Author name: highlandnews

Chimneys and burning rubbish among top causes of fires in Donegal last year

Chimneys, flues, hot ashes and soot were the top causes of fires recorded in Donegal in 2024. Figures released by the Central Statistics Office today show that fire brigades attended almost 20,000 fires across the country last year. Fire brigades in Donegal attended 308 fires in the county and 10 in other areas in 2024,

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Police appealing for information after man seriously assaulted in Derry

Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a serious assault at the Fernabbey Court area of Derry on Friday evening. Shortly after 9:50pm, it was reported that a man in his 30s was assaulted by a number of men. The man was taken to hospital for injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The

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PSNI urging people to be cautious when purchasing concert tickets online

Police in the North are urging people to be cautious when buying concert tickets online. It’s after many were scammed while trying to purchase Oasis reunion tickets. The warning comes with the PSNI confirming to us it has received 16 direct reports in relation to ticket fraud over the concerts. It says a common pattern

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Five motorists caught speeding in Letterkenny this morning

Five drivers have been caught driving over the speed limit in Letterkenny this morning. They were all detected travelling between 130-140km/hr in 100km/hr speed zones. Fines of €160 have been issued and each driver will receive 3 penalty points. Gardaí say they understand people want to enjoy the weather but are urging them to “ease

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Man hospitalised following rescue from Donegal beach

A man was hospitalised after being rescued from the water at a Donegal beach on Friday afternoon. It’s understood he got into difficulty while swimming at Tramore Beach, Portnoo at approximately 3.20pm. The Killybegs Coastguard and Rescue Helicopter 118 were dispatched after onlookers reported an unconscious man in the water. He was later transferred to

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Police in Derry urge motorists to adhere to ‘fatal five’ and ensure vehicles are insured

Police in Derry are appealing to motorists to ensure their vehicles are insured and to adhere to the ‘fatal five’. It follows a number of incidents in the city in recent days. On Thursday, officers were alerted to a vehicle in the vicinity of Culmore Roundabout shortly after 3.30pm. Upon stopping, a search of the

Police in Derry urge motorists to adhere to ‘fatal five’ and ensure vehicles are insured Read More »

Finn Harps condemns ‘recent increase in violence towards non-nationals’

Finn Harps has condemned what it says is a recent increase in violence towards non-nationals. In a statement, the club says it was founded by cross-community representatives, and from the very first day, people from all walks of life have been welcome. The recent increase in crimes committed against people because of their faith or

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Foyle MLA appeals for removal of offensive items from Derry bonfires before being lit

A Foyle MLA has called for the removal of offensive items from bonfires in Derry before they are lit this evening. Mark H Durkan says the appearance of a large number of flags on the Bogside and Creggan bonfires is disappointing. He says bonfires are far from a celebration of culture but are turning into

Foyle MLA appeals for removal of offensive items from Derry bonfires before being lit Read More »

Gardai adopting zero tolerance approach to parking as Summer Sessions kicks off

Gardai say they will be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to parking as Summer Sessions 2025 kicks off in Letterkenny this evening. They have been working closely with event organisers to ensure attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience. People are asked not to park on the N56 – Ballyraine to Knocknamona roundabout, Gortlee road, Kiltoy

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Council appeals to motorists to park responsibly when visiting Shroove this weekend

Donegal County Council is appealing to motorists to park responsibly when visiting Shroove in Greencastle this weekend. With the good weather set to continue over the coming days and the Regatta taking place, a high volume of people are expected to travel to the area. The Council says it is working towards a longer-term solution

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SF will not endorse Catherine Connolly’s presidential bid – O’Rourke

Sinn Fein will not endorse Catherine Connolly for the Presidency, according to one of its TDs. The Independent Candidate has the support of opposition parties including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Labour. Sinn Fein TD Darren O’Rourke says branch meetings have taken place around the country, to discuss a bid for the Áras.

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Focus Group says Department of Housing has questions to answer over late payments

The Banking and Insurance Defective Block Focus Group says the Government needs to revisit its proposed 0% working capital solution. The proposal was previously turned down by Government on the basis that the payment process was being streamlined. However, homeowners are still waiting up to 12 weeks for payments under the Defective Concrete Block Grant

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Bereaved woman doesn’t believe tougher sentences will prevent road fatalities

A Donegal woman who lost her sister to a hit-and-run driver says she doesn’t believe harsher sentences for people who cause death through dangerous driving will lessen the number of fatalities on Irish roads. This week, singer Roman Keating called for tougher sentences after the man responsible for his brother’s death in County Mayo received

Bereaved woman doesn’t believe tougher sentences will prevent road fatalities Read More »

Uisce Eireann dealing with burst water mains in the Lagan Valley and Lifford

Uisce Eireann says it’s dealing with a burst water main in the Lagan Valley. Asa a result, they say there may be supply disruptions at Ballyholey, Slievebuck, Doorable, Galdonagh and surrounding areas in Co. Donegal. Works are scheduled to take place until 4pm this afternoon. Meanwhile, repairs to a burst water main in Lifford may

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Tanaiste promises more engagement with the fishing industry during visit to Killybegs

The government is promising more direct engagement with the fishing industry to explore the potential for growth. Tanaiste Simon Harris made the commitment while in Killybegs this week for a series of meetings. He said more can be done at an EU level, and that’s something he wants to pursue. Mr Harris, who holds the

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Public invited to take part in consultation for Three Trees to Carndonagh Greenway Project

Donegal County Council are inviting residents, members of the public and other interested parties to participate in the third non-statutory public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor for the Three Trees to Carndonagh Greenway Project. The Council says the delivery of the project will provide a great recreational facility and social support for local

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Mairéad McGuinness pulls out of Presidential race on health grounds

Mairead McGuinness is pulling out of the Presidential race on health grounds. Full statement from Fine Gael below: Thursday, 14th August 2025 Statement from An Tánaiste, Simon Harris Mairead McGuinness has made an incredible contribution to public life in Ireland and in Europe. It was our clear view in Fine Gael and the view of

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Local Link services delayed yesterday after cars “abandoned” at Stroove beach

  Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District says something needs to be done about the parking at Stroove Beach. It’s after cars were parked on either side of the road on the way to the beach yesterday, which caused obstructions for other drivers and Local Link to suspend their services. Speaking to Michaela Clarke on

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Over €700,000 being invested in outdoor recreation and trails in Donegal

Just over €706,000 is being invested in 18 outdoor recreation projects in Donegal. Among the projects being funded are the Dungloe River and Cope Mountain Looped Walk, Creggan Woods in Stranorlar, the Lough Dhún Lúiche Trail Development, the Tory Island Trail and a blueway scheme for the smaller Donegal islands Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher

Over €700,000 being invested in outdoor recreation and trails in Donegal Read More »

No non-compliances found during HIQA inspections at three West Donegal centres

No non-compliances were found at three Donegal centres for adults with disabilities when they were inspected in May of this year. HIQA reports published have been published today in respect of Teach Inisfree, Teach Owey and Teach Inishal. Each of the centres had 4 residents on-site at the time of the inspection. Teach Inisfree The

No non-compliances found during HIQA inspections at three West Donegal centres Read More »

Assistant Commissioner says assessment of roads policing makes ‘difficult reading’

A significant number of gardai working in the Road Policing Unit have deliberately ignored offences, according to a damning report. An independent review engaged with 100 gardai involved in road policing across six divisions. Researchers found the majority of gardai were productive but say a significant cohort were disinterested and have a poor worth ethic.

Assistant Commissioner says assessment of roads policing makes ‘difficult reading’ Read More »

100% Redress Party pays tribute to MAG and pledges to keep up the fight

The 100% Redress Party has paid tribute to the Mica Action Group which has dissolved this week. The party says it wants to publicly recognise and thank MAG for their extraordinary commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts on behalf of homeowners across Donegal and beyond. In its final statement last night, MAG said it’s time to pass

100% Redress Party pays tribute to MAG and pledges to keep up the fight Read More »

55 Pre-School facilities in Donegal included in new school meal scheme

Children at 55 pre-school facilities in Donegal will be included in ‘Bia Blasta, a pre-school nutrition programme designed to provide daily lunches for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas. Children’s Minister Norma Foley says around €4.2 million in funding will be provided nationally to ensure that 25,000 children in areas with the highest concentration of disadvantage

55 Pre-School facilities in Donegal included in new school meal scheme Read More »

Calls for heavy vehicle ban and safety review on Oldtown Bridge

Donegal County Council is being urged to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles on Oldtown Bridge in Letterkenny until a full safety review is completed, and repairs are carried out. The call has come from Aontu representative Mary T Sweeney, who believes lives are potentially being put at risk due to serious structural cracks on

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Cannabis seized in Coleraine and three other locations during a coordinated PSNI search operation

Update – Five people have been charged. The PSNI have carried out five searches and made five arrests as part of an investigation into the cultivation of cannabis. Suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of £500,000 was seized across four locations, including one in Coleraine. The others were in Templepatrick, Tandragee and Lurgan. **********************

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IFA claims CCPC is scapegoating farmers for rising food prices

The IFA is hitting out at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, claiming it’s scapegoating farmers for rising grocery prices. It’s after CCPC published a report last week, which found a key driver of recent food cost rises is the “increase of some agricultural product prices.’ It also says output costs in agriculture have shown

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