Author name: highlandnews

  A return to mandatory mask wearing is not on the cards, according to the Health Minister. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has suggested the return of mask wearing wouldn’t slow the current spread of Covid-19. Nurses and doctors have called for some restrictions to be re-introduced to deal with the spread of Covid. But Health Minister

The fire service last night battled for over 5 hours to bring a gorse fire under control in Inishowen. The blaze broke out between Greencastle and Shroove. Three fire engines from across the county were in attendance. Local Councillor Martin Farren has reiterated the warning from Donegal County Council for people to be extra cautious

Concern has been raised over a leaking sewer in Milford. Effluent has been seeping from the sewer for a long number of years due to the breaking down of sewerage treatment system serving the Grey Rock estate. Councillor Liam Blaney says efforts have been ongoing to address the issue for far too long. He says

The President of Letterkenny Institute of Technology says he believes the term ‘Atlantic Technological University’ will soon become part of the normal parlance of the region. Paul Hannigan was speaking on what is effectively his last day in the post. From tomorrow, LYIT will cease to exist, and it will become the Letterkenny and Killybegs

A Donegal Deputy is to lead a delegation to the Ukrainian border next week on a fact-finding mission. Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European affairs will meet with refugees during the visits to Romania and Moldova. He and a group of colleagues on the committee have already met

A major conference will take place in West Donegal this weekend. Hundreds of delegates will travel to Dungloe to attend the Ógra Fhianna Fáil National Youth Conference. It coincides with a visit to the county by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Policy, local elections and the prospect of a United Ireland are to dominate discussions at the

A Donegal Deputy believes Ireland can remain neutral in a very active way. Deputy Thomas Pringle was speaking in the Dail during statements on the Government’s response to the situation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, around 600 people a day are arriving here, with 75% of them seeking accommodation from the State. Deputy Pringle says the focus

The number of patients who left emergency departments without finishing their treatment increased by 66% last year. There were nearly 76,000 in 2021 – compared to less than 46,000 the previous year. The HSE says many people go to EDs when they should be choosing other options, like GPs and pharmacies. But Stephen McMahon, from

Brexit-related checks on goods going from Ireland and the rest of the EU to Britain are set to be delayed for a fourth time. They’re due to begin on July 1st, but the UK government is considering postponing them again. But British businesses continue to face extra obstacles as they export their goods to the

Emergency powers introduced to slow the spread of Covid-19 will expire at midnight. The Health Act has given the Health Minister the power to restrict travel, prevent gatherings and close premises for the past two years. The lapsing legislation would also be needed for a mandate on mask wearing to be reintroduced, something the government

The Taoiseach has committed to speaking with both the Health Minister and the HSE over issues facing Letterkenny University Hospital. Michael Martin was responding to further concerns raised in the Dail by Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn over the health crisis facing the hospital and the wider Donegal area. Deputy MacLochlainn pleaded with the Taoiseach to

  Listen back to the main evening news, sport & obituaries for Wednesday March 30th:

  The Taoiseach has said the return of Covid restrictions can’t be justified. Amid skyrocketing numbers of Covid cases and pressure on the hospital system Micheál Martin has said severe illness is not increasing. The number of people in ICU has remained steady even while the numbers in hospital have increased. With that in mind

Covid data is predicting a possible peak of 2,200 hospitals cases in the next seven to ten days. It comes as some bodies call for the reintroduction of masks in public settings. Chair of the Irish Medical Organisations GP Committee and Stranorlar Dr Denis McCauley says the virus is spreading quickly;

  The Teachers Union of Ireland says they are opposed to marking their own students as part of the planned overhaul of the Leaving Cert. As part of the plans, all exams will count for just 60 per cent of the final grade with the rest made up by continuous assessment. Two new Leaving Cert

The PRO of the Mica Action Group says a planned protest on Saturday to coincide with a visit to Donegal by Taoiseach Michael Martin will go ahead, despite the fact that attempts are now being made to organise a meeting with Mica homeowners. On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Michael Doherty said there is frustration

  The designation of the new Atlantic Technological University which is being formally launched next Monday represents far more than just a name change. That’s the conclusion of research carried out on behalf of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, whih has found the ATU will contribute at least €700 million in economic output, and

The Foreign Affairs Minister has told the Dail the proposal by the British government to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation system would have serious consequences for Donegal. The issue was raised in the Dail last night by three Donegal opposition TDs, who highlighted their belief that this would compromise the cross border freedom of movement

Irish workers will be entitled to mandatory sick pay for the first time under new laws. The cabinet’s approved a bill giving employees the right to take 3 sick days by the end of the year. That will rise to 5 next year, 7 the following year and 10 by 2026. It’ll be paid at

The Agriculture Minister says he’s ‘acutely aware’ of the challenges facing pig-farmers. Charlie McConalogue met the IFA last night to discuss the future of the sector. Pig-farmers protested outside his department yesterday morning, calling for a 100 million euro rescue package. Speaking in the Dáil last night, Minister McConalogue said he’s considering the proposal……….

Communities in Donegal are being urged to enter the .IE Digitial Towns competition, with entries closing on Friday. The awards have a total prize fund of €100,000 across 14 categories and were created to honour local towns and people who, through digital projects and innovation, have contributed to the betterment of specific areas. Oonagh McCutcheon,

Donegal County Council is being urged to complete work on a listed bridge in the Twin Towns. The bridge, which links Ballybofey and Stranorlar had deteriorated, and a number of years ago, back the TII and Donegal County Council carried out repairs on one side of it. However, when other works began in the area,

  Over 1000 children in Donegal are currently awaiting assessment for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and psychological services, with some on the waiting list for over a year. The figures were referred to by Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty who was speaking as a Sinn Fein motion on services for children with disabilities was

  Listen back to the main evening news, sport & obituaries for Tuesday March 29th:

  A West Tyrone MLA is calling for a full public inquiry into the murder of Tyrone schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson. MLA Maolisa McHugh was speaking after the airing of a documentary about the case last evening. Last year an inquest found she had been murdered by child killer Robert Howard. Mr McHugh says significant questions

  It could cost up to 500 million euro to help 10,000 Ukrainian refugees in Ireland for a year. That’s according to the Public Expenditure Minister, who reiterated the government won’t be putting a number on how many refugees it expects to receive. Minister Michael Mc Grath added that the Department is providing funding to