Author name: highlandnews

A Foyle MLA has criticised the level of social housing delivered in the constituency. Mark H. Durkan was speaking during Assembly question time this week, where he challenged Communities Minister Gordon Lyons over the delivery of just 18 social homes in Foyle last year. Mr Durkan pointed out that more than 9,000 people are currently

Six of 11 closed beds at Killybegs Community Hospital are set to be re-opened during the summer. This was confirmed by Minister of State for Older People, Keiran O’Donnell in the Seanad today. He was replying to Donegal Senator Manus Boyle who raised the issue saying it was worrying that only two extra beds have

Gardai have renewed their appeal for information regarding two fatal collisions in Donegal at the weekend. The first, outside Donegal Town on Saturday afternoon led to the deaths of 30-year-old Caolain Bushe from Letterbarrow and Leon Shovlin who was in his 20s and originally from Ardara. The second, which happened at Ardmore, Muff, led to

  Gardaí are investigating reports of a fight at the Rathmullan Abbey ruins on Wesleyan Street on Saturday May 9th. It’s understood the fight involved a number of male youths, and happened between approximately 5.30 and 6pm on that day. One of the youths sustained non life-threatening injuries which had to be treated at Letterkenny

A new report launched today by the Western Development Commission has found that counties in the Western Region could unlock significant new opportunities by forging stronger links with the diaspora. The report, Connected Communities, Global Relationships, is the first comprehensive regional study of its kind and examines how people and organisations can build meaningful links with people overseas who retain family,

A West Donegal Councillor is calling for crash barriers to be installed at the Coyles’ Buses corner in Brinlack. Speaking on today’s Greg Hughes Show, Cllr John Sheamais O’Fearraigh said it’s a blind corner with a 20-foot drop on one side and has been the site of numerous accidents, the most recent of them on

The health watchdog HIQA received 37 complaints last year about discharge notices given to residents of nursing homes. A new report by The Journal Investigates reveals a number of families have been left to find a new bed for their relative, after they were given one month to vacant their nursing home. The Irish Association

Almost six in 10 septic tanks failed environmental inspections last year, according to a new EPA report. The agency says many faulty systems are putting drinking water wells and rivers at risk from contamination. More than 1,400 inspections were carried out nationally, with issues including leaks, illegal discharges and poor maintenance identified. In Donegal, 126

A Letterkenny Cllr has proposed that Donegal County Council partner with Cairde le cheile to apply to the Community Safety Fund at a recent Municipal District meeting. The Community Safety Fund redirects assets which are seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Siochana into local projects. Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh’s motion called for the

A debate has been held in the Assembly at Stormont relating to recent election results in England, Scotland and Wales. The motion, put forward by the SDLP, seeks to recognise how the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party could impact these islands. During the debate West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan criticised the Executive parties

Concern has been raised over the status of Naionra Baile na Finne for the coming school year due to low enrolment numbers. Raised by Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, he says that the school is willing to stay open if numbers improve. He adds that any service that is taken away from the Gaeltacht

A DUP MLA has told the Assembly he’s concerned that the Coleraine campus will be disproportionately affected by the 450 redundancies being planned by Ulster University across its three campuses. East Derry Representative Alan Robinson told the assembly he and local MP Gregory Campbell met with university representatives on Friday and outlined their concerns. He

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council has backed a suggestion that national working group be established to look at road safety, saying all members of the authority will back any measures to cut road deaths. Cllr Paul Canning was speaking after a weekend of road tragedy across the North West region. Three people died in

  Four in 10 people have had issues with their car rental on holidays. A new survey from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission found long wait times, hidden fees and the car not being as described were the top issues. It’s warning holiday-goers to double check rental agreements, including the fuel policy, and always

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association is seeking assurances that the Common Agricultural Policy after 2028 will be an inclusive programme that supports all farmers. At present, CAP supports over 113,000 farmers in Ireland, but the INHFA’s Donegal based Chair Phelim Molloy says some of the changes being mooted would freeze a number of farmers

Ireland’s roads claimed four more lives this weekend, three of them in Donegal. Nationally, the death toll for the year has reached 63. A young woman was pronounced dead in Dublin after being struck by a car on the N11 in Loughlinstown in the early hours of Sunday morning. In Donegal, the death toll for

There have been calls for Donegal County Council to replace missing bollards and signage at Tra Beag in Downings. At a recent Municipal District meeting, Cllr Declan Meehan said it must remain car-free for walkers and bathers. He says some bollards have sunk or disappeared, and over the last two bank holiday weekends visitors were

A Councillor has raised his concerns for road safety outside Drumoghill National School. Cllr Gerry McMonagle says raised platforms, a bus bay and a disability parking space need to be installed near the school. The concerns were raised following approaches from parents about congestion and safety issues at drop-off and pick-up times. Cllr McMonagle says

Ambulance workers are prepared to escalate industrial action if enhanced pay scales aren’t delivered, according to Unite. The trade union, along with SIPTU, will engage in talks with the HSE and National Ambulance Service tomorrow, following the cancellation of a 48-hour work stoppage that was due to take place this coming Tuesday. Unite is warning,

Communities and families have been plunged into the ‘pits of grief’, following the deaths of three people on Donegal roads this weekend. A man in his 20s has died after his car crashed on the R238 in Ardmore, Muff at around 9.45 last night. He was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry in a critical