Author name: highlandnews

Social housing tenants in crumbling homes should not receive rent increases – Cllr Carr

Donegal County Council has once again received calls for tenants living in social homes affected by crumbling concrete, not to face rent increases. Councillor Brian Carr stated that in his area, there are tenants in such houses who wish to purchase their homes but have been informed they cannot due to the building’s condition. He […]

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People travelling abroad this Easter warned of airport strike action

People travelling abroad over Easter are being warned of potential delays at airports as several countries prepare for strikes. Air traffic controllers will down tools in France on Friday and Saturday, and again next Friday. In Italy, a 24-hour national strike is scheduled for Saturday, affecting all major airports. While in Spain, there are rolling

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Council urged to regularly update Lifford Stranorlar MD on major projects

  Donegal County Council is being asked to provide updates to members in the Lifford Stranorlar area on progress being made on the Riverine Project linking Lifford and Strabane, and the SEED urban renewal project in Ballybofey. Cathaoirleach Cllr Gary Doherty told officials all members in the municipal district are regularly receiving questions, as people

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HSE urging people to consider all care options this Bank Holiday weekend

The HSE is again encouraging people to consider all care options this Bank Holiday weekend. It says Bank Holiday weekends and extended good weather usually bring additional pressure on the health system. The HSE is reassuring members of the public that plans are in place across hospital and community services in Donegal to ensure patients

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Justice Minister signs MoU with Omagh Bombing Inquiry chair

The Justice Minister has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chairman of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. It relates to the disclosure of materials. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today highlights the Government’s decision to assist the Omagh Bombing Inquiry to the extent that is permissible under the Constitution and laws of the

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57 year old appears in court charged in connection with death of man in Killybegs

A 57-year-old man has appeared in court, charged in connection with the death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs on Sunday. Mr Friel, who was in his 60s, was found unresponsive at his home on Harbour View Drive on Sunday afternoon. James Spendley of St Cummin’s Hill, Killybegs appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court today, charged with

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AGSI President concerned with elements of the new Garda Operating Model

The President of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says the group has serious concerns about the effectiveness of the new garda operating model, particularly in terms of its impact on predominantly rural divisions such as Donegal. The AGSI annual conference is taking place at the moment in Killarney. On today’s Nine til Noon

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Apprentices can ‘Earn and Learn’ their way to a degree

Future insurance practitioners are being called on to participate in the Earn & Learn 2025 program. The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship celebrates its 10-year anniversary following a record number of apprentices at 130 in 2024. The program allows applicants to study and obtain a level 8 BA Honourary Degree while working within the industry. CEO of

Apprentices can ‘Earn and Learn’ their way to a degree Read More »

Potential water disruptions in Letterkenny, St Johnston and Mountcharles

Uisce Eireann are warning of possible supply interruptions in parts of Donegal today. In Letterkenny, repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to An Gleann Rua, Killylastin and surrounding areas until 5pm, while pump repairs in Oldtown are set to continue until 2pm. Repairs to a burst water main may cause disruptions

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DCC missing out on opportunity to sell off DCB houses to willing buyers

A county councilor says that Donegal County Council is missing out on some opportunities to remove social houses with defective concrete from their records. Councillor Ali Farren says he knows of one man who is aware of the condition of one such home and is looking to buy it regardless. Currently, the council does not

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Cabinet to hear details of infrastructure blockages division

Cabinet will get details of a new Government division to examine blockages to infrastructure. The Programme for Government commitment comes in lieu of the new Department for Infrastructure Fine Gael wanted. Experts from across Government will be seconded to the new Infrastructure Division, which will feed into an accelerating infrastructure task force, headed by Public

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‘Wholesale approach needed to address defective concrete in social homes’ – Cllr Declan Meehan

A councillor says more planning is needed to ensure that when a scheme to remediate defective concrete in social homes is agreed, Donegal County Council is ready to act. As it stands, it’s estimated that at least 1,800 social houses will need to be remediated. At present, only 81 of those homes are vacant, and

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New DCB research must underpin future policy and decisions – McDermott

The Chair of Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Committee says there’s an obligation on all agencies to get behind the latest evidence on what is causing homes to crumble in Donegal and further afield. Cllr Martin Mc Dermott was speaking following the 2025 Defective Block Conference which took place in Burt at the weekend. The

New DCB research must underpin future policy and decisions – McDermott Read More »

Letterkenny Motor Show to take place next month

Preparations are underway for the Letterkenny Motor Show which takes place next month. This year’s theme is “Your Road, Your Future” and focuses on the journey ahead, whether you’re behind the wheel of a cutting-edge electric car, exploring the latest commercial vehicles, or just checking out what’s new in the world of motoring. The latest automotive innovations,

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Rally being held in protest at removal of core funding for Northlands Addiction Centre, Derry

A rally is being held this weekend in protest at the removal of core funding for the Northlands Centre in Derry. The facility is a charitable organisation which specialises in the treatment of addiction-related issues, offering support to individuals and their families. It’s understood the North’s Department of Health is refusing to review its decision

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Independent analysis reveals most participants in Derry and Strabane in favour of Irish Unity

An independent analysis on the issue of Constitutional Change and Irish Unity and its implications for Derry City and Strabane District Council and the North West has found that most participants supported reunification. Meanwhile, other expressed concerns over economic stability, identity preservation and political instability should there be a united Ireland. The analysis was carried

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Two men charged following alleged weekend assault in Derry

Police investigating an alleged assault in the Cornshell Fields area of Derry on Saturday have charged two men. The men, aged 23 and 26, have been charged with offences including criminal damage, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, common assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The 26-year-old man has also been charged with possession

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UU Professor says NSAI consultation is the last chance for people to comment on IS465 review

  An Ulster University Professor who’s been involved in research into defective concrete and its effects says the current review of the IS465 standards governing the DCB redress scheme may be the last chance for people to make their views known on how the standard needs to change. A new draft standard which reflects the

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Potential delay in rollout of living wage is unacceptable – Labour

The government is being criticised for its failure to guarantee the 2026 roll-out of the living wage. It was revealed yesterday the government’s timeline for the wage increases may be extended due to the current trade tensions. The current minimum wage of 13 euro 50 cent was due to increase to a living wage next

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McIlroy finally dons the Green Jacket after Masters victory in Augusta

Rory McIlroy has made history by finally winning the Masters golf title at Augusta. The Northern Irishman is only the sixth player to win a career grand slam of all four major tournaments. He won a playoff against Englishman Justin Rose after they both finished the final round in Augusta tied on 11 under par.

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Calls for Donegal County Council to prioritise land beside the Public Services Centre in Letterkenny

Letterkenny Milford Municipal District has been told the council must prioritise a masterplan for land beside the Public Services Centre in Letterkenny. Cllr Michael McBride had previously suggested the land be used as a base for Letterkenny Cricket Club, which currently has to travel to Drummond, Limavady for home games, but was told no decisions

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BREAKING: Investigation launched following discovery of body in Killybegs

Gardaí in Donegal are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body in Killybegs this afternoon. At approximately 12:20pm today, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a report of man found unresponsive at a residence on Harbour View Drive. The man, aged in his 60s, was pronounced deceased at the scene a

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Water conservation restrictions may cause supply disruptions in Stranorlar

Water conservation restrictions may cause supply disruptions to Drumboe, Ballybofey, Stranorlar and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place from 11pm this evening until 7am tomorrow morning. Uisce Eireann recommend that those impacted allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for supply to fully return.

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Man being treated for serious injuries following Kilcar workplace accident

A man is being treated for serious injuries following a workplace accident in Kilcar on Friday. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an incident in the area at approximately 10:40am. A man aged in his 50s was airlifted to the Mater Hospital in Dublin for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The Health and

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