Author name: highlandnews

Midlands NW MEP warns food shortage could result in new migrant crisis

Food shortages could lead to a new migrant crisis for Europe – that’s the warning from Midlands North West MEP Colm Markey. The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia are raising serious questions about the supply of food. Mr Markey, believes it could trigger a new wave of migration from Africa toward Europe. He […]

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Work ongoing to develop review of safeguarding at disability centres in Donegal

The Disabilities Minister says work is continuing in conjunction with the Department of Health and Department of Equality to develop a review of safeguarding at disability centres in Donegal. Minister Anne Rabbitte has this week called for an independent review of the facilities to be carried out. She was speaking in the Dail last night

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Spiralling cost of living negatively impacting nurses – INMO

Nurses will be discussing their concerns over the rising cost of living at today’s INMO conference. The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will address the Annual Delegate event in County Sligo. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation will also talk about the cost of commuting, with some Dublin hospitals charging nurses for parking. INMO Director of

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Irish Rural Link wants action to revive rural towns and villages

Irish Rural Link wants action to revive rural towns and villages. Rural and Community Development Minister, Heather Humphreys will address its 30th Anniversary Conference in Athlone today. The organisation believes the rollout of broadband to rural Ireland is taking a lot longer than it wanted. CEO of Irish Rural Link, Seamus Boland says more must

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Coveney to seek clarity on SFPA’s approach to fish landed in Derry

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has pledged to look into the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority’s decision to withdraw weighing certificates from two Killybegs processors who had handled fish that were landed in Derry. Donegal TD Thomas Pringle argued in the Dail that the Northern Ireland protocol treats Northern Ireland ports as being within the EU,

Coveney to seek clarity on SFPA’s approach to fish landed in Derry Read More »

Initial approval confirmed for Killybegs school extension

A proposed extension at St Catherine’s Vocational School in Killybegs has received initial project approval. The project will consist of a construction studies room, prep areas, a science lab, a preparation area and two SEN bases. Minister Charlie McConalogue says the extension will improve the offering and services of the school, and paid tribute to

Initial approval confirmed for Killybegs school extension Read More »

Man charged in relation to Skeoge Link Road incident in Derry

Detectives from Strand Road investigating an incident on Skeoge Link Road in Derry earlier this week have charged a 28-year-old man with 11 offences. Following the man’s arrest yesterday, detectives have since charged him with offences including attempting to cause grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, two counts of assault on police, common

Man charged in relation to Skeoge Link Road incident in Derry Read More »

Radio did invaluable work during the pandemic – Report

Radio helped fight a more obscure pandemic in the past two years – one of misinformation. A study from Learning Waves and DCU shows listenership to radio stations increased since 2020 with 80 per cent of Irish adults tuning in. The research also says the sector faced incredible financial pressure due to advertising revenue effectively

Radio did invaluable work during the pandemic – Report Read More »

At least 3,000 extra soldiers needed to address security threats

At least 3,000 extra soldiers are needed to address security threats posed to Ireland in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney told the Irish Independent he would soon bring a memo to Cabinet to drastically increase spending on Defence Forces. The Minister says the figure of 3,000 is a

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Patients waiting over 3 months for gynaecology appointment at LUH

Patients are waiting over three months for a gynaecology appointment at Letterkenny University Hospital. Hospital consultants are warning of a ‘perfect storm’ in gynaecological care due to the pandemic, increased demand and staff shortages. Figures provided by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to Deputy Sorcha Clarke show that 485 patients are waiting on a gynaecology appointment

Patients waiting over 3 months for gynaecology appointment at LUH Read More »

Calls for turf to be recognised as an affordable solid fuel

People with turf harvesting rights should be exempt from upcoming solid fuel regulations. That’s according to a motion being put before the Dail later by Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. He’s calling for turf to be recognised as an affordable solid fuel that many people depend on. The government has indicated it won’t oppose the motion,

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Progress for school extensions in Drumoghill and Kilmacrennan

Two school extension projects in Donegal are to progress. Scoil Naomh Colmcille in Kilmacrennan has been given the go ahead to proceed to tender, while Scoil Naomh Colmcille in Drumoghill has been cleared to go to construction. The Kilmacrennan project will consist of two classrooms, an SEN base and an SET room, while the Drumoghill

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Council hosting public consultations on County Development Plan

Donegal County Council is hosting a number of public consultation events across the county over the month of May. People are being invited to participate in a pre-draft public consultation for the new County Donegal Development Plan, and the proposed variation to the current County Donegal Development Plan in respect of wind energy policy. A

Council hosting public consultations on County Development Plan Read More »

Donegal FG “ready for the challenge” as McHugh confirms he;ll be stepping down

  The Secretary of the Fine Gael organisation in the Donegal constituency says the challenge of identifying potential candidates for the next General Election is one which the party is ready for. Doreen Sheridan Kennedy was speaking after Deputy Joe McHugh confirmed he would not be stepping down from the once the next election is

Donegal FG “ready for the challenge” as McHugh confirms he;ll be stepping down Read More »

CWU seeks major investment in An Post

The trade union representing An Post says its future is uncertain unless it receives investment. The Biennial Communication Workers’ Union conference takes place today and tomorrow, with the union discussing a proposed 100-million-euro cash injection to offset losses during Covid. CWU General Secretary Sean McDonagh, says An Post provided an essential service during the pandemic…………..

CWU seeks major investment in An Post Read More »

Irish Traditional Music Fundraiser Concert for the Gavin Glynn Foundation

  Tickets are now on sale for a night of Irish Traditional Music for The Gavin Glynn Foundation on behalf of Caitlín Strain on May 13th in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. The concert will feature Gerry O’Connor, Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden, Kevin Doherty, Ciaran O’Kane, Bríd Harper, Roisin McGrory, Paul Harrigan, Michael Gallanagh, Martin McGinley,

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Donegal Senator tells Taoiseach dialogue in NI is one-sided

A Donegal Senator has warned the Taoiseach that conversations in Northern Ireland cannot be one-sided and highlighted the need for more engagement with the unionist community. Senator Niall Blaney speaking during the latest sitting of the Good Friday Agreement committee raised the need for constructive outreach between communities in the North. In response to the

Donegal Senator tells Taoiseach dialogue in NI is one-sided Read More »

Over €360,000 in claims paid out for trips and falls in Donegal

The Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District is urging the Council to carry out a review of how small repair works on footpaths are dealt with. It comes as latest figures show claims totalling €364,000 for trips and falls was paid out by the Council in the final quarter of last year. There are

Over €360,000 in claims paid out for trips and falls in Donegal Read More »

Donegal Mountain Rescue Team volunteer call out

The DMRT is seeking expressions of interest from volunteers. To express your interest please fill out the following survey which closes Wednesday evening: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCM3DM8?fbclid=IwAR3nB7RPO-FzFDtqD-8eDf4eRp2AZq39Yc_udIhISjlyecW621che2v2fB0 Previous hillwalking experience required. Those who meet criteria will be contacted. DMRT provide an emergency response, remote environment and extreme terrain, search and rescue service. The team is comprised completely of

Donegal Mountain Rescue Team volunteer call out Read More »

Minister Rabbitte calls for independent review of safeguarding in disability centres

Minister Anne Rabbitte has called for an independent review of adult safeguarding in long-term residential care settings in Donegal. A report published by HIQA last week following inspections at 18 HSE-run centres in the county found major issues around governance and oversight. Concerns were also raised over the HSE’s ability at a national level to

Minister Rabbitte calls for independent review of safeguarding in disability centres Read More »

Pre-legislative scrutiny of Deputy Doherty’s Judicial Council Bill to begin today

The Finance Committee will today undertake detailed pre-legislative scrutiny of Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty’s Judicial Council (Amendment) Bill. The legislation would require the insurance industry to provide information to the Central Bank outlining how the cost of claims has reduced as a result of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines. It would also legislate for evidence

Pre-legislative scrutiny of Deputy Doherty’s Judicial Council Bill to begin today Read More »

Further calls for derelict and vacant properties in Donegal to be brought into use

There’s further calls for unused and derelict properties in Donegal to be brought into use to tackle homelessness. Councillor Micheal Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig claims homelessness has forced some people in the West of the county to sleep on the streets, in cars or couch surf. With extensive housing waiting lists, he says houses laying empty,

Further calls for derelict and vacant properties in Donegal to be brought into use Read More »

Health Minister says delay in signing off NMH is to address concerns

The Health Minister says the decision to delay sign-off on the new National Maternity Hospital is to address people’s “very genuine concerns” about the project. The relocation from Holles St. to the St Vincent’s campus has been the subject of controversy due to suggestions of possible religious interference in the delivery of services. Cabinet will

Health Minister says delay in signing off NMH is to address concerns Read More »

Almost 1,300 children waiting over a year for speech and language assessment

Nearly 1,300 children have been waiting over a year for an assessment with a speech and language therapist. 577 are in south Tipperary, Carlow/Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. In total, nearly 11,600 children are waiting for an initial assessment, according to freedom of information files. Galway GP Martin Daly says delays have a big impact:

Almost 1,300 children waiting over a year for speech and language assessment Read More »

‘People must be able to supply neighbours and friends with turf’ – Minister McConalogue

The Agriculture Minister says people must be able to continue to supply their neighbours and family with turf. The government is considering banning the commercial sale of the fuel later this year. But the plans from Environment Minister, Eamon Ryan, are strongly opposed by some Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil TDs. Minister Charlie McConalogue says

‘People must be able to supply neighbours and friends with turf’ – Minister McConalogue Read More »

Government to spend €24m in preparation for possible flu pandemic

The government is spending up to €24 million on preparing for a possible flu pandemic. Ministers have backed a deal that will give Ireland access to 1.8 million extra vaccines. The initial cost is €5 million – and the full €24 million will only be spent if a flu pandemic is declared. Donegal doctor Denis

Government to spend €24m in preparation for possible flu pandemic Read More »

Nurses claim increase in violence and threats is result of overcrowding

Nurses say hospital overcrowding has led to an increase in violence and threats towards them. Victims will give their personal experiences at the INMO’s annual conference in Sligo, which begins today. There were over 3,700 attacks on nurses in the HSE last year. Phil Ni Sheaghdha, the general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives

Nurses claim increase in violence and threats is result of overcrowding Read More »

Pringle seeking Dail debate on latest HIQA Disability Services report

Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle is hoping to secure a Dail debate on the latest HIQA report on disability services in Donegal. The report, published last Friday, found ‘poor oversight and governance’ of disability services at a local, regional and national level, following inspections at 18 HSE-run centres for people with disabilities in Donegal. Deputy Pringle

Pringle seeking Dail debate on latest HIQA Disability Services report Read More »

Gardai renew appeal for information on Lough Salt collision

  Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Sunday 1st May 2022, at Meenformal, Glen, Carriag Art, Co. Donegal, close to Lough Salt. The collision, which involved a single car occurred at approximately 9:15pm. A male and female, both aged 17 were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital to be treated

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