Author name: highlandnews

Report on Donegal County Council corruption allegations to be complete by end of June

A report into allegations of systemic corruption in Donegal County Council is expected to be complete by the end of June. An outside firm is currently carrying out an investigation into allegations made by two councillors at a 2022 budget meeting and the claims relate to the purchase of five mica-affected houses at An Crannla estate

Report on Donegal County Council corruption allegations to be complete by end of June Read More »

Derry City and Strabane Council passes motion supporting Passport office in North

A motion has been passed by the Derry City and Strabane District Council, stating its support for the establishment of an Irish Passport Office in the North. The motion, tabled by Sinn Fein Councillor Emma McGinley, is the second such motion to be passed by the Council in the last few years. She says that

Derry City and Strabane Council passes motion supporting Passport office in North Read More »

Police in Derry investigating weekend aggravated burglary incident

Police in Derry say they’re investigating an aggravated burglary incident where a property was significantly damaged. They say the incident occurred in the Oakland Park area of Derry city last night at approximately 11am, where two masked men entered the property, one armed with a metal pole. Damage was caused to furniture and electrical items,

Police in Derry investigating weekend aggravated burglary incident Read More »

New Garda conflict resolution course launched at ATU Donegal

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has established Ireland’s first accredited third-level programme on conflict resolution in collaboration with ATU Donegal. 25 Sergeants and Inspectors commenced the 12-week programme which will support AGSI members in advocacy and negotiation on pay, conditions and welfare. It’s expected that hundreds more Sergeants and Inspectors will join the

New Garda conflict resolution course launched at ATU Donegal Read More »

Over 1,000 missing flights at Dublin Airport a “blip” – DAA

Chaotic scenes at Dublin Airport which led to long queues were a ‘blip’ according to the Dublin Airport Authority. It’s been confirmed that around 1,000 people missed their flights when passengers were stranded in queues outside and inside both terminal buildings. Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton is meeting the DAA Chief Executive this morning to

Over 1,000 missing flights at Dublin Airport a “blip” – DAA Read More »

Reassurances that Monkeypox is already very treatable

We’re being reassured that there is nothing to fear after the first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Ireland. A second suspected case is also being investigated. Professor of infectious diseases Sam McConkey says further cases are likely – although it’s transmissible, it’s also very treatable, and could be easy to halt the spread….

Reassurances that Monkeypox is already very treatable Read More »

Pringle calls for follow-up to Brandon Report to be published

  Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle has called for a follow up report to the Brandon Report to be published, after further concerns were raised at the weekend that more allegations of sexual abuse could emerge. The “Brandon Report” was released in December of last year, and outlined 108 incidents of serious assault carried out by

Pringle calls for follow-up to Brandon Report to be published Read More »

Relay for Life Donegal raises €50,000 after successful weekend

The Relay for Life returned to the ATU campus in Letterkenny over the weekend for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. A cast of stars from the music world were there to provide the entertainment across Saturday and Sunday, most notably the patron of the Donegal Relay for Life, Daniel O’Donnell.

Relay for Life Donegal raises €50,000 after successful weekend Read More »

Mica bill facing further Government delays – Mica Action Group PRO

The PRO of the Mica Action Group has hit out at further Government delays to the delivery of a revised Mica redress scheme. Speaking in his weekly online update, Michael Doherty says that the main Government party leaders were supposed to have discussed the draft memo for the new Mica legislation a week ago –

Mica bill facing further Government delays – Mica Action Group PRO Read More »

Number in need of social housing could be twice Government estimates – Report

The number of households in need of social housing could be twice the figure estimated by Government. The Irish Times says that a report from the Parliamentary Budget Office says that removing those in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment from waiting lists is potentially masking and distorting the true extent of those in need

Number in need of social housing could be twice Government estimates – Report Read More »

Covid grade adjustments for next year’s Leaving Cert not ruled out

Covid-related adjustments aren’t being ruled out for next year’s leaving certs. This year’s students will benefit from built-in grade inflation and a second sitting of the exams in July because of disruption to their education, but there’s concern that the class of 2023 will also have been impacted by school closures during covid lockdowns. Education

Covid grade adjustments for next year’s Leaving Cert not ruled out Read More »

Second report in “Brandon” case raises concerns of potential new abuse allegations

There are concerns that further allegations of sexual abuse could emerge from a follow-up investigation into abuse at the Ard Greine Court complex at Stranorlar. The “Brandon Report” was released in December of last year, and outlined 108 incidents of serious assault carried out by a resident between 2003 and 2016 at Ard Greine Court

Second report in “Brandon” case raises concerns of potential new abuse allegations Read More »

Government considering additional measures to help with cost of living

The cost of childcare, third level education and hospital charges could all be reduced to help with the rising cost of living. Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has requested several departments draw up proposals to be looked at by government during budget talks. Among the measures being considered are increased universal childcare subsidies for all parents, and

Government considering additional measures to help with cost of living Read More »

Progress being made on Dromore National School extension

Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue says that further progress has been made on the extension project at the Dromore National School in Killygordon. The extension, consisting of an additional SEN classroom and two SET rooms, has been given approval to approve to the construction phase of the project. Minister McConalogue said: “This confirmation is fantastic news

Progress being made on Dromore National School extension Read More »

Research project on impact of tourism on Donegal islands welcomed

A new research project to explore the impact of tourism on island communities in Donegal will begin next week. Utilising the European Tourism Indicator System, researchers from the Atlantic Technology University (ATU) will collaborate with island communities to explore the impact of tourism on the local communities, economy and environment. On Monday, researchers will travel

Research project on impact of tourism on Donegal islands welcomed Read More »

Health Minister confirms first case of Monkeypox in Republic of Ireland

The first case of monkeypox has been identified in the Republic. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says it was detected by health authorities yesterday. It comes as the first case of the mild illness on the island was confirmed in the north on Thursday. Minister Donnelly says vaccines are on the way to help fight the

Health Minister confirms first case of Monkeypox in Republic of Ireland Read More »

Pringle slams “parody” Passport office

A Donegal Deputy has criticised the Government’s handling of passport services, as many people are facing long delays in getting their passport applications processed. Thomas Pringle says that employees in his constituency office often have a hard time getting through to the Passport Office, even through the dedicated Oireachtas line. Deputy Pringle also likened the

Pringle slams “parody” Passport office Read More »

Siel Bleu launches Ireland’s first fitness challenge for older people

Donegal seniors are being called on to join Ireland’s first-ever dedicated fitness challenge for older people which launched today. Led and facilitated by Siel Bleu Ireland, a not-for-profit social enterprise which provides life-enhancing exercise programmes to older people across the country, the ’30 Days to Better Ways’ campaign was launched with assistance from GAA legend

Siel Bleu launches Ireland’s first fitness challenge for older people Read More »

Suspected drug driver arrested on outskirts of Letterkenny

Gardaí from the Letterkenny Roads Policing Unit say they’ve arrested a driver  on suspicion of drug driving. Last night, a concerned member of the public contacted Gardaí in relation to the manner and speed at which a car was being driven on the outskirts of Letterkenny town. Letterkenny Roads Policing Unit responded to the call

Suspected drug driver arrested on outskirts of Letterkenny Read More »

Up to €400,000 a year to be given to local councils to purchase derelict houses

Local authorities across rural Ireland will be given funding to purchase vacant and derelict sites to repurpose as community spaces. Up to 400 thousand euro will be available per local authority each year. The funding aims to revitalise rural towns and villages so they become attractive, vibrant places for people to live and work. Irish

Up to €400,000 a year to be given to local councils to purchase derelict houses Read More »

Mica Action Group anticipates new scheme will be published on Tuesday week

The Mica Action Group says it now anticipates that the revised Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme will be published on Tuesday week June 7th. With that in mind, the group has now written to Deputy Steven Matthews, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing urging him to push for pre-legislative scrutiny of the forthcoming bill. The

Mica Action Group anticipates new scheme will be published on Tuesday week Read More »

HSE publishes Capital Plan for 2022 with €23 million earmarked for Donegal

€23 million is to be spent in Donegal under the HSE’s Capital plan for 2022. Minister Charlie McConalogue says the plan will enable the HSE to progress important projects in the county this year. They include initial works a number of projects announced earlier this week, including new community hospitals in Letterkenny and Ballyshannon, and

HSE publishes Capital Plan for 2022 with €23 million earmarked for Donegal Read More »

JCM building in Carndonagh must be retained for community use – Doherty

The HSE has been pressed on future plans for the James Connolly Memorial residential unit in Carndonagh. It’s after a recent HIQA report highlighted a number of issues at the facility. The Assistant Chief Officer of CHO Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo confirmed that the future of the centre has yet to be determined.

JCM building in Carndonagh must be retained for community use – Doherty Read More »

Free higher education courses available to Donegal people

Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places will be available to people in Donegal, as part of the 2022 Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 initiatives. While a total of over 390 places across 16 courses have been allocated to ATU Donegal under both initiatives, 40% of all the courses nationwide will run entirely

Free higher education courses available to Donegal people Read More »

Pringle says apprenticeships are the key to employment in Donegal

A Donegal TD says the government must look at how apprenticeships are funded in a bid to grow the programme Deputy Thomas Pringle told the Dail that changes may be needed in order to develop an apprentice programme that provides for the education and qualification needs of many of our young people. Deputy Pringle said

Pringle says apprenticeships are the key to employment in Donegal Read More »

Work is progressing on a subvention scheme for rural post offices – Varadkar

The Tanaiste says work is continuing on a subvention scheme to support small post offices which are in danger of closure because the postmaster is considering retiring or leaving. Leo Varadkar was responding to Dail questions about the recommendations of a Grant Thornton report, and when those recommendations would be implemented. Mr Varadkar didn’t address

Work is progressing on a subvention scheme for rural post offices – Varadkar Read More »

Donegal volunteers awarded by Concern Worldwide

Inishowen teacher Patsy Toland was one of four Donegal people honoured at the annual Concern Volunteer Awards for supporting the humanitarian organisation. The former secondary school teacher and principal, who spent 17 years working with Self Help Africa, was awarded for his help adjudicating in the all-island Concern Debates school competition. Other Donegal awardees included

Donegal volunteers awarded by Concern Worldwide Read More »

Prosecution of man with €2 worth of cannabis sparks call for legalisation

The prosecution of a Letterkenny man for possessing €2 worth of Cannabis has been branded simply ludicrous. The man who was caught with a single joint worth €2 was ordered to make a €200 charitable donation after appearing at Letterkenny District Court. Speaking on the Nine to Noon Show today People before Profit TD Gino

Prosecution of man with €2 worth of cannabis sparks call for legalisation Read More »

Calls for Junior Minister for Passports to be appointed

A Fine Gael senator is calling for a Junior Minister for Passports to be appointed to deal with the current backlog. Martin Conway says the situation has become a “national emergency”. There are 195,000 applications currently in the system. At the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting last night, one TD is understood to have called

Calls for Junior Minister for Passports to be appointed Read More »