Author name: highlandnews

Storm Franklin update: Clady Bridge, other NI routes flooded

As Storm Franklin approaches this evening, the Clady Bridge is currently impassable due to flooding. Flooding from the River Finn means the entrance to Clady from the N15 Lifford to Castlefinn road is currently closed. Motorists are also advised to take caution as a number of routes have faced flooding issues today. Police advice caution

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RNLI Lough Swilly urge caution after swimmers get into difficulty at Ludden Beach

The Lough Swilly RNLI are urging swimmers to be cautious, after two people got into difficulty at Ludden Beach in Buncrana yesterday. It’s believed that the swimmers were rescued by an onlooker after a life ring was thrown into the water. No injuries were reported, but the RNLI have warned of the dangers of swimming

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Success of vaccine programme to thank for end to mask wearing – O’Neill

A Professor of Immunology says the success of Ireland’s vaccination campaign is to thank for ending the need for mask wearing. Taoiseach Micheal Martin accepted NPHET’s advice that masks will no longer be needed in shops, public transport and schools from February 28th. It’s also recommended not to PCR test healthy people under the age

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Foreign Affairs Minister to visit Ukraine security conference today

The Foreign Affairs Minister says world leaders will spend this weekend attempting to de-escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Simon Coveney is at the Munich Security Conference where he’s due to meet the Ukrainian Foreign Minister this evening. NATO’s General Secretary says it is not too late for Russia to ‘step back from the brink.’

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Donegal school first to take part in Irish language World of Work programme

A Donegal school has become the first Irish language school in Ireland to participate in the World of Work programme. Second year Business Studies students from the Donegal ETB Gairmscoil Chú Uladh school based in Ballinamore have been partnered with Optum Ireland in Letterkenny for this six-week programme run by Business in the Community Ireland.

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Donegal County Council continuing to monitor the weather as more storms are forecast

Donegal County Council’s Director of Emergency Services is urging people to continue to exercise extreme caution and has warned that we are not out of the woods yet. Parts of the county have been severely impacted with snow from Storm Eunice while other areas have experienced minor falls. More adverse weather is expected, with status

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8,593 new Covid cases as Taoiseach confirms mask rules will change on February 28th

8,593 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed this afternoon, 4,821 through PCR tests and 3,772 through positive antigen tests recorded yesterday on the HSE portal. As of 8am today, 591 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 57 are in ICU. Latest figures for Letterkenny University Hospital show 22 infected patients, one of them

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Severe weather conditions leads to calls for better phone coverage in Donegal

Today’s weather conditions have led to calls for better mobile phone coverage across Donegal. Early this morning, five vehicles became stuck on the Glenveigh road and due to a lack of mobile phone coverage they were unable to seek help. West Donegal Councillor Michael McClafferty says this morning’s incident is evidence of the vital need

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Families to benefit from Language Learners Scheme grants

  Gaeltacht families hosting students will benefit from the Language Learners Scheme grants. Gaeltacht courses of at least 3 days will benefit from grants from the Irish language learners scheme. Minister Jack Chambers announced the measure today, which will aim to assist the recovery of the Irish language sector. Families who provide accommodation for students

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Early Childhood Ireland highlights need for investment as survey shows significfant NW support

Early Childhood Ireland says the pandemic has focussed peoples’ minds on the importance of education for children under 5, and they want that reflected in government investment in the sector. The body has just published its annual barometer of opinion, with 79% of people in the North West saying they believe that young children have

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15M allocated to outdoor activities across rural Ireland

  15 million euro in funding is to be allocated to outdoor activities across rural Ireland. The scheme is part of this year’s Budget, and will promote activities such as hiking, swimming and cycling. Adventure tourism became particularly popular in rural areas during the pandemic. The government says it hopes this investment will continue that

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Pringle back calls for enquiry into so-called ‘Heavy Gang’

  A Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle is backing calls for a public enquiry into the so-called Garda ‘Heavy Gang’. A recent RTE series alleges that a professional group of Garda investigators and interrogators existed within An Garda Síochána during the 80s, with claims that they used coercive interview tactics. Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Pringle

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Storm Eunice: Thousands without power in west Donegal

Over six thousand people are currently without power in west Donegal. Crews are repairing the fault and power is expected to be restored to the Ardnagappary area shortly. Some customers in Gweedore and Kilcar are also experiencing outages. Almost 1150 properties in the Stranorlar area have also been hit with power outages – estimated restoration

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Storm Eunice: Closures

Storm Eunice is set to bring blizzard-like conditions tomorrow. A status orange snow warning is in place from 3am-3pm tomorrow. Some services will be impacted by the weather warnings, including: All schools in Donegal will close tomorrow All colleges and further education facilities in Donegal will remain closed tomorrow An Grianán Theatre will be closed

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SF Finance Spokesperson clashes with Minister Ryan over cost of living measures

Sinn Fein’s Finance Spokesperson and the Green Party leader have clashed in the Dail over cost of living measures announced last week. Minister Eamon Ryan accused Sinn Fein of constantly changing their approach after Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty hit out at what he said was Minister Ryan’s determination to increase already soaring energy prices with

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Harris promises swift government action on NPHET advice on masks

The laws enforcing masks in shops and on public transport are due to expire at the end of the month. Minister Simon Harris says the rule is likely to be dropped if that’s what the public health advice is……. Letterkenny Hair stylist Patrick Gildea they will continue to wear face coverings in his premises after

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