Author name: highlandnews

Daniel O’Donnell announces an extended break from touring

Daniel O’Donnell has announced he is taking an extended break from touring. A spokesperson says the decision was not made lightly, with health challenges including allergies and recurrent chest infections hampering him while touring extensively. The country music star will carry out his touring commitments until December and is reassuring fans that this is not

Daniel O’Donnell announces an extended break from touring Read More »

Inquest into Danielle’s death will allow a death certificate to be issued – Solicitor

The family of murder victim Danielle McLaughlin have welcomed confirmation of an inquest into her death. The 28 year old from Donegal was murdered in India eight years ago. Vikat Bagat, a 31 year old local man was found guilty of her rape and murder last February following legal proceedings that lasted almost eight years.

Inquest into Danielle’s death will allow a death certificate to be issued – Solicitor Read More »

First sod turned on Strule Shared Education Campus

The first sod was cut yesterday marking the beginning of construction of the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh. Over 4,000 children and young people from six schools and from all backgrounds will come together on the campus. The schools will work together to provide a shared curriculum and extra-curricular activities while retaining their individuality

First sod turned on Strule Shared Education Campus Read More »

Inquest into the murder of Danielle McLaughlin to be held in Donegal

An inquest into the death of Danielle McLaughlin is to be held in Donegal. The Buncrana woman was raped murdered in Goa, India in 2017 while back packing. Vikat Bhagat received a life sentence for her death in February following an eight-year trial that was riddled with delays and setbacks. Danielle’s mother Andrea, says she’s

Inquest into the murder of Danielle McLaughlin to be held in Donegal Read More »

Putin not attending Ukraine peace talks

Ukraine peace talks are due to start this morning, though, despite proposing ‘direct negotiations’, Vladimir Putin won’t be there. It’s also unlikely Donald Trump will attend, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Turkey anyway. They could be the first direct peace talks between Kremlin officials and Kyiv in three years. But Sky’s Moscow Correspondent Ivor Bennett

Putin not attending Ukraine peace talks Read More »

Calls for barriers to be placed on slipways after two cars entered the water in Ramelton

Cllr Pauric McGarvey says his fears were realised when it emerged that two cars rolled into the water at the quay in Ramelton. He says he’s thankful that on both occasions, the cars were empty, but warns that if a child is strapped in the back of a car that enters the water, it would

Calls for barriers to be placed on slipways after two cars entered the water in Ramelton Read More »

Driving test wait times have doubled in parts of Donegal – Deputy MacLochlainn

The plight of learner drivers in Donegal was heard by the Dáil chamber yesterday during a discussion on the lengthy wait times faced by those due to sit their driving test. Donegal Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn says in the past year, the waiting list has doubled in parts of the county, with many now facing

Driving test wait times have doubled in parts of Donegal – Deputy MacLochlainn Read More »

Funding to improve road safety outside Dunkineely NS not expected until 2026

It’s emerged funding to improve road safety outside Dunkineely National School will not be made available until 2026. Donegal Senator Manus Boyle raised the need for monies to be allocated to install road safety initiatives outside the school with the Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Marian Harkin earlier today.

Funding to improve road safety outside Dunkineely NS not expected until 2026 Read More »

Journalist behind Denis Donaldson programme asks if she was to ignore Adams accusation in High Court

A BBC journalist in the Gerry Adams defamation case says she believes it was in the public interest to broadcast claims made against the former Sinn Fein leader. Gerry Adams alleges the BBC defamed him in a Spotlight programme in 2016, saying it falsely claimed he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis

Journalist behind Denis Donaldson programme asks if she was to ignore Adams accusation in High Court Read More »

Letterkenny Motor Show 2025 donates €1,500 to Donegal Hospice after successful event

Following the success of this year’s Letterkenny Motor Show, the organising motor dealers, now proudly known as the Letterkenny Motor Show Dealers 2025, are pleased to announce a donation of €1,500 to Donegal Hospice, made on behalf of ATU Donegal, their venue partner. The event drew a fantastic turnout, with visitors enjoying a brilliant day

Letterkenny Motor Show 2025 donates €1,500 to Donegal Hospice after successful event Read More »

Teenager who died after getting into difficulty in water near Buncrana to be laid to rest on Saturday

One of the teenagers who died after getting into difficulty in the water near Buncrana last weekend is due to be laid to rest on Saturday. 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola, who was originally from Nigeria and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda from Zimbabwe are understood to have entered the water to retrieve a football. Emmanuel of Sailor’s Rest,

Teenager who died after getting into difficulty in water near Buncrana to be laid to rest on Saturday Read More »

Recruitment drive underway to attract graduate planners from Donegal into councils

A major recruitment drive is underway to attract graduate planners from Donegal into Ireland’s county and city councils. The local government initiative, aims to attract suitably qualified graduates exiting degree or masters courses in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain or internationally. A total of 43 new posts are available in 26 of the 31 councils nationwide.

Recruitment drive underway to attract graduate planners from Donegal into councils Read More »

Taoiseach clashes with Donegal Deputy over hip surgeries scandal

The Taoiseach is being urged to stop evading questions on the children’s hip surgeries scandal. Findings of an ongoing audit on surgeries undertaken at CHI hospitals between 2021 and 2023 have yet to be received by the Government. But the families of some children who underwent procedures as far back as 2010 have also received

Taoiseach clashes with Donegal Deputy over hip surgeries scandal Read More »

Lough Swilly RNLI appeals to people to follow water safety advice as good weather spell continues

Lough Swilly RNLI is appealing to people to follow water safety advice as the hot weather spell continues. The RNLI is urging people, if they are planning to be on or near the water to always wear a lifejacket or flotation device, know how to float in an emergency, always carry a means of calling

Lough Swilly RNLI appeals to people to follow water safety advice as good weather spell continues Read More »

Another man arrested in connection with events in Derry on Easter Monday

Detectives in Derry have arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation and failing to comply with conditions imposed by the Parades Commission. He’s also suspected of wearing a uniform in a public place in such a way as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of

Another man arrested in connection with events in Derry on Easter Monday Read More »

No non-compliances found in HIQA assessment of residential centre in Stranorlar

No non-compliances were found in a HIQA inspection at Edencrest and Cloghan flat, which provides full-time residential care and support to adults with a disability. There were six residents at the centre when the inspection was carried out in February at the centre, which is part of the Ard Greine Court complex in Stranorlar. The report

No non-compliances found in HIQA assessment of residential centre in Stranorlar Read More »

Dail told DCB bill could be amended as early as next week if the government moved more quickly

The Dail has been told the amendment to the Defective Block Scheme which makes the increase in the cap agreed last year retrospective could go through next week, but it’s being help up by government bureaucracy. In Donegal earlier this week, Minister James Browne said he would expedite the amendments as quickly as possible, but

Dail told DCB bill could be amended as early as next week if the government moved more quickly Read More »

Stretcher issue on new Coastguard helicopter is being addressed – Canney

The Dail has been told an issues which prevents the use of some stretchers onboard the new Coastguard helicopter service is being addressed. The AgustaWestland AW189 is used by Bristow Ireland Limited, the company which has wom the contract to operate search and rescue missions, and provide HEMS, helicopter emergency medical services. The new service

Stretcher issue on new Coastguard helicopter is being addressed – Canney Read More »

Browne’s Donegal visit must result in an improved redress scheme – Ward

The Dail has been told that Housing Minister James Brown’s visit to Donegal earlier this week was significant, and gave the minister a clear picture of the situation faced by defective concrete homeowners and their families. Speaking during a motion on housing and critical infrastructure, 100% Redress TD Charles Ward said that having met with

Browne’s Donegal visit must result in an improved redress scheme – Ward Read More »

Donegal recorded a 51% failure rate in septic tanks inspections last year

56% of almost 1,400 sceptic tanks inspected last year, failed, according to figures from the Environmental Protection Agency. 77 tanks were inspected in Donegal, with a failure rate of 51%. Nationally, 82% of failures between 2013 and 2024 were fixed by the end of last year, with that figure mirrored in Donegal. Programme Manager with

Donegal recorded a 51% failure rate in septic tanks inspections last year Read More »

Integrated Plan for Gweedore close to publication

The Glenties Municipal District has been told an Integrated Plan for Gweedore is close to publication. The plan, which has been funded by Udaras na Gaeltachta, includes 58 recommendations, arising out of 378 ideas submitted by 149 participants. It seeks the provision of sustainable employment, with cultural, linguistic and and environmental support. The committee behind

Integrated Plan for Gweedore close to publication Read More »

€1.2 billion worth of domestic credit and debit card payments made in Donegal in 2024

Donegal accounted for the second largest level of  in the Northern and Western Region last year. The value of card payments in the region amounted to €8.2 billion in 2024, up 9.9% compared to the previous year. Donegal accounted for 15% of the total spend, equivalent to €1.2 billion. The value of domestic credit and

€1.2 billion worth of domestic credit and debit card payments made in Donegal in 2024 Read More »

Motion calls for prior engagement with all stakeholders ahead of planned protests in Letterkenny

Organisers of planned protests in Letterkenny will now have to engage with Donegal County Council, Letterkenny Chamber, and emergency services ahead of the event in a bid to minimise disruption in the town. It’s on the back of a motion brought forward by Councillor Michael McBride, who was asked to reword his motion after initial

Motion calls for prior engagement with all stakeholders ahead of planned protests in Letterkenny Read More »

Almost €20,000 allocated to install accessible equipment at Ramelton playground

Almost €20,000 in funding has been announced to install accessible equipment at a playground in Ramelton. The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley confirmed the allocation today. A total of €500,000 has been allocated nationwide to upgrade existing playgrounds and develop new ones.

Almost €20,000 allocated to install accessible equipment at Ramelton playground Read More »

Uisce Eireann appeals to people across Donegal to conserve water

Uisce Éireann is urging people in Donegal to make every effort to conserve water and reduce usage. The appeal comes as the current prolonged spell of dry weather, coupled with increased demand, is putting significant pressure on water supplies. A Water Conservation Order remains in place for the Milford Regional Public Water Supply. Meanwhile, the

Uisce Eireann appeals to people across Donegal to conserve water Read More »

Cllr Michael McClafferty elected as new Cathaoirleach of Glenties MD

Cllr Michael McClafferty has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District, his second time in the chair. He was nominated by Cllr Anthony Molloy and seconded by Cllr Brian Carr. Cllr Molloy was subsequently elected Leas Cathaoirleach. Cllr McClafferty says following the death of his mother earlier this year, this is a bittersweet day:

Cllr Michael McClafferty elected as new Cathaoirleach of Glenties MD Read More »

Tyrone man extradited on offences linked to New IRA before courts today

A 58-year-old man has been extradited to the North. Police want him to stand trial for offences related to an investigation into the New IRA. The alleged offences happened in Tyrone in July 2020, and he’s to appear before Omagh Magistrates Court later today. He was arrested by Gardaí in December 2021 on foot of

Tyrone man extradited on offences linked to New IRA before courts today Read More »

Gardaí in Donegal dealing with eight incidents of smashed windows in past week

Gardaí in Donegal say they are seeing an increase in the rate of broken windows locally. Garda Niall Maguire says there have been eight incidents this week alone, including vehicles and properties. This type of damage proves difficult for the victim, as often broken windows are not covered by insurance, meaning they are left to

Gardaí in Donegal dealing with eight incidents of smashed windows in past week Read More »

Go Fund Me set up to support families of teens of Lough Swilly tragedy

Over €17,500 has been raised to help cover the funeral costs of the two teenagers who died after getting into difficulty in Lough Swilly. It’s understood that 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda were trying to retrieve their ball that had entered the water in Buncrana. Matt passed away at the scene, while Emmanuel

Go Fund Me set up to support families of teens of Lough Swilly tragedy Read More »