Author name: highlandnews

Donegal woman new Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council

A Donegal woman has been elected as the new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council. Councillor Sandra Duffy, who is originally from Burnfoot takes over the role from Councillor Graham Warke. The new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy has committed to represent all the people of the

Donegal woman new Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council Read More »

Calls for extra £70,000 to be used in Derry City & Strabane District hardship fund

Derry City and Strabane District Council is being asked to allocate almost £70,000 of left over funds to a council hardship fund, to help with the rising cost of living. The motion is being brought to Council today by Sinn Fein Cllr Christopher Jackson, who says that this money is left over from additional funding

Calls for extra £70,000 to be used in Derry City & Strabane District hardship fund Read More »

Latest developments in Brandon abuse case “sad indictment” of HSE – Pringle

Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle has described the latest developments in the sexual abuse scandal at Ard Greine Court in Stranorlar as a sad indictment of the HSE. Over the weekend, the Independent reported that families of residents that were assaulted by a man, given the pseudonym Brandon, at the facility in Stranorlar over a period

Latest developments in Brandon abuse case “sad indictment” of HSE – Pringle Read More »

“Last chance” for current Government to get Mica scheme right – Michael Doherty

The PRO of the Mica Action Group has warned that prospects of a drastically changed Mica scheme are low, after homeowner negotiations with Housing Department officials concluded last week. Michael Doherty says that MAG will now be focusing its campaigning on the Government TDs that are in counties affected by defective blocks to stand by

“Last chance” for current Government to get Mica scheme right – Michael Doherty Read More »

Inquiry into allegations of patient abuse at NI facility starts today

In the North, a public inquiry into alleged mistreatment of patients at a facility for adults with complex needs is underway. The Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry is examining widespread allegations of abuse of patients at the facility in County Antrim. 34 people have been already been arrested by the PSNI in connection with the scandal

Inquiry into allegations of patient abuse at NI facility starts today Read More »

Latest figures show over 300 Ukrainian children are enrolled in Donegal schools

The latest figures from the Department of Education show that over 300 Ukrainian children have enrolled in County Donegal schools since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. There are now a total of 229 Ukrainian children in primary schools here, with 85 enrolled in post-primary education as of last Friday. Nationally, 6,797 Ukrainian children have

Latest figures show over 300 Ukrainian children are enrolled in Donegal schools Read More »

Public being urged to not share fatal road traffic collision images

Following several road traffic deaths this bank holiday weekend, drivers are being reminded that taking a picture of a road traffic accident while driving leaves them open to prosecution. This follows the deaths of two men in a three-car crash in Sligo yesterday evening, as well as the death of a man in Limerick last

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Two men killed in Sligo collision yesterday evening

Two men were killed in a traffic collision that occurred in County Sligo yesterday evening. The three-vehicle incident happened around twenty-past-five yesterday evening. The driver and passenger of one car were killed in the collision. The N15 was closed overnight between Sligo Town and Drumcliffe while Gardaí conducted a forensic examination. Anyone who witnessed the

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Final day to take part in Letterkenny 2040 plan public consultation

Today is the final day members of the public can give their opinions on the 11 proposed regeneration sites and initiatives that comprise the 2040 Letterkenny Regeneration Strategy. This is the third and final phase of consultation needed to prepare a Regeneration Strategy for Letterkenny town centre to identify ambitious priorities for it as an

Final day to take part in Letterkenny 2040 plan public consultation Read More »

New research shows 1 in 5 suffer with depression after contracting Covid

New research on “long Covid” shows one in five people suffer from moderate or severe depression after contracting the virus. The Mater Hospital in Dublin, along with North Dublin GPs, studied the long-term effects the virus had on 155 people over 14 months. The study also found 25 percent were still suffering from notable symptoms

New research shows 1 in 5 suffer with depression after contracting Covid Read More »

Number of Bus Eireann Donegal Town to Dublin routes cancelled today

Bus Eireann has cancelled a number of its scheduled routes between Donegal and Dublin today, without providing explanation. In a statement on social media the bus company announced that three of the planned routes would be cancelled between today and tomorrow. The 8am bus this morning leaving from Dublin to Donegal was cancelled, as was

Number of Bus Eireann Donegal Town to Dublin routes cancelled today Read More »

Dublin Airport queues reportedly running well today

Passenger queues appear to be running well at Dublin Airport again today. The Dublin Airport Authority says that waiting numbers have stabilised, and the longest queue reported today was 43 minutes in Terminal One. Over 100,000 people are expected to travel through the airport this bank holiday weekend. Meanwhile, a Sunday Independent opinion poll out

Dublin Airport queues reportedly running well today Read More »

New report claims those impacted by Brandon abuse are to sue HSE

A new report in today’s Sunday Independent claims that residents and family representatives of those who were impacted by what was uncovered in the Brandon Report are intending to pursue legal action against the HSE. The Independent also claims that staff members at the Ard Greine Court Complex in Stranorlar are also looking to pursue

New report claims those impacted by Brandon abuse are to sue HSE Read More »

Large majority of Irish population expecting recession in next year

A new opinion poll shows the country is deeply concerned over the ‘cost of living’. A ‘Sunday Independent / Ireland Thinks’ opinion poll shows a large majority of Irish people believe there’s a financial crash coming in the next 12 months – with 70 percent expecting a recession in that time. Ireland Thinks’ Director Kevin

Large majority of Irish population expecting recession in next year Read More »

No major delays reported as 50,000 set to travel through Dublin Airport today

As many as 50,000 passengers are expected to travel through Dublin Airport today. The Dublin Airport Authority does not expect any significant delays for passengers after extra staff were drafted in to deal with the increased number of passengers over the bank holiday weekend. So far passengers at Terminal 1 and 2 have passed through

No major delays reported as 50,000 set to travel through Dublin Airport today Read More »

Paddy Diver returns to Twitter to demand action on new Mica bill

Prominent Mica campaigner Paddy Diver says that he and other Mica homeowners are ready to take to the streets again if the revised Mica redress scheme does not meet their demands. Speaking in a video posted to Twitter last night, Diver returned to the social media platform after taking a break from campaigning in March,

Paddy Diver returns to Twitter to demand action on new Mica bill Read More »

Pringle and Harris discuss the importance of the ATU’s Killybegs campus

The Dail has been told that the Atlantic Technological University campus in Killybegs has the potential to make a major contribution. but it will require investment. Speaking during a Dail debate on Higher Education, Deputy Thomas Pringle said the Killybegs campus has already made a major contribution to the economy of the region, and that

Pringle and Harris discuss the importance of the ATU’s Killybegs campus Read More »

Video mocking Michaela McAreavey is ‘vile’ – DUP MLA

Prominent politicians in Northern Ireland have condemned the viral video mocking Michaela McAreavey. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill and DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, have spoken out against the song. Speaking at a Jubilee party in Portadown, DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley says his thoughts are with Michaela’s family today…………….

Video mocking Michaela McAreavey is ‘vile’ – DUP MLA Read More »

BIM’s Brexit initiative now open for applications

Bord Iascaigh Mhara has today confirmed the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme is officially open for applications. The €25 million scheme offers grants to enable coastal communities to restructure, reconfigure, retrain, and diversify post-Brexit, with companies and communities within 10km of the coastline qualifying. Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue says the scheme will help strengthen

BIM’s Brexit initiative now open for applications Read More »

Smart Moves: Free Resilience Building for Sixth Class

ISPCC is delighted to announce that it is now expanding  Smart Moves the in classroom resilience building programme. Smart Moves for sixth-class students is designed to give young people making the transition between primary and secondary schools the skills to increase their overall resilience. For many children, the move from primary school to second level

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Second funding round opens for Camping grant scheme

Donegal County Council has opened a second call for the Caravan, Camping, Campervan and Motorhome grant scheme. This round will specifically target voluntary or community-based groups. The grant scheme will be open until the end of June, and will focus on supporting new and additional overnight facilities in locations currently underserved in the county, including

Second funding round opens for Camping grant scheme Read More »

Shock and anger as video emerges mocking the death of Michaela McAreavey

A video which mocks the death of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius has been met with shock and anger. Police in the North have confirmed they’re examining the video to determine if any offences may have been committed. The video, which is alleged to have been filmed during centenary celebrations in the north has been met

Shock and anger as video emerges mocking the death of Michaela McAreavey Read More »

Work finally underway to replace water main in Inch Island

Work is finally commencing today to replace problematic water mains in Inch Island The area has been subjected to numerous bursts over the years with residents without water for a number of days last month. The works were previously delayed by a month. But Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Councillor Jack Murray says the community

Work finally underway to replace water main in Inch Island Read More »

Tourist information kiosk opening in Newtowncunningham

A new tourist information kiosk in Newtowncunningham will open tomorrow ahead of a busy summer season. An official opening is being held at the tourist kiosk located at Kernans Eurospar tomorrow between 2pm – 5pm. Funding for the facility was awarded through the town and villages renewal scheme. Karen Callaghan of Newtowncunningham Focus Group says

Tourist information kiosk opening in Newtowncunningham Read More »

Over 64,000 ambulances spent an hour backed up at EDs last year

Over 64,000 ambulances spent over an hour at a hospital last year, before offloading a patient and getting back on the road. It’s nearly one in every four ambulances that arrived at hospitals. According to freedom of information figures, the ‘turn-around time’ was over five hours in 165 cases. David Hall, the chief executive of

Over 64,000 ambulances spent an hour backed up at EDs last year Read More »

Dublin Airport installing coverings in case of more outside queuing

Dublin Airport has closed its departure drop-off road at Terminal One to install coverings for passengers who may have to queue outside. Drop offs will now be directed to the Atrium Road near the bus drop zones. The DAA says the change will remain for the coming weeks, and covered queuing outside will be facilitated

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IHCA says capacity at LUH and SUH must be increased urgently

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says around a third of posts at Letterkenny University Hospital remain unfilled, and that’s an issue that must be addressed. The hospitals in Letterkenny and Sligo have over 45,000 people on waiting lists for assessment or treatment by a Hospital Consultant, that’s up 37% since 2015, while the numbers awaiting

IHCA says capacity at LUH and SUH must be increased urgently Read More »

New gambling support service launched in Donegal

A new support service to assist people dealing with harmful gambling is now available at Finn Valley Family Resource Centre, and The Forge Family Resource Centre, Pettigo. The National Problem Gambling Support Service was officially launched in Donegal this week by Gambling Awareness Trust, and will provide professional and confidential counselling services to those experiencing

New gambling support service launched in Donegal Read More »

DCC outlines plans to boost social housing provision

Donegal County Council says additional staff have been approved by government to assist with the delivery of housing, both in terms of construction and acquisition. All targets are subject to the Council undertaking due diligence on concrete blocks, including professional testing and geologist reports on blocks utilised on each construction and turnkey scheme. Officials were

DCC outlines plans to boost social housing provision Read More »

Gardai highlight three Donegal detections as National Slowdown Day continues

374 drivers have been detected breaking the speed limit so far on National Slow Down Day. 78,911 cars have been checked during the first nine hours of the operation. A car was detected travelling at 85km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the R265 Porthall Ballindrait Road, while another was caught doing 101km/h in a 80km/h

Gardai highlight three Donegal detections as National Slowdown Day continues Read More »

ISPCC Unique Ascent Challenge

Calling all thrill-seekers to take part in the ISPCC Unique Ascent Challenge on Saturday, July 9th, 2022. It includes three exciting activities; abseiling, rock-climbing and a sea Tyrolean traverse on the beautiful Donegal coastline. This adrenaline-induced challenge is the ultimate corporate day out, or challenge to complete with your friends. The funds raised by taking

ISPCC Unique Ascent Challenge Read More »

People urged to exercise caution in the water over the bank holiday weekend

As the June bank holiday approaches, the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal. Many people are expected to take advantage of the break and visit the coast and inland waters. The organisations are asking people to check that they have the correct equipment they need to enjoy

People urged to exercise caution in the water over the bank holiday weekend Read More »