Author name: highlandnews

Two drivers arrested outside Letterkenny after failing drug test

Two drivers were arrested on the outskirts of Letterkenny today after testing positive for cocaine. Gardaí were conducting a lunchtime checkpoint when the pair were arrested on suspicion of drug driving. The authorities are appealing to the public to refrain from driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, as lives are put at risk

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“Today we feel like we have been listened to” – Donna Harper

An Bord Pleanála has overturned Donegal County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the reconstruction of a shop and forecourt at the site of the Creeslough tragedy almost three years ago. Ten lives were lost when the explosion happened, among them was 14-year-old Leona Harper, who was buying ice cream with her friend. The

“Today we feel like we have been listened to” – Donna Harper Read More »

Donegal County Council respond to planning permission decision at site of Creeslough tragedy

An Bord Pleanála issued a decision to refuse permission for the proposed development in Creeslough, and a copy of the decision is available on the DCC planning portal and on the An Bord Pleanála website. As an integral part of the planning process provided for in legislation, the Council respects the appeal decision made and

Donegal County Council respond to planning permission decision at site of Creeslough tragedy Read More »

Creeslough families welcome decision to quash decision for redevelopment of explosion site

The families affected by the Creeslough tragedy have welcomed the decision to quash the application for a new building on the site of the explosion which claimed the lives of 10 people. Phoenix Law which made detailed submissions to the planning panel on behalf of the families, says the proposed development on the site while

Creeslough families welcome decision to quash decision for redevelopment of explosion site Read More »

Breaking – An Coimisiun Pleanala overturns planning permission for Creeslough tragedy site

Planning permission for the redevelopment of the site of the Creeslough explosion has been refused. An Bord Pleanala has overturned Donegal County Council’s decision to grant permission for the development of a shop and filling station on the site. 10 people were killed in the Creeslough explosion in October 2022. On February 19th, 2025, Donegal

Breaking – An Coimisiun Pleanala overturns planning permission for Creeslough tragedy site Read More »

Mullooly says Supreme Court land judgement has long term implications

A Midlands North West MEP is welcoming a recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court which firmly upholds the property rights of farmers and their entitlement to adequate protection and compensation. Ciaran Mullooly says the ruling effectively says when the ESB, Eirgrid or other agencies erect permanent infrastructure on private land, they must now compensate

Mullooly says Supreme Court land judgement has long term implications Read More »

Bereaved woman says media heard of Creeslough oral planning hearing rejection before families did

Families bereaved in the Creeslough tragedy have expressed dismay that once again, it seems a significant planning decision has been communicated to the media, before families and their legal representatives were told. It was reported last evening that An Bord Pleanala had advised Donegal County Council that it would not facilitate an oral hearing into

Bereaved woman says media heard of Creeslough oral planning hearing rejection before families did Read More »

Audio Update – ‘No Drone Zones’ enforced over rally weekend

A temporary restricted airspace notice is being implemented for the Donegal Rally. The notice prohibits the use of helicopters and drones across the various stages of the rally from today until Sunday. The no-fly and no drone zones include Mamore Gap, Coolcross, Carndonagh, Malin Head, Lough Keel, High Glen, Garrygort, Letterkenny, Knockalla, Atlantic Drive, Fanad

Audio Update – ‘No Drone Zones’ enforced over rally weekend Read More »

Varadkar says he would forego two years of economic growth for Irish unity

Leo Varadkar has said that he would “forego two years of economic growth” for the unification of Ireland. The former Taoiseach made the comments during an interview with BBC Northern Irelands Red Lines podcast. Last year a report by the Institute of International and European Affairs found that unification would cost twenty billion every twenty

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Gardai promise a ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach to criminality over Rally Weekend

A number of cars have been seized in Letterkenny and Ballyshannon as gardai step up a campaign targeting unsafe and untaxed vehicles. A significant garda operation is underway, with over 100 extra gardai drafted in to the county, along with extra garda cars and motorbikes. Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan says there will be a zero

Gardai promise a ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach to criminality over Rally Weekend Read More »

Special case needs to be made for housing challenges faced in Donegal – Cllr Brogan

There’s been a proposal that Donegal County Council draw up a document outlining the specific housing challenges facing the county. Cllr Ciaran Brogan says at times it seems the council and successive Housing Ministers are interpreting guidelines differently. He’s seeking a programme to simplify the housing procurement process and says the defective blocks crisis is

Special case needs to be made for housing challenges faced in Donegal – Cllr Brogan Read More »

Skin experts warn of rising rates of skin cancer as good weather continues

People are being urged to be safe in the sun, as the hot weather continues this week. Skin cancer figures are rapidly on the rise, with over 11,000 people diagnosed every year. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme and Healthy Ireland have launched a SunSmart awareness campaign to remind people of the risks of sun

Skin experts warn of rising rates of skin cancer as good weather continues Read More »

Extra Garda vehicles arrive in Donegal as rally excitement grows

The transportation of extra garda vehicles into Donegal has been seen in Letterkenny, a sure sign that the Donegal International Rally is imminent. Gardaí will be undertaking an extensive operation in a bid to maximise safety over the weekend, which is expecting over 70,000 spectators. They say a zero tolerance approach will be taken to

Extra Garda vehicles arrive in Donegal as rally excitement grows Read More »

Average house prices see substantial increase across Donegal

The average price of houses sold in Donegal increased across the board last April, according to the Residential Property Price Index. Houses captured in the Letterkenny F92 eircode area jumped by 12% from almost €212,000 to over €237,200, while the F94 south Donegal area saw a rise of 10% to over €224,600 from €204,300. The

Average house prices see substantial increase across Donegal Read More »

Downgraded homeowner says they are still awaiting clarity as appeals process drags on

Around 150 defective block homeowners whose applications have been downgraded by the Housing Agency say they are still in limbo, with no clarity on whether or not their appeals will be successful or how long they will take to complete. One of them, Marti McElhinney told Greg Hughes on today’s None til Noon Show that

Downgraded homeowner says they are still awaiting clarity as appeals process drags on Read More »

Nine people due in Derry Magistrates Court today in connection with rioting in the city

Nine of 11 people arrested by police in connection with disorder at Nailors Row in Derry on Tuesday night have been charged to appear before Derry Magistrates’ Court today. Two others, arrested on Monday night, have been released on bail. Eight males, one aged 14, three aged 15, two aged 16, a 29-year-old and a

Nine people due in Derry Magistrates Court today in connection with rioting in the city Read More »

Mayor pledges to restore a sense of security to local communities in Derry

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane says recent acts of violence will not distract from the very positive work that is going on within communities in the city, and he is committed to doing all he can to restore a sense of security in the local community. Cllr Ruairí McHugh was speaking after visiting

Mayor pledges to restore a sense of security to local communities in Derry Read More »

CHI must prove it can run the National Childrens Hospital – Committee Chair

Children’s Health Ireland has to show it can be a safe pair of hands when it comes to running the National Children’s Hospital. That’s according to the chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, which will be putting questions to the embattled organisation this morning. CHI boss Lucy Nugent will tell politicians her group is ready

CHI must prove it can run the National Childrens Hospital – Committee Chair Read More »

Think Tank report finds a lack of leadership within the Stormont Executive

A new report finds the Stormont government is failing when it comes to improving people’s lives in Northern Ireland. The research from the think tank Pivotal says policies fall because of a lack of leadership. The report has interviews from former civil servants who contributed anonymously. One said that ministers get distracted by day-to-day events

Think Tank report finds a lack of leadership within the Stormont Executive Read More »

Tourists spent over £82 million in Derry and Strabane last year

The latest official tourism figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency show that Derry and Strabane have had an increase in tourism. The figure shows there’s strong growth in overnight trips and visitor spending across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area for last year. While overall tourism numbers across Northern

Tourists spent over £82 million in Derry and Strabane last year Read More »

HIQA to review inspection procedure following RTÉ Investigates programme

HIQA is reviewing how it inspects nursing homes, after the findings of an RTÉ Investigates report. The authority says it’s committed to improving its regulatory processes after serious care issues were uncovered at two homes run by Emeis Ireland. The company also operates three facilities in Donegal. It says it will strengthen its oversight, including

HIQA to review inspection procedure following RTÉ Investigates programme Read More »

€273,430 allocated to support people with disabilities in Donegal

Two accessibility projects in Donegal will benefit from a total of €273,430 to support people with disabilities, according to Senator Nikki Bradley. Almost €139,000 has been allocated to the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation. Shine Drama, Music and Dance was allocated over €134,400 and will cater to people in Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo. Senator

€273,430 allocated to support people with disabilities in Donegal Read More »

Gardai launch their Donegal International Rally Policing Plan on Lifford Bridge

  Gardai are promising increased patrols and checkpoints in Donegal over the course of the rally weekend. Speaking to Highland Radio News at a special launch of their policing operation today, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan said the next few days are among the busiest of the year for the force in Donegal: The PSNI will

Gardai launch their Donegal International Rally Policing Plan on Lifford Bridge Read More »

Public transport infrastructure in Donegal needs significant investment – Ward

Deputy Charles Ward has told the Dáil that people in Donegal are unable to rely on public transport to get them where they need to go. Speaking during a Dail debate on the public transport experience today, Deputy Ward said the lack of a rail network contributes to chronic traffic issues in Letterkenny and other

Public transport infrastructure in Donegal needs significant investment – Ward Read More »