Author name: highlandnews

Motions or notions? Cllr Devine calls out lack of action

A councillor in the Letterkenny-Milford District has said he has long referred to council motions as “notions” due to a lack of action on the issues raised. Councillor Tomas Sean Devine explained that before being elected, he wondered what happened after a motion was raised, as results were often lacking or non-existent. He added that […]

Motions or notions? Cllr Devine calls out lack of action Read More »

Local Link suggested as solution to night-time travel issues

Local Link services could be used to boost the night-time economy. Councillor Declan Meehan says the pressure on taxis in Letterkenny, particularly at night, is well documented, as are the difficulties people face trying to get home after a night out. He believes a balance can be struck to ensure the service isn’t burdened with

Local Link suggested as solution to night-time travel issues Read More »

New IRA Investigation: Two to appear in Strsabane Courts, one released

Two of the three men arrested in Belfast, Enniskillen and Aughnacloy on Tuesday are due to appear in Strabane Magistrates’ Court today in relation to an investigation into the activities of the New IRA. The 43- and 49-year-olds are charged with collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists. The third man, aged 44,

New IRA Investigation: Two to appear in Strsabane Courts, one released Read More »

Concern over escalation of anti-social behaviour in Strabane

There’s growing concern over an escalation of anti-social behaviour in Strabane. Residents of social housing developments particularly, have been left living in despair over violent disturbances, arson attempts and abuse being hurled at them. Councillor Raymond Barr says this minority group of people are ruining the lives of decent people who want to live in

Concern over escalation of anti-social behaviour in Strabane Read More »

Taoiseach urged to intervene in decision to relocate Donegal Education Centre

A Donegal Deputy has called on the Taoiseach to intervene in a decision to relocate the Donegal Education Centre to Letterkenny. The centre is moving from Donegal Town at the end of March. Donegal Deputy Charles Ward claims there has been a complete lack of transparency over the move. However, the management committee say there

Taoiseach urged to intervene in decision to relocate Donegal Education Centre Read More »

RTB working with council to increase landlord registrations in 2025

The Residential Tenancies Board has launched a new campaign in partnership with Donegal County Council to ensure landlords register their tenancies in the county. CSO figures suggest that 9.2% of tenancies in Donegal that should be registered with the RTB have not been, and rthe county is one of seven which are being targeted. The

RTB working with council to increase landlord registrations in 2025 Read More »

Aiden Coll appointed Assistant Training Centre Manager at FET Gaoth Dobhair

Aiden Coll has been appointed Assistant Training Centre Manager in the Donegal Education and Training Board’s Further Education and Training Service at its Gaoth Dobhair Training Centre. Hailing from Falcarragh, Mr Coll has worked with Donegal ETB since 2017 as an Electrical Instructor in the Gaoth Dobhair Training Centre, delivering Phase 2 Electrical Apprenticeship training

Aiden Coll appointed Assistant Training Centre Manager at FET Gaoth Dobhair Read More »

Government will shortly bring DCB Scheme amendments before the Dail – Taoiseach

Taoiseach Michael Martin has told the told that the government will shortly bring forward a measure to retrospectively apply increased rates under the Defective Concrete Block Remediation Scheme. The issue was raised by Mayo TD Keira Keogh, who told members that many people across the country are in financial limbo, and need a decision on

Government will shortly bring DCB Scheme amendments before the Dail – Taoiseach Read More »

Priest named as possible abuser by Jesuits served in Donegal from 1980 to 1984

It’s emerged that a deceased Jesuit priest accused of abuse served in Donegal in the 1980s. In a statement, the Diocesan Administrator Fr Kevin Gillespie says the priest was one of a number named by the Jesuits as having been the subject of what have been deemed credible allegations of abuse against minors. Amongst those

Priest named as possible abuser by Jesuits served in Donegal from 1980 to 1984 Read More »

Donegal man denies telling lies about former partner’s involvement in Sliabh Liag murder

A Donegal man on trial for murder has denied telling lies about his former lover’s involvement in order to escape responsibility for what he did. Alan Vial, of Drumanoo, Killybegs; denies killing 66-year-old Robert Wilkin, claiming his co-accused, Nikita Burns, of Carrick, Co Donegal, beat him to death with a rock. Alan Vial has spent

Donegal man denies telling lies about former partner’s involvement in Sliabh Liag murder Read More »

Man describes moment Omagh bomb detonated as inquiry continues

As survivors of the Omagh Bombing continue to share their stories – one man’s been describing the moment the bomb detonated. 29 people were killed in the Real IRA attack in 1998. An inquiry’s examining if the attack could’ve been prevented. Gary McGillion’s 20 month old niece Breda Devine was one of those killed:

Man describes moment Omagh bomb detonated as inquiry continues Read More »

Man due in court tomorrow in connection with murder of Strabane man, Stephen Holmes

A 31 year old man is due to appear before Strabane Magistrates’ Court tomorrow and is expected to be charged with the murder of Strabane man, Stephen Holmes. Mr Holmes who was also 31, was attacked in the Beechmount Village area of the town on Monday night last and passed away in hospital a number

Man due in court tomorrow in connection with murder of Strabane man, Stephen Holmes Read More »

Four Donegal senators take their seats in Seanad Eireann

The new Seanad is meeting for the first time today, with four Donegal representatives. The session began this afternoon with the reading of all the names the incoming senators by Clerk of the Seanad Martin Groves…….. Senators Boyle and Bradley were nominated by the Taoiseach last week, Senators Blaney and Flynn were elected through the panel

Four Donegal senators take their seats in Seanad Eireann Read More »

40 ministers and political figures will undertake international visits this year

The Government will launch a charm offensive on the United States this St Patrick’s Day. It’s sending the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and eight Ministers to America to build relationships under the Donald Trump administration. Junior Sports Minister Charlie McConalogue is going to Colombia, while Junior Higher Education Minister Marian Harkin will travel to Belgium and the

40 ministers and political figures will undertake international visits this year Read More »

€2 million awarded to former Defence Force member for chemical exposure

A Donegal man who is a former member of the Defence Forces received a payment of €2 million from the state to settle a legal case. It’s on claims he made that his health has been seriously impacted by chemical exposure from 1991 to 1997 while working as an aviation technician with the Irish Air

€2 million awarded to former Defence Force member for chemical exposure Read More »

Almost €550,000 being paid to Donegal tillage farmers

Donegal farmers are to share almost €550,000 under the Tillage and Horticulture Support scheme. Announcing the funding this morning, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said this is a follow through on the commitment in last October’s budget to provide a €100 per hectare payment to support tillage and horticulture growers who planted crops for the 2024

Almost €550,000 being paid to Donegal tillage farmers Read More »

Irish lanuage schools calling for road resurfacing works amid dropping numbers

Donegal County Council is being urged to resurface a road to bolster enrolment at two rural Gaeltacht schools. Stramore National School in Glendowan and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Ballinamore, Fintown, say that their numbers have plummeted in recent years. Staff there believe that if the Meenaboll road was resurfaced, it would help alleviate the pressure.

Irish lanuage schools calling for road resurfacing works amid dropping numbers Read More »

10 Irish politicians to travel to USA for St Patrick’s Day

The Government is planning a diplomatic blitz of the United States for St Patrick’s Day. Tánaiste Simon Harris will bring a memo to Cabinet this morning outlining plans to send Minister’s to 40 locations across the world in March. The Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and no less than eight other Ministers will all

10 Irish politicians to travel to USA for St Patrick’s Day Read More »

‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme open for applications

Community groups in Donegal are being asked to become adoptive families to a local monument. The Heritage Council is inviting applications  for its ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme, which aims to have local communities become involved in the care and conservation of much-loved local monuments. The nationwide scheme began in 2016 and since then 30 groups

‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme open for applications Read More »

Durkan warns Assembly that welfare reform is driving people towards money lenders in Derry and across NI

  The SDLP is calling for immediate interventions to address the harmful impact of the five-week wait for Universal Credit payments. There is a contingency fund, but moving a motion on the issue in the Assembly, Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said that needs to be renamed and more widely promoted, along with other measures

Durkan warns Assembly that welfare reform is driving people towards money lenders in Derry and across NI Read More »

Brogan seeks high level inter-departmental to discuss future roads and transportation projects

A high level meeting is being sought to look at the multiple road projects set to proceed throughout Letterkenny. Cllr Ciaran Brogan says a united approach is needed between the TII, road design and local area road teams to successfully advance projects under the active travel scheme and the TEN T programme. He says this

Brogan seeks high level inter-departmental to discuss future roads and transportation projects Read More »

Donegal County Council urges interested businesses to attend inaugural ‘Tourism Connect Event’

  Donegal tourism businesses are being invited to attend the inaugural “Tourism Connect Event,” which takes place on March 5th as part of Local Enterprise Week. The event, which is being organised by Donegal County Council, Donegal Tourism and Fáilte Ireland is aimed at fostering meaningful connections  among tourism providers within the county. The intention is

Donegal County Council urges interested businesses to attend inaugural ‘Tourism Connect Event’ Read More »

Letterkenny Milford MD Mayor questions lack of money for road safety initiatives

Questions are being asked about the lack of council funding for road safety. Cllr Gerry McMonagle raised the question after members questioned the lack of progress on a number of motions seeking traffic calming measures, with council officials citing a lack of funds to see the projects through. Mayor of the Letterkenny Milford MD, Cllr

Letterkenny Milford MD Mayor questions lack of money for road safety initiatives Read More »

DCITS participants refusing to pay ‘unfair’ transport charge

Participants involved with the Donegal Community Training Services have stepped up their campaign for free travel, and as of last month, they have decided to stop paying the €4 daily charge to their loctions. This is the only region where a charge is applied, and many of the participants have free travel, but it’s not

DCITS participants refusing to pay ‘unfair’ transport charge Read More »

Outpatient physiotherapy services in Falcarragh relocating to Dunfanaghy

Outpatient physiotherapy services at Falcarragh Community Hospital have been temporarily relocated to the new Dunfanaghy Primary Care centre. The HSE says the move is due to refurbishment works being undertaken in the hospital. The services have communicated with affected service users advising on which centre to attend for appointment. Inpatient physiotherapy services will continue to

Outpatient physiotherapy services in Falcarragh relocating to Dunfanaghy Read More »

Health Minister promising action on hospital waiting lists

The Health Minister is promising more action to tackle hospital waiting lists. At Letterkenny University Hospital, December saw a an 8% rise in inpatient waiting lists to 1,461, while the numbers awaiting an outpatient fell by almost 5% to 13,755. Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeil said action taken by the last government had a positive impact,

Health Minister promising action on hospital waiting lists Read More »

Men arrested in Tyrone and Fermanagh as part of an NI wide operation anti-terrorism operation

Three men have been arrested by detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit investigating the activities of the New IRA. The men, aged 43, 44 and 48, were arrested today in the Belfast, Enniskillen and Aughnacloy areas. They have been taken to the Serious Crime Suite in Antrim for questioning. Related searches were also carried

Men arrested in Tyrone and Fermanagh as part of an NI wide operation anti-terrorism operation Read More »

Court questions delays in DCB discovery of documents

Claims have been made against the concrete manufacturing company at the core of a legal battle in the defective concrete block scandal. The Irish Independent is reporting today the claims, surrounding the alleged moving of assets from one company to another under the Cassidy Brothers group, were made in the Commercial Court. There have also

Court questions delays in DCB discovery of documents Read More »

Gardaí investigating two-vehicle crash in falcarragh

Gardaí are appealing for information following a two-vehicle collision near Falcarragh National School on Saturday, 1st February, at approximately 6 pm. A silver Volkswagen Passat (registration ’04DL’) pulled out of a parking space and into the path of an oncoming van, causing substantial damage. The Passat’s driver, described as a young, stocky male wearing a

Gardaí investigating two-vehicle crash in falcarragh Read More »

Gardaí appealing for information on collision that left Killygordon without power

Gardaí are seeking information following a road traffic collision involving a lorry and an ESB pole that left many in Killygordon without power. On Friday evening at around 5:55 pm a low loader lorry carrying a dumper travelling from the direction of Castlefinn hit the pole and failed to remain at the scene. They drove

Gardaí appealing for information on collision that left Killygordon without power Read More »

Government facing backlash on cost of living measure announcement

There has been widespread backlash on comments made by the Taoiseach yesterday that cost of living measures are to be dropped in Budget 2026. The Taoiseach has indicated there won’t be energy credits, which were in place to deal with high electricity prices. Emma Gohva is a family carer of five and known as ‘The

Government facing backlash on cost of living measure announcement Read More »

Calls made for DCB information day for professionals engaging in scheme

Donegal County Council is being urged to take the lead on hosting an information day for professionals and builders engaging with the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme. Chair of the Council’s DCB Committee, Councillor Martin McDermott says there are repeat issues with forms being submitted which in turn is causing delays in payments for those

Calls made for DCB information day for professionals engaging in scheme Read More »

Donegal Catch recalled due to possible peanut contamination

A food safety alert’s been issued overnight for Donegal Catch salmon fillets which may be unsafe for consumers with a nut allergy. It applies to three batches of Donegal Catch ‘4 Atlantic Fillets’ in a Barbeque Spiced Marinade – which may contain peanuts not declared in the list of ingredients. The affected batch numbers are

Donegal Catch recalled due to possible peanut contamination Read More »

Assembly told political parties must lead the way in supporting PSNI after weekend attacks

The Assembly has been told that attacks on police in Derry and Strabane over the weekend show the extent t0 which they are treated differently to other emergency services. In total, nine police officers were attacked in a number of incidents, with a number of people arrested in connection with them. So far, four people

Assembly told political parties must lead the way in supporting PSNI after weekend attacks Read More »

Government considering amendments to DCB legislation, but no timetable given in Dail reply

Housing Minister James Browne has said the government is considering the deliver of the 10% cap increase to all defective block homeowners, but legal advice has confirmed legislation needs to be changed. He was answering a written Dail question from Donegal TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, who says this must be progressed without delay. Deputy Pádraig

Government considering amendments to DCB legislation, but no timetable given in Dail reply Read More »

Net job loss recorded in Údarás na Gaeltachta supported companies in Donegal

A Donegal TD says it’s concerning that end of year figures from Údarás na Gaeltachta show a net job loss in Donegal, while there were increases in other gaeltacht counties across the country. Údarás client companies had a total of 2,647 employees in Donegal by the end of 2024, a net reduction of 93 jobs

Net job loss recorded in Údarás na Gaeltachta supported companies in Donegal Read More »

All roads on Donegal County Council’s Winter Programme to be gritted tonight and tomorrow morning

All roads on Donegal County Council’s Winter Programme will be gritted from 7pm tonight and again from 6am tomorrow morning Met Eireann say it will be cold tonight with frost setting in where skies clear. While there will be a lot of dry weather, patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle will occur with the odd

All roads on Donegal County Council’s Winter Programme to be gritted tonight and tomorrow morning Read More »