Author name: highlandnews

Housing incentives for new Gardaí to be debated at annual conference

Rank and file Gardai are expected to call for a number of changes this week, as their annual conference gets underway. The Garda Representative Association say they’ll debate issues such as state housing incentives for new Gardai, increases to the training wage and a review of suspension policies. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has not been […]

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18-year-old arrested in Derry for driving while disqualified and without insurance and possessing article with blade

Police in Derry have arrested an 18-year-old male on suspicion of offences including driving while disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and possessing article with blade or point in a public place. The arrest was made in the city yesterday evening following a report of a vehicle that failed to stop. Police located the

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42 adults currently accessing emergency accommodation in Donegal

It is reported that 42 adults and four families are currently in emergency accommodation in Donegal. The figures were presented at today’s special plenary meeting on housing in County House Lifford. Linda McCann, Homeless Prevention Co-Ordinator with Donegal County Council told the meeting that a lack of private rented accommodation, HAP properties and affordable rent

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Department of Housing expected to bring forward proposals for appointment of housing tzar

The Department of Housing is expected to bring forward proposals for the appointment of a housing tzar this week. The head of the Housing Activation Office will be tasked with removing barriers and smoothing the process so large scale housing projects can go ahead unhindered. Former NAMA chief Brendan McDonagh, has been tipped for the

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100% Redress Party members walk out of housing meeting in frustration

Councillors belonging to the 100% Redress Party staged a walkout of today’s special plenary meeting on housing because of a lack of engagement. Cllr Tomas Sean Devine spoke on behalf of his party colleagues to outline the ongoing failure of Housing Minister James Browne to visit Donegal in a bid to make progress in the

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LUH protest organiser urging the ‘regular Joe Soap’ to get involved

The lady behind multiple protests at Letterkenny University Hospital says more people need to show their support. At the latest protest on Saturday last, Roseena Toner Doherty says that while around 500 or 600 came out in support throughout Saturday, it’s less than 1% of the population of Donegal and is not enough. The protests

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Fire service had to use water from nearby stream due to low pressure at fire hydrants

It has emerged that firefighters had to use water from a nearby stream to battle the blaze that engulfed St. Mary’s Church in Derrybeg. It was due to low water pressure at a number of nearby fire hydrants. Cllr John Sheamais O’Fearraigh says he was told this in recent days. He says it again highlights

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Donegal sees highest number of applications made for grants to refurbish vacant properties

Donegal accounts for the highest number of applications made for grants to refurbish vacant properties. Nationally, over €112 million has been paid out, seeing over 2,000 homes back into residential use. In Donegal, 1,114 applications have been made. Of those, 811 have been approved.

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Man who passed away on Errigal Mountain named as beloved Armagh man

The man who passed away following a medical emergency on Mount Errigal on Saturday has been named as Carl Henderson of Fern Valley Close, Moira, Armagh. Donegal Mountain Rescue and the Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter were called to the scene, along with a critical care doctor. Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.

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Taoiseach defends government approach to housing targets after record homeless levels

The Taoiseach is defending the government’s approach to housing targets. It’s after the number of homeless people reached another record high, with more than 15,400 people accessing emergency accommodation last month. The government is promising to build 41 thousand homes this year, despite missing last year’s target of 34,000. Micheál Martin insists they are taking

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Calls for legislation to be introduced for workers in extreme weather conditions

Just over half of workers did not feel safe travelling to work following Storm Éowyn. That’s according to a survey from Unite the Union, to mark International Workers’ Day. Data shows half those questioned said they didn’t feel their employers had taken reasonable precautions to make work safe during the storm. Unite’s Irish secretary, Susan

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Dog owners urged to be responsible for cleaning up after their pets

A Donegal councillor is urging dog owners to be responsible for cleaning up after their pets. It appeared dogs had fouled outside multiple business premises in Dunfanaghy, without being collected by their owners. Cllr Michael McClafferty has warned that dogs may be carrying diseases that can be dangerous for members of the public. He says

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Hospital consultants raise concerns over plans to roster them on weekends

Hospital consultants are raising concern as plans to roster them over weekends ramp-up. HSE boss Bernard Gloster told the Irish Medical Organisation’s annual conference yesterday that he wants up to 10 per cent of all healthcare staff to be rostered at weekends before the end of June. However, doctors are concerned that, given the existing

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Man dies after suffering medical emergency on Mount Errigal

A man has died after collapsing on Errigal Mountain in County Donegal. Donegal Mountain Rescue and the Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter were called to the scene yesterday afternoon, along with a critical care doctor. The emergency teams worked together to stabilise the casualty, who was then airlifted to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was

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Traffic advice issued ahead of fundraising event for St. Mary’s Church

Traffic advice has been issued ahead of a fundraiser and volunteer night to support the rebuilding of St. Mary’s Church in Derrybeg. Marquee doors open will open at 7pm, with no ticket required but donations being accepted at the door. There will be music from 7:30pm – 11pm. People are being reminded that there is

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Works ongoing to fix burst water main on Letterkenny’s Main Street

Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Lower Main Street, Letterkenny and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place until 9am tomorrow morning April 27th. Uisce Eireann recommend that those impacted allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for  supply to fully return.

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Pope Francis’s funeral hears how he was a ‘Pope among the people’

An estimated 200,000 people packed into St. Peter’s Square in Rome this morning for Pope Francis’s funeral. Cardinals and world leaders are seated at the front, while thousands of mourners are packed into surrounding streets, straining for a view on big screens. Many have been seen wiping away tears, while there was also applause for

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Third protest taking place outside LUH today

A cancer services campaigner from Inishowen is holding her third protest at Letterkenny University Hospital today. Earlier this week, Roseena Doherty met with management at the hospital, along with political representatives and other campaigners. She’s pressing for a dedicated cancer centre at the hospital to minimise the need for patients to travel for services to

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Police in Fermanagh and Omagh warn against increased scammer activity

Police in Fermanagh and Omagh are urging residents to be wary of scammers and fraudsters after a number of recent reports locally. In one instance, police say a local person received a phone call from a person claiming to represent their bank and was tricked into believing money had been taken from their account and

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Emergency Aeromedical Service carried out 20 missions in Donegal in 2024

Figures released this week show the Emergency Aeromedical Service delivered 20 missions in Donegal last year. The Athlone based service provides rapid transport for patients of all ages, often to major trauma centres or specialist units in Dublin, such as Beaumont, Tallaght, and the Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris says

Emergency Aeromedical Service carried out 20 missions in Donegal in 2024 Read More »

People urged to contribute to NI consultation on the future of Credit Unions

Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson is encouraged people to have their say on a consultation launched by the Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald to strengthen credit unions. The consultation, which remains open until July 10th, is seeking views on proposed reforms to ensure these organisations can continue to operate and serve communities. The document includes a suggestion

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Cllrs Niamh Kennnedy and Lilian Seenoi-Barr receive honorary doctorates in US

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr have been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees from Worcester State University in Massachusetts. The honorary degrees are in recognition of their outstanding contributions to civic leadership, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration as part

Cllrs Niamh Kennnedy and Lilian Seenoi-Barr receive honorary doctorates in US Read More »

Donegal priest remembers Pope Francis as someone who spoke personally to everyone

A Donegal priest has remembered Pope Francis as someone who spoke personally to everyone. Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin, a native of Downings, is a Canon of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where the late Pope has chosen as his final resting place. He will be in attendance, along with other Canons and

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Donegal County Councillor believes ongoing United Ireland conversations are positive

A Donegal County Councillor believes ongoing conversations on a United Ireland are positive. Councillor Denis McGee, in supporting Irish Unity, says listening to both sides of the argument must be central to discussions. He told the Nine til Noon Show today, that compromise, though, is key:

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Two Donegal sites included on EPA’s National Priority Sites 2024

Unauthorised discharges to waterways and odour issues are the most common compliance failures by industry. However, in its latest report, the Environmental Protection Agency says complaints about licenced sites have dropped. The EPA has identified 10 industrial and waste licenced facilities as National Priority Sites in 2024, in its latest report out today. It includes

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Over 6,000 appointments cancelled at LUH in 2024

Over 6,000 appointments were cancelled at Letterkenny University Hospital last year, up a huge 44% compared to the previous year. A total of 6,216 cancellations were recorded at Letterkenny University Hospital last year, almost double the number of appointments cancelled at Sligo University Hospital and up from 4,311 in 2023. The HSE has cited increased

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Luigi Mangione due in court today over murder of CEO of Letterkenny-based Optum

Luigi Mangione is due in federal court today, as US prosecutors seek the death penalty over the murder of the CEO of Letterkenny-based Optum. Brian Thompson was shot dead outside a New York hotel last December. Prosecutors say 26-year-old Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty, poses a future danger, allegedly planning to target the insurance

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Number of homeless in Ireland has doubled in past 4 years

The number of homeless people has nearly doubled in the past 4 years. The Simon Communities says around 8,000 men, women, and children were in emergency accommodation 4 years ago. This compares to 15,378 homeless people in February, ahead of the latest figures being released today. Simon Communities Executive Director Ber Grogan says it’s disheartening

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