Author name: highlandnews

Housing Minister acknowledges urgent support needed for defective block homeowners in unlivable houses

It’s emerged the Housing Minister is awaiting correspondence from Donegal County Council with regards the provision of temporary accommodation for defective block homeowners whose properties are unlivable. Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle warned in the Dail that some homeowners cannot wait for a remediation scheme and that Government needs to act immediately. In responding to Deputy

Housing Minister acknowledges urgent support needed for defective block homeowners in unlivable houses Read More »

Council to engage with TII on measures to slow down traffic through towns

Discussions are to take place between Donegal County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland on what measures can be taken to slow down traffic in towns on national roads. Cllr Paul Canning told this week’s meeting of council that any move to put down ramps on TII roads is being blocked. Officials said raised tables may

Council to engage with TII on measures to slow down traffic through towns Read More »

Cathaoirleach of Lifford Stranorlar MD believes area is missing out

The Cathoirleach of Lifford and Stranolar MD believes the area is missing out on major cross border projects. Cllr Patrick McGowan says the area has a long land border with Northern Ireland, however, it is not included in projects such as the Shared Ireland initiative. The Lifford Stranorlar MD had previously been linked with Letterkenny

Cathaoirleach of Lifford Stranorlar MD believes area is missing out Read More »

Dail hears repeated calls for emergency intervention for defective block homeowners

The Dail has heard pleas again for the need for emergency intervention for defective block homeowners who are living in properties which are not fit for human habitation. Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn told the Taoiseach that families are desperate and were left with no other option but to protest outside County House in Lifford yesterday.

Dail hears repeated calls for emergency intervention for defective block homeowners Read More »

Cllr Ian McGarvey to step down in January

Ireland’s oldest Councillor is set to retire in January. At yesterday’s plenary meeting of Donegal County Council, Councillor Ian McGarvey received a standing ovation from fellow members and received a presentation from the Council. Councillor McGarvey’s nephew, Pauric McGarvey will take over the role. Councillor McGarvey who was first elected onto Donegal County Council in

Cllr Ian McGarvey to step down in January Read More »

‘There needs to be a cultural change in farming to promote women’ – Minister McConalogue

The Agriculture Minister says there needs to be a cultural change in farming to promote women. Charlie McConalogue was speaking at the launch of the National Conference on Women in Farming. Cabinet also signed off on a new Agri Food Regulator to cut down on unfair trading practices in the sector. The Minister said Government

‘There needs to be a cultural change in farming to promote women’ – Minister McConalogue Read More »

Donegal Historic Towns Initiatives scoop national awards

Donegal County Council and its partners scooped two national awards for its Historic Towns Initiatives at two award ceremonies in Dublin last Thursday evening. The Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative won the Community & Heritage Award at the KPMG – Irish Independent Property Industry Excellence Awards in The Convention Centre in Dublin while the Ramelton Historic

Donegal Historic Towns Initiatives scoop national awards Read More »

Mica information night to be held in Buncrana

MEMBERS of the Mica Action Group and representatives who are leading the scientific research into defective blocks will speak at a ‘mica information night’ in Buncrana this week. On Thursday night Inishowen Development Partnership in collaboration with Inishowen Family Action Network MICA Subgroup, are hosting a free ‘mica information night’ in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel

Mica information night to be held in Buncrana Read More »

Council urged to write ‘vital’ letter to Department of Housing

Cllr Martin McDermott has told Donegal County Council that it’s vital the council write immediately to senior officials in the Department of Housing demanding immediate action to help people who must leave their homes. Cllr McDermott said people affected by the Defective Block Crisis must be given some hope over Christmas that they are being

Council urged to write ‘vital’ letter to Department of Housing Read More »

Three RNLI lifeboat crews awarded for rescuing a fishing crew off Fanad Head

  Three RNLI lifeboat crews have received an award for rescuing a fishing crew off Fanad Head. The lives of five people onboard a fishing vessel were saved during the callout in 2019. Lifeboat crews from Lough Swilly and Arranmore along with Portrush in county Antrim, have been recognised for their efforts in rescuing five

Three RNLI lifeboat crews awarded for rescuing a fishing crew off Fanad Head Read More »

New legislation will see an opt-out system introduced for organ donation

New legislation will see an opt-out system introduced for organ donation. Under plans being brought to Cabinet by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly consent for organ donation will be assumed unless someone has opted out while alive. But next of kin will still be consulted and will be able to object to the removal of an

New legislation will see an opt-out system introduced for organ donation Read More »

Further information being sought from Council member who made corruption claims

On foot of a demand for action on corruption claims made at last year’s Budget Meeting, the Acting Chief Executive of Donegal County Council told members this week that further information has been sought from the member who made the comments. Liam Ward said when that has been responded to, then the council will brief

Further information being sought from Council member who made corruption claims Read More »

Over €937 million to be sent on capital projects in Donegal in the three years to 2025

Donegal County Council has passed its three-Year Capital Programme for the period from 2023 – 2025, with over €937 million expected to be spent on capital projects such as housing, roads, and major tourism projects. Head of Finance Richard Gibson told today’s meeting that while these figures are based on estimates, it’s anticipated that Donegal

Over €937 million to be sent on capital projects in Donegal in the three years to 2025 Read More »

New health plan, aimed at Travellers aims to reduce life expectancy gap

A new health plan, aimed at Travellers, hopes to reduce the 13-year gap in life expectancy rates between Travellers and the general population. The 1.3 million euro plan aims to standardise funding for this group and address inequalities facing them within the health sector. HSE figures show Traveller suicide rates and child mortality rates are

New health plan, aimed at Travellers aims to reduce life expectancy gap Read More »

HIQA raises concerns over protection of residents at Donegal centre

Concerns have been raised in regards the protection of residents at a designated centre for adults with disabilities in Donegal. At the Dunwiley Centre, Stranorlar, it was found that an incident of alleged suspected abuse had not been suspected as a safeguarding concern. HIQA carried out the follow up inspection to review actions required as

HIQA raises concerns over protection of residents at Donegal centre Read More »

Police concerned for missing Tyrone man who may have travelled to Donegal

Police say they are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing Tyrone man who has links to Donegal. 55 year old Ciaran Coyle was last seen in Dungannon, County Tyrone at around 10am this morning. He is described as 5’6″ or 5’7″ in height with a stocky build and a shaved head and

Police concerned for missing Tyrone man who may have travelled to Donegal Read More »

The Nine ’til Noon Show – Richard Brown Domestic Damp Expert

  Damp Expert with RBBA Ltd. Building Surveyors Richard Brown talk to Greg about an upcoming meeting hosted by the Northwest Property Meet for landlords regarding domestic dampness. The event takes place in the Everglades Hotel, Derry on Thursday the 1st of December. It comes after the sad passing of a two year old boy

The Nine ’til Noon Show – Richard Brown Domestic Damp Expert Read More »

Elective procedures at LUH cancelled due to pressures

Letterkenny University Hospital is postponing elective procedures given the pressure on the site and patients have been contacted directly. The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability. Saolta says this is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the

Elective procedures at LUH cancelled due to pressures Read More »

Inishowen organisation out thousands after being targeted by online hackers

An Inishowen non profit organisation has lost thousands of euro after being targeted by online hackers. Carndonagh Traders Association lost a substantial amount of money while trying to pay an invoice for the recent Halloween Carnival in the town. Hackers were able to intercept the payment which means the organisation was left without the money

Inishowen organisation out thousands after being targeted by online hackers Read More »

Defective block homeowners address Councillors as meeting adjourned

Donegal County Council’s meeting has been adjourned following a defective block demonstration outside the Council office. Campaigners Paddy Diver, Lisa Hone and three homeowners have addressed the chamber. Paddy Diver has demanded the immediate release of the promised €15,000 for those who need to move out of their homes, saying that “If our demands aren’t

Defective block homeowners address Councillors as meeting adjourned Read More »

Defective block campaigner to address Council meeting

It is believed that Defective Block campaigner Paddy Diver will address councillors in the Chamber shortly. A demonstration is underway outside the offices of Donegal County Council as defective block homeowners demand action on the crisis. The gathering comes as long waits and pauses on applications for grants have driven affected homeowners to the streets

Defective block campaigner to address Council meeting Read More »

Letterkenny Hospital most overcrowded in country today

Letterkenny University Hospital is once again the most crowded hospital in the country. There are currently 83 people waiting on beds in LUH, the highest figure in the country. LUH is followed by University Hospital Limerick (74), Cork University Hospital (70), Tallaght University Hospital (44) and University Hospital Galway  (43).  625 admitted patients are waiting for

Letterkenny Hospital most overcrowded in country today Read More »

Defective block demonstration underway in Lifford

A demonstration is underway outside the offices of Donegal County Council as defective block homeowners demand action on the crisis. The gathering comes as long waits and pauses on applications for grants have driven affected homeowners to the streets once again. The demonstration got underway outside the Council Offices in Lifford to coincide with the

Defective block demonstration underway in Lifford Read More »

€500,000 awarded to the long awaited Carrigart Downings pathway

Half a million euro has been awarded for the long awaited Carrigart Downings Pathway. Funding has today been approved for the construction of a combined 2.6 kilometre footpath and cycleway adjacent to the R248 on the Carrigart to Downings regional road. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2023. Donegal TD McHugh has

€500,000 awarded to the long awaited Carrigart Downings pathway Read More »