Author name: highlandnews

Donegal County Council is being asked to prioritise a footpath from Carrigart to Downings under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Cllr Liam Blaney told a Municipal District meeting that this has been on the agenda for over 20 years, and the council has already received €500,000 for Phase 1 of the project. Officials confirmed this […]

An elderly woman living in West Donegal has been effectively cut off due to the condition of her road. The woman has been residing on a bog road for many years however, due to the state of the bog road no vehicle is able to access her property. The fear is that in the event

The HSE says risk levels are low after the first case of a dangerous new strain of MPox was confirmed in Ireland. An individual is receiving specialist care in the east of the country after recently returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. MPox can cause skin lesions, fever and muscle aches lasting a number

Additional speed cameras are the only way excessive speed on the roads can be controlled. That’s according to Councillor Martin Harley who was speaking ahead of a national speed review being implemented today. Most local roads, meaning those beginning with L, will reduce from 80 to 60 kilometres per hour as part of a campaign

A 100% Redress Councillor has described the ongoing absence of regulations for block manufacturers as barbaric. Councillor Ali Farren says claims houses were built in Donegal last year which he believes had defective concrete. He says people deserve to know that properties being constructed now are fit for purpose. Donegal County Council says most concrete

The Sinn Féin Chief Whip has highlighted the lack of a commitment in the Programme for Government to commit to 100% Redress for those impacted by the defective concrete block scandal in the North West Region. Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn says the government must support those who have been impacted to rebuild their lives, as

A new study’s revealed the widespread impact of childhood trauma in Northern Ireland. Six in ten adults surveyed reported at least one traumatic event in their childhood – while nearly a third reported suffering trauma specific to the Troubles. Northern Ireland Justice Minister, Naomi Long, says young people today are still being impacted by trauma

The price of a pint of Heineken and its other products will increase by 6 cent later this month. Publicans have been told an increase of 2.8% will take effect from February 24th. Pat Crotty, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, says breweries need to be careful not to price themselves out of the

A cyclist has been injured after swerving to avoid several fallen trees on ‘The Line’ pathway linking Derry and Donegal. Councillor Ailsing Hutton says she first reported the hazard days after Storm Éowyn, but is now reiterating her call for the trees to be removed after a man sustained leg injuries and his bicycle was

A teen victim of the Omagh Bombing is being remembered at the inquiry today. Seventeen-year-old Samantha McFarland died alongside her best friend Lorraine Wilson, after being evacuated from the charity shop they were working in. 29 people were killed in the Real IRA car bomb in 1998. Paul Greaney, counsel to the inquiry, read out

The six councillors in the Donegal Municipal District are urging Education Minister Helen McEntee to become involved in the discussion on the future of the Donegal Education Centre in Donegal Town. The centre is due to relocate to Letterkenny at the end of next month, following what the management committee says was a comprehensive consultation

The Dáil has heard how parents in Donegal were left without childcare for days on end because of delays in getting power restored to a local Montessori following Storm Éowyn. Deputy Charles Ward told the chamber that government needs to realise the impact that adverse weather has in Donegal, particularly those with homes impacted by

Transitioning of applicants to the new Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Scheme was flagged as an issue from day one. Chairperson of the designed committed for the scheme on Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin McDermott told a recent meeting that before the scheme was implemented in 2023, he warned housing department officials it would be a

A Foyle MLA has called for a cash machine to be installed in Derry’s Ebrington Square. The area is experiencing an increase in street vendors as it hosts more events. MLA Padraig Delargy said it’s vital that small businesses are supported, and that older people, in particular, are not disadvantaged by their preference for using

Dungloe is to receive a new Primary Care Centre. The HSE confirmed the news to Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty this afternoon following inquiries. Expression of interests will be sought from developers this year. The exact location and a timeline for tender completion is yet to be confirmed. Deputy Pearse Doherty says given the aging population

The Free School Books Scheme is being extended to Leaving Cert students. The Minister for Education has today received Government approval to roll out the scheme for those in the senior cycle. It’s the final stage of the initiative to be introduced, and will be available to all pupils in the public school system. Education

The Cabinet is discussing how to better prepare Ireland for future bad weather, following the fallout from Storm Eowyn. Around 18,000, farms and businesses are still without power almost two weeks on. According to the power check website, only 12 premises remain without power in Ballyshannon in Donegal The Government’s been criticised for its response

The Omagh Bombing inquiry’s heard how the death of a 17-year-old caused “irreversible damage” to her family. Brenda Logue was among the 29 people killed in the Real IRA attack in 1998. During today’s hearings, her brother Cathal read a tribute on behalf of his mum, who passed away last year after suffering from cancer.

The new Junior Minister with responsibility for the OPW says he will be happy to meet with the local community in Burnfoot and Donegal County Council to discuss managing the flood risk in the area, and the ongoing displacement of residents in Líos Na Greíne and Páirc An Grianán. Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran previously held the

Significant changes to road speed limits are being implemented this year, with the first element of a three phase change coming into effect from Friday of this week. With a number of exceptions, the speed limit on local roads, usually designated by the letter ‘L’ will be reduced from 80 kph to 60kph. Later in

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke says he understands the disruption Storm Éowyn has caused for many businesses across the country. He says his department is closely monitoring the situation, and engaging with the National Emergency Coordination Group, and Local Enterprise Offices, to assess and address immediate challenges. Approximately 18,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power

Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin says there are still questions to be asked about the circumstances surrounding the allocation of over £710,000 for sports and PE facilities at Lisneal College on the Waterside, including the provision of a new football pitch. Questions have been raised this week about the circumstances under which the decision was made, particularly

Tensions are likely to be high as the Dail resumes today following a two week break. The time off was dominated by an ongoing row over opposition speaking rights for members of the Regional Independent group, which is also supporting the new coalition government. The row’s been diffused after Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy ruled that

5,000 workers who provide healthcare services to the State are being balloted for strike action. The Section 39 staff are employed by privately owned charities and agencies which provide State services. SIPTU says the new Government hasn’t made an adequate commitment to address the ‘pay injustice’ Section 39 workers face. The union’s Sector Organiser, Damian

The power of the Councillor is continuously being diminished. That’s according to Councillor Paul Canning was has raised concerns over the appointment of a private person as Chair of the new Local Community Safety Partnership. The group is being set up to replace the former Joint Policing Committee. Seven members of Donegal County Council have

There’s calls for a review of restrictions on salmon fishing in Donegal. A ban on salmon fishing has been imposed in the county for a number of years. Councillor Thomas Sean Devine says it’s unfair that other parts of the country are permitted to fish the species but Donegal is being prohibited. At Donegal County