Author name: highlandnews

Tributes have been pouring in for Olivia Newton-John who has died aged 73. She passed away at her home in Southern California as a result of cancer. Derry born Eurovision winner and former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon was a friend of the singer and actress when she was trying to break into show business in

A County Donegal man has tragically died following a drowning incident in Greece. The man in his late 50s, who is from Lifford, was on a family holiday. The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the man’s family. Local Fianna Fail councillor Gerry Crawford said there is a profound sense of shock

A Donegal based traveller who recently took part in a BBC documentary on mental health problems within his community says the comments under a BBC Twitter post about the programme show the extent of racism that still exists. Speaking on today’s Nine til Noon show, David Friel said if the comments were directed towards any

A leading depression helpline is reporting an increase in callers whose mental health has been impacted by the cost of living crisis. Aware is looking for more volunteers for its support line, with demand increasing since the pandemic. Meanwhile one young man who was hospitalised for depression, has podcasted his experiences in the mental health

Sinn Fein’s Housing Spokesperson says urgent action must be taken to address the issue of mass evictions in the private rental sector. According to figures from the Residential Tenancies Board, there was a 56% increase in termination notices issued in the first 6 months of this year. The RTB say this is because many landlords

A Glenties Councillor says that while Donegal has received the largest amount of funding in the country from this year’s LIS road improvement scheme – the amount is simply not enough. Over 1.7 million euro is to be allocated to Donegal in the 2022 LIS scheme, the largest figure in the country, and an increase

A local councillor has called on energy companies to stop price gouging by continually raising their prices to chase profits. Cllr Michael McClafferty says this type of economic action from energy companies is reminiscent of the end of the Celtic Tiger, leaving many people struggling. He has appealed to energy providers to stop chasing profits

A crisis is looming in the health sector as more and more junior doctors face financial difficulties. The Irish Medical Organisation says non-consultant doctors are struggling to get paid, some are on the wrong scale or are not getting paid for all hours worked. The root of the problem is the lack of a centralised

The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue will launch an initiative for women in business in rural Ireland this morning. ACORNS receives over 200 applications each year to help support Women in business and provide opportunities to enhance their prospects. 50 participants will be selected to participate in the annual scheme which is funded by the

Trade union Unite has accused the State of failing to provide an acceptable pay agreement for public sector workers – and is planning to ballot its public sector members on strike action. SIPTU members in health, local authorities, education, and semi-state sectors are also set to begin balloting for industrial action on August 29th –

The AA says greater deterrents are needed to prevent incidents on our roads. This comes after the August bank holiday weekend saw over 170 drivers nationally arrested for drink or drug driving. One person lost their life in a collision during the period, and almost 3,000 speeding offences were detected throughout the country. Head of

People are being encouraged to reach out to their local social welfare office to see if they’re eligible for financial supports this winter. The advice comes after Pinergy announced an energy price hike which may affect up to 27,000 households. Pre-pay customers will have to pay 24 percent extra, with the company also announcing the

Employers are warning that we shouldn’t get carried away by this week’s jobs figures which show unemployment at a record 21 year low. Unemployment is now at 4.2 percent – some say that’s because of increased economic activity after Covid, with others saying the abundance of short-term zero hour or part time contracts in the