Author name: highlandnews

The Finance Minister says there could be ‘significant consequences’ if a windfall tax on energy companies was to be applied in next month’s Budget. While Paschal Donohoe hasn’t categorically ruled out introducing such a tax, he’s outlined reasons why it could be counter-productive to do so. Revelations of increasing revenues for companies supplying wind energy

Many third level students across the country won’t be able to secure rental accommodation before the beginning of the new term. That’s according to the head of the UCD students union who claims 2022 has been their worst ever year trying to find accommodation. Figures released yesterday revealed the supply of homes available to rent

Parts of the country could see temperatures of 31 degrees today, as Ireland experiences what’s likely to be the final heatwave of the summer. Conditions are considered to be a heat wave here if five or more consecutive days of 25 degree heat are observed. Night time temperatures are unlikely to fall below 16 degrees

A second teachers union is threatening strike action unless the Government delivers a meaningful pay increase. Secondary school teachers are calling for a significant improvement in pay to help offset spiralling inflation. National teachers across the country will also be balloted on strike action in the coming weeks over pay. ASTI President Miriam Duggan said

Donegal has become the first county in Ireland to launch its own clothing range. The Donegal – Ireland’s DNA line follows the rollout of the Donegal place brand in April last year. The brand design, developed in partnership with O’Neills incorporates a fingerprint to symbolise the county’s DNA. Steven Perry is Economic Development Officer with

People in East Donegal are being targeted in what appears to be a door to door scam. Gibsons House & Home in St Johnson say they have been made aware of a man selling knives and purporting to be a representative of their store. Gardai have confirmed they have received reports in relation to a

A condition orange high fire risk warning has been issued for Donegal. The notice will remain in place until midday Tuesday August 16th. Donegal County Council is appealing to landowners and members of the public to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of wildfires. The fire danger notice has

A Donegal beach has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK and Ireland to go sea swimming. Dooey beach, in the West of the County has been voted ninth best “wild swimming spot” by Ocean Bottle. Meanwhile, Stroove beach near Greencastle has been listed as one of the top ‘Wild Swimming

Those planning on visiting beaches over the next couple of days are being advised to be mindful of riptides. The RNLI is expecting an increase in the number of people visiting coastal areas and the warning comes after 10 people had to be rescued by RNLI last weekend after getting caught in riptides in the

The Donegal Sexual Assault Treatment Unit is urging anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to come forward, promising confidentiality for adults, and a promise that people will be believed. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Connie McGilloway said 78 people sought out the help of the centre last year,

Ireland is over the peak of the current wave of COVID-19, according to the HSE. The number of patients in hospital has dropped significantly over the last month, while the amount of positive antigen test being recorded is down. It comes as over 50s will be invited to book a second booster vaccine this month,

The PSNI is urging people who were victims of Mother & Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Work Houses to come forward, with a particular appeal to people in the border counties and elsewhere in the republic . These institutions housed many, including pregnant women and girls from 1922 to 1990 in Northern Ireland, who often

A new 30% tax rate would benefit over one million people. Its been suggested as a way to ease the cost-of-living crisis for middle income earners, with a number of Government Ministers said to be in favour of the move. The Department of Finance will today publish it’s Tax Strategy Group papers, outlining the options

Businesses and consumers are being warned to be on alert as fraudsters target the thousands of customers who are switching banks. The FraudSmart warning comes as it was revealed that in the first six months of this year – text message scams conned people out of € 1,700 each on average. In the business world

The HSE has announced the timetable for over 50’s to receive their Covid 19 booster jab. Starting next Monday those over 60 are invited to make their appointment. This will extend to over 55’s on August 22nd…and over 50’s from August 29th. Monaghan GP Dr. Illona Duffy says she can understand how there is some

A Donegal councillor says more needs to be done to provide student accommodation after being contacted by concerned parents whose son may have to sleep in his car. The young man has been searching for a place to stay in Cork ahead of starting college in September. However, he has been unable to secure accommodation

Planning permission has been approved for a major building project at St Columba’s College, Stranolar. The project includes full redevelopment of the site with brand new classrooms to be constructed. It is proposed that a number of existing buildings will be demolished including the original 1969 building, technology rooms and the changing rooms. Ten prefabricated

Irish nurses who cannot cope with overcrowding and staff shortages in hospitals are choosing to emigrate or retire. The INMO says retention of nursing staff continues to be a problem, with many young nurses emigrating since the return of international travel. A survey last year found 68 per cent of the nurses’ union members were