Author name: highlandnews

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 […]

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

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

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

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,

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

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

Raising the cost of rent in the Dail is like shouting ‘into the void’ according to Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle. Speaking in the Dail last night, Deputy Pringle highlighted the need for urgent action on the soaring cost of rent and how people are now at crisis point and losing hope. The latest Daft.ie report

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

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,

  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

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…………..

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

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

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

The EU’s just announced details of a complete ban on Russian oil imports. European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen has told the European Parliament in Strasbourg the proposed ban will be rolled out in a way that will minimise the collateral damage to the EU and its partners around the globe. She told MEPs

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,

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

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:

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

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

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

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