Author name: highlandnews

Brexit won’t be a barrier to reconciliation in Ireland, according to the European Commission president. Ursula von der Leyen has been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil and Seanad to mark 50 years since Ireland joined the EU. The commission president said there would be no return to a hard border in Ireland –

  The Milford Reformed Presbyterian Church has gifted their former Church building to the Milford and District Resource Centre. Transfer of ownership of the property on the Kilmacrennan Road has been completed. While significant repairs are needed to bring the building into full use, Manager of Milford and District Resource Centre, Declan Meehan says it

Children and young people with special needs and disabilities are being failed in Ireland. Thats according to Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty who called on the government to do more to provide life changing services to children and young people. Responding Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the government is committed to providing adequate services with the

A Letterkenny Councillor has welcomed plans for a major new town centre development as a gamechanger for the town. Plans have been submitted for the construction of six-storey and four-storey buildings that will include 154 student bedrooms and 13 apartments at a site close to the Station Roundabout. The plans include the demolition of Gleneany

The HSE is facing mounting pressure to deliver a Centre of Excellance for people with diabetes in Donegal. The Chair of the Regional Health Forum West says with the large number of people with Type 1 diabetes in the county, it warrants an enhancement of treatment services at Letterkenny University Hospital. It’s been confirmed that

A Cross Directorate Working Group needs to be established by Donegal County Council to examine the possibility of re-establishing a rail network in Donegal. The issue’s been raised this week by Cllr Niamh Kennedy, who says there is huge potential for movement in the context of the current emphasis on cross border and shared island

A new law designed to protect tips received by workers will come into effect today. The Payment of Wages (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 will see employees given legal rights over the payment of tips. The legislation will force employers to display their policy on mandatory charges and the distribution of cash and card tips.

The Government is being urged to ensure Dunkineely Health Centre services are restored. Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle has told the Dail that people are extremely worried about the future of the centre and the future of their town. He says he is awaiting a response from the HSE on the matter. Deputy Pringle told Taoiseach

Data from the Regional Development Monitor must be used to address regional deficits. That’s according to Ibec. The online interactive data platform will monitor a wide range of socioeconomic indicators across place making, climate action and economic development. It will then provide unique insights allowing Ibec to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of regions

There’s been a cautious welcome to the increase in the social housing income eligibility threshold for Donegal. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien announced a €5,000 increase in the threshold for the county meaning those who are seeking social housing can now earn up to €30,000. The figure however, is still €10,000 behind other counties. Councillor Michael

A Donegal doctor is warning parents to become familiar with the symptoms of RSV as cases are on the rise. Last week saw the highest cases of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) the country has ever recorded with newborn and small babies mostly affected. RSV is a common winter infection and symptoms often include a fever,

Residents in the Rossbracken area of Manorcunningham have been left without water once again. The residents have been plaqued with water supply problems caused by burst pipes over the past year. Irish Water are expected to fix the issue today however Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny-Milford Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly says a permanent solution is required. He says

The HSE says it will contact 113-thousand people whose details were accessed during last year’s cyber attack. The health service was targeted by major ransomware attack in May of last year. The HSE says 80 per cent of its IT systems were impacted. National Director of Operational Performance and Integration with the HSE, Joe Ryan,

A very high proportion of Irish households are now living in energy poverty. That’s the warning from the ESRI, which says it’s now become a key policy issue, in light of record inflation. However, people are missing out on financial supports because there’s no official definition for energy poverty in Ireland. Senior research officer with

Ireland’s first four-day week trial has been branded ‘a resounding success’. The 12 small to medium businesses that participated in the pilot have indicated they want to continue with the reduced working week in the long-term. It was co- as part of a global trial, co-led by Four-Day Week Ireland, Fórsa trade union and UCD.

In less than three weeks Tánaiste Leo Varadkar will take over from Micheál Martin as Taoiseach. There will be a reshuffle of Ministerial jobs at that time. Charlie McConalogue says he hasn’t heard rumours Fine Gael want to take back the Agriculture post:

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Gardai believe the theft of three vehicles in Letterkenny may be linked. A ‘white Toyota Wish was stolen from the Lower Main Street area on Wednesday last at around 5pm. It was later discovered on fire on the Iona Road. On the same night, a ‘Silver Toyota Vitz’ was stolen from Glendale Manor between 8.05pm

A dog expert believes owners need to be more aware of the dangers of leaving a dog with children. It comes as a nine year old boy suffered severe injuries in an attack by a Pitbull which happened when he was playing football with friends close to his home in Enniscorthy on Sunday. Speaking on

Gardaí in Letterkenny are investigating an assault and subsequent criminal damage incident that happened on Saturday November 26 at approx. 00.45am. A man was chatting to a couple of his friends outside a house in Glenard Park, Longlane when they were approached by a number of males. The man was then assaulted by one of

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