Author name: highlandnews

Ireland’s population could grow much faster than previously expected, according to a new Department of Finance report. In a high growth scenario, there would be over 7.5 million people living here by 2065. The report also states Government departments should be prepared for a high-case migration scenario, to avoid potential infrastructure shortfalls in the future.

It’s hoped a meeting being held in Letterkenny can push for rail connectivity in Donegal. The West Ulster Rail Initiative is holding its Annual General Meeting at the Station House in Letterkenny at 7.30pm. The WURI says the current plight experienced by drivers in traffic congested cities and towns means trains are needed in Donegal

A West Donegal councillor is welcoming news that money is being provided by government for a number of studies in the Magheraroarty area. Cllr Dennis McGee says his hope is that this will be the precursor to a masterplan for the area, something that’s been sought for several years. Cllr McGee, who’s been involved in

The Chief Operations Officer with the Irish Cancer Society says there is scope for more research to be conducted at Letterkenny University Hospital. Edel Shovlin, a native of Donegal, was speaking at a function during which a cheque for almost €223,000 was handed over by Relay for Life Donegal, the proceeds of this year’s event.

Donegal County Council is again being urged to carry out urgent repairs on Magheraboy Bridge at Liscooley, Castlefinn. Local Councillor Gary Doherty says following recent heavy rain, water levels have swollen again, and he fears for the integrity of the bridge. He says there is also a very real risk of flooding in the area.

The Mayor of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District says it’s time for an honest and open discussion about what can and can’t be done to improve traffic management. Cllr Ciaran Brogan is proposing a Special Roads Workshop to discuss the whole area of traffic calming, with a focus on what measures would be appropriate for each

  The HSE is highlighting its online suicide prevention training programme – to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The award winning FREE training programme helps show how to spot the signs of suicide, and provide support. The HSE’s John Meehan, is Head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention. He says we can help save

The Children’s Rights Alliance is calling on the Government to place a specific focus on educational disadvantage in Budget 2026. The Alliance wants funding to support the development of a pilot DEIS Plus Programme to ensure supports for children who experience the highest levels of deprivation in the country. The Children’s Rights Alliance is launching

Members of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District have backed a motion from Cllr Pauric McGarvey asking that Donegal County Council refrain from escalating the enforcement order against the Johnny’s Ranch Catering Van in Ramelton. Cllr McGarvey argued that the order should be suspended until new casual trading by-laws are agreed and in place. Cllr Liam Blaney

Letterkenny Municipal District has been told a toddler had a narrow escape recently at Wood Park in Lismonaghan. Cllr Gerry McMonagle told a meeting that the two and a half year old would have been hit by a speeding car, and it was only the fact that the child’s father grabbed him and pulled him

Gardai are investigating an incident last week during which a van was attacked and damaged while the driver was sitting inside. It happened in St Johnston on Wednesday. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Garda Grainne Doherty made this appeal for information……..    

A founder member of the Donegal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it’s deeply concerning that the ISPCA has closed its facility in Ballyare, ahead of a takeover by the Dublin SPCA. Kathleen Murray says the building was actually developed by the Donegal group and then handed over to the ISPCA on

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has refused to rule himself out as Sinn Féin’s Presidential Election candidate. The party’s leader Mary Lou McDonald confirmed yesterday she won’t be the party’s candidate. Sinn Féin’s process of selecting a nominee will be brought to members on the 20th September. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s name has been

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council has said he doesn’t believe he will see rail restored to Donegal in his lifetime, but believes it will happen in the future. Cllr Paul Canning was speaking after Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council met with Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, in relation

European fishing leaders are gathering in Killybegs this week, with a challenge to new EU control rules high on the agenda. The AGM of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations opens tomorrow at Ireland’s largest fishing port. The meeting is hosted by the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation. Delegates from

Donegal County Council is being asked to formally ask for gardai to be deployed on key roundabouts in Letterkenny to help regulate traffic. The issue will be raised at a meeting of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District this afternoon by Cllr Thomas Sean Devine, who says immediate steps are needed. Cllr Devine says the reality is

Concerns have been raised about Clar Corner following a collision yesterday. The two-vehicle crash occurred at Ballyratten at approximately 2.45pm. Two people were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital as a precaution. The area is known to be a dangerous location for drivers. Cllr Martin Farren says the road needs to be realigned before somebody is

It’s claimed the Killea community was “terrorised” by diffing on Saturday night. Gardaí received a report of a gathering of motorists where alleged dangerous and illegal manoeuvres were carried out at Kildrum Upper, Carrigans at approximately 12:50am. They attended the location and dispersed the cars and onlookers, saying “no offence was caused”. Speaking to Michaela

Meanwhile, a former Donegal councillor has criticised the Presidential election process. To be eligible for the Presidency, you must be an Irish citizen aged 35 or older, and must be nominated by at least 20 Oireachtas members or 4 local authorities. Former Independent Councillor Nicholas Crossan says he was shocked that Fine Gael put the

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out of running in the Presidential Election. She says she’s informed her colleagues her name will not be going forward to represent the party in next month’s election. Sinn Fein will bring a proposal to members about the party’s stance on the presidency on September 20th.

Three quarters of people south of the border have knowledge about end-of life care. This compares to around two thirds of people north of the border, in key findings for Palliative Care Week. Overall, the island is ahead of other countries with its knowledge about palliative care. All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care

A 100% Redress Councillor has criticised the funding of the defective concrete remediation scheme through a concrete levy. A Freedom of Information request was submitted by the party in regards to the levy, which was introduced by the Government to help fund the enhanced defective concrete grant scheme. This saw 5% added to the cost