Author name: highlandnews

Foyle MP Colm Eastwood has urged Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to follow through on the commitment to have 10,000 students on Ulster University’s Magee campus within five years. Speaking during the Westminster debate on the Identity and Language Bill, Mr Eastwood said it’s important that legislation is passed and implemented. However, he said there are […]

The Finance Minister is considering all submissions made following the announcement of a Defective Blocks Levy in last month’s budget. During exchanges in the Dail, Sinn Fein’s Matt Carthy told Minster Michael McGrath that there have been rumours about what may or may not happen with the levy, and they need to be addressed. He

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the community in Creeslough today after attending two funerals. He told journalists outside St Michael’s Church that the example of the people is one that will resonate around the country…… President Higgins also paid tribute to the Emergency Services, saying he will be speaking to them and to

The funeral has taken place in Creeslough this afternoon of 39 year old Catherine O’Donnell and her 13 year old son James, both of whom died in Friday’s tragedy. Speaking to the congregation, Fr John Joe Duffy urged everyone present who needs support to avail of it, particularly at Mulroy College, where James was a

President Michael D Higgins, who is in Creeslough to attendthe remainder of the funerals, says the families of the victims are an inspiration to the country………… In the House of Commons in the UK, politicians have been sending solidarity to the victims of the Creeslough tragedy. Labour leader Keir Starmer and DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson

James O’Flaherty’s son, Hamish today at the end of the funeral mass bravely remembered his father fondly. The 12 year old was in his dad’s car at Lafferty’s Petrol Station on Friday when the explosion took place but survived. He thanked the emergency services who attended the scene. Hamish finished his tribute to his dad

The funeral mass of James O’Flaherty has heard how he was inseparable from his wife and son. Gifts brought to the altar during the funeral mass of the 48 year old, a native of Sydney was a copy of Roald Dahl’s ‘Going Solo’, the last book he read to his son Hamish before he was

A soup kitchen will open this Friday in Letterkenny. Free Soup Friday’s will be a weekly event at the Open Door Centre, Letterkenny from 12pm to 2pm. It’s in response to an increase in people availing of a foodbank run by the Letterkenny Baptist Church. Steven Wilson, Pastor of the Letterkenny Baptist Church says as

48 year old James O’Flaherty will be laid to rest today. He is one of ten people who have died following an explosion in Creeslough on Friday last. You can view his funeral mass here It is available also on Kieran Roarty Funeral Director’s Facebook page

An Inishowen Councillor has expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress on delivering respite services in the peninsula. Councillor Albert Doherty says Inishowen is melting fast in terms of respite care. He recently issued a plea to HSE officials to ensure the return of respite care to Riverwalk House. Councillor Doherty says it is

Tributes continue to be paid to the community of Creeslough for their response in the aftermath of the explosion on Friday. As sympathies were expressed in the Dail yesterday, Deputy Matt Carthy says while the nation was shocked by the tragedy, no one was surprised by the instinctive reaction of the locals first on the

The Government’s being accusing the Government of looking after the rich and ignoring the poor. It’s over plans to issue the €600 energy credit announced in the budget to the owners of 62,000 holiday home owners. It’ll cost the state 37 million euro, but Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore says its grossly unfair. Deputy Whitmore

Further supports are required for small and medium-sized enterprises to increase businesses and improve consumer demand. That’s one of the key findings in the latest SME Market Monitor published by the Banking and Payments Federation. It says despite the fall in Covid 19 infections, certain sectors such as accommodation and food services have not recovered

A Derry Councillor has raised concerns after she received complaints from upset residents about fireworks and bangers being let off in local communities. Sinn Fein Councillor Patricia Logue has received reports of fireworks and bangers are being let off in and around the Bogside and Brandywell areas as well as across the city. She says

Martin McGill has been described as a carer who was full of love, kindness and compassion. At his funeral mass this afternoon, Fr John Joe Duffy said Martin typified the spirit that has been evidenced in Creeslough since Friday’s tragic explosion, but has always existed there. He said Martin was always ready to do a

The Government’s Humanitarian Assistance Fund has been opened to the families of those killed in Creeslough. The fund is usually used to help families in the wake of natural disasters like flooding. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys says she hopes it will provide some financial help……..

Martin McGill, aged 49 is the second funeral of the Creeslough tragedy victims to take place. He will be laid to rest following funeral mass at 2pm this afternoon at St Michael’s Church, Creeslough. You can watch the funeral mass live here

Parents will get their winter double child benefit payment in the week of November 1st. Cabinet has signed off on payment dates for the budget’s cost of living package, which will include a double social welfare payment next Monday. Lump sums to those on the fuel allowance, living alone allowance and people with a disability

A family, who was put against another family in a random draw for a school bus ticket, is still without a ticket six weeks into the new school year. James, a father of two pupils at Letterkenny Educate Together, has been fighting for months to get a bus ticket for his children. Both children are

Jessica Gallagher has been described as a ‘wonderful gift to her family’. During a homily at the 24 year old’s funeral mass this morning, Parish Priest of Creeslough, Fr John Joe Duffy spoke of her radiant smile and how she left many ripples of love, affection, kindness and warmth for so many. A number of

  Gardai are urging people who want to donate in support of the Creeslough community to do so through official channels. People can donate through An Post and the Irish Red Cross online or at any post office. 100% of the proceeds of the fund will provide rapid and long-term assistance to the people of

Investigations to establish the cause of the explosion in Creeslough on Friday are continuing. Garda Niall Maguire says the main road through the village remains closed for the foreseeable future. He says given the unstable structure of the building the road is closed for health and safety reasons:

Ireland’s 29 emergency departments will each be given individual plans by the HSE, to prepare them for the winter months. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is bringing the overall Winter Plan to Cabinet today, that’ll cost in the region of 168 million euro and will include Letterkenny University Hospital. It’ll see an additional 600 healthcare staff

The public is being encouraged to have their say on the speed limits on public roads and social housing estates. Donegal County council is undertaking a review of speed limits in the county and is hosting a number of drop-in events in each Municipal District. These events will set out details of proposed changes to

24 year old Jessica Gallagher who was 1 of 10 people killed in an explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough on Friday afternoon, October 7th. Her funeral mass gets underway at 11am at St Michael’s Church, Creeslough. You can watch it live here

The Agriculture and Marine Minister is being urged once again to draw down an EU subsidy for fishermen. Minister Charlie McConalogue has stated that he is at the moment, not drawing down the funds but has not ruled it out into the future. Philip, a fisherman in Killybegs for 27 years says the industry is

The first funeral for a victim of the Creeslough explosion will take place this morning, when 24 year old Jessica Gallagher is laid to rest. It will be followed by the funeral of 49 year old Martin McGill, which will take place later this afternoon. Both funerals are being held at St Michael’s Church, Creeslough.