Author name: highlandnews

Investigations are continuing after two religious buildings in Donegal were broken into in recent days. On Wednesday, two teenagers entered the Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh and attempted to force open a donations box. The following day, the sacristy of St Mary’s Church, Pettigo was ransacked. Garda Clare Rafferty is urging anyone with information relating to […]

Efforts are underway to bring the World Sheep Shearing Championships to Donegal in 2029. Donegal County Council has agreed to support Clonmany Agricultural Show organisers in their bid to host the event which would see up to 10,000 people attend each day. The local authority has also urged Failte Ireland to lend its support to

There’s calls for Gardai to be adequately resourced to combat anti-social driving in towns and villages across Donegal. Councillor Terry Crossan has raised serious concerns following several incidents in Muff, Bridgend, and other areas. He fears it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse. Councillor Crossan says a more

It’s emerged that it is taking up to 12 weeks for some homeowners to receive payments upon submitting claims under the Defective Concrete Block Scheme. Donegal County Council has confirmed that a review of the payment process has been carried out in a bid to improve efficiency. The Council says realignment of staffing resources and

Donegal County Council is being urged to prioritise the provision of basic and essential services through its own resources. Councillor Fionan Bradley believes the outsourcing of services such as house building, street sweeping and road lining should instead, be carried out by staff employed directly by Donegal County Council to ensure the local authority has

Visitors to one of County Fermanagh’s most well-known tourist attractions had to be rescued after heavy rainfall yesterday evening. Torrential rain made its way into the Marble Arch Caves when a group walking tour was taking place, with staff guiding visitors to safety. Heavy rain has fallen in many areas since yesterday evening, with up

Donegal County Council is being urged to engage with all relevant stakeholders to identify a project for the current Letterkenny tourist office after it is relocated to the Courthouse. Officials have indicated the tourist office building on Neil T Blaney Road is the property of Fáilte Ireland, and the council can make contact with them

100% Redress Cllr Tomas Sean Devine has been elected Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Blocks Committee for the coming year. Cllr Declan Meehan will serve as Leas Cathaoirleach. Tributes were paid at this morning’s AGM to Cllr Martin McDermott, who had been chair since it was inaugurated six years ago. Speaking after his

Tanaiste Simon Harris has told the Dail that the government is committed to improving cancer services in the West and North West, suggesting that the development of Elective Surgery Hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Galway will be game changers in this regard, freeing up theatres in the main hospitals for acute and emergency procedures. He

The boss of Ryanair says he fully backs bonuses paid to staff who catch passengers trying to bring oversized bags on flights. Passengers have to pay 75 euro if they can’t fit their hand luggage into the airline’s ‘sizers’. For every passenger caught, staff make €1.50, and can make up to €80 a month. Group

As the economy continues to grow, critical infrastructure has not kept pace. That’s according to Chambers Ireland, as it launches its pre-Budget submission. It’s calling on the government to take decisive and long-term action, as the housing crisis has overshadowed other fundamental infrastructure services. In particular, issues with electricity and water supplies are preventing necessary

It’s vital social housing is provided in rural parts of Donegal to ensure the survival of schools. That’s according to Councillor Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig who fears low pupil numbers in areas such as Doochary will result in school clousures. Donegal County Council has confirmed a number of housing projects are in the pipeline for

Tony Holohan is the latest high-profile name to be linked as a potential presidential candidate. The former Chief Medical Officer refused to be drawn on the reports when approached, but cryptically said that ‘at this time’ he could neither confirm or deny it. Mairead McGuinness and Catherine Connolly are the only declared candidates so far;

The Irish Road Hauliers Association has welcomed the reopening of the Holyhead route following 7 months of disruptions due to storm damage. The group has, however, expressed apprehension with the new timing of the of routes, meaning crossings could be affected. Both berths at the Welsh port are now fully operational, following an announcement yesterday.

A Ballybofey councillor has urged Donegal County Council to place a crash barrier at a steep drop in Mullindrait. Cathaoirleach of the Lifford Stranorlar MD Cllr Martin Harley says the 12 – 15ft drop on the walkway is unsafe for those walking on the path and farmers. Cllr Harley says, at the very least, a

A Donegal councillor and bar owner says yesterday’s report the level of cocaine use in Ireland is deeply worrying, but not surprising. A Health and Research Board re[ort shows an increase in hospitalisations and overdoses as a result of increase cocaine use in this country, with experts warning there’s potential for the figures to keep

It’s been confirmed that Letterkenny will be the headquarters of the new National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority, with the administration staff to be based at the Department of Social Welfare offices on Oliver Plunkett Road. It had previously been confirmed that Tata Consultancy Services, TCS, which is based at the former Pramerica plant on

Tanaiste Simon Harris says he believes the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has a role in investigating hotel prices in Dublin, particularly at times of major events. He was responding to Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty, who said those travelling to the capital for sporting events and concerts in the coming weeks will be facing considerable