Author name: highlandnews

A Donegal doctor believes we should focus on the booster campaign rather than mask wearing. It comes amid calls from the INMO to reintroduce mandatory facemask rules in certain settings. Dr Denis McCauley is the Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee. He believes the country’s response to Covid-19 going forward shouldn’t prioritise mask

It’s emerged a man with Down Syndrome has had to remain in hospital as the supported accommodation he needs is not available in Donegal. The man in his 50s has been offered a place in a nursing home under the Fair Deal Scheme with a prerequisite that he secures a place in a training centre.

Rally weekend has been hailed as a success as gardai report a fall in arrests and less dangerous driving incidents compared to other years. 58 people were arrested in Letterkenny from Thursday evening until this morning, compared to 86 people arrested in 2019. Head of the Traffic Corps in Donegal, Inspector Seamus McGonigle says the

While welcoming the removal of the sliding scale element of the enhanced Mica redress scheme, the Mica Action Group says the SCSI rates are not good enough. The group is also calling for the €420,000 cap to be increased to €460,000 to reflect inflation. Mica homeowners will once again protest outside Leinster House tomorrow when

A Donegal County Councillor has raised concerns about Ireland’s military neutrality. It comes after a British Navy boat docked at a harbour in Cork last week. Councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig submitted a motion to the Glenties Municipal District Council, calling for a referendum on neutrality to be held to enshrine Ireland’s neutral position.

The Government will begin a series of meetings with stakeholder groups today to discuss Budget 2023. The meetings come ahead of the publication of the Summer Economic Statement and as pressure continues on the coalition to announce further supports to help with the cost of living ahead of Octobers Budget. The Taoiseach yesterday denied news

Irish MEP Sean Kelly will be in charge of drafting legislation to protect the EU in any UK breaches of the Northern Ireland Protocol. He’s been appointed lead author for the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee in drafting the legislation. He says the introduction of the Protocol bill in Westminster is clearly in breach of

The Taoiseach says the Government’s aim is to make ‘comprehensive’ changes in the budget this autumn to help with the cost of living. That’s despite newspaper reports today indicating a boost in social welfare and excise on fuel next month. Large protests took place in towns and cities across the country yesterday, calling for more

SIPTU’s calling for ‘meaningful engagement’ with the HSE over the decision to take away the long covid leave payment for nurses. The Special Leave with Pay Scheme is due to be axed from the 1st of July. Up to 200 nurses and healthcare workers are set to be affected. SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser Kevin Figgis

The Taoiseach says the UK’s legislation to rip up parts of the Northern Ireland protocol is ‘economic vandalism’ for the North. Micheal Martin has described the move from Boris Johnson’s government as ‘deeply concerning.’ The European Union is reportedly planning it’s own legislation to protect itself. Speaking to the BBC, Taoiseach Micheal Martin says the

There are calls for the return of the mask mandate, following a surge in Covid cases. Yesterday the number of hospital admissions stood a 515, an increase from last week’s 355. Dr Tony Holohan sent the government a letter last week, warning that hospitals are under ‘increased pressure’. Infectious diseases expert Dr. Jack Lambert thinks

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions says public sector workers shouldn’t have to pick up the tab for out-of-control price hikes. Government proposals in public service pay talks ended without agreement yesterday, ICTU says they fell far short of inflation and cost of living increases. Union negotiators say it only offered a 2.5 per cent

Protests across the country today will call for urgent Government action to tackle the rising cost of living. Protestors say it will be too late to wait until the budget in October to help hard pressed households. The demonstrations will be held in Derry, Sligo, Dublin, Galway and elsewhere from 1 o’clock this afternoon. People

A Donegal County Councillor has praised all involved in the Donegal rally for the boost it provides to the local economy. The annual event shines a spotlight on the county each year with over 400,000 people watching it in 2019. Councillor John O’Donnell, a competitor in this year’s Joule Donegal International Rally, says the benefits

Parents in Donegal are facing an expensive summer with many having to pay for student accommodation despite their children returning home. In order to retain their accommodation for next year, students are having to pay for the summer months in cities like Dublin, Belfast and Galway. Cllr Michael McClafferty says he would question if the