Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

In today’s episode, we navigate a packed agenda covering everything from vital community updates to international trade disputes and the ongoing battle for road safety in Donegal. We kick things off with our signature review of the morning newspapers, dissecting the top stories hitting the stands across Donegal and the national press.

A Positive Outcome: We carry an appeal for a missing man in Donegal. Thanks to the incredible vigilance and response of our listeners, we can confirm that he has been located safely.

Life After Diagnosis: Returning to the workplace after a health crisis brings unique hurdles. We chat with representatives from the Canwork organization to discuss the physical and psychological challenges of heading back to work post-breast cancer and how employers can better support survivors.

The Mercosur Divide: Is the EU-Mercosur trade deal a win for Irish business or a blow to our farmers? We hear opposing views from Chambers Ireland, who champion the deal’s export potential, and a local MEP who warns of the devastating impact on the agricultural sector.

The RSA Under Fire: The Irish Road Haulage Association is taking a stand against the Road Safety Authority. We discuss their call for local councillors to move motions to scrap the RSA in its current form.

Keelogs National School: Safety concerns are mounting at Keelogs NS. Senator Manus Boyle joins us to highlight the urgent need for traffic calming measures to protect students and staff at this dangerous junction.

Transparency for Homeowners: As the DCB crisis continues, there are renewed calls for Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Block meetings to be live-streamed to ensure homeowners can stay fully informed.

Business Matters Preview: Finally, Chris Ashmore drops by to preview this week’s episode of the Business Matters podcast, featuring coaching psychologist Anna Marie Brosi on how to thrive in the modern workplace.

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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with coaching psychologist and well-being specialist Anna Marie Brosi.

She will be speaking at a Business Leadership Breakfast being hosted by Letterkenny Chamber in the Century Complex in the town on Friday, January 30th, where the theme will be Strategies to Thrive.

Chris has been finding out about her career path, how she deals with clients – ranging from the self employed to big business – and how she can help in areas ranging from burnout prevention to managing stress.

You can listen to the full programme here:

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We begin with The Paper Review, dissecting the morning’s headlines and then…

Healthcare Crisis: Cllr Declan Meehan joins us to discuss the “unacceptable” delays at Galway’s Rapid Access Prostate Clinic, where Donegal patients are facing life-altering waits for critical diagnostics.

A Growing Injustice: Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, highlights a worrying trend: the sharp rise in homelessness among older people and the “perfect storm” of high rents and a lack of social housing.

Business at Breaking Point: We preview an emergency meeting in Strabane where local business owners are gathering to voice their concerns over the 2026/27 rates pressures and the threat to the high street.

Rural Isolation: Caller Dani brings us a boots-on-the-ground perspective on how the chronic lack of rural taxis is effectively “locking people in,” stifling local social life and connectivity.

From the Courts: Eamon McDermott provides a somber report on a man’s conviction for preventing the lawful burial of his elderly father.

Mental Health & Resilience: In a powerful and candid conversation, Majella O’Donnell shares her experience of hospitalisation for depression in late 2024.

Charity Under Pressure: Rosa Glacken from St Vincent De Paul discusses the record-breaking demand for their services throughout 2025 and why more “working poor” families than ever are reaching out for help.

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In today’s episode, we navigate a wide-ranging mix of breaking local news, health disparities, and community-led activism.

The Morning Papers: Greg kicks off the show with a comprehensive dive into today’s national and local front pages, highlighting the stories trending across Donegal and beyond.

Vaping Crisis in schools: Following a recent critical incident at a Letterkenny school, we take an urgent look at the hidden dangers of vaping. We focus specifically on the rise of synthetic HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) and the health risks it poses to students.

The Breast Cancer ‘Postcode Lottery’: New data reveals a startling 14% variation in breast cancer survival rates across Ireland. We discuss the regional disparity that sees counties like Donegal lagging behind the national average and what must be done to ensure equal care for all.

Community Garda Information: Garda Grainne Doherty joins us for our regular slot, providing the latest crime appeals, safety advice, and community updates.

The ‘Carer Tax’ Warning: We explore why PAYE Carers could be facing unexpected tax bills from Revenue. We break down the recent changes in data sharing between the DSP and Revenue and what it means for your pocket.

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With the football and hurling league campaigns starting this week, The DL Debate with former county star forward Brendan Devenney returns along with guests Brendan Kilcoyne (Highland Radio Match Analyst), Mal McMullan (Gaelic Life) and Ryan Ferry (Donegal News).

The DL Debate in association with Sara’s Kitchen at Sister Sara’s Letterkenny:

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In today’s episode: We dive into the headlines shaping Donegal and beyond. From local environmental concerns and major town planning developments to high-profile sporting returns and international diplomatic updates, Greg Hughes brings you the stories that matter. Scroll down for audio

The Morning Papers: Greg runs through the front pages, analyzing the key stories breaking across the national and local press this morning.

Illegal Dumping : Cllr Gerry McMonagle joins the show to discuss the shocking levels of illegal dumping he personally observed over the weekend and calls for urgent community and council action.

A Vision for Donegal’s Towns: Cllr Paul Canning details the new draft Area Plans for six key hubs: An Clochán Liath (Dungloe), Ballyshannon, Bridgend, Carndonagh, Donegal Town, and Killybegs. This is a vital look at the proposed variation to the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-30.

The DL Debate Preview: GAA legend Brenden Devenney reflects on Donegal’s performance in the McKenna Cup and looks ahead to tonight’s episode of The DL Debate.

Advocating for Disability Employment: We hear powerful calls for Local Authorities to lead by example and do more to employ people with disabilities in the workforce.

James McClean’s Homecoming: Reaction to the massive news of James McClean rejoining Derry City. We discuss what his return means for the Candystripes and the League of Ireland.

International Affairs: Minister Neale Richmond joins us to discuss Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland, as well as the newly announced funding package to support the people of Ukraine.

Social History: We mark a major milestone in Irish society—30 years since the introduction of Divorce in Ireland.

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Front Page News: We kick off the show with a comprehensive look at the morning’s newspapers, breaking down the stories that matter most.

Heroism in Bundoran: We speak with Alan, the brave local who rescued a mother and child from the sea in Bundoran. We also hear from the RNLI on the current dangers of the coastline and the vital importance of water safety.

Clean Air in Classrooms: Dr. Ciara Steele joins us to discuss the impact of air quality on our children’s health and the ongoing campaign for better ventilation in Irish schools.

The LUH Crisis: A deep dive into the healthcare challenges in Donegal. Dermot Monaghan, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, addresses the critical overcrowding at Letterkenny University Hospital, the distressing cancellation of breast cancer surgeries, and the status of the proposed new Surgical Hub.

Our panel wraps up the week by tackling the big talking points:

The deepening crisis in the Donegal health service.

Concerns surrounding the Mercosur Trade Deal.

The latest guidance for transgender students in schools.

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On Business Matters this week, I’ll be finding out about how people living in Ireland can avail of a UK pension – even if they only worked for a year in the North or in Britain – and also hearing about the supports and grants available through the Local Enterprise Office.

Many people in Donegal may be unaware that not only are they eligible for a UK pension, but they could actually pay in additional contributions which will then be topped up by the British taxpayer who will be adding to their pension pot when they retire.

John Ring of Xtrapension joined me for an update, and it is certainly a topic that will be of interest to a considerable number of people in the north-west, and indeed people who may have worked in the UK but who subsequently emigrated.

In the second half of the programme, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, gives  an outline of some of the wide range or supports – including mentoring and grants – as well as courses that are available through Local Enterprise Office, Donegal.

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On today’s show, Greg dives into the stories hitting the headlines across Donegal and beyond. From critical infrastructure failures to heated debates on road safety, here is what’s inside:

Ambulance Delays: Majella shares a harrowing personal account of the delays she faced when her daughter became seriously ill.

School Bus Safety: Listener Tanya calls out the ‘dangerous’ practice of school buses stopping in the middle of the road—but later, bus driver Margaret joins us to defend the drivers and explain the challenges they face on our roads.

Water Crisis: Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn slams Donegal’s “poor” water infrastructure and criticizes Uisce Éireann for a total lack of communication .

AI & Privacy: We chat with AI expert Dr. Eoin Furey about X (formerly Twitter) limiting Grok’s ability to create intimate images and what this means for digital safety.

Immigration Perceptions: We break down a new ESRI study revealing the gap between public perception and the actual numbers of immigrants in Ireland.

Pension Cuts: A concerned caller warns of a “hidden” issue where her father’s pension was cut during a hospital stay—a warning for other families to watch out for.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore joins us to preview this week’s ‘Business Matters’ podcast.

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Road Safety in Kilmacrennan: Why local leaders are now calling for average speed cameras to protect the community.

Privacy Confrontation in Inishowen: A listener shares her story of demanding a stranger delete unauthorized footage of her child in a local shop.

The Great Crab Rescue: The incredible story of the emergency operation to save 15,000 crabs after a lorry overturned in Donegal.

The EU/Mercosur Deal: MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan joins us to explain why he believes it isn’t too late to block the controversial trade agreement.

Hot School Meals: Your chance to have your say on the future of the National Hot School Meals Programme.

Media in a United Ireland: We explore what the public service media landscape should look like in the event of Irish unification.

Overcoming Adversity: Donegal businesswoman Sarah Gillespie shares her moving story of surviving a life-threatening collision and turning trauma into a force for positive change.

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