Author name: highlandnews

DCC to prioritise footpath beteween Downings and Carrigart

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 […]

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HSE says risk is low ater new strain of MPox is comnfirmed in Ireland

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

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Speed cameras key to curbing sxcessive speed – Cllr Harley

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

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Cllr raises fears that houses built in Donegal today may have defective concrete

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

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Government urged to get justice for DCB homeowners with IS465 review

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

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Troubles trauma still affecting Northern Ireland adults

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

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MEP Walsh to lead EU-UK farming relations

Midlands Northwest MEP Maria Walsh has been appointed the European Parliament’s rapporteur for UK agricultural matters. She will lead policy discussions on EU-UK relations, engaging with stakeholders, scrutinising trade rules, and shaping responses to challenges faced by Irish farmers and exporters. A key focus will be ensuring the upcoming Trade and Cooperation Agreement review does

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Highland Radio is once again Ireland’s most listened to local radio station

Highland Radio is once again Ireland’s most listened to local radio according to listenership figures published this morning. The figure from the JNLR / Ipsos poll from January to December last year shows that 60.1% of adults in the catchment area listened to Highland Radio the previous day, a rise of just over 3%. Meanwhile,

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eir says 99% of faults in Donegal have now been rectified

eir says almost all confirmed faults caused by Storm Éowyn in Donegal have been rectified. The communications network says this storm ranks among the most significant weather events to impact Ireland’s telecommunications infrastructure in recent decades, affecting all counties across the country. As of today, around 25,897 homes and businesses in Donegal have been reconnected,

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Donegal MD councillors back campaign to keep Education Centre in Donegal Town

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

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Boil Water Notice lifted on the Glenties-Ardara Public Water Supply Scheme

The Boil Water Notice on the Glenties-Ardara Public Water Supply in County Donegal has been lifted with immediate effect. Uisce Eireann has confirmed that, following consultation with the HSE which has been sampling the supply, customers on this supply can now resume normal use of the public water supply. The notice was issued on Friday,

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Housing targets are not sufficient to meet need – SJI

Ireland is still playing ‘catch up’ when it comes to house building. Figures yesterday showed just over 30 thousand new homes were built here last year, despite government pledges it would be over 40 thousand. Taoiseach Michael Martin told the Dail there was ‘no intention to mislead anybody. However Susanne Rogers research and Policy Analyst

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Dáil told of devastation caused in Donegal during Storm Éowyn

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

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Concerns over defective blocks scheme transition renewed

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

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21 year old charged to court in connection with Dungannon fire

A 21-year-old man arrested following a serious house fire in County Tyrone last Monday has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. He is due to appear before Strabane Magistrates’ Court tomorrow in connection with the incident at Cunninghams Lane, Dungannon. A 15-year-old boy, also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to

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Donegal ETB to recieve €435,000 in capital grant funding

Donegal Education and Training Board will receive a maximum of €435,000 in capital grant funding. It comes as the Department for Further and Higher Education, has confirmed details of €8 million for ETBs nationally. Donegal ETB was included in the lowest funding band, however, this is said to reflect the overall scale of each organisation

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Free School Books Scheme to be extended to Leaving Cert students

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

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Cabinet discussing how to prepare Ireland for future weather events

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

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Omagh Bombing inquiry hears from brother of 17 year old victim

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.

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No non-compliances found in HIQA inspection at Killylastin centre

No non-compliances were found in a HIQA inspection at a residential centre for people with disabilities in Killylastin outside Letterkenny. There were two residents at the centre operated by Praxis when the short notice inspection took place in November. It was the first inspection since the centre opened. Read the full report HERE

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MacLochlainn to pressure minister for progress on Burnfoot Flood Relief Scheme

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

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Minister says he’s engaging with LEOs to assess the challenges caused by Storm Éowyn

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

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McLaughlin denies claim that concerns over Lisneal College pitch funding are rooted in politics

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

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Dail resumes today in the shadow of the speaking rights row

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

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SIPTU to ballot 5,000 Section 39 health workers on possible industrial action

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

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Concerns raised over new Local Community Safety Partnership structure

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

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Derry City & Strabane District Council seeks public Input on tackling poverty

Derry City and Strabane District Council has launched an eight-week public consultation on its Draft Anti-Poverty Action Plan. It remains open until March 31st. The plan aims to address poverty and deprivation in the council area, where 16% of households are currently in poverty and a further 10% are at risk. The council notes that

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