highlandnews

The members of the first governing body of the new Atlantic Technological University which will open its doors on April 1st have been announced today by Higher Education Minister Simon Harris. It follows the granting of Technological University status to a consortium comprising Letterkenny, Galway-Mayo, and Sligo Institutes of Technology. Leitrim Barrister Maura McNally has …

First governing body of new Atlantic Technological University announced Read More »

The Dail has heard that the families involved in the Brandon Report want it published. Deputy Thomas Pringle was speaking as part of statements on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 which would pave the way for a transfer of some responsibilities to a different Minister. Deputy Pringle raised concerns once again over the HSE’s …

Dail told families want Brandon report published Read More »

The Marine Minister has clashed in the Dail with Sinn Fein’s Fisheries and Marine spokesperson, Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochalinn. Deputy MacLochlainn raised the issue of access around Rockall being blocked for Irish fishermen. He told the Dail that it has resulted in a loss of over €7 million to the sector last year. Deputy MacLochlainn …

Marine Minister and Donegal Deputy clash over Rockall access Read More »

A South Donegal Deputy says he’s ‘hugely’ concerned over the spate of burglaries in the North West. The Tanaiste Leo Varadkar’s promised to raise the issue of an armed support unit for Sligo with the Justice Minister. It comes as 73 year-old Tom Niland is fighting for his life after he was attacked in Skreen, …

Further concern over spate of burglaries in North West Read More »

    Listen back to the main evening news, sport, farming news and obituaries for Thursday February 10th here:

    The Dail’s heard claims there were 200 homes burgled and trashed in the space of two months last year, between Donegal and north Galway. The government is being urged to respond to concerns of rural homeowners after a spate of aggravated burglaries. 73 year old Tom Niland is fighting for his life after …

200 North West homes burgled & trashed, Dail hears Read More »

  The Dail has been told that the publication this week of the Terms of Reference for the forthcoming report of the Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland is causing serious concerns in Donegal. The SCSI’s figures will determine payments to homeowners under the Defective Blocks Scheme, but Deputy Pearse Doherty told Tanaiste Leo Varadkar …

Tanaiste urged to clarify ‘worrying report’ for Mica homeowners Read More »

People in rural areas are being urged to become more proactive in reporting suspicious activity, given recent high-profile attacks on older people. Gardaí are said to be concerned about organised burglary gangs targetting vulnerable pensioners in their homes. A 72 year-old man was attacked during a break-in at his house in Celbridge, Co. Kildare earlier …

People in rural areas urged be more proactive in reporting suspicious activity Read More »

A senior Failte Ireland official says there are challenges facing the tourism sector in Donegal, but the industry is meeting them head on. Joan Crawford, the Wild Atlantic Way Programme Manager in Donegal, believes the ‘From Survival To Recovery’ Plan launched by Failte Ireland this week will pay dividends in Donegal and the North West. …

Local Failte Ireland manager confident tourism sector can prosper in 2022 Read More »

There are further calls for a new layout for what’s been described as a dangerous crossroads in Letterkenny. The Killyclug-Killylastin crossroads has been the scene of a number of crashes in recent years, including a three-car collision a few weeks ago. Donegal County Council is finalising improvement works at the junction while funding has also …

Further calls for new layout at dangerous crossroads in Letterkenny Read More »

Rent increases in Donegal, particularly in the north of the county, are now at crisis level for families. That’s according to Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn who has been responding to figures contained in the latest Daft.ie report which shows that the cost of rent in the county has increased 24% over the past year. Deputy …

Donegal Deputy says Donegal is in the perfect housing storm Read More »

The government will announce a package of measures to tackle rising household costs later today. A Cabinet sub-committee’s meeting to consider further measures to help deal with inflation. The 100 euro energy credit is likely to be doubled, while an extension to the fuel allowance season’s also being considered. Meanwhile, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty is …

Donegal Deputy calls for cash payments to tackle cost of living Read More »

The Office of Public Works has come under fire over claims that it is snubbing Donegal County Council. It’s understood that the OPW has effectively refused to attend Council meetings to speak with local representatives over progressing a number of key flood relief projects for the Letterkenny and Milford areas. The Council is to write …

OPW accused of snubbing Donegal County Council Read More »

The current state of the road surface between the Dry Arch and Polestar roundabouts in Letterkenny has been described as a recipe for disaster. Work is ongoing on the four lane project however there’s concern over the current condition of the route with claims that it’s no longer safe for road users. Donegal County Council …

‘Four lane stretch a recipe for disaster’ – Cllr Kelly Read More »

A Midlands North West MEP says the EU must do more to promote health, particularly in terms of research in eradicating cancer and other serious illnesses. Colm Markey has welcomed the findings of the latest Eurobarometer survey, which shows that Irish people have the most positive view of the European Parliament of any state in …

EU must respond to Irish wishes for renewed focus on health – Markey Read More »

  Listen back to the main evening news, sport and obituaries for Wednesday February 9th:

A senior detective says new developments in technology and DNA are being used in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Andrew Allen outside Buncrana 10 years ago today. The 24 year old was shot dead in front of his partner at his home at Links View Park, Lisfannon on February 9th, 2012. A car …

Senior Garda hopeful more people will come forward in Allen murder investigation Read More »

  The Taoiseach says it’s the Government objective to provide adequate resources to Letterkenny University Hospital. Michael Martin was responding to concerns over what has been described as a scaling back of services at the hospital. In the Dail, Deputy Thomas Pringle made particular reference to the backlog in eye appointments and treatment at Letterkenny …

Concern over ‘scaling back of services’ at LUH Read More »

Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle has supported a People Before Profit motion to increase the minimum wage to €15. Speaking in the Dail earlier today, Deputy Pringle said the minimum wage must meet the rate of inflation. He referenced comments made earlier this week by Junior Minister Sean Flemming who said people should ‘shop around’. Deputy …

‘Shopping around’ not feasible for people in Donegal – Pringle Read More »

British MPs are warning delays at the border could increase if issues with post-Brexit checks on goods and vehicles aren’t solved. A report by the UK’s Public Accounts Committee says leaving the EU has so far only resulted in costs and delays for businesses. It says there’ll be continued disruption if the British government don’t …

British PAC issues stark warning on Brexit delays Read More »

It might not be the end of the road for Donegal Town’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. It was feared this year’s parade may be cancelled after just 6 people turned up to a meeting on Monday evening to discuss plans for the celebrations to mark the occasion. However, a second meeting is now being held …

It may not be the end of the road for Donegal Town’s St Patrick’s Day parade Read More »

It’s time to get back to face to face meetings at Municipal District level. That’s the view of Cllr John O’Donnell after the latest sitting of the Letterkenny Milford MD was held online yesterday. Cllr O’Donnell says when dealing with projects it’s important for Councillors to be around the table to be able to discuss …

‘Time to get back to face to face MD meetings’ – Cllr O’Donnell Read More »

The Chairperson of the Donegal Green Party believes the new insulation and retrofit scheme announced by Government yesterday will be practical for homeowners and help in cutting the cost of home heating. Up to half the cost of a full retrofit will be covered in the Home Energy Upgrade scheme, with 80% of some smaller …

Donegal Green Party welcomes retrofit scheme Read More »

Agriculture and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue will travel to Canada as a St Patrick’s Day visit. 32 Ministers and Junior Ministers will be jetting off to destinations like New Zealand, South America and the US this year after a hiatus caused by the covid pandemic. Taoiseach Micheal Martin will also visit London and then Washington …

Minister McConalogue to travel to Canada for St Patrick’s Day visit Read More »

It’s been claimed that some road markings in Letterkenny have deteriorated so badly that it’s impacting on those doing their driving test. A number of junctions in the town are said to be affected where the lineage has worn away leaving motorists confused and in some cases people being penalised during their driving tests. Cllr …

Cllr claims deterioration of road markings is hampering people on driving tests Read More »

Retail Excellence says some businesses won’t survive if the minimum wage is increased to 15 euro an hour. A private members motion is due before the Dail this morning, calling for the minimum wage to rise from 10-euro-50. People Before Profit, who are proposing the motion, says low paid workers are struggling to survive due …

Business group warns businesses won’t survive minimum wage increase Read More »

Rents in Donegal continue to rise with a lack of availability in rental properties the main factor. The latest report from Daft.ie has revealed that rents in Donegal were on average 24.3% higher in the final quarter of 2021 than a year previously. The average listed rent in the county is now €826, up 70% …

Lack of supply said to be contributing to rent increase in Donegal Read More »

  Listen back to the main evening news, sport and obituaries for Tuesday February 8th: