Author name: highlandnews

Minister ‘surprised’ by public transportation obstacles faced in Milford MD

Minister for Rural Transport and Community Development Jerry Buttimer has heard direct calls for the improvement of bus services in Donegal. During a visit to Killybegs last week, the Minister met with Cllr Declan Meehan, who discussed a number of issues in relation to the infrastructure and development of the county. Cllr Meehan, from the

Minister ‘surprised’ by public transportation obstacles faced in Milford MD Read More »

Judge stresses that case of former DUP leader and wife should not be delayed again

A judge has stressed that the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, should not be delayed again. They both face charges relating to alleged historical sex offences. The trial had previously been due to start in March, but was delayed to November 3rd due to Ms. Donaldson’s ill health.

Judge stresses that case of former DUP leader and wife should not be delayed again Read More »

HIQA inspections of restrictive practices find two centres for older people in Donegal to be compliant

Two residential centres for older people in Donegal have been found to be compliant following inspections into their use of restrictive practices. The inspections were carried out at St Eunan’s Nursing Home outside Letterkenny in April, and Carndonagh Community Hospital in May. In both cases, the inspectors found residents enjoyed a good quality of life

HIQA inspections of restrictive practices find two centres for older people in Donegal to be compliant Read More »

LUH had the fifth number of admitted patients without beds in July

Letterkenny University Hospital had the fifth highest number of admitted patients awaiting beds in July, with Sligo in fourth place. Together, the two North West hospitals make up 13% of the national total. Figures published today by the INMO show throughout July, a total of 9,271 admitted patients were either on Emergency Department trolleys or

LUH had the fifth number of admitted patients without beds in July Read More »

Peter Casey seeking to build social housing in Buncrana

Donegal businessman Peter Casey is seeking planning permission to transform the derelict Ludden House in Buncrana into social housing. Plans include the demolition of the current property and the construction of 24 high-spec timber-framed two-bedroom apartments. Mr Casey says the housing situation in Donegal is beyond urgent, and with this development, he says it’s not

Peter Casey seeking to build social housing in Buncrana Read More »

Efforts continuing to ensure ‘Mica’ homes are sellable, mortgageable and insurable

Efforts are continuing to explore how properties not affected by iron sulfide-related defects, more commonly known as ‘Mica’ homes, can be deemed sellable, mortgageable and insurable. It follows scientific evidence which identifies internal sulfate attack, driven by the presence of iron sulfides such as pyrrhotite and pyrite, as the root cause of the defective block

Efforts continuing to ensure ‘Mica’ homes are sellable, mortgageable and insurable Read More »

Cancer advocate says patients would not go for procedures in Galway and Dublin if transport supports were not there

The woman who manages the Donegal Cancer Flights and Services organisation in the west of the county says there needs to be much more support from politicians for the services they provide. Mary Coyle says there are many people in Donegal who would forego medical procedures if the transport support was not available. Speaking on

Cancer advocate says patients would not go for procedures in Galway and Dublin if transport supports were not there Read More »

Garda

Questions raised as some Garda Roads Policing Unit members ‘openly hostile to doing their job’

Questions remain unanswered as to why some gardaí are not carrying out their duties. An unpublished report suggests some members of the Roads Policing Unit are “openly hostile to doing their job” – according to the Policing and Community Safety Authority. Commissioner Drew Harris says the findings as “sobering”, particularly in light of the number

Questions raised as some Garda Roads Policing Unit members ‘openly hostile to doing their job’ Read More »

Subsidies for Irish-language college accommodation providers increased

Those who provide accommodation to students attending Irish-language colleges in the Gaeltacht over the summer are to be paid more. Gaeltacht Minister Dara Calleary has approved an increase in the subsidies payable to Gaeltacht families and residential colleges who provide accommodation for attendees of Irish-language colleges. The subsidy paid to families will increase from €13

Subsidies for Irish-language college accommodation providers increased Read More »

DCC to explore potential housing opportunity at disused HSE building in Pettigo

A South Donegal councillor says there’s a vacant HSE building in Pettigo that could be used for social housing, and Donegal County Council has agreed to open discussions about possibly taking it over. Cllr Michael McMahon believes the building would particularly suit the construction of apartments for young couples. Officials have agreed to speak to

DCC to explore potential housing opportunity at disused HSE building in Pettigo Read More »

WCI Donegal survey finds over half of women in the county are experiencing anxiety

A survey carried out by the Donegal branch of Women’s Collective Ireland finds that over half of women in the county are experiencing anxiety. The survey gathered responses from 572 women aged 18 and above, living throughout Donegal, sharing with WCI Donegal their life experiences and views on a number of issues. Project Coordinator Danielle

WCI Donegal survey finds over half of women in the county are experiencing anxiety Read More »

PSNI renew appeal for information on Limavady arson attack

Detectives investigating a house fire on the Seacoast Road, Limavady are continuing with their enquiries and appealing for information from anyone who was driving on the road between 12.50am and 1.10am on Sunday, 27th July to get in touch. Detective Inspector Connolly said: “Our investigation is ongoing and we are keen to speak with anyone who

PSNI renew appeal for information on Limavady arson attack Read More »

Surviving Miami Showband members revisit site of 1975 atrocity

A survivor of the Miami Showband Massacre says 50 years on, he still remembers the Troubles-era attack like it was yesterday. Surviving members of the showband today revisited the site of the atrocity, 50 years on. Three band members were murdered in 1975 when their tour bus was ambushed by loyalist paramilitaries near Newry. Bass

Surviving Miami Showband members revisit site of 1975 atrocity Read More »

Mother of Donegal based UN peacekeeper says this week’s trial in Lebanon was not justice

The mother of Private Sean Rooney – who was killed in Lebanon in December 2022 – says her son didn’t receive justice. It follows the verdicts in the trial of those accused of his murder earlier this week. Five men were given a combination of fines and short sentences in prison, while one man was

Mother of Donegal based UN peacekeeper says this week’s trial in Lebanon was not justice Read More »

Ballyshannon woman first in the world to avail of groundbreaking new procedure

A Ballyshannon woman has become the first patient in the world to successfully undergo a groundbreaking new procedure. At University Hospital Galway, Kelly Coughlin received treatment with the Recana Thrombectomy Catheter System, a procedure that the hospital describes as a global breakthrough in the treatment of complex venous obstructions. The Recana Thrombectomy Catheter System, developed

Ballyshannon woman first in the world to avail of groundbreaking new procedure Read More »

Latest figures show more households are struggling to pay energy bills

Those who find themselves in energy arrears are being advised to get in touch with their supplier. New figures show more than 300-thousand households are behind on their electricity bills with a further 175 thousand struggling to pay gas bills. Despite the increase in arrears the Government insists there will be no energy credits in

Latest figures show more households are struggling to pay energy bills Read More »

Judge asks for timeline in relation to case of Donegal priest charged with child sexual offences

A judge has asked for ‘a timeline’ in relation to the files in the case of a priest charged with eight sexual offences against children. 58-year-old Edward Gallagher of Orchard Park in Lifford had been charged with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17 2025.

Judge asks for timeline in relation to case of Donegal priest charged with child sexual offences Read More »

Donegal-based incoming ASTI President fears Leaving Cert changes will widen inequalities

The incoming ASTI President believes rushed changes to the Leaving Cert set to come into effect in September will widen inequalities and damage education. Nine new and revised subject specifications due to be introduced will have an assessment worth 40% of final grades. Padraig Curley, a teacher at Loreto Community School, Milford says there’s also

Donegal-based incoming ASTI President fears Leaving Cert changes will widen inequalities Read More »

Two Donegal groups receive share of Safefood’s All-Island €1.5m healthy eating initiative

Two Donegal groups are to benefit from Safefood’s All-Island €1.5m healthy eating initiative. The Community Food Initiatives Programme aims to positively influence people’s eating habits in low-income communities, fostering lasting change and strengthening community resilience around healthier eating. Bundoran Community Development CLG has received funding to deliver initiatives around food education, growing, healthy eating, and

Two Donegal groups receive share of Safefood’s All-Island €1.5m healthy eating initiative Read More »

Built Heritage Investment & Historic Thatch Buildings Schemes for 2026 now open

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026 and Historic Thatch Buildings Scheme for 2026 are now open. The BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings stream is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings. All historic thatched structures in Donegal are eligible under this scheme and do not need to be on the Record of Protected

Built Heritage Investment & Historic Thatch Buildings Schemes for 2026 now open Read More »