Author name: highlandnews

Councillor voices concern as just 45 Commencement Notices were issued in Donegal last month

Commencement notices were issued for 45 homes in Donegal last month, all of them one off housing units. That’s a 50% drop on the 90 notices issued in February 2025. Meanwhile, Cllr Joy Beard has said the latest housing commencement figures for Donegal clearly show that the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme is failing homeowners […]

Councillor voices concern as just 45 Commencement Notices were issued in Donegal last month Read More »

HIQA inspection finds Ballyduff Park to be fully compliant

A designated centre for adults with disabilities located in a border town has received a positive report from HIQA. Ballyduff Park was judged to be fully compliant during an unannounced inspection during November. Six residents were present during the inspection. Overall, the inspector found that good governance arrangements coupled with a high standard of care

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Dungloe Services fully compliant during HIQA inspection

A centre for adults with disabilities in West Donegal has received a positive report from HIQA. During an unannounced inspection of Dungloe Services in November, the facility was found to be compliant or substantially compliant in all areas. There were three patients at the facility, which accommodates up to four. Overall, the inspector found that

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The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 19/03/2026

The Greg Hughes Show: Headlines, Hard Decisions, and Community Spirit In today’s episode, we navigate a wide-reaching landscape, from the deeply personal stories of Donegal locals to the complex shifts in global geopolitics. Health & Headlines We kick things off with a deep dive into this morning’s front pages. In a sobering segment, listener Colm

The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 19/03/2026 Read More »

St Columba’s Stranorlar open applications for new special class

St. Columba’s College in Stranorlar has received approval from the National Council for Special Education to establish a class for students with autism. There will be capacity for six pupils in the room, and enrolments are now being taken. As it stands, a classroom is being repurposed to accommodate the special class. However, Principal Tom

St Columba’s Stranorlar open applications for new special class Read More »

New study suggests more flexibility for parents on children’s illness

The average child will catch around 15 illnesses during their first year in playschool. That includes about 12 respiratory infections, such as coughs and colds, with children missing an average of 13 days at creche. However, researchers at University College London say these illnesses can help build stronger immune systems in early childhood. The study

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Doherty hits out at Government response to energy motion

Supports to tackle spiraling energy costs will be discussed at Cabinet next week. The Tanaiste made the announcement in the Dail last night during an emergency motion from Sinn Fein on the issue. Simon Harris confirmed the Government is finalising what he called an “appropriate intervention” to address rising fuel prices. Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien

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Ward says older people affected by DCB need more support

The Dáil has been told action must be taken to support older people affected by defective concrete blocks. Deputy Charles Ward raised the case of two constituents in Donegal with Alzheimers who cannot access the DCB scheme. He urged Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who was standing in for the Taoiseach, to put accessibility measures in

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DCSDC to appoint Vacant Properties Officer to look at reutilising empty homes

It’s emerged that Derry City and Strabane District Council is proposing to appoint a Vacant Properties Officer as part of a pilot project aimed at quantifying and eventually reutilising vacant homes across the district. Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Christopher Jackson this is an important pilot project involving the council and the Department of Communities.  

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Tanaiste responds to SF motion by promising energy supports are on the way

The Tanaiste has told the Dail new energy supports are on the way. They will be agreed at the next Cabinet meeting. Simon Harris was responding to an emergency motion brought by Sinn Fein which aims to bring down the costs of fuel and home heating oil. It was moved a short time ago by the party’s

Tanaiste responds to SF motion by promising energy supports are on the way Read More »

Creeslough public inquiry ruled out until criminal proceedings end

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has once again ruled out a public inquiry into the Creeslough Tragedy until criminal proceedings conclude. He was responding in the Dáil to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald who said that a public inquiry could take place alongside the criminal investigation. Minister O’Callaghan restates his belief that justice is

Creeslough public inquiry ruled out until criminal proceedings end Read More »

Sinn Féin urges government to support its bill to reduce fuel taxes

Sinn Fein is accusing the Government of ‘dithering’ and ‘delaying’ on high fuel prices. Costs have been rising since the war in Iran halted global supplies. The coalition says it will act on the issue in the coming days. However, Donegal TD and Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty says it’s ‘absolutely wrong’ action isn’t

Sinn Féin urges government to support its bill to reduce fuel taxes Read More »

DCC inviting application for community projects under CLÁR

  Donegal County Council is now seeking expressions of interest from community groups under the CLÁR programme. The council is administering the element of CLÁR relating to project proposals coming from with local communities. CLÁR is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas

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Appeal for information following report of burglary in Limavady

PSNI Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a burglary in Limavady. This incident was reported on Saturday, 15th March, at approximately 10:50 p.m. in the Whitehill Park area. A residential property was reportedly broken into, and this is believed to have happened between 1:30pm and 10:30pm. On attendance, police officers observed that

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Midlands-North-West MEP calls for European trigger for major weather and emergency aid

A Midlands North West MEP has called for a new European trigger for major weather and emergency aid. MEP Ciaran Mullooly says the failure of the Irish Government to trigger a support mechanism for Irish citizens stranded in the UAE has highlighted the need of a new European initiative on fast-tracking support when people need

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Trump hails ‘tremendous trade relationship’ between Ireland and US during Taoiseach visit

Donald Trump has hailed the “tremendous trade relationship” between Ireland and the US, as he welcomed the Taoiseach to the White House. Micheál Martin has thanked the US president for the honour, and referenced the 35 million Americans who claim Irish heritage. They’ve been speaking to the media in the last few minutes:

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SMART project will benefit rural communities in Sperrins and Strabane – Leonard

A Derry City and Strabane District Councillor says the €4.9 million SMART Village Network Project will bring particular benefit to rural communities in the Sperrin and Strabane areas. The project is a €4.9m cross-border, PEACEPLUS-funded initiative, led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, aimed at transforming 12 rural community facilities into digital

SMART project will benefit rural communities in Sperrins and Strabane – Leonard Read More »

Doherty to move motion seeking action on fuel prices tomorrow

Donegal Deputy and Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has confirmed that he will bring a motion before the Dáil tomorrow demanding urgent action to tackle the soaring cost of home heating oil, petrol and diesel. The Private Members’ motion, which will be debated tonorrow, calls on the government to immediately intervene to reduce fuel

Doherty to move motion seeking action on fuel prices tomorrow Read More »

Road Safety Awareness Week at Donegal ATU campus hailed a success

The ATU Donegal Students’ Union and Donegal County Council say Road Safety Awareness Week which took place on the campus last week was a success. They say in particular, interactive sessions sparked meaningful conversations among students about the risks associated with driving under the influence, particularly the morning after a night out. The week long

Road Safety Awareness Week at Donegal ATU campus hailed a success Read More »

Planning Institute President questions ‘back garden cabin’ proposal

Concerns have been raised about changes to planning laws which would allow people to live in cabins in back gardens. The updates are also expected to increase the size of home extensions that are planning exempt, and allow bike storage sheds and roof windows to be installed without a planning application. The Minister of State

Planning Institute President questions ‘back garden cabin’ proposal Read More »

Senior Kinahan cartel member to be sentenced next month

Senior Kinahan cartel member, Sean McGovern, has pleaded guilty to directing a criminal organisation. The 39-year-old, previously of Kildare Road in Crumlin, Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court this morning via video link from Portlaoise Prison. He admitted to directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the murder of Noel Kirwan

Senior Kinahan cartel member to be sentenced next month Read More »

Donegal transport company says school transport and Local Link services are at breaking point

A Transport Company in Donegal says with diesel hitting €2.12 per litre in places, the viability of their school transport and Local Link services is at breaking point. In a social media post today, McGettigan Travel says they need VAT and excise concessions as a matter of urgency. Company Spokesperson Maelisa McGettigan says many of

Donegal transport company says school transport and Local Link services are at breaking point Read More »

Impact of healthcare on climate discussed at HSE conference in Sligo

  The impact of healthcare on the climate has been explored at a HSE West and North West conference on climate and sustainability. The event in Sligo looked at ways of achieving improvements, with proposals such as turning clinical waste into reusable needle bins, auditing inhaler use to reduce CO2 emissions, and turning Emergency Departments

Impact of healthcare on climate discussed at HSE conference in Sligo Read More »

Psychiatrists warn of mental health workforce crisis in NI

Psychiatrists have warned of a “workforce crisis” facing mental health services in Northern Ireland. A survey from all five health trusts found 29 per cent of consultant posts were either vacant or covered by locum doctors last year. That’s a 25 per cent increase on 2023. Professor Subodh Dave is from the Royal College of

Psychiatrists warn of mental health workforce crisis in NI Read More »

E-scooters seized in Derry as Police see increase in anti-social behaviour linked to the vehicles

E-scooters have been seized in Derry as the PSNI increase their focus on their illegal use. Officers from the city centre and Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing teams seized the vehicles at the weekend and the users will now face potential prosecution. Police in Derry City and Strabane say they have received a large number of reports

E-scooters seized in Derry as Police see increase in anti-social behaviour linked to the vehicles Read More »

Ramelton to Rathmullan Reg Road blocked this week due to essential maintenance

Due to essential maintenance, the Ramelton to Rathmullan Reg Road will be blocked today, tomorrow and Wednesday. The road will be closed from 7.30am to 6pm each day. The blockage is from Ramelton Bridge to Ray Bridge, with diversions in place via the Moss Road and the Milford to Ramelton Road. Motorists are advised to

Ramelton to Rathmullan Reg Road blocked this week due to essential maintenance Read More »

Works to begin on the installation of EV charging points in Derry City and Strabane District

Works on the installation of new electric vehicle charging points will begin this week as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme. Local EV infrastructure specialists ‘Weev’ have been appointed to supply, connect, and operate the charge points included in the wider regional rollout. The initiative specifically targets residents

Works to begin on the installation of EV charging points in Derry City and Strabane District Read More »