Author name: highlandnews

David Keaney with President Michael D Higgins

Presidential Placement – Dream Work Experience for Young Donegal Town Native

  David Keaney a young man from Donegal Town achieved an incredible opportunity at the young age of 21 when he was selected to do a 15-week placement at the official residence of our President, Áras an Uachtaráin. As a household assistant, Keaney gained invaluable experience and insights into the workings of one of Ireland’s […]

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Motorcyclist killed in Co Derry collision named as 43 year old Aidy Clarkin

  Police in County Derry have confirmed the motorcyclist who died following a collision in Tobermore last evening was 43-year-old Aidy Clarkin from the Draperstown area. Police say Aidy was involved in a single vehicle collision on the Lisnamuck Road shortly after 5pm. The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed

Motorcyclist killed in Co Derry collision named as 43 year old Aidy Clarkin Read More »

Man detained after drug seizures in Derry released pending further enquiries

A 20-year-old man arrested in Derry on Wednesday following the seizure of suspected Class B and C drugs has been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries. The man had been initially arrested on suspicion of driving without a licence or insurance, and suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cash were

Man detained after drug seizures in Derry released pending further enquiries Read More »

Varadkar says government will follow through on commitment to support UU’s Magee Campus

  The Taoiseach has said the government remains committed to supporting the Ulster University campus at Magee College in Derry. The issue was raised in the Dail this week by People before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett, who said the issue was raised with him by a number of people while he was canvassing in

Varadkar says government will follow through on commitment to support UU’s Magee Campus Read More »

DCC launches public consultation as Fort Dunree plans near completion

Donegal County Council is urging people to engage with them as plans for the €12.5 million Fort Dunree project near completion. The council says it wants to hear from those who use the site about their current usage, and how that can be facilitated into the future. Grant funding of over €9.2 million has been

DCC launches public consultation as Fort Dunree plans near completion Read More »

Pringle tells Dail that more than two years after Meenbog bogslide, answers are needed

The Dail has been told it’s not acceptable that more than two years after a major bogslide close to a windfarm at Meenbog, no conclusions on what happened have been forthcoming, despite an immediate multi-agency enquiry. The issue was raised by Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle, who said despite the delay in determining what happened, there

Pringle tells Dail that more than two years after Meenbog bogslide, answers are needed Read More »

Government urged to support Derry Dublin air service service

Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers has launched a public consultation to inform a Mid-term Review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025. This Programme supports Ireland’s smallest airports, and among its initiatives is the Public Service Obligation air services between Donegal and Dublin. Meanwhile, the government is being urged to support the resumption of an air

Government urged to support Derry Dublin air service service Read More »

By-laws needed at newly designated EU entry piers and harbours- McGuinness

Donegal County Council has been told that by laws need to be introduced at piers and harbours in Inishowen which are set to become much busier on foot of changes introduced a week ago by Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue. He announced that Bungee, Glengad and Malin were being designated as EU entry ports for Northern

By-laws needed at newly designated EU entry piers and harbours- McGuinness Read More »

RTE right to broadcast coronation on Saturday – Cunningham

RTE’s decision to broadcast the Coronation of Britain’s King Charles’ has provoked a mixed reaction. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy claims the event is a ‘very obvious attempt’ to rehabilitate the monarchy. He believes the broadcaster shouldn’t provide four hours of coverage on Saturday. However, Donegal Commentator and Harvey’s Point Hotel Ambassador Noel Cunningham,

RTE right to broadcast coronation on Saturday – Cunningham Read More »

Saolta urge people with non-urgent issues not to attend Emergency Department at LUH

Saolta says the Emergency Department (ED) at Letterkenny University Hospital has been extremely busy over the past few days with high numbers of people attending. Yesterday saw 195 attendances at the Emergency Department with 186 attending on Tuesday, May 2nd. These high attendances are continuing. As of 3pm today Thursday May 4th there have been

Saolta urge people with non-urgent issues not to attend Emergency Department at LUH Read More »

Donegal based senator tells Seanad a taxi driver refused to drop her home

A Donegal based senator says a taxi driver refused to drop her home because she lived in a halting site. Eileen Flynn was raising issues on racism in Ireland and is the only member of the travelling community represented in the Oireachtas. Senator Flynn said she called the Gardaí saying the driver was committing a

Donegal based senator tells Seanad a taxi driver refused to drop her home Read More »

ECB confirms a .25% interest rate rise with more increases predicted

The European Central Bank is increasing interest rates by a quarter of one per cent. It’s the seventh increase in a year and will impact tracker mortgages immediately. Announcing the move, the ECB says inflation has remained too high for too long. President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, has indicated there could be further interest

ECB confirms a .25% interest rate rise with more increases predicted Read More »

HSE boss promises new system for dealing with ED problems

The HSE will move away from the ‘winter plan’ format and create a new system to deal with year-round problems facing emergency departments. Its Chief Executive says a new strategy will take effect from June, which aims to ‘consistently’ respond to issues with urgent care. 447 people were waiting for a bed in the country’s

HSE boss promises new system for dealing with ED problems Read More »

INMO will ballot members on strike action if staff shortages aren’t resolved

Nurses may go on strike later this year, if action isn’t taken to address unsafe staffing. An emergency motion on the matter passed unanimously at the INMO conference in Kerry this afternoon. It called for all members of the nursing union to be balloted this coming September, unless significant progress is made before then. Members

INMO will ballot members on strike action if staff shortages aren’t resolved Read More »

Government turning their backs on those facing mortage rate hikes – Doherty

It’s expected interest rates will be raised by a quarter of one percent this afternoon. The European Central Bank is to announce the measure as it continues to battle with high inflation. Anyone on a tracker mortgage will see an immediate increase in their rates, while some variable rate holders could be impacted later in

Government turning their backs on those facing mortage rate hikes – Doherty Read More »

Donegal pharmacist says discussions on Codeine are worrying for those prescribed it

A Donegal pharmacist doesn’t agree with concerns being raised over the use of codeine. Margaret O’Doherty of Raphoe Pharmacy says while it is an addictive medication, not everyone who takes it is an addict. There are ongoing discussions which could see codeine banned. Ms O’Doherty says it is very worrying for people who have been

Donegal pharmacist says discussions on Codeine are worrying for those prescribed it Read More »

60 nurses needed in medical, surgical and emergency departments at LUH – INMO

The INMO’s Industrial Relations Officer for the North West, Neal Donohoe says while there has been an increase in recruitment at Letterkenny University Hospital, staff are still struggling to deal with the high attendances at the hospital. He says 60 additional nurses are required in the medical, surgical and emergency departments currently. Mr Donohoe says

60 nurses needed in medical, surgical and emergency departments at LUH – INMO Read More »

Zero pesticide exceedances identified in public drinking water supplies in Donegal in 2022

Zero pesticide exceedances were identified in public drinking water supplies in Donegal last year. It marks a significant reduction in the number of exceedances for pesticides in public drinking water supplies in the county. In 2021 Uisce Eireann detected 3 exceedances for MCPA and Bentazone. The utility however, is urging people to continue to consider

Zero pesticide exceedances identified in public drinking water supplies in Donegal in 2022 Read More »

Cllr McClafferty believes footage of illegal dumpers should be posted to social media as a deterrent

A West Donegal Councillor believes footage of illegal dumpers should be posted on social media as a deterrent. It’s after rubbish including a chair, a strimmer and a children’s push trike were discovered discarded close to Muckish Grotto. Councillor Michael McClafferty previously called for CCTV cameras to be installed at fly tipping hot spots. He

Cllr McClafferty believes footage of illegal dumpers should be posted to social media as a deterrent Read More »

It’s claimed people with disabilities have been locked-down in their home for last 10 years

It’s claimed people with disabilities have been locked-down in their homes for the last 10 years. The Regional Group of TDs is bringing forward a Dáil motion today, calling on the government to improve disability transport schemes. They say a number of supports and grants have been withdrawn or closed to new applicants since 2013.

It’s claimed people with disabilities have been locked-down in their home for last 10 years Read More »

MacLochlainn stresses need to ensure quarries are closely monitored under new law

The Dail has been told that a decade after evidence began to emerge of defective blocks in Donegal, it’s unbelievable that some quarries still haven’t been audited and inspected. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn was speaking during a debate on the second stage of the Construction Safety Licencing Bill, which concludes provision for inspection of quarries and training

MacLochlainn stresses need to ensure quarries are closely monitored under new law Read More »

Letterkenny most popular domestic choice for Irish B&B

Letterkenny is the most popular destination for Airbnb bookings by travellers from the Republic of Ireland this year. Bundoran features at number 10. The top 5 destinations were Letterkenny, Inishmore, Rosslare, Dingle and Schull. Spain, Italy and the US top the international list for Irish travellers is year. There are three destinations in Spain in

Letterkenny most popular domestic choice for Irish B&B Read More »

Local Authority staff overworked and underpaid – Fórsa

Fórsa claims people working in councils are overworked following an exodus of staff over the past few years. The trade union says around 10,000 people have left their jobs at local authorities since the financial crisis. It adds that understaffed departments is leading to staff working above their grade while being paid less. Richy Carrothers

Local Authority staff overworked and underpaid – Fórsa Read More »

Public information day to be held for Downings flood relief scheme

A public information day on the preferred option for the Downings flood relief scheme is due to take place next week. Members of the project team from Donegal County Council, the OPW and consultants, RPS will be available to present the Preferred Option and outline how public consultation submissions have been considered. The preferred option

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Donegal Domestic Violence Centre manager says court structure needs overhaul

The manager of the Donegal Domestic Violence Centre believes there needs to be an overhaul of the current court structure. It comes as a report from the Department of Justice and National Women’s Council, found the Irish legal system is traumatizing and revictimizing those who’ve suffered domestic abuse. It also found some victims feel belittled,

Donegal Domestic Violence Centre manager says court structure needs overhaul Read More »

Cllr believes people should register for social housing as soon as they turn 18

A West Donegal Councillor believes people should register on the social housing waiting list as soon as they turn 18. Councillor Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig says with the lengthy waiting lists facing people in need of housing, the sooner a person is on the waiting list, the more of a chance they stand. He

Cllr believes people should register for social housing as soon as they turn 18 Read More »

Council urged to keep pressure on to deliver flood relief schemes in Donegal

Donegal County Council is being urged to keep the pressure on to ensure the flood relief schemes announced yesterday are delivered as soon as possible. Minister for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan confirmed that a new pilot delivery model for flood relief schemes in Letterkenny and Donegal Town is to commence shortly. Councillor Noel Jordan says

Council urged to keep pressure on to deliver flood relief schemes in Donegal Read More »

Deputy Doherty believes ‘common sense’ approach needs to be applied in relation to rent tax credit

There are calls for Revenue to change its policy on using the rent tax credit to pay off tax bills. It’s emerged some renters have had their €500 payment withheld – in order to pay off liabilities accrued as a result of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme in 2020. Revenue says it can claim any

Deputy Doherty believes ‘common sense’ approach needs to be applied in relation to rent tax credit Read More »

Text and investment scams targeting older people on the rise

The number of text and investment scams, targeting older people, is soaring. The Banking and Payments Federation says it’s the reason behind its FraudSMART awareness event, taking place in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin later this morning. Older people are invited to go along to learn more about how to spot and defend themselves against fraudsters.

Text and investment scams targeting older people on the rise Read More »

Calls for Government to impose temporary energy price cap

Sinn Féin is calling on the government to impose a three-month price cap on energy. In a motion coming before the Dáil later, the party will also call for the Environment Minister’s new windfall tax on the super-profits of companies to be back-dated to the price peak in 2022. Sinn Féin’s Environment Spokesperson, Darren O’Rourke

Calls for Government to impose temporary energy price cap Read More »

Nurses demanding urgent action on hospital overcrowding

Nurses are demanding urgent action on hospital overcrowding. Latest figures from the INMO show just over 10,000 patients, including 297 children, were admitted to hospital without a bed last month. Yesterday there were over 700 patients left on trolleys. Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation will gather in Killarney today for the union’s

Nurses demanding urgent action on hospital overcrowding Read More »

“Irish Water are the elephant in the room, but they’re not even in the room” – McDermott

As meetings to discuss the draft County Development Plan take place at all five of the county’s municipal districts over the coming days, a North Inishowen councillor has again repeated his belief that water from the Eddie Fullerton Dam should not be sent to other areas of the county until the peninsula’s needs are met

“Irish Water are the elephant in the room, but they’re not even in the room” – McDermott Read More »