Author name: highlandnews

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

Only 32 properties were available to rent for HAP tenants in 16 parts of the country in June. This is a drop of over a fifth since March. Today’s Locked Out of the Market Report by Simon Communities shows there were no properties available in eight areas, including Sligo Town, and the whole county of

A Donegal Senator says staff shortages at one of Donegal’s most popular attractions must be addressed. Last year, the castle at Glenveagh National Park was forced to close on Mondays and Fridays due to a lack of available staff. Senator Manus Boyle says the destination is integral to Donegal and attracts hundreds of thousands of

    A local Councillor has called for an emergency meeting over concerns that emergency crews on Arranmore Island could be delayed due to a large number of people parking on the main ferry pier. Earlier this week, Arranmore Emergency First Responders crew were called to assist in a time-critical medical emergency involving 118 and

A Donegal Senator has called for the M1 toll fee to be scrapped for Donegal supporters travelling to the All-Ireland Final next Sunday. It’s after long tailbacks were reported after the Quarter Final against Monaghan and the Semi-Final against Meath, all of whom were travelling in the same direction. Senator Manus Boyle says it will

There were clashes in the Dail today between Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty and Tanaiste Simon Harris over the government’s insistence that there won’t be one off cost of living payments in the coming budget. Deputy Doherty told the Dail that a report out today shows almost 300,000 households are in arrears with their electricity bills.

A Donegal mother who claimed her disabled son was used in a “pre-election stunt” last year has welcomed news that €3.6 million promised to four Donegal groups under the Children’s Disability Service Grant will finally be paid out. The announcement was made at the No Barriers Foundation in Letterkenny, which was allocated just over €3

A member of Donegal County Council’s Defective Blocks Committee is asking Housing Minister James Brown to attend meetings of the committee, and is also seeking attendance at every meeting by officials from the Department of Housing. At a meeting of the committee earlier this week, Marti McElhinney made a comprehensive presentation on the issue of

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan is urging Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to provide a clear guarantee that her Department is fully prepared to launch an appeal against the recent High Court ruling on the A5 Western Transport Corridor. In response to an Assembly Question from Mr McCrossan, the Minister confirmed that any appeal must be

Donegal County Council is being urged to draw up a database of people living in defective block homes who could be at risk in the event of a severe weather event. Cllr Joy Beard told a meeting of the council’s Defective Blocks Committee this week that now is the time to act on the lessons