Author name: highlandnews

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 »

Gardaí seeking dashcam footage following dangerous driving in Fahan

A dangerous driving incident in Fahan was reported after a near miss on Friday last. A red A-Class Mercedes was overtaking dangerously at around 8:45 pm, forcing the oncoming traffic to drive onto the grass verge to avoid a collision. Gardaí are particularly interested in sourcing dashcam footage from the Burnfoot area around that time.

Gardaí seeking dashcam footage following dangerous driving in Fahan Read More »

“A lot to consider and a lot of work ahead” – Housing Minister on DCB crisis

The Housing Minister left Donegal wiser yesterday evening, according to a 100% Redress Party councillor. Cllr Ali Farren was part of two meetings with Minister James Browne. Cllr Farren says two commitments were made, a commitment to listen and a commitment to come back. He told Greg Hughes that it was a step in the

“A lot to consider and a lot of work ahead” – Housing Minister on DCB crisis Read More »

Dangerous driver to appear before Derry Magistrates’ Court today

A 21-year-old man is due before Derry Magistrates’ Court today, charged with several motor-related offences. The driver failed to stop for police and was subsequently arrested for dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and taking a motor vehicle without authority. As is the usual procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Dangerous driver to appear before Derry Magistrates’ Court today Read More »

Loughs Agency highlighting need to keep combatting invasive species

The Loughs Agency is calling on the public to renew their commitment to tackling the ongoing threat of Invasive Species within the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas. This is ‘Invasive Species Week’, highlighting the serious ecological and economic risks they pose. An Agency spokesperson says these species don’t recognise borders, so collaborative, cross-border action is

Loughs Agency highlighting need to keep combatting invasive species Read More »

Education Minister to update Cabinet on Leaving Cert overhaul

The Education Minister will update Cabinet this morning on starting major changes to the Leaving Cert. Under the significant reforms from the next academic year, 40% of marks in all subjects will be given for practical exams or end-of-year projects. These changes have proved controversial and divisive. The aim is that students don’t just face

Education Minister to update Cabinet on Leaving Cert overhaul Read More »

Over €4.4 million allocated for Housing Adaptation Grants in Donegal

Just over €4.4 million has been allocated to Donegal under the latest round of funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People. Nationally, €117 million is being set aside for the scheme. Senator Nikki Bradley says this is represents a 26% increase over last year’s allocation, and will ensure that nationally, 13,000

Over €4.4 million allocated for Housing Adaptation Grants in Donegal Read More »

Housing Minister backs review of N56 planning restrictions but says road safety must be the priority

Housing Minister James Browne is backing calls for a review of the blanket ban on the construction of homes that front on to the N56, but says road safety must be to the fore in the discussion. Mr Browne was in Donegal for a series of meetings last evening. He says the issue of the

Housing Minister backs review of N56 planning restrictions but says road safety must be the priority Read More »

Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford

DCB Committee meeting with James Browne was ‘positive and constructive’ – McDermott

Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Block Committee had a two-hour meeting with Housing Minister James Browne in Lifford this evening, with Chairperson Cllr Martin McDermott describing it as a positive and constructive one. While it will take months to get all the promised legislation improving the scheme through the Oireachtas, Minister Browne pledged to expedite

DCB Committee meeting with James Browne was ‘positive and constructive’ – McDermott Read More »

Retired consultant says prolonged ED waits can lead to unavoidable deaths

Nationally, people are waiting just over seven hours to get hospital beds or be discharged from EDs, with Letterkenny University Hospital above the national average at just over eight hours. The latest figures from the HSE show average wait times have increased by an hour compared to 2015. In Letterkenny, that increase was 3.7 hours.

Retired consultant says prolonged ED waits can lead to unavoidable deaths Read More »

Bishop of Derry praises Buncrana’s response to weekend drowning tragedy

The Bishop of Derry is praising the Donegal community – after hundreds of people showed up to a vigil following the deaths of two teenagers. 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda died after getting into difficulty in Lough Swilly on Saturday. Bishop Donal McKeown led the service in Buncrana………………

Bishop of Derry praises Buncrana’s response to weekend drowning tragedy Read More »

Letterkenny – Dublin Expressway service to be enhanced

Bus Eireann’s confirmed an enhanced timetable for its Route 32 service linking Letterkenny and Dublin will come into effect on Sunday May 25th. The updated schedule will include two extra services, including a midnight service from Letterkenny to service early flights and a quarter past midnight service from Dublin. Bus Eireann says the revised service

Letterkenny – Dublin Expressway service to be enhanced Read More »

Housing Minister admits new DCB legislation will take months to implement

Housing Minister James Browne says he wants to drive legislation improving the Defective Block Redress Scheme through the Dail as quickly as possible, but admitted this afternoon the process will take months. Speaking to Greg Hughes in Lifford this afternoon before a meeting with Donegal County Council’s Defective Blocks Committee,  Minister Browne said the legislation

Housing Minister admits new DCB legislation will take months to implement Read More »

Tributes paid in NI Assembly to the teenagers drowned in Donegal at the weekend

The Stormont Assembly this afternoon paid tribute to 16 year old Emmanuel Familola and  18-year-old Matt Sibanda, the two teens who lost their lives in a drowning tragedy on Saturday. During a short debate in the chamber at Stormont, Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson called for a renewed focus on water safety, and told the people

Tributes paid in NI Assembly to the teenagers drowned in Donegal at the weekend Read More »

Taoiseach promises overhaul of speed checkpoint system following death of on duty garda

The Taoiseach’s promising an overhaul of speed checkpoints, following the death of an on-duty Garda. Micheal Martin says more measures are needed to protect Gardai like Kevin Flatley, who was fatally struck by a motorcycle while working yesterday afternoon. The motorcyclist, aged in his 30s, remains in serious condition in Beaumont Hospital. Father of two

Taoiseach promises overhaul of speed checkpoint system following death of on duty garda Read More »

Cllr McDermott hopeful ahead of meeting with Housing Minister

The Minister for Housing is to meet with Donegal County Council’s Defective Block Committee later today in Lifford. The chairperson of the committee is hopeful that the talks will act as a catalyst for some much-anticipated progress. As it stands, there have been several lags in getting current legislation updated for homeowners to ensure that

Cllr McDermott hopeful ahead of meeting with Housing Minister Read More »