Author name: highlandnews

Claims that another fishing boat turned away from Killybegs harbour today

There have been claims that yet another fishing boat has been prevented landing at Killybegs today. The Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association say a Norwegian vessel had to relocate from Killybegs to Derry to weigh the fish it had onboard for the second time in a week – with no alternative options given to the

Claims that another fishing boat turned away from Killybegs harbour today Read More »

Health Dept head to appear at Public Accounts Committee over Holohan controversy

The head of the Department of Health is to appear before the Public Accounts Committee over Tony Holohan’s secondment. The chief medical officer’s due to become a professor at Trinity College – but the government has paused the appointment. Ministers are concerned about the recruitment process, and how the state will continue to pay his

Health Dept head to appear at Public Accounts Committee over Holohan controversy Read More »

New 24-hour recycling facility opened in Carndonagh

It’s been confirmed that an additional 24 hour bring bank recycling location has been established in Carndonagh. Operational from yesterday, the facility is located on the grounds of the Inishowen livestock mart and follows a long campaign locally. Local Cllr Albert Doherty says the area had been without adequate facilities for quite some time, and

New 24-hour recycling facility opened in Carndonagh Read More »

Derry City and Strabane Council hosting Irish language starter course

Derry City and Strabane District Council is running a one-hour Irish-Language Taster Course via Zoom. It’s getting underway on Monday April 25th at 7pm and is part of the Lifelong Learning Festival that will run from 25 – 29 April. This festival seeks to raise awareness of Derry and Strabane as a learning city. The

Derry City and Strabane Council hosting Irish language starter course Read More »

Public meeting in Killybegs today over fish weighing controversy

People are being reminded of a public meeting later today over the fish weighing controversy in Killybegs. The meeting is getting underway in at the Tara Hotel at 4pm Friday with all members of the public, fishermen, processors, factory workers, shop & catering staff and political representative invited to attend. The meeting was called by

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Council begins preparation of County Development Plan

  Donegal County Council has started the preparation of a new County Donegal Development Plan. A Pre-Draft public consultation process has officially begun The new development plan will set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Donegal from 2024-2030. The plan will include a written statement, maps and associated Environmental

Council begins preparation of County Development Plan Read More »

Cross-border programme submitted to European Commission

  A 1.1 billion euro cross-border programme has been submitted to the European Commission. The plan aims to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties. Commission approval and adoption of the ‘Peace Plus’ programme is expected in the summer. It was approved by the Irish Government, Northern Ireland Executive and the

Cross-border programme submitted to European Commission Read More »

SFPA seeks to clarify situation regarding fish weighing protocols

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has confirmed it has submitted a new Control Plan for approval by the EU which would enable the derogation of weighing of fishery products. In a statement today, the SFPA seeks to clarify a number of issues with regard to recent control inspections in Killybegs. The authority repeats its assertion that

SFPA seeks to clarify situation regarding fish weighing protocols Read More »

Naughton wants roads included in Shared Island Fund

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council has confirmed officials are beginning the process of liaising with colleagues in Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh, with a view towards preparing applications under the government’s Shared Island Fund. The latest scheme, announced this week, encourages Local Authorities to partner on a cross-border basis to bring new projects through

Naughton wants roads included in Shared Island Fund Read More »

Strabane woman launches petition for clear sugar and fat warnings

A Strabane woman has launched a petition calling for clear sugar and fat warnings on food packaging. Sharron McCormick is lobbying the Government to make sugar and fat labeling mandatory to signal high levels in products. She says the amount of sugar consumed has increased dramatically in recent years which is having a direct impact

Strabane woman launches petition for clear sugar and fat warnings Read More »

Taoiseach calls for secondment of Tony Holohan to be paused

The Taoiseach has called on the secondment of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan to Trinity College to be paused pending a reassessment. The Government is due to receive a report on the process around the appointment next week. Speaking in Helsinki this morning Taoiseach Micheál Martin put a pause on Dr Tony Holohan’s appointment

Taoiseach calls for secondment of Tony Holohan to be paused Read More »

Three men due in court on charges relating to incidents in Tyrone, Derry and Armagh

Three men are due to appear in court today following a number of incidents in Tyrone, Derry and Armagh. The men aged 63, 23 and 20 have been charged with a number of offences including possession of firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, theft, criminal damage, handling stolen goods and

Three men due in court on charges relating to incidents in Tyrone, Derry and Armagh Read More »

Concerns remain over Letterkenny Local Development Plan

Donegal County Council has been told that the Local Development Plan for Letterkenny is not ready to go to public consultation yet, as there are still some disagreements between members and officials. Speaking during a protracted debate at this week’s council meeting, Head of Planning Liam Ward said the Letterkenny 2040 Document and the local

Concerns remain over Letterkenny Local Development Plan Read More »

Tributes paid on passing of former Cllr Dermot McLaughlin

Tributes have been paid to former Fianna Fail Councillor Dermot McLaughlin following his death. Mr McLaughlin served as a Councillor on the Buncrana Urban District Council, taking on the role as Chair on numerous occasions. Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Councillor Jack Murray says he leaves behind an incredible legacy having represented the people of

Tributes paid on passing of former Cllr Dermot McLaughlin Read More »

Deputy Pringle believes faith in electoral system needs strengthened

A Donegal Deputy believes that the overall faith in the electoral system needs to be strengthened. Deputy Thomas Pringle was speaking in the Dail during statements on the Electoral Reform Bill. The Bill is set to bring about a major modernisation of the electoral system including making the voter registration process easier and to promote

Deputy Pringle believes faith in electoral system needs strengthened Read More »

Deputy Harkin warns there will be no post office if post master can’t make living

The Government has been warned that post offices will close if post masters can’t make a living. South Donegal Deputy Marian Harkin told the Dail that post masters are concerned that in a year’s time they will no longer be in their role. Minister of State with responsibility for Transport Hildegarde Naughton says the Government

Deputy Harkin warns there will be no post office if post master can’t make living Read More »

Local business owner says SFPA controversy could cost Killybegs millions

A business owner in Killybegs says the port could lose millions of euro as a result of the current controversy over the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority’s demands for strict weighing protocols. The industry claims that of fish are weighed in the way the SFPA demand, they will be left unfit for human consumption, and this

Local business owner says SFPA controversy could cost Killybegs millions Read More »

HIQA inspections to have more focus on patient safety

HIQA says its inspections of public hospitals will now include more focus on patient safety, including the conditions in which care is provided in Emergency Departments. HIQA has now launched its new programme of inspections, with Director of Healthcare Regulation Sean Egan saying it will assess the standard and quality of care across the Health

HIQA inspections to have more focus on patient safety Read More »

MacSharry describes Health Minister’s defence of Dr Holohan as patronising

Plans to continue paying the Chief Medical Officer despite him taking up a new role at Trinity College Dublin continue to face a backlash. Dr Tony Holohan is set to make the move in what is described as an “open-ended secondment”. However, the Department of Health will continue to pay his €187,000 wage. Health Minister

MacSharry describes Health Minister’s defence of Dr Holohan as patronising Read More »

Ireland’s military netrality must be strengthened – Deputy Pringle

A Donegal Deputy says we must continue to strengthen Ireland’s military neutrality and ensure that it is not compromised. Deputy Thomas Pringle was speaking in the Dail on the country’s response to the war in Ukraine so far. Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky addressed the Oireachtas thanking Ireland for not staying neutral to his country’s

Ireland’s military netrality must be strengthened – Deputy Pringle Read More »

Proposed variation of County Development Plan to go out to public consultation

Donegal County Council is to put a proposed variation to the County Development Plan out to public consultation. The variation will incorporate landslide susceptibility evidence gathered in the wake of the recent Meenbog landslide. It will also ban wind farm developments in freshwater pearl mussel catchments areas around Glenveagh National Park, the Gweebarra River Basin,

Proposed variation of County Development Plan to go out to public consultation Read More »

SFPA says engagement with industry has been ongoing over Control Plan

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has issued a further statement over the ongoing developments in Killybegs. A number of vessels have turned away from the harbour in recent days over the landing rules which insists on fish being weighed without water. The Authority says that comprehensive engagement has been undertaken with industry over recent months to

SFPA says engagement with industry has been ongoing over Control Plan Read More »