highlandnews

Mica testing costs to be reimbursed in coming weeks

It’s anticipated that Mica homeowners will be reimbursed for costs incurred by testing for the presence of Mica in the coming weeks. The Mica Action Group met with Donegal County Council and Housing Department officials last week and it was confirmed that regulations to release the funding will be approved by mid-February and will then …

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Derelict housing up for discussion at today’s Council meeting

The issue of derelict housing in County Donegal is one of the topics up for discussion at today’s meeting of Donegal County Council. A motion being brought forward by Inishowen Councillor Albert Doherty is calling on the council to make every effort to identify and refurbish derelict buildings and houses in a bid to create …

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Employers urged to adopt cautious approach to return to workplace

Employers are being urged to adopt a cautious approach to the return to the workplace under new government advise published today. The latest guidance for businesses recommends a gradual process, consultation with unions and supports for nervous staff. It’s also urging companies to continue to have infection prevention controls in place. Meanwhile there are calls …

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Investigations underway into unnotified parade in Derry

Investigations are underway in Derry into an unnotified parade which was held in the Galliagh area yesterday. Police say the parade was not connected to the Bloody Sunday commemorations that took place across the city yesterday. They say investigations are continuing to establish if any offences occurred and to identify those involved.

Police investigating Strabane assault

Police in Strabane have launched an investigation into a weekend assault in the town. The incident is believed to have happened at around 12:30am yesterday morning in the Railway Street area. Police are appealing to anyone who may have any information to come forward.

Scheme to regularise undocumented migrants’ status opens

A new “once in a generation” scheme offering undocumented migrants here the change to regularise their status opens today. Thousands of people could benefit, with successful applicants able to get access to the labour market and a path to citizenship. The scheme is open for migrants and applications will be accepted for six months until …

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‘Red tape hampering planning process’ – Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig

A Donegal Councillor has raised issues with Donegal County Council’s planning process, after long-awaited funding for a bridge in Bunbeg was granted last week. Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig says that while it’s great news that €130,000 has been granted for the works – he has questioned why so much money is required for the …

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There should be no amnesties for Troubles-era killings: Taoiseach

The Taoiseach says there should be no amnesties for killings that took place during the Troubles. Speaking at a memorial event to mark the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Micheal Martin said the law must apply equally to everyone. Today marks 50 years since 14 peaceful protesters were killed by British soldiers in Derry in 1972, …

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UK Foreign Secretary not ruling out Article 16 despite deal hopes

The British Foreign Secretary’s refused to rule out triggering Article 16 if there’s no progress on Brexit talks with the EU. Liz Truss says there’s a “deal to be done” on rules governing trade in Northern Ireland, and hopes there’ll be “significant progress” in negotiations regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol by the end of next …

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Bloody Sunday “one of the most seismic events in world history” – SF Justice Spokesperson

Sinn Fein’s Justice spokesperson says that Bloody Sunday was “one of the most seismic events in world history”. Those comments come as events to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday are taking place in Derry across this weekend, to commemorate the 13 people that were shot dead by British soldiers at a civil rights …

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Events commemorating 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday this weekend

  Events to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday are taking place in Derry this weekend. The former leader of Britain’s Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, will give a lecture there today – and Taoiseach Micheál Martin will attend an event tomorrow morning. It’s to commemorate 13 people being shot dead by British soldiers at …

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Ireland “in a very good place” due to vaccine immunity – Expert

A vaccines expert believes the country’s ‘in a very good place’ regarding Covid-19. UCC Professor Liam Fanning is hopeful the numbers will decrease even further in March by the time we get to St. Patrick’s Day. Yesterday 9,591 new Covid cases were recorded, as the number of people in intensive care has dropped to 69 …

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Importance of truth highlighted at Bloody Sunday commemorative mass

A special mass in honour of those killed and injured on Bloody Sunday has been told that the truth is vitally important, and much suffering could have been averted had the truth been told at the time. Speaking at the mass in St Mary’s Church, Catholic Bishop Donal McKeown welcomed Church of Ireland Bishop Andrew …

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WDC predicts growth in the West and North West this year

The CEO of the Western Development Commission says the region from Donegal to Galway is showing positive signs of growth for 2022. The commission’s Policy Analysis team has released the a report which says estimates of more sustainable public finances, strong economic growth and declines in unemployment offer clear signs of encouragement. The report, which …

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DCIL set to go to planning with major expansion plans

The Donegal Centre for Independent Living has launched a strategic plan for the next three years. The launch event was told the centre remains focused on supporting and empowering people with disabilities in Donegal to actively participate as equal citizens in society. Among the priorities in the plan are an extension to the existing building, …

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Highland Radio, Donegal, Letterkenny, Hospital, Trolleys

Limited visiting re-introduced at Letterkenny University Hospital

Visiting by appointment has been re-introduced at Letterkenny University Hospital and patients may have one visit per day lasting up to 30 minutes.  Family members/visitors are asked to contact the ward or unit before 3pm on the day, with  appointments being staggered across all ward areas at 6.30pm, 7.15pm and 8pm. Visitors will be asked …

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Udaras approves €1 million increase in its community development budget

The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta today approved a total budget of €6.125m to fund the implementation of the organisation’s Community Development, Language and Cultural Tourism Programme for 2022. The figure is up €1m on last year. Donegal is edpected to benefit substantially from the allocation, which includes administration grants for community development organisations and …

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Donegal Culture & Creativity Grants Scheme 2022

  Applications are being invited for the Donegal Culture & Creativity Grants Scheme 2022. The scheme promotes collaboration and fosters creativity as envisaged in the Creative Ireland programme. The Scheme is offering 20 grants of €2,000 each to projects that encourage cooperation and collaboration between communities and heritage specialists, artists, culture professionals and/or creative industries …

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Some patients waiting over four years for hospital procedure

  Some patients have been waiting over four years for a hospital procedure, according to a leading HSE official. The target is for outpatient lists be down to 18 months by December – and a year for inpatient procedures. Just under 700,000 people are waiting for one of these consultations at the moment. Tony Canavan, …

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Letterkenny woman appointed Donegal’s newest Judge

Solicitor Éiteáin Cunningham has been appointed as the new district judge for Letterkenny. The Letterkenny woman was appointed to the role by President Michael D Higgins this week. Ms. Cunningham takes over from outgoing Judge Raymond Finnegan in District 1. Originally from the Glebe, Ms Cunningham was educated at Loreto Convent in Letterkenny and is …

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HSE urged to prioritise restoration of Day services at Carndonagh

There’s calls for the HSE to prioritise the restoration of Day services at Carndonagh Community Hospital. The service was withdrawn almost two years ago and it was confirmed in November last year that the HSE property management team were tasked with finding a suitable alternative facility in Carndonagh. Councillor Albert Doherty, who is a member …

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Son of late veteran Cllr Bernard McGuinness to serve on Council

  Culdaff businessman Johnny McGuinness has been officially selected by Fine Gael to serve on Donegal County Council in the North Inishowen area. He is set to replace his late father Bernard who sadly passed away last August at the age of 77. Johnny McGuinness had been widely tipped to fill the vacancy with Fine …

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School closures during lockdowns ‘impacted children’s rights’

  The Ombudsman for Children’s Office says the school closures during lockdowns impacted children’s rights. Children with mental health difficulties, homeless children, children in Direct Provision, children with disabilities and Traveller and Roma children were most affected. Its new report shows school closures had a mainly negative effect on a child’s right to education in …

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Appeal over murder of Tyrone policeman in 1989

Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch, investigating the murder of Constable Stephen Montgomery in Sion Mills in January 1989, are appealing for information on the anniversary of his murder. Constable Montgomery was killed when a drogue bomb was thrown at his patrol vehicle. A colleague was seriously injured and a third officer escaped serious injury. Meanwhile, …

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‘Positive’ talks ahead of Russian marine exercises

Talks between representatives from the Irish Fishing Industry and the Russian Ambassador have been described as “extremely positive”. The two sides met this morning so that fishermen could raise their concerns over the impact Russian Navy drills may have on their sector, when they get underway next week. A “buffer zone” is being considered, so …

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Return of jobseekers payments to post offices ‘good news for Donegal’

  It’s anticipated that the return of jobseekers payments to post offices will ensure the viability of many rural facilities in Donegal. The changes will initially apply to all new jobseeker applicants, before being extended to other jobseekers over the coming months. When public health restrictions were introduced in 2020, people in receipt of social …

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Need for community communication highlighted in Buncrana survey

A Community Worker in Buncrana says a survey carried among ethnic minorities last year shows the need for more communication and understanding. Ruth Garvey-Williams is a volunteer with the Exchange Community Centre, and was involved in the survey which spoke to over 100 people from different ethnic backgrounds who have moved to Buncrana within the …

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