unknown to him shortly before 4pm. The student was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment to injuries sustained. Gardaí

Gardaí say assault on schoolboy in Milford ‘worrying’ Read More »

Investigations continue as army bomb team declares fatal explosion site safe

The site of yesterday’s explosion in West Donegal has been declared safe by the Army Bomb Disposal team that attended the scene last evening. Gardaí say continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the explosion in Brinlack, near Bunbeg, in which Stephen Montgomery, who was in his 40s, lost his life. His body has been

Investigations continue as army bomb team declares fatal explosion site safe Read More »

Gardai investigating break in at St Mary’s Church, Ramelton Parochial house

An investigation has been launched after the office of the Parochial house at St. Mary’s Church, Ramelton was broken into in recent days. Between 6.30pm on Thursday evening last and 9am on Friday morning, the lock on the office door was broken and damage caused to the door frame. Nothing is believed to have been

Gardai investigating break in at St Mary’s Church, Ramelton Parochial house Read More »

‘Blanket of sadness over West Donegal’ – Fr Brian O’Ferraigh

The Parish Priest of Gweedore says there is a blanket of sadness over the area after a man was killed in an explosion yesterday. Stephen Montgomery who was in his 40s was believed to have been clearing rock with machinery in the Cnoc Fola area yesterday afternoon. Gardaí and the HSA have both launched investigations.

‘Blanket of sadness over West Donegal’ – Fr Brian O’Ferraigh Read More »

Coleman Legal says cutoff point will be announced for defective blocks case

The company taking a legal action on behalf of defective block homeowners has confirmed that it is still taking people into the case, but will be closing it off soon. At the weekend, the Mica Action Group indicated they believe that at present, the legal proceedings which are underway represent the only viable pathway to

Coleman Legal says cutoff point will be announced for defective blocks case Read More »

Over 6,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in Donegal

Over 6,000 Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers are currently living in Donegal. There are 136 providers of accommodation for those seeking refuge in the county. In response to a question from Councillor Michael McMahon, Donegal County Council reported that as of May 24th, there were 123 providers of commercial accommodation in Donegal for Ukrainian refugees

Over 6,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in Donegal Read More »

Council told it would be ‘absolutely crazy’ if proposed wind farm gets green light

Donegal County Council has been told that it is ‘absolutely crazy’ if a proposed wind farm development in West Donegal receives planning. Clogheracor Wind Farm Ltd has submitted an application to An Bord Pleanála for the wind energy development in the Gweebarra area. There’s fears that the go ahead could result in a repeat of

Council told it would be ‘absolutely crazy’ if proposed wind farm gets green light Read More »

Nearly 200,000 cows may have to be culled to meet emissions target by 2025

Up to 65,000 dairy cows may have to be culled each year for three years if climate targets for the farming sector are to be met. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has previously floated the idea of a voluntary dairy reduction scheme, with farmers compensated for reducing their herds. Now figures obtained by the Farming Independent

Nearly 200,000 cows may have to be culled to meet emissions target by 2025 Read More »

Motorcyclist in serious condition in hospital following crash in Manorcunningham

Investigations are continuing as a man remains in a serious condition following a crash in the Gladonagh area of Manorcunningham shortly before 5:15pm yesterday evening. The motorcyclist who is in his 30s, was taken by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital while the driver and passenger in the car were also taken to hospital for medical

Motorcyclist in serious condition in hospital following crash in Manorcunningham Read More »

Laws to ban sale of e-cigarettes to children to be approved by Cabinet

Laws to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children will be approved by the Cabinet this morning. The changes will also prohibit the advertising of nicotine products near schools and on public transport. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly expects legislation to be passed before the Dáil’s summer recess. Founder of Respect Vaper, Joe Dunne says e-cigarettes

Laws to ban sale of e-cigarettes to children to be approved by Cabinet Read More »

Almost 90% of parents had to cut back spending to pay school voluntary contribution

Almost 90% of parents have had to cut back or delay spending in order to pay the voluntary contribution charge to schools. A new report from St. Vincent de Paul has found the average payment per child is €140, with some schools charging as much as €550. Out of 1,500 respondents, more than three quarters

Almost 90% of parents had to cut back spending to pay school voluntary contribution Read More »

Investigations continuing into death of man killed in explosion

Investigations are continuing this morning after a fatal workplace incident in County Donegal. A man – named locally as Stephen Montgomery – was killed in an explosion outside the village of Bunbeg yesterday afternoon. Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are trying to piece together what exactly led to Mr. Montgomery’s death. It’s understood

Investigations continuing into death of man killed in explosion Read More »

Former Courthouse in Glenties to be transferred to the Brian Friel Trust

Approval has been granted for the former Courthouse in Glenties to be transferred to the Brian Friel Trust. The playwright’s work is internationally renowned. €4.5 million will be spent transforming the building and surrounding lands, while 30 jobs will be generated once operational. Councillor Anthony Molloy says the development will deliver significant social and economic

Former Courthouse in Glenties to be transferred to the Brian Friel Trust Read More »

2,000 native Irish Scots Pine trees planted at Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park has seen the largest plantation of its kind to date as part of a woodland habitat improvement action by National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2,000 native Irish Scots Pine trees have been planted in the Upper Glen of the park. The efforts is one of many pursuits to improve native woodland habitat

2,000 native Irish Scots Pine trees planted at Glenveagh National Park Read More »

Donegal County Council defer decision on publishing the Draft Donegal County Development Plan

Donegal County Council has deferred a decision on publishing the Draft Donegal County Development Plan. There was much debate at today’s meeting of Donegal County Council. Councillors from the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District asked that members be given more time to consider elements of the plan relating to the MD area. Meanwhile, earlier members of the

Donegal County Council defer decision on publishing the Draft Donegal County Development Plan Read More »