Author name: highlandnews

Ward raises issues facing wheelchair users in the Dail chamber

Taoiseach Michael Martin says the feasibility of a special payment for wheelchair users in October’s budget is being looked at. It’s after Donegal Deputy Charles Ward highlighted the daily challenges experienced by Donegal wheelchair users. It follows a meeting he had with members of the Irish Wheelchair Association who protested outside the gates of Leinster

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Jury in Adams defamation case expected to begin deliberations tomorrow

The jury in Gerry Adams’ libel case against the BBC is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow. It’s hearing a summary of the evidence in the case today. Gerry Adams is taking this legal action against the BBC over claims it made in an episode of its current affairs programme Spotlight, and an online article, that

Jury in Adams defamation case expected to begin deliberations tomorrow Read More »

Tanaiste hits out at criticism of Occupied Territories Bill

The Tánaiste’s hit out at criticism of the Occupied Territories Bill. The drafting of the bill was approved by Cabinet yesterday, and aims to ban the importation of goods from the Israeli occupied territories of Palestine. However, there are calls for the ban to include services. Speaking in the Dail chamber, Tanaiste Simon Harris said

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Over €22m invested in retrofitting of properties in Donegal since 2021

Over €22 million has been invested in retrofitting social homes in Donegal over the past four years. In 2021, €935,000 was spent retrofitting 52 properties in Donegal, installing heat pumps and replacing doors and windows, under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme. 141 properties were retrofitted the following year at a cost of €3.7 million. In

Over €22m invested in retrofitting of properties in Donegal since 2021 Read More »

Man arrested in connection with road-related incident in Strabane

A man has been arrested in Strabane as part of investigations into a road-related incident in the town yesterday afternoon. Police were alerted to a White Vauxhall Astra being driven erratically on Berryhill Road, towards Artigarvan at around 12:25pm. The vehicle was later located on Great Northern Link Road. The 28-year-old was subsequently arrested on

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Schoolchildren with special needs in Letterkenny facing ‘intolerable’ traffic delays

Schoolchildren in Letterkenny with special needs are said to be facing intolerable delays travelling to and from school due to the town’s traffic congestion. Anotú representative, Rebecca McDaid who works as an SNA on a school bus says parents are extremely worried about the knock on effect the delays are having on their children who

Schoolchildren with special needs in Letterkenny facing ‘intolerable’ traffic delays Read More »

Buncrana Tidy Towns Initiative writes to Council highlighting ‘lack of basic services’

Buncrana Tidy Towns Initiative has written to Donegal County Council and Councillors to highlight what they say is a lack of basic services in the town. The letter, signed by the group and local businesses, calls for the road sweeper service in the town to be reinstated on a five-day-a-week basis. Buncrana Tidy Towns Initiative

Buncrana Tidy Towns Initiative writes to Council highlighting ‘lack of basic services’ Read More »

Calls for three-part strategy to support Tidy Towns groups in Donegal

There’s calls for a three-part strategy to be implemented to support the efforts of Tidy Towns groups in Donegal. Councillor Joy Beard has proposed a rollout of a targeted awareness campaign, additional signage, and a pilot project targeting the disposal of pizza boxes. Donegal County Council’s Director of Water and Environment, Michael McGarvey confirmed that

Calls for three-part strategy to support Tidy Towns groups in Donegal Read More »

Ireland off track to meet 2030 climate targets according to EPA

Progress is significantly off track for meeting the 2030 climate targets, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s warning that Ireland is set to exceed emission goals in nearly every sector. Today’s EPA report paints a worrying forecast for Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, it predicted Ireland could achieve a

Ireland off track to meet 2030 climate targets according to EPA Read More »

Road surfacing works to be carried out on the Binroe to Ballyloughan road today and tomorrow

Road surfacing works are to be carried out on the Binroe to Ballyloughan road today and tomorrow. The road will be closed between 8am and 6pm both days. All traffic will be diverted onto the N56 at Bruckless and Carricknagore. Donegal County Council apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Road surfacing works to be carried out on the Binroe to Ballyloughan road today and tomorrow Read More »

N15 must not be ignored when it comes to road investment – McGowan

There have been calls for a major push to secure funding for improvements on the N15 from McClay’s Corner in Stranorlar to Killygordon, Castlefinn and Lifford. Speaking at a meeting of Lifford Stranorlar Municipal District this week, Cllr Patrick McGowan said the road had previously been included in a plan along with the long awaited

N15 must not be ignored when it comes to road investment – McGowan Read More »

79% of Donegal cancer patients met treatment start targets in March and April

The HSE’s Regional Health Forum Wes has been told there’s been a significant improvement in the wait times for people beginning their cancer treatments. Cllr Declan Meehan had raised the issue in February, to be told that 31% of patients were seen within the target of 15 days. Now, he’s been told the number who

79% of Donegal cancer patients met treatment start targets in March and April Read More »

Hospital manager says walk-in unit planned for LUH would be better than a Surgical Hub

A meeting of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum has been told that the Ambulatory Care Facility being proposed for Letterkenny University Hospital has the potential to be better than a Surgical Hub, because it will be planned to meet the specific needs of the hospital.   It’s after Donegal Councillor Gerry McMonagle told the meeting

Hospital manager says walk-in unit planned for LUH would be better than a Surgical Hub Read More »

Tanaiste given approval by Cabinet to begin drafting Occupied Territories Bill

Tanaiste Simon Harris has been given approval from the Cabinet to begin drafting the Occupied Territories Bill. However, the scope of the Government’s version will only cover goods – not services. It comes as Israel’s efforts to allow a small amount of aid into Gaza have been described as ‘cynical optics’ by Unicef. Simon Harris

Tanaiste given approval by Cabinet to begin drafting Occupied Territories Bill Read More »

Deputy Ward pushes for timeline on when defective block homeowners can expect to receive retrospective payments

A Donegal Deputy has said the recent visit by Housing Minister James Browne to Donegal was a ‘positive step’ forward for those impacted by the defective concrete block issue. Deputy Charles Ward says the meeting showed a commitment from the Minister in amending the bill to improve the IS465 scheme to reflect necessary changes. He

Deputy Ward pushes for timeline on when defective block homeowners can expect to receive retrospective payments Read More »

Three members of the board of Children’s Health Ireland resign

Three members of the board of Children’s Health Ireland have resigned. Dr Gavin Lavery, Brigid McManus and Catherine Guy tendered resignation letters to the Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill this morning. It comes in the wake of further delays to the delivery of the National Children’s Hospital and revelations about low thresholds for approving hip

Three members of the board of Children’s Health Ireland resign Read More »

Council to write to Housing Minister calling for an Independent inquiry into defective block crisis

Donegal County Council is to write to the Housing Minister, calling on him to carry out an Independent Statutory Judicial Public Inquiry into the defective concrete block crisis which is affecting thousands of homeowners. It’s on the back of a motion brought forward by Councillor Frank McBrearty yesterday who told members yesterday that the victims

Council to write to Housing Minister calling for an Independent inquiry into defective block crisis Read More »

Oil burner motors stolen from a number of properties in Buncrana

Gardaí are investigating the recent theft of oil burner motors and ignition starters from a number of properties in the area of Earlsfort, Buncrana at the weekend. The thefts are believed to have occurred between  3.30 and 4.30 on Sunday morning. Gardai in Buncrana are appealing for dash-cam footage from between 3am and 5am on

Oil burner motors stolen from a number of properties in Buncrana Read More »

Gardai investigating criminal damage incident in Letterkenny

Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred in the area of the Slieve Sneacht Road, Letterkenny on Friday evening last,  shortly after 9pm. Substantial damage was caused to a parked car in that area. Gardai are appealing for dash-cam footage from the area between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, and are particularly interested in

Gardai investigating criminal damage incident in Letterkenny Read More »

Preparation of business case for Letterkenny Fire Station underway

Donegal County Council has confirmed that the preparation of a business case for Letterkenny Fire Station is underway. It’s expected that it will be completed by mid-July. Councillor Gerry McMonagle has called on fire service management to halt any planned operational capacity changes at the Letterkenny station, including the removal of the second fire engine,

Preparation of business case for Letterkenny Fire Station underway Read More »

Officials warn of potential protests against short-term rentals in tourist areas

Officials have warned of potential protests against short-term rentals in some tourist areas. A briefing document prepared by the Department of Tourism in advance of new regulations of Airbnb-style lettings warns local communities could stage protests like those seen against tourist activities in other EU countries. According to the Irish Times, the briefing raises concerns

Officials warn of potential protests against short-term rentals in tourist areas Read More »

Lifford woman killed in Omagh collision to be laid to rest this week

A Donegal woman who died in a crash on the A5 on Saturday is to be laid to rest later this week. 82-year-old Bernie Cranley from Lifford was killed in the two-car collision on the Mellon Road between Omagh and Newtownstewart. Her funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon in St. Patrick’s Church, Murlog, Lifford

Lifford woman killed in Omagh collision to be laid to rest this week Read More »

Decision to approve Donegal Tourism Strategy 2025-2030 deferred

A decision to approve Donegal County Council’s Tourism Strategy 2025-2030 has been deferred due to the omission of a number of sites from a list of key visitor attractions in the county. The strategy sets out a roadmap for the development of tourism with a vision to create a vibrant, regenerative and sustainable sector which

Decision to approve Donegal Tourism Strategy 2025-2030 deferred Read More »

Government to start drafting Occupied Territories Bill today

The Government will start the process of drafting the Occupied Territories Bill today. Tánaiste Simon Harris will update Cabinet on the bill and the latest state of play in EU US trade negotiations. The Occupied Territories Bill would ban the import of goods from Israeli companies operating in occupied Palestinian territory. While the volume of

Government to start drafting Occupied Territories Bill today Read More »

Donegal County Council approves construction of new social homes in West Donegal

Donegal County Council has approved the construction of new social homes in West Donegal. 19 units are to be delivered in Derrybeg in two phases. The first phase will comprise of 12 units being built with the second phase to be completed at a later date. While welcoming the progressing of plans for the social

Donegal County Council approves construction of new social homes in West Donegal Read More »

Opposition parties calling for renters to protest outside the Dáil next month

Opposition parties are calling for emergency action on housing. Sinn Fein, Labour, People Before Profit and the Social Democrats have issued a joint call for alternative housing measures to be introduced. They’re appealing for renters to protest outside the Dail on the 17th of June, which will coincide with a private member’s motion on the

Opposition parties calling for renters to protest outside the Dáil next month Read More »

PSNI in Tyrone appealing for information after windows smashed at property

Police in Tyrone are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of criminal damage in Dungannon. At approximately 11am this morning, it was reported that windows had been smashed at a property in Stewartstown. Members of the public heard a loud bang sometime between 10.30pm and 11pm yesterday evening and two males were seen

PSNI in Tyrone appealing for information after windows smashed at property Read More »

Active Travel plans approved for Circular Road and Ballyraine Road in Letterkenny

Following lengthy discussions at County House in Lifford, Donegal County Council has agreed to proceed with Active Travel plans for Letterkenny. There was much concern that the works scheduled to be carried out on the Ballyraine Road and Circular Road would compound the existing traffic issues in the town. The works will see the implementation

Active Travel plans approved for Circular Road and Ballyraine Road in Letterkenny Read More »

DCC approves plans for the development of the Letterkenny Old Courthouse

Donegal County Council has given the green light for a change of use of the old Letterkenny Courthouse. The protected structure is be extended and modified to make way for a multifunctional space. A tourist/ visitor attraction is to be housed at the building along with an integrated Tourist Information Point, interpretation, exhibition, conference, education

DCC approves plans for the development of the Letterkenny Old Courthouse Read More »

HHT Patient Forum takes place at LUH

Letterkenny University Hospital was the venue for the annual HHT Ireland Annual Patient Forum, bringing together patients, families, and healthcare professionals. The HSE says what set this year’s event apart was the vibrant exchange of ideas between patients and healthcare providers, creating a truly collaborative atmosphere where experiences and knowledge flowed both ways. *********************** Pic

HHT Patient Forum takes place at LUH Read More »

Money raised in speeding fines must be invested in prevention measures – McMonagle

A Letterkenny councillor is asking where the €1.5 million taken up in speeding fines in Donegal since 2019 has gone. Cllr Gerry McMonagle, the former chair of the Donegal Joint Policing Committee says in the first five months of this year alone, there were almost 2,700 detections, and that suggests that speeding is on the

Money raised in speeding fines must be invested in prevention measures – McMonagle Read More »

Council meeting adjourns as mark of respect for Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda

Today’s meeting of Donegal County Council has been adjourned briefly this morning as a mark of respect to  the two teenagers who lost their lives after getting into difficulty in Lough Swilly earlier this month. 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola, who was originally from Nigeria and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda from Zimbabwe are understood to have entered the

Council meeting adjourns as mark of respect for Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda Read More »

A5 campaign group says weekend tragedy highlights need to resolve upgrade delays

Police in Tyrone have renewed their appeal for information following the death of a Donegal woman in a two car collision close to the Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh on Saturday afternoon. 82-year-old Bernie Cranley from Lifford, was killed in the collision on the A5 Mellon Road between Omagh and Newtownstewart at around 12.30

A5 campaign group says weekend tragedy highlights need to resolve upgrade delays Read More »