Author name: highlandnews

40 business leaders attended a Donegal Business Breakfast in the London Borough of Islington at the weekend as part of a series of Irish Community events organised by the area’s Donegal born Mayor Troy Gallagher. The business event was coordinated by Donegal County Council’s head of Economic Development Ann Marie Conlon, who says it was […]

The Taoiseach has said he doesn’t see Dr Tony Holohan or Paul Reid sitting in a witness chair to explain the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Micheál Martin says there will be an investigation into the response of Government and civil servants, with details due to be announced in the coming weeks. Taoiseach Micheál Martin

A public health expert thinks masks should still be worn on public transport, to slow the rise in Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations. Covid-19 case numbers are climbing in hospitals, with 1,175 people with the virus in hospitals today – that’s the second day in a row the highest number of hospitalisations in over 12 months

A former leader of the British Labour Party has described the Mica crisis as “absolutely scandalous”. Jeremy Corbyn was speaking to Greg Hughes at Highland Radio’s broadcast from Islington in London yesterday, celebrating links between Donegal and London. The former Labour leader says that the Mica scandal is wholly the responsibility of the Irish Government

A Donegal Deputy has criticised the government for missing opportunities to manage rising energy costs. In a statement, Independent TD Thomas Pringle said that failure to intervene in time has now left people struggling financially. He has also criticised Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan for not stepping in early enough to stop electricity and

The Taoiseach is coming under pressure to support a public inquiry into nursing home deaths during the pandemic. Many families who lost loved ones in nursing homes say they are still looking for answers, almost two years on from the first wave of Covid-19 here. The calls from the campaign group Care Champions, come ahead

Census 2022 takes place in just over two weeks’ time. The national survey on Sunday 3rd of April is the first in six years, after last year’s census was cancelled due to the pandemic. Vital information gathered by the Central Statistics Office will be used for the planning of public policy and services. Eileen Murphy

Protests are about to get underway at Larne port in Northern Ireland, as well as other ports across the UK, over the mass sacking of P&O Ferries workers. 800 people from the company were let go with immediate effect via a video call yesterday. The mass layoffs have also led to the temporary pausing of

All covid-related travel requirements have been dropped for people coming into Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK today. Coming back from a holiday will now be less of a headache, with no additional forms to fill out or tests to organise. Joanne Stewart from the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance says it’s hugely important

SDLP MLAs in Derry and Tyrone say it’s unacceptable that the Clinical Response Model discussed for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service in 2017 has still not been delivered. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said there’s a need to recruit and train 325 paramedics and other staff, while Foyle MLA Mark Durkan said in some instances,

The Taoiseach’s meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House today will go ahead virtually after the Taoiseach tested positive for Covid-19. The two leaders were ar an Ireland Funds Dinner in Washington last night, when Micheal Martin received the news of his positive result. He had been sitting next to the 82-year-old

Gardai are appealing to motorists to drive carefully over the Bank Holiday weekend, which begins with St Patrick’s Day today. A special joint appeal with the Road Safety Authority has been launched for the long weekend. There’s a particular focus on drink driving, the RSA says it is a particular risk even the morning after

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation say overcrowding is resulting in an increased number of people being diagnosed with Covid in hospital. The INMO is calling for out of hospital diagnostics to be prioritised and for step-down services to be increased so patients can be discharged quicker. The HSE says the health service is under

Housing Association, Clúid has agreed to meet with members of the Glenties Municipal District to discuss plans to demolish 16 apartments in Dungloe. It’s after grave concern and strong opposition was expressed towards the demolition of any units. The onsite meeting is to be held on March 29th at the Cois Locha Apartments,Gweedore Road. Councillor

Road-users are being urged to exercise caution over the long bank holiday weekend. Paula Hillman is Assistant Garda Commissioner for roads policing. She says there will be a large Garda presence across the country over the coming days, with the emphasis being placed on ensuring people have a safe and enjoyable break…………..

  A Garda Inspector has described a weekend assault in Letterkenny as a savage attack that could well have been murder. The incident happened in the Long Lane area of the town in the early hours of Sunday morning. The victim, a man his is 50s, lost a substantial amount of blood after being beaten

  Many factors are leading to a ‘perfect storm’ at Letterkenny University Hospital. That’s according to the Chairperson of the Regional Health Forum West Cllr Gerry McMonagle who was speaking after another night of significant overcrowding at the hospital. It’s understood that seven ambulances were backed up at the Emergency Department door at one point.

  The Principal of Crana College says the Buncrana Three School Campus has taken a big step forward but acknowledged that the finished product is still a long way off. A design team is set to be appointed after the Education Minister gave the green light for initial project approval yesterday. Talks between the Department

  A Letterkenny and Milford District Councillor says he wants to see more commitment from Donegal County Council to promoting and developing the Letterkenny to Burtonport Greenway. Cllr Michael McBride says this was one of the first greenway projects in the county to be progressed, largely because a large number of people attached to community

  The Finance Minister says the Government cannot cover all of the extra costs being faced by people and business this year. We’re being warned household energy bills could rise by around € 700 per family after a price hike was announced by Bord Gais. They’re ending their ‘winter price pledge’ from April 15th and

  Hospitality bosses are being asked to offer staff a 4 day working week or alternate weekends off in order to keep them. A study by the South East Regional Skills Forum has recommended 18 measures aimed at attracting and securing workers in the hospitality industry. Ongoing training, upskilling and providing clear career pathways are

Paddy Diver has been thanked for his courage and actions in the 100% Mica Redress No Less Campaign. Mr. Diver announced that he’s stepping away from the campaign in a social media post last night, citing personal attacks on him and his family for the decision. Paddy was instrumental in organising protests in Dublin in

News that Bord Gais is set to increase its bills next month has been described as insanity. The cost of gas is set to go up by 39 per cent and 27 per cent for electricity. The company is ending its ‘winter price pledge’ and the changes will take effect from 15 April. Independent TD

  Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet US President Joe Biden tonight as he’s presented with a leadership award in Washington DC. Micheál Martin will be presented with the International Leadership Award for his time in public service and efforts during the pandemic. President Biden will meet him at the Ireland Funds Gala dinner, a rare

The early medieval church, cross and historic graveyard in Killaghtee in Donegal has been confirmed as one of five new sites to join the Heritage Council’s ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme. Following an open call for applications in September of last year, more than 40 community groups countrywide applied to adopt a monument in their locality.

The Three School Campus project in Buncrana has received initial project approval, which is an important next step in the project’s progress. Commenting on the news, Agriculture and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue said this is significant news, and a design team will soon be appointed to oversee the project design. The three schools involved in

Donegal’s Road Safety Officer is urging people not get into a car if they suspect the driver has taken either drugs or alcohol. Research published yesterday revealed that one quarter of motorists admit to driving over the legal alcohol limit the morning after a night out. There’s concern that the upcoming double Bank Holiday may