Author name: highlandnews

Donegal 2040 scales back Alpha/Beta plan with one building to be prioritised in Letterkenny

The plan to develop two buildings at the site of the old ESB headquarters in Letterkenny Town Centre has been scaled back. It had been planned to develop the Alpha and Beta innovation centres together, but in July 2024, the plan was temporarily withdrawn pending a review. The issue was raised then by Cllr Michael […]

Donegal 2040 scales back Alpha/Beta plan with one building to be prioritised in Letterkenny Read More »

Three non-compliances noted during HIQA inspection at Donegal centre

HIQA has published inspection reports on two designated centres for people with disabilities in Donegal. There were three non-compliances recorded at Ballytrim House in Raphoe, which had four residents, and none at Drumboe Respite Centre in Stranorlar, where two people were living at the time of the inspection. Last year, nine non-compliances were recorded at

Three non-compliances noted during HIQA inspection at Donegal centre Read More »

The Greg Hughes Show Friday 23/01/26

Welcome to your Friday morning briefing. Today, we’re looking at the growing friction between our digital privacy and national security, as new proposals could see Gardaí accessing your encrypted messages. We also examine the “energy lag”—why your wallet isn’t feeling the relief of falling wholesale prices—and we celebrate a massive 50-year milestone for one of

The Greg Hughes Show Friday 23/01/26 Read More »

HIQA publish draft national guidance on use of AI

HIQA has launched a draft public consultation on the Responsible and Safe use of Artificial Intelligence in Health and Social Care Services. A statement from the organisation has praised the benefits of using AI in a Health and Social Care setting, including helping with administrative tasks Linda Weir, Deputy Director for Health Information Standard at

HIQA publish draft national guidance on use of AI Read More »

Donegal to receive over €210,000 in Heritage funding

Donegal will receive €212,600 in heritage funding this year. The county has been awarded almost €133,300 under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, which will be shared among eight projects. Meanwhile, over €79,300 has been allocated under the Historic Thatched Buildings stream. This funding will support the maintenance of eight buildings across the county. ****** (Funding

Donegal to receive over €210,000 in Heritage funding Read More »

Renewed focus needed on social housing for the Twin Towns – Nic Mheanmin

A Stranorlar area councillor says there needs to be a more focussed effort to buy sites for social housing in Ballybofey and Stranorlar. Cllr Dakota NicMheanmain told a Lifford Stranorlar Municipal District meeting that there’s been a recent history of under-provision of social homes in the MD, and while 14 turnkey homes have been acquired

Renewed focus needed on social housing for the Twin Towns – Nic Mheanmin Read More »

Siptu says strike by home support service HCAs can be averted

Siptu says industrial action by Health Care Assistants attached to the HSE’s Home Support Service can be averted. 24 hour strikes will take place in Donegal on the 13th and 20th of February, with Siptu accusing the HSE of failing to honour national agreements going back over eight years. Speaking to Highand Radio News, Siptu’s

Siptu says strike by home support service HCAs can be averted Read More »

DCC says the 2025 #BuyDonegal campaign was a huge success

Donegal County Council says this year’s #BuyDonegal campaign has once again demonstrated the incredible strength of community spirit and local pride. The council says the initiative, which was launched in the lead-up to Christmas by Donegal County Council’s Economic Development Division, showcased the county’s outstanding businesses and unique offerings to a global audience, reaffirming Donegal

DCC says the 2025 #BuyDonegal campaign was a huge success Read More »

Lifford-Stranorlar Cllr critiques Ballybofey air quality

A Finn Valley Cllr has criticised the air quality in Ballybofey during a meeting of Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District. Cllr Patrick McGowan has hit out at “haphazard” air quality monitoring that has taken place in the town previously, because of inconclusive results it produced. Cllr McGowan now has hopes that new funding allocated to Ernact for

Lifford-Stranorlar Cllr critiques Ballybofey air quality Read More »

The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 22/01/2026

In today’s episode, we navigate a packed agenda covering everything from vital community updates to international trade disputes and the ongoing battle for road safety in Donegal. We kick things off with our signature review of the morning newspapers, dissecting the top stories hitting the stands across Donegal and the national press. Community & Health

The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 22/01/2026 Read More »

€230,495 funding approved for Coláiste Bhríde, Ranafast

Capital Funding of €230,495 has been approved for Coláiste Bhríde in Ranafast. This has been announced by Minister for the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary which will be used to carry out essential renovation and fire-safety work. This funding has been sanctioned under the Community and Language Supports Programme and will contribute up to 50% of the

€230,495 funding approved for Coláiste Bhríde, Ranafast Read More »

Strabane business owners hope for further engagement on rates

Business owners in Strabane have held a meeting to discuss the impact of non-domestic rates in the town. With politicians and business leaders in attendance, multiple issues were discussed. The meeting’s organiser, Niall Speak, felt positive about the meeting and hopes this can be the beginning of a wider movement………

Strabane business owners hope for further engagement on rates Read More »

34th anniversary of the killing of eight workmen in Tyrone marked in the Assembly

The Northern Ireland Assembly has heard a call for anyone with information about the murder of eight workmen in County Tyrone 34 years ago to come forward. The attack at Teebane Crossroads happened as the workmen were on their way home from an army barracks in Omagh where they had been working. At a commemoration

34th anniversary of the killing of eight workmen in Tyrone marked in the Assembly Read More »

People are being left in dangerous homes in order to save the government money – Ward

Donegal Deputy Charles Ward has attacked the Government, accusing it of deliberately leaving families in dangerously defective homes to limit its own costs. Deputy Ward told Taoiseach Michael Martin on the floor of the Dail that homeowners who clearly qualify under I.S. 465 are being deliberately shut out, with technical interpretations used as a shield

People are being left in dangerous homes in order to save the government money – Ward Read More »

Uisce Eireann is displaying a ‘culture of arrogance’ – Mac Lochlainn

The Dail has been told that a lack of communication between Uisce Eireann and local politicians in Donegal is a major issue, with the water utility being accused of displaying a culture of arrogance. Deputy MacLochlainn said in his experience, every other public service has systems in place to allow public representatives make contact with

Uisce Eireann is displaying a ‘culture of arrogance’ – Mac Lochlainn Read More »

Two Midlands North West MEPs criticised for voting against the Mercusor ECJ referral

The Mercosur trade deal is being sent to the European Court of Justice for review. MEPs are concerned splitting the deal into two parts doesn’t comply with an existing EU framework. The Irish Farmers Association says it’s the right decision. Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Michael Collins, leader of Independent Ireland hit out at MEPs

Two Midlands North West MEPs criticised for voting against the Mercusor ECJ referral Read More »

EU – Mercosur trade deal referred to the ECJ by the European Parliament

MEPs have referred the EU-Mercosur trade deal to the European Court of Justice amid concerns it conflicts with EU law. The deal, which covers imports, exports, and climate-related data-sharing measures, is now under scrutiny and could be delayed for years. The Irish Farmers Association says it’s the right decision. Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher voted

EU – Mercosur trade deal referred to the ECJ by the European Parliament Read More »

PSNI carry out more searches in Coleraine as probe continues into Wayne Reid murder

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have today, 21 January, issued a renewed appeal for information on the murder of Wayne Reid. The appeal comes as officers, earlier this morning, carried out searches in the Society Street and Society Court areas of Coleraine. One person has been charged, eight others

PSNI carry out more searches in Coleraine as probe continues into Wayne Reid murder Read More »

The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 21/01/2026

We begin with The Paper Review, dissecting the morning’s headlines and then… Healthcare Crisis: Cllr Declan Meehan joins us to discuss the “unacceptable” delays at Galway’s Rapid Access Prostate Clinic, where Donegal patients are facing life-altering waits for critical diagnostics. A Growing Injustice: Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, highlights a worrying trend: the sharp rise

The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 21/01/2026 Read More »

Over 100 patients awaiting beds in north west today – INMO

There were 653 patient admitted Irish hospitals without beds this morning That is according to figures from the INMO. At Letterkenny University Hospital there were 47 patients awaiting beds, 19 of those in the Emergency Department. 55 patients were awaiting beds in Sligo University Hospital, giving a north west total of 102. The highest single

Over 100 patients awaiting beds in north west today – INMO Read More »

Donegal Sport Partnership set for almost €500,000 funding

The Donegal Sports Partnership is set to receive €477,807in core funding. The allocation, which includes €9,000 for Women in Sport, is an increase of €40,000 on the amount for 2025. This allocation comes as part of a wider €12.66m investment in Ireland’s 29 Local Sports Partnerships. The funding for Local Sports Partnerships this year includes

Donegal Sport Partnership set for almost €500,000 funding Read More »

Councillor questions low funding for Burtonport–Letterkenny Greenway

A recent allocation of Greenway funding for a proposed route from Burtonport to Letterkenny has left a bad taste in the mouth of a local councillor. Councillor Micheál Coilm Mac Giolla Easbuig is questioning why just €20,000 was allocated to the project, the lowest amount awarded in the county. While he has welcomed the other

Councillor questions low funding for Burtonport–Letterkenny Greenway Read More »

Ireland must take action now to combat deepfakes – Walsh

We can’t afford to wait for European laws on deepfakes and Ireland must take action now. That’s according to an Irish MEP who says we should be a changemaker on the issue of non-consensual AI generated images. The issue will also be discussed by broadcaster Grainne Seoige at today’s meeting of the Oireachtas Media Committee.

Ireland must take action now to combat deepfakes – Walsh Read More »

Donegal Intercultural Platform urges government to engage with asylum protest as cross border initiative is launched

The official launch takes place in Monaghan today of a new project aimed at building positive relationships in communities experiencing rapid demographic change. The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme, supported by PEACEPLUS, is a three-year initiative encompassing the whole of Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan. Meanwhile, the Donegal Intercultural Platform,

Donegal Intercultural Platform urges government to engage with asylum protest as cross border initiative is launched Read More »

Home care service crisis can be solved if HSE offers more flexibility in hours – Ward

A Donegal TD has told the Dail that the introduction of independent regulation of the Home Care sector must be accompanied by better training, and more flexibility in the HSE’s approach. Deputy Charles Ward told a debate on the second stage of an amendment to the 2025 Home Support Providers Bill that when he was

Home care service crisis can be solved if HSE offers more flexibility in hours – Ward Read More »

People are losing faith in Stormont because of political point scoring – McCrossan

People are losing faith in the institutions at Stormont because of the failure of the Executive to address the real issues facing the people of Northern Ireland. That’s the belief of West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan, who told the Assembly this week that while people are facing delays in the health service, lack of adequate

People are losing faith in Stormont because of political point scoring – McCrossan Read More »

MacLochlainn demands action after it emerged carers are receiving tax demands

A Donegal TD is demanding that the government address the issue of carers being hit with bills for back tax after the Department of Social Protection started sharing data files on those receiving the carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit with the Revenue Commissioners. The Irish Independent reports today that 34,000 carers are being hit with

MacLochlainn demands action after it emerged carers are receiving tax demands Read More »

Department of Housing and Housing Agency both stress they have no role in the DCB Appeals process

The Housing Minister and Housing Agency have both issued statements this afternoon stressing they have no role or function in the determination of appeals under the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. It comes after nearly 30 homeowners wrote to Housing Minister James Browne this week, expressing frustration over two-year delays in receiving decisions from

Department of Housing and Housing Agency both stress they have no role in the DCB Appeals process Read More »

Donegal below average on invasive breast cancer survival 2018-22

Donegal fell short of the national average for the net survival rate for invasive female breast cancer from 2018 to 2022. This was revealed in figures obtained by Aontú, following a Parliamentary Question from leader Peadar Tóibín. Across the five year period, the national average for Ireland was revealed to be 87.3% while Donegal’s figure

Donegal below average on invasive breast cancer survival 2018-22 Read More »

The Greg Hughes Show Tuesday 20/01/2026

In today’s episode, we navigate a wide-ranging mix of breaking local news, health disparities, and community-led activism. The Morning Papers: Greg kicks off the show with a comprehensive dive into today’s national and local front pages, highlighting the stories trending across Donegal and beyond. Vaping Crisis in schools: Following a recent critical incident at a

The Greg Hughes Show Tuesday 20/01/2026 Read More »

Appeal for information on Milford traffic incident

Gardaí are appealing for information following a road traffic incident. This occurred on Main Street, Milford on Tuesday last which involved a van and two pedestrians which were mother and child. The two pedestrians were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital to receive medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries. The driver was not injured. Anyone with

Appeal for information on Milford traffic incident Read More »

Gardaí investigate Letterkenny road traffic incident

Gardaí are appealing for information following a road traffic incident that took place on Lower Main Street, Letterkenny on Thursday last at around 1pm. The incident involved a car and an elderly pedestrian in their 80s. The pedestrian was taken to hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is asked to

Gardaí investigate Letterkenny road traffic incident Read More »