Author name: highlandnews

Coveney and Truss meet in Turin as Taoiseach visits Belfast

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney will meet with the British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on the margins of a Council of Europe meeting in Turin today. The two will discuss the current impasse around the Northern Ireland Protocol. Separately the Taoiseach will meet party leaders in Belfast, where discussions will focus on the […]

Coveney and Truss meet in Turin as Taoiseach visits Belfast Read More »

MacLochlainn slams Government over Carbon Tax increase

A Donegal Deputy has criticised the Government over the disproportionate impact Carbon Tax increases and the rising cost of fuels has had on people in Donegal. Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn raised the issue in the Dail earlier this week, during a debate on providing a “Just Transition” to combat the climate crisis. Deputy MacLochlainn says that

MacLochlainn slams Government over Carbon Tax increase Read More »

Taoiseach to meet with party leaders in North tomorrow

The Taoiseach will meet party leaders in the North tomorrow. Discussions will focus on the formation of the Stormont Executive and the functioning of the Assembly. Developments relating to the Protocol and legacy issues will also be discussed at the meetings in Belfast. Micheál Martin will also meet a range of business groups. Separately, Foreign

Taoiseach to meet with party leaders in North tomorrow Read More »

Pearse Doherty and Leo Varadkar clash in Dáil over cost of living

Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty and Leo Varadkar clashed in the Dail again today, over the cost of living crisis. Deputy Doherty called on the Government to take further action to reduce the cost of fuels and childcare costs, while also demanding an increase to social welfare rates. In response to Deputy Doherty’s opening statement in

Pearse Doherty and Leo Varadkar clash in Dáil over cost of living Read More »

British NI Protocol plans “not helpful” – EU Commission President

The Taoiseach and the European Commission President say unilateral action on the Brexit protocol is not helpful. Micheál Martin spoke to Ursula von der Leyen this morning and said they are fully aligned on the need for joint solutions on the issue. It comes ahead of a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and

British NI Protocol plans “not helpful” – EU Commission President Read More »

Eamon Ryan denies coalition pressure to sanction Green TDs

The Green Party leader has denied any pressure was put on him to sanction rebel TDs. Eamon Ryan says he spoke with his coalition colleagues before Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello voted against the government last night. Both have been suspended from the Green Parliamentary Party for six months as a result. Minister Ryan said

Eamon Ryan denies coalition pressure to sanction Green TDs Read More »

Drugs seized in Derry

There’s been a drug seizure in Derry Personnel attached to the PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force, investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the INLA, searched a property in the Derry area yesterday. During the search, a quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs with an estimated street value of £6,000 was seized, along with a

Drugs seized in Derry Read More »

No non-compliances identified by HIQA at Nazareth House

No non-compliances have been identified in the latest HIQA inspection at Nazareth House in Fahan. Some minor issues were identified, including staffing levels during weekends, staff being up to date with mandatory training and supervision of staff practices at mealtimes. The inspector said the centre was very well managed, and residents received good care. He

No non-compliances identified by HIQA at Nazareth House Read More »

We need clarity on cardiac services at LUH – Brogan

One of Donegal’s representatives on the HSE’s Western Regional Forum is calling for immediate clarity on the future of the angiogram service in Donegal, and recognition that the Cath Lab at Letterkenny University Hospital should be fully commissioned. The Friends of the Hospital have raised €750,000 as a local contribution to provide the service, with

We need clarity on cardiac services at LUH – Brogan Read More »

DCC launches ‘working holiday’ promotion with free digital pass

Donegal County Council are offering the opportunity to work at Donegal’s digital hubs with no fee this Summer, as a part of their new working holiday campaign launched this week. The council’s new working holiday scheme mirrors similar programmes that have been in place in the United States and Australia – giving applicants the chance

DCC launches ‘working holiday’ promotion with free digital pass Read More »

Tensions flare as SFPA appears before Oireachtas committee

Tensions flared at an Oireachtas committee meeting last night, during which representatives of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority were questioned regarding the Killybegs fish weighing controversy. The representatives of the SFPA present at the meeting were challenged to explain the reasons why a proportion of pelagic fish landed in Killybegs have had to be weighed

Tensions flare as SFPA appears before Oireachtas committee Read More »

Senior medical scientist speaks out on last resort industrial action

Senior Medical Scientist of Letterkenny University Hospital Kathleen King spoke to Highland Radio today in relation to the industrial action taking place. She says there are two primary reasons for this industrial action: 1. The increasing workload of medical scientists is not reflected in their compensation. 2. 20% of State sanctioned job have been left

Senior medical scientist speaks out on last resort industrial action Read More »

Doherty questions supports for Ulster Bank customers with overdrafts

Ulster Bank say that customers will be offered a ‘suite of measures’ if their account is closed while they have remaining overdrafts. The bank is withdrawing from Ireland and is issuing a 6 month notice to customers before closing their account, with a 30 day extension period. An Oireachtas Committee on Finance heard today 70,000

Doherty questions supports for Ulster Bank customers with overdrafts Read More »

No plans to establish Passport Office in the NW – Minister

The Dail has been told there are no plans to establish a Passport Office in the North West, but the situation will be kept under review. Minister Ossian Smith was speaking after Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh called for the establishment of an office in the region, preferably Letterkenny, given its North West City Region status

No plans to establish Passport Office in the NW – Minister Read More »

Truss urges EU to discuss ‘sensible, pragmatic changes’ to the NI Protocol

Britain’s foreign secretary says ‘sensible pragmatic’ changes are needed to the Northern Ireland protocol. Liz Truss confirmed yesterday that the British government would legislate to change the protocol unilaterally in order to encourage the DUP to re-enter power sharing in the north. She says the UK’s proposed changes will also work to the advantage of

Truss urges EU to discuss ‘sensible, pragmatic changes’ to the NI Protocol Read More »

LUH to be affected as Medical Scientists take industrial action

The HSE says industrial action will have a ‘very disabling impact’ on Letterkenny University Hospital and other hospitals throughout the country today. Over 2,100 medical scientists are stopping routine lab services for 12 hours – ending at 8 o’clock tonight. Their pay dispute has led to inpatient and day-case procedures being cancelled. Terry Casey is

LUH to be affected as Medical Scientists take industrial action Read More »

DACC urges Donegal TDs to save Angiogram service at LUH

Minister Charlie McConalogue says that work is ongoing to secure the angiogram service at Letterkenny University Hospital. In a statement, Minister McConalogue says the Department of health, Saolta and the HSE are working to assess appropriate means for angiogram services to continue at LUH, after the announcement that the mobile cardiology unit currently there will

DACC urges Donegal TDs to save Angiogram service at LUH Read More »

Postmasters to warn Oireachtas committee of crisis

Postmasters are warning 12 million euro in annual funding is needed to prevent “large scale” closures across the post office network. The Irish Postmasters Union will tell today’s Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee meeting that services are at a “critical juncture” and could have to shut without government support. Almost 95 per cent of post

Postmasters to warn Oireachtas committee of crisis Read More »

Pringle clashes with Taoiseach over status of National Maternity Hospital

A Donegal Deputy has slammed the Government after it passed legislation yesterday allowing for the new National Maternity Hospital to be built. Deputy Thomas Pringle raised the issue directly to the Taoiseach in the Dail during Leaders’ Questions, focusing on the term “clinically appropriate” that has caused controversy for many, raising concerns if the new

Pringle clashes with Taoiseach over status of National Maternity Hospital Read More »

Calls for repairs to Culdaff Beach ramps due to accessibility concerns

An Inishowen Councillor has welcomed the provision of a new wheelchair that will be made available at Culdaff Beach – but says currently the beach is impassable for users with disabilities. Cllr Johnny McGuinness says that while it’s great to have a wheelchair provided in the area of the beach free of charge for anyone

Calls for repairs to Culdaff Beach ramps due to accessibility concerns Read More »

Work ongoing to secure LUH angiogram services – McConalogue

Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue says that work is ongoing to secure the angiogram service at Letterkenny University Hospital. In a statement Minister McConalogue said that work was ongoing to assess appropriate means for angiogram services to continue at LUH, after the announcement that the mobile cardiology unit currently there will be removed at the end

Work ongoing to secure LUH angiogram services – McConalogue Read More »

Eurovision winners to announce tour in aid of Ukrainian army

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra say they are planning to announce a European tour to raise money for the Ukrainian army. Frontman Oleh Psiuk  told a televised news conference that the band would soon announce on Instagram where they will tour. As well as this, they plan to auction off the Eurovision trophy with the proceeds

Eurovision winners to announce tour in aid of Ukrainian army Read More »

UK Government to introduce Troubles Amnesty legislation this evening

  The Sinn Fein leader says that UK Government plans to implement an amnesty for Troubles-related killings, in return for co-operation in a Police panel investigation, are “akin to a rogue state”. The British Government is set to introduce the legislation this evening, and are also planning to ban any and all civil action from

UK Government to introduce Troubles Amnesty legislation this evening Read More »

UK Govt will change Protocol, EU agreement or not – UK Foreign Sec

The British Foreign Secretary has confirmed the Government plans to legislate to unilaterally change the Northern Ireland protocol. Liz Truss says that amendments must be made to the trade deal to get a Government up and running in Northern Ireland. She’s also said that the British Government’s preferred outcome is a negotiated agreement with the

UK Govt will change Protocol, EU agreement or not – UK Foreign Sec Read More »

Letterkenny Gardai investigate theft from business premises

A rock breaker attachment and a power washer have been stolen from a business premises on the outbound side of the Four Lane Road between the Polestar and Dry Arch Roundabouts in Letterkenny. Gardai say the theft happened on Thursday last at approximately 6.50pm, and both items are of substantial value. Gardai are particularly interested

Letterkenny Gardai investigate theft from business premises Read More »

Go ahead given by cabinet for National Maternity Hospital

Cabinet has signed off on plans for the new National Maternity Hospital. Ministers approved the governance deal at their meeting this morning which will see the hospital relocated from Holles St to the campus of St Vincent’s University Hospital. The government faced concerns about the phrase ‘clinically appropriate’ as set out in the legal documents.

Go ahead given by cabinet for National Maternity Hospital Read More »

42 complaints to Children’s Ombudsman from Donegal in 2021

Complaints to the Children’s Ombudsman soared by 79% last year, with 2% of the complaints coming from Donegal. 2,126 complaints were made to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in 2021, 908 of them were linked to covid related issues like restrictions in schools, uncertainty over the Leaving Cert and supports for children with disabilities during

42 complaints to Children’s Ombudsman from Donegal in 2021 Read More »

Ten-T projects in Donegal could be delayed because of cost

A Lifford Stranorlar area councillor says the continued delays with the Twin Towns by-pass are frustrating, but Donegal County Council will continue to push it, and the other two Ten-T road projects in Donegal – the Letterkenny Link Road and the Manorcunningham to Lifford Road. It’s after a recent meeting of the council’s Roads Strategic

Ten-T projects in Donegal could be delayed because of cost Read More »

Gardai investigate Letterkenny car theft and Killygordon collision

Gardai in Letterkenny are investigating the theft of silver Silver Mercedes car from a house on the High Road between 8.30pm and 9.30pm last night. The car was subsequently found on fire on the Ballyraine Road shortly after 3 o’clock this morning. On the Community Garda Slot on today’s Nine til Noon Show, Sergeant Eunan

Gardai investigate Letterkenny car theft and Killygordon collision Read More »

Measures to change Protocol to be introduced at Westminster today

The British Government’s expected to unveil plans to bin parts of the Northern Ireland protocol today; a move which could trigger a trade war with the EU. The DUP’s refusing to take part in power-sharing until its issues with the post-Brexit trading arrangement are scrapped. It’s understood UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will make an

Measures to change Protocol to be introduced at Westminster today Read More »

“We’re great at passing legislation, terrible at implementing it” – Pringle

A Donegal Deputy has warned that the Government cannot continue to churn out legislation with no intention to uphold and implement it Deputy Thomas Pringle was speaking in the Dail in recent days during statements on the Defamation Act during which he said flaws in the Defamation Act should be viewed as a threat to

“We’re great at passing legislation, terrible at implementing it” – Pringle Read More »

Damage to festive illuminations in Derry and Strabane cost £50,000

Damage caused to festive illuminations across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area last Christmas amounted to almost £50,000. Damage was caused to lights in parts of Derry as well as Strabane and Castlederg. Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee have heard that while vandalism of Christmas light

Damage to festive illuminations in Derry and Strabane cost £50,000 Read More »