Author name: highlandnews

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has indicated he wants to see courthouses reopened in Donegal, but has not given any firm commitments regarding timelines or investment. During a visit to the county yesterday, he was lobbied regarding the need for repairs to a number of courthouses in the county, particularly the buildings in Carndonagh and Donegal

HSE West and North West has called on all eligible people in Donegal to get vaccinated against flu immediately. In a statement, Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan says there’s been a rapid increase in the number of patients with influenza, including those needing hospitalisation nationally and that’s being echoed across the West and North West.

The government is being urged to consider a new decentralisation policy to deal with the decline in rural populations. It comes as the GAA considers the challenges that depopulation poses for clubs in rural areas, particularly as in many cases, people want to live there but are prevented from doing so. GAA President Jarlath Burns,

News, Sport, Nuacht and Obituaries on Friday December 5th…………

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has ruled out an immediate public inquiry into the Creeslough tragedy. Speaking to Highland Radio News in Letterkenny this morning, he said his view is justice isn’t delivered through inquiries, and if there is a prospect of one or more prosecutions, that should be the focus. Minister O’Callaghan also visited Buncrana

There were clashes in the Dail this between Deputy Pearse Doherty and Tanaiste Simon Harris afternoon after the Donegal TD and Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson accused the government of raising student fees. The Tanaiste brandished a printout of a social media headline in which Sinn Fein North of the border welcome the fact that fees

It could be a long day at County House in Lifford, with Cllr Albert Doherty saying so far, there are no new budgetary proposals on the table from management. Cllr Doherty was speaking after the reconvened budget meeting adjourned immediately to allow for discussions between senior officials and party leaders. Speaking to Ryan Brolly in

A private members bill is to be moved in the Assembly at Stormont calling for regional balance across Northern Ireland. Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin has been given leave to have the bill drafted and moved. She told the Assembly this week that while her focus is on Derry and the North West, this is also

A Donegal TD says confirmation of €700,000 to cover operational costs at Donegal Airport will be vital in ensuring the Donegal Dublin air service continues. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher says with the Public Service Obligation which supports the Dublin link due for renewal in the coming weeks, top quality safety and security are paramount.

It’s emerged that 44% of people believe Ireland shouldn’t get another derogation from the EU Nitrates Directive. A poll from Ireland Thinks shows 46% of people in rural areas say Irish farmers shouldn’t be allowed to spread more slurry than recommended. The European Commission has indicated it may allow a further derogation, but it will

Donegal County Council is being urged to take measure to slow down traffic approaching Burnfoot from Muff. The issue was raised at an Inishowen municipal district meeting by Cllr Jack Murray, who told officials there is concern at the speed with which some people are approaching Burnfoot. Cllr Murray says it’s vital that the council

A local councillor in Moville says he hopes replacement jobs can be found for the 30 employees at Daniel Doherty’s bakery in the town, which is going to close at the end of the month more than 145 years after it was established. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Cllr Martin Farren says ever since

Donegal County Council is investigating a case of illegal dumping at Meenderry, Falcarragh, after it was highlighted on a social media post by a local councillor. Cllr Dennis McGee said he made the video after receiving calls from a number of local people about the incident. He says this is the first time illegal dumping

It’s going to be much harder for people to object to new development projects under the Government’s new infrastructure plan. The Coalition has unveiled its new plan to cut red tape for decisions around projects like housing developments and roads. The new plan will outline who is allowed to take a judicial review and it’s

The second stage of the bill introducing amendments to Defective Concrete Block redress legislation were carried out in the Dáil chamber yesterday evening, with Donegal TDs having their voices heard. Yesterday morning at 10am, further amendments were sent to TDs. Speaking in the Dáil Chamber yesterday evening, Deputy Pearse Doherty did not mince his words

Amendments to the Defective Concrete Block bill has received government approval and is set to be debated in the Dail this evening. However Deputy Charles Ward says he and other TDs only received a copy of the amendments at 10 o’clock this morning. The changes seek to improve flexibility in the case of semi-detached houses

It’s emerged that of 23 historic dumps in Donegal, only 3, or 13%, have been submitted to the EPA for certification. That’s slightly above the national average of 10%. Certification is designed to minimise the risk of pollution to local ecosystems and waterways. However, a Journal Investigates report has found a number of these sites

Atlantic Technological University is to receive over €10 million under the Technological Enhancement Fund. A total of €65.8 million has been announced by Minister James Lawless, of which €10.5 million will be shared by the ATU campuses in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway. Minister Charlie McConalogue says this is extra funding which gives the campuses

  The Public Expenditure Minister says ‘narrow vested interests’ are slowing down critical infrastructure projects. Jack Chambers is bringing a memo to Government in a bid to cut through the red tape in order to deliver more homes, roads and other crucial infrastructure. The 30 recommendation report will include specific legislation to fast-track key projects

Gardai are investigating a hit and run incident in Letterkenny on Sunday evening. Shortly before 7.30, a collision occurred between a white Audi and a silver Toyota Vitz at the roundabout on the Kilmacrennan Road. Both cars were travelling from Letterkenny and exiting the roundabout to travel towards Kilmacrennan. Gardai say no injuries were reported,

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses in connection with a number of incidents that occurred in the area of the Beeches, Ballybofey on Wednesday night last. The sequence of events incidents started in the estate at 11.30pm. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Garda Sean Sweeney made this appeal for information……………..    

Farmers say a recall of Brazilian beef from EU markets raises very serious questions about its production standards. The recall follows the discovery of hormones in beef exported from Brazil to the EU. It coincides with a report on the findings of an IFA /Irish Farmers Journal investigation on production standards for Brazilian beef. Adam

Former Donegal County Council Manager Michael McLoone who passed away at the weekend has been remembered as a pioneer, who totally transformed the authority. Mr McLoone served as County Manager in Lifford from 1994 until 2010, and oversaw a number of groundbreaking initiatives, including the construction of Public Services Centres in Carndonagh, Donegal Town, Dungloe,