Author name: highlandnews

Higher Education Minister to meet students to discuss reducing cost of education

The Higher Education Minister is to meet students today to discuss how to reduce the cost of education. Simon Harris says he and his department want to hear directly from “the people that matter”. Over 100 people, including students, higher education bodies and representative groups, will attend the event in Dublin later. An ‘Annual Paper

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Tensions rising between main coalition parties over budget

Tensions are rising between the main coalition parties over the budget. Tanaiste Michael Martin told the Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting last night that junior ministers writing newspaper opinion pieces ‘was not helpful’ and ‘undermines’ the budgetary process. He was referring to a call from three Fine Gael junior ministers for a 1000 euro tax

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Crawford concerned at plight of non-Medical card patients who can’t get a GP

A Donegal member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum says there needs to be a study of the impact the a shortage of GPs in the county is having on Letterkenny University Hospital. Cllr Gerry Crawford asked at a meeting this week for an outline of the protocols in place in cases where a person

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Government needs to ‘cop on’ when it comes to affordable housing – Deputy MacLochlainn

A Donegal Deputy called on Government to make better plans to provide affordable housing in Ireland. In a heated address, Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn highlighted findings in a report from the Banking and Payments Federation noting that the average income of first-buyer families is €90,000. As well as this, the majority of local authorities, do not

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First delivery made to Lenalea Wind Farm 7-turbine project

The first delivery of wind turbine components was made to Lenalea Wind Farm, in central Donegal, this week. Project Manager Patrick Greene for Lenalea Wind Farm said it was a significant milestone for the project. It is the first delivery to the 7-turbine project, an SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland co-development. A delivery route was

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Resignation of a new consultant is evidence that change is needed in LUH – Deputy Pringle

A Donegal Deputy has said Letterkenny University Hospital is buckling due to years of neglect. Deputy Thomas Pringle said in the Dáil this week that many of his constituents have raised the long wait-times in the Emergency Department. He added that the recent resignation of a new consultant is evidence that change is needed for

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€100,000 awarded for for new cross border creative arts programme in Gweedore and Derry

Funding of over €100,000 has been awarded to Amharclann Ghaelige Ghaoth Dobhair and the Waterside Theatre for the new cross border creative arts programme. Funding was awarded by the International Fund for Ireland under the Communities in Partnership Programme. The programme will see people within Gaeltacht, Nationalist and Unionist communities on each side of the

€100,000 awarded for for new cross border creative arts programme in Gweedore and Derry Read More »

Crawford seeking face to face meeting between ETB and Lifford Youthreach building owners

A Lifford councillor is urging the County Donegal Education and Training Board to meet with the owners of the building currently being used by Youthreach in the town to discuss the service’s future. It emerged last week that the lease is expiring and the service has to temporarily relocate, with a potential move across the

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PSNI say investigation into attempted murder of DCI Caldwell continuing at pace

The PSNI says the investigation into the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell is continuing at pace. The senior detective was left with life changing injuries after being shot in Omagh earlier this year. Mr Caldwell’s still recovering at home after being released from hospital. Chief Constable of the PSNI, Simon Byrne, says the force

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Ombudsman for Children’s Office received 36 complaints from Donegal in 2022

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office received 36 complaints from Donegal last year. According to ‘Falling Behind’ the OCO’s Annual Report, education was once again the most complained about issue with bullying, expulsion or suspension, and special education resources featuring in many of the complaints. 1,812 complaints nationally were received by the Children’s Ombudsman last year,

Ombudsman for Children’s Office received 36 complaints from Donegal in 2022 Read More »

MHC publishes its 2022 report on LUH’s Department of Psychiatry

The Mental Health Commission has published its 2022 report into the Department of Psychiatry at Letterkenny University Hospital. It gave the unit a compliance rating of 81%, compared to 89% in 2021 and 86% in 2020. The report says a number of issues were identified, but they are being addressed. The inspection found the unit

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Marine Minister urged to grant foreshore licences to allow works proceed in Donegal

The Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue is being urged to step in and grant foreshore licences for a number of piers and harbours in Donegal to allow planned works proceed. Funding of €7.6m has been allocated for works in Burtonport, Bunbeg, Glengad and Rathmullan. However, its been confirmed that the approval of foreshore licences is outstanding

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Cllr calls for Lyme disease dangers to be highlighted by signage

An Inishowen Councillor believes the dangers of Lyme disease need to be highlighted through signage across Donegal. Councillor Albert Doherty raised the issue at this week’s meeting of the Inishowen Municipal District and Regional Health Forum. He is calling for awareness and information signs to be put in place:

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Proposed EU Nature Restoration Law is not workable in its present form – Markey

A Midlands North West MEP has defended his decision to vote against the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law in the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee this week. Colm Markey says all those who opposed it accept there is a biodiversity crisis, but object to the way the commission was proposing to impose measiures without engaging with

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Dogs off lead preventing potential of Swan Park being maximised – Cllr Donaghey

The potential of Swan Park is not going to be maximised until everyone can enjoy it. That’s according to Councillor Rena Donaghey who is calling for signs to be erected encouraging dog owners to keep their pets on a lead. The popular amenity recently reopened after much work was carried out there following significant damage

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Kilmacrennan Club face ‘massive’ cost to repair vandalism

Kilmacrennan Celtic Football Club has appealed to members of the club and the public to be extra vigilant after significant damage was caused to their changing rooms facility. The Club says they are disgusted and disappointed to discover the level of vandalism at the building used by the Kilmacrennan Schoolboys/ Girls Football League Club. They

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Dail told diabetes care in Donegal is in an ‘absolute crisis’

The Dail has heard that diabetes care in Donegal is in an absolute crisis. It emerged in recent days that two Consultant endocrinologists at Letterkenny University Hospital have resigned. All the while, adults with diabetes are waiting 24 months for an appointment which is way above the recommended timeframe of 6 months. Donegal Deputy Padriag

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HSE 2023 Service Plan ‘won’t even scratch the surface’ – SF Health Spokesperson

The HSE’s National Service Plan for 2023 “won’t even scratch the surface” of the healthcare crisis, according to Sinn Féin. HSE boss Bernard Gloster will outline what’s being done to help the health service recover from the effects of the pandemic, when he goes before the Oireachtas Heatlh Committee later. The plan has a total

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First seven graduate from Deaf Guidance and Employment Initiative

A new programme launched to facilitate more inclusive and supportive working environments for the deaf across Ireland has this month seen its first seven students graduate. The course helps those in the deaf community develop necessary skills and work experience to enhance their personal and professional goals. As well as the employment initiate Enterprise Rent

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Students in Donegal town meet Olympian Boxer Aidan Walsh as part of Permanent TSB’s Dare to Believe Programme

Last week  students and young athletes from Donegal Town Boxing Club and Scoil Áodh Rua agus Nuala were lucky enough gain insight into what it takes to achieve their most ambitious goals from Team Ireland Olympic Boxer, Aidan Walsh. The visit was organised as part of Olympic Federation of Ireland Dare to Believe School’s Programme,

Students in Donegal town meet Olympian Boxer Aidan Walsh as part of Permanent TSB’s Dare to Believe Programme Read More »

Almost three out of four children negatively affected by cost of living crisis

Nearly three out of every four children are being negatively affected by the cost of living crisis. A study by the children’s charity Barnardos found 37% of families have had to cut down or do without basic essentials in the past six months. 43% of parents couldn’t afford to buy new clothes for their kids.

Almost three out of four children negatively affected by cost of living crisis Read More »

Saolta says a ‘rolling recruitment campaign’ for nurses is continuing at LUH

Concern has been expressed that there is a difference of 35 in Saolta’s estimation of the shortage of nursing and midwifery staff at Letterkenny University Hospital, compared to the INMO’s latest estimate. Saolta’s Chief Operations Officer said there is rolling recruitment, and stressed Saolta’s estimate only covers Emergency and Surgical Departments, as outlined in Cllr

Saolta says a ‘rolling recruitment campaign’ for nurses is continuing at LUH Read More »

Appeal to businesses in Strabane and Derry to review security measures

Police in Derry City & Strabane are urging business owners to review their security measures to prevent burglaries. The appeal follows recent reports of attempted burglary and burglary at city centre commercial premises. Chief inspector Yvonne McManus made the crime prevention appeal stating money had been stolen and premises damaged leaving businesses to count the

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Water supply and traffic disruptions at Naran and surrounding areas tonight

Mains repair works may cause supply disruptions to Main Street, Naran and surrounding areas tonight. The works are scheduled to take place from 11pm until 5am tomorrow morning. It is recommend that an allowance 2-3 hours after the estimated restoration time is made for water supplies to fully return.

Water supply and traffic disruptions at Naran and surrounding areas tonight Read More »

Gardai investigating attempted theft of car from Ballymacool Woods

Gardaí are investigating the possible attempted theft of a car from Ballymacool Woods, Letterkenny on Wednesday last. Between 12.30pm and 7.30pm, the window on the driver’s side of the vehicle was smashed and the ignition tampered with. As the car was fitted with an immobiliser, the attempt to steal it was unsuccessful. Anyone who noticed

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Windows smashed in spate of criminal damage incidents in Letterkenny

Investigations are continuing into a spate of criminal damage incidents in the Oldtown area of Letterkenny. At around 8:05pm on Thursday night last, a brick was thrown through the window of a house at James Larkin Court. A few hours later, at 1.15am on Friday morning, a number of other windows at the same property

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Derry woman convicted for causing unnecessary suffering to dog and two pups

A Derry woman has been convicted for causing unnecessary suffering to a German Shepherd and two puppies in June 2022. The dogs were found living in unhygienic conditions without access to water. The complaint was brought against Nadine Wells of Cornshell Fields by Derry City and Strabane District Council under the Welfare of Animals Act.

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Meeting tomorrow to discuss how remainder of Creeslough Community Fund will be spent

A meeting is being held tomorrow to discuss how the remainder of an Irish Red Cross fund for Creeslough will be spent. €1.88 million was donated to the charity in response to the Creeslough explosion which claimed the lives of 10 people in October of last year. The meeting will consider a plan as to

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Hard to comprehend Richard Burke sentencing – Jasmine McMonagle sister

The sister of Jasmine McMonagle says it is hard to comprehend the sentence handed down to Richard Burke yesterday. The 32-year-old from Killygordan has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, with the last 12 months suspended, for the manslaughter of Ms McMonagle in 2019. He was found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished

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Gardai hunt two youths in conncection with damage caused to car in St Johnston

Gardaí are on the hunt for two youths in connection with damage caused to a car in the St Johnston area in the early hours of Friday morning. The pair, who were wearing grey hoodies and dark trousers were seen in the Cois Abhainn area at around 4.10am. It’s reported that they smashed the windscreen

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Gardai believe smashing of Doochary ‘Welcome’ stone is an act of criminal damage

Gardaí now believe that the smashing of a welcome stone in Doochary is an act of criminal damage. It emerged last week that the stone at the top of the corkscrew had been significantly damaged and it was initially thought it had been hit by a vehicle. Gardaí say they are anxious to hear from

Gardai believe smashing of Doochary ‘Welcome’ stone is an act of criminal damage Read More »

38 Donegal groups receive support for projects supporting activity for older people

38 Donegal groups are receive €12,800 to fund physical activity for older people. The monies are being distributed by Age & Opportunity, with support from Sport Ireland. Nationwide, €317,430 is being awarded to 909 organisations, ranging from active retirement groups to sports clubs and nursing and day care centres. Sue Guildea is Active Programme Manager

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Industrial Court to hear application for trade union recognition at Seagate

The Industrial Court has confirmed that it will hear an application for trade union recognition at Seagate. The decision marks a major step forward in the ongoing union drive at the Springtown-based manufacturer of semi-conductors which employs 1,600 onsite. Fears have been raised earlier that job losses and wage cuts are on the horizon for

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