Highland Radio Business Matters

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore has been finding all about how a Donegal oyster producer who is using AI to monitor oyster health with support from Enterprise Ireland, ATU Donegal and Board Iascaigh Mhara.

Lee Hunter, a marine biologist and owner of Oisirí Oileán Cróine Teoranta in Dungloe Bay, has created the system, known as The Oyster Pitch, which analyses the sound oysters make when they are handled to distinguish live shellfish from dead stock with a high degree of accuracy.

His innovation has considerable potential in the shellfish sect...

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a Donegal company that looks set to play a major role in helping to solve underground issues that ultimately can affect millions of people.

Underneath our cities, towns and villages and reaching into rural areas too there is an enormous network of pipes, of water mains, of sewers, of drains.

And so when there is a problem, be it leaks, blockages of structural collapses, locating the exact spot is vital, but can be time consuming, costly, and difficult and there can be health and...

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out more about Emerald Education which is based in Bundoran.

A mum of three daughters, Elaine Lingard wanted them to get the best from her. She left the school system having been a teacher and started tutoring, giving her also a better work-life balance and more time with my family.

Back in 2016 she founded Emerald Education, initially tutoring children in person and soon adding  the option of online learning.

Indeed, she began tutoring Maths and English, working  with children all over the world rang...

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a great Donegal success story.

He’s been speaking with two brothers who started out selling bobble hats to local sports teams, and who are now presiding over an expanding and thriving business that is now employing more than 30 people in Ballybofey and which is also manufacturing as well as importing.

O’Reilly’s is run by brothers Martin and Steven O’Reilly and supply sportswear, leisurewear, workwear and corporate clothing to clubs, businesses and organisations throughout Ireland, the UK and America. 

Martin, a...

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...

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...

On Business Matters this week Chris’s Ashmore’s guest is Dr. Siobhan Murray, the founder of Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics.

A native of Omagh and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, she opened her first practice in Donegal Town in 2010. Then in 2019  a second practice was opened on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny.

The company has grown over the years expanding the range of treatments and using the very latest technology.

And shortly they will open a third premises, this one being in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre, where there will...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore traces the story of McGinley Coaches, founded by John McGinley more than 50 years ago.

In December, James McGinley was named as the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award at the Donegal Dublin Business Network Gala Night.

The current CEO and son of John McGinley, he has overseen both growth and diversity in recent years as the West Donegal company continues to go from strength to strength.

So it is timely to hear about the company – including its venture into the cruise tourism sector – in thi...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore’s main focus of attention is a look at a very exciting Donegal Diaspora Initiative that is taking place in March in Philadelphia. 

And later in the programme, he’ll be speaking with Paul O’Donnell, about his role as Employment Engagement Coordinator, with the Donegal Local Development Company and what it entails. 

But first, the event in Philadelphia is essentially all about turning connections into action, and bringing together Donegal people through sport, culture, music, and business.

And by linking global experience with local...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a great little Donegal business that is expanding rapidly and which looks to have a bright future.

Donegal Sea Salt, based in Cranford, is making waves, and has won a number of awards, most the most recent being at the Donegal Enterprise Awards where it was named as the Best Start Up Business for 2025.

Located on the shores of Mulroy Bay, it’s a wonderful example of using a natural product and bringing it to the market.

Chri...

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore talks with Martin Hilferty of Orbit Security which has now been in business for over 30 years.

From small beginners, the company has expanded considerably over the years, during which time there have been periods of growth, but also challenges.

Martin also overcame a major health issue several years ago following the discovery of a tumour in his heart that required major surgery.

He speaks with Chris about his business journey, changing trends in the security industry and keeping abreast with technological changes – not least AI...

In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore looks at the new auto enrolment pension scheme in Ireland, called “My Future Fund” which will begin on January 1, 2026, automatically enrolling eligible employees into a retirement savings plan.

Thousands of people in Donegal are set to benefit.

You will be automatically enrolled in the new pension scheme if you are an employee and you: Are aged between 23 and 60; Do not pay into a pension through payroll; Earn €20,000 or more per year across all employments, or more than €5,000 over a 13-week period.

Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, the Irish Small...

This week Chris has been looking at two very different  businesses, one aimed at storytelling and creativity and getting children away from screens, and the other which is a luxury hotel and spa gifting platform that is rapidly expanding.

First up, Fudge and Gandol is a new Donegal-based children’s creativity company built around storytelling.

Founded  by Ballyshannon mum Julie Dowling, it all stemmed from a bedtime routine and telling stories to her own children. That routine led to the creation of a full set of Story Cards.

And so the idea...

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore speaks with Shane Deery, the recently appointed Business Office Manager with Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber, and also Mary McKenna MBE, who is chair and co-founder of Awaken Angels, which invests in women-led enterprises.

First up, Chris went to the Twin Towns to find out more about the local business chamber, the rise in membership, and plans for the future. As you will hear, Shane Deery is full of enthusiasm and drive and is upbeat about the future for local businesses in the Finn Valley area.

Later in...

In this week’s programme the focus of attention is the Irish language and in particular how businesses in Letterkenny could reap the rewards by promoting it and using it to a greater extent.

Recently, Líonra Leitir Ceanainn and Letterkenny Chamber came together to host a Give it a Go – As Gaeilge business breakfast event  at Kernans Bistro & Coffee House in the town.

And what a successful event it was, as those in attendance heard about how Galway has given bilingual status in 2016. Letterkenny is designated as a Gaeltacht Service Town and there...

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out about a new Donegal food company, Wild & Co, which has launched a five week campaign to fund the first production run of its innovative wild venison snacks, a clean, tasty and sustainable alternative to the many ultra-processed protein bars out there on the  market.

Founded by Laura McGoran, a food and fitness enthusiast, and John Duffy, a regenerative farmer working to restore native woodlands at Future Oak Farm near Churchill, Wild & Co turns locally sourced 100% wild Irish venison into high protein, low calorie snacks with nothing art...

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Dermot Doherty of Restex beds and furniture which is based in Letterkenny.

Founded over 50 years ago by Terence Doherty, the company is now operated by Terence’s son Dermot, and is well known for its  quality mattresses. Indeed, their luxury mattresses can not only be found in homes, but in many top hotels across Donegal and beyond. 

They also have a range of top quality bedroom furniture, sofas, chairs, lighting, and pictures.

Sleep is so, so important, and when it comes to the wor...

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a series of business support clinics geared towards the tourism sector. They are being held during November with one in each of the municipal district council areas.

Mary Fowley Daly, Senior Tourism Development Officer with Donegal Co. Council has been outlining the thinking behind the initiative which is being promoted by the council’s tourism unit in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Local Enterprise Office Donegal.

There will also be an update on the forthcoming Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards, plus a look...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming Donegal ETB Enterprise Day for around 250 students from 17 post-primary schools, and also what business energy support grants are currently available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

First up he finds out more about the enterprise event which is being stated in ATU Letterkenny. He’s been speaking with Fiona Temple, Principal at Mulroy College, who has been coordinating the working group behind the event.

He then catches up with Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports at the SEAI, to learn about th...

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with  Dr. Caitriona Strain, General Manager of Ernact, an international digital transformation network that was established back in 1991.

Based in the CoLab at ATU Letterkenny, it is constantly involved in exploring opportunities for funding, and development and knowledge transfer for digital transformation, and has been instrumental in the development of numerous very interesting projects.

Also this week, Sean Quinn, CEO of Highland Radio, joins Chris in studio to discuss the recent hugely successful Highland Radio Customer Service Awards.

You can listen to the ful...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with the owner and founder of Purple Velvet, a bespoke bakery based in Glenmaquin, just outside Letterkenny.

During Covid, Diane Nesbitt found herself with time on her hands and decided to try selling some home-made cup cakes. The response was hugely positive. That was the beginning of a journey that she could scarcely have imagined.

Fast forward to the present day and she now employs 11 people, making a whole range of cakes and tasty treats, including the very popular yummies.

She also ha...

In this week’s edition Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a whole range of courses offered by the Donegal Education and Training Board, and the opportunities to explore new fields, upskill, and perhaps even consider a change of career.

In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about gender pay gap reporting and changes in legislation that have come into effect this year.

First up, though, he hears from Donna McDade, Engagement Enterprise Officer with the Donegal ETB about the options available for people who are already in...

Donegal’s growing reputation for producing great food will be highlighted again next month at the final of Blás na h’Eireann 2025 (the Irish Taste Awards) – the largest food awards in the country.

The event takes place in Kerry and there are a record number of food and beverage producers from the county through to the final.

Indeed, out of more than 3,000 entries nationally, 14 from Donegal have been shortlisted.

Donegal is unquestionably developing a great food and drink sector and through initiatives like Food Coast Donegal, there are supports there.

T...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Ron Kerrigan, the general manager at the  Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa Hotel in Inishowen.

It’s a family run hotel and proprietors Sean and Mary Keogh and their four children have much to be proud about. Indeed this year marks 20 years in business for them in the hotel.

Not only is it Ireland’s Most Northerly Four Star Hotel but it is also arguably Ireland’s greenest hotel insofar as a whole range of eco-friendly and energy efficient measures have been undertaken.

And the...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Kilcar native Rory Gallagher, singer, songwriter and business man, who now lives in the Canary Islands.

His business journey has certainly seen plenty of twists and turns, from his days with the Revs and touring Europe and Australia to gigging and then setting up a bar in Lanzarote, returning to Ireland, and then opening a bar in Scotland just as Covid hit.

But he is now back in Lanzarote once more where he runs three bars along with his wife Cara.

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore looks at the wind energy sector, the potential, and the challenges.

He speaks with Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs with the Wind Energy Ireland as they discuss the opportunities that are arising for more off-shore development, and also the spin-off in terms of employment.

The post Business Matters, Ep 259 – On-shore and off-shore prospects: Justin Moran of Wind Energy Ireland appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Galway-based Joanne Sweeney about her new book which is called “AI Playbook – The strategic guide to AI for Marketing and Communications”.

Joanne, who is from Downings, is well known to many of our listeners, having work in the Highland Radio newsroom for a number of years before setting up her own company Media Box in Letterkenny, and then moving to Galway where she now runs the highly successful Digital Training Institute.

With more than 25 years experience in the digital communic...

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Wild Fuschia Bakehouse in Dunfananghy which has won a string of awards and which announced recently that its Irish Scone Mix has been one of the products selected for this year’s Grow With ALdi  initiative which champions emerging Irish food producers, giving them the chance to have their products stocked nationwide.

He speaks with Sian McCann, owner, founder, MD and baker, about how she began the business, her previous working career, how it has evolved, online sales and the product range...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Donegal artist Jacinta Callaghan.

From a young age she was interested in art. She was also interested in hairdressing and at just 16 she left Donegal to go to Dublin to train with Peter Mark.

After further training in Jon Paul’s in Derry, she came back to Kerrykeel and set up a hair salon at the age of just 20.

She kept up her art but only on a limited scale with her hair salon taking centre stage, but when Covid str...

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore catches up with Donegal man Garrett Harte, a multi award-winning senior media executive whose family is steeped in politics and who has more than two decades of experience in the broadcast industry.

The former Editor-in-Chief of Newstalk, he led and shaped the national current affairs debate on critical political, social and cultural events for many years.

Several years ago Garrett left Newstalk and founded Harte Media, a communications and PR Agency in Dublin, which has already won a number of awards.

The Dublin-based company ha...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the success of the Connected (digital) Hubs in Donegal and also how the hotel sector is faring.

First up, he speaks with Majella Orr, who is manager of the Craoibhin Community Enterprise Centre in Termon which is one of the hubs with what are known as CoWork Plus spaces and she is also the manager for Gteic CarriaghÁirt 

Like some other hubs, the latter has some great summer incentives, including hot decks with fast Wifi for just €5 an hour or €10 for the whole day. T...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Seamus McLaughlin, the Managing Director of iMotors in Drumkeen and Malin about new car sales figures for the first half of 2025.

There has been a surge in sales of electric vehicles and they exam some of the reasons why, and also discuss the popularity of hybrid cars and the move away from petrol and in particular diesel.

It’s been a particularly good month for Kia in Donegal, which is the most popular brand (iMotors are main dealers for the Korean brand, as well as...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a tourism initiative which is helping a lot of businesses in the Mulroy Bay area – essentially an area north of Letterkenny taking in the likes of Cranford, Downings, Milford, Carrigart, Kerrykeel and Fanad.

He’s been talking with Paddy Logue, chair of the Mulroy Drive Tourism Group. In addition to producing a booklet about the idea, they have now developed a very user friendly and informative website – and it shows that there is an awful lot going on the area.

Tourism is very imp...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, about the growth in passenger numbers, new routes, greater direct state support for the airport, and the significant amount of users going to or from Donegal.

Furthermore, they talk about the recent extension of the subsidy on the City of Derry to London route and the moves underway to re-establish a service to Dublin in the latter half of next year.

Also this week, Chris has been talking with business communications consultant Sally Murphy, who...

The Irish government has a goal of providing a hot meal in every school for every child in the country by 2030 at the latest.

When the school meals programme began in 2019 it was initially for a pilot number of disadvantaged schools known as DEIS schools. It has gradually expanded over the years, and the rollout is now really moving up through the gears.

Now this is big business, with a number of competing companies looking for a share of the business. One of those involved in the sector is a company called Fresh...

In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with award winning photographer Jay Doherty of Jay Doherty Photography about the wedding photography business, how it has evolved, what people are looking for, and planning for the big event.

Although a native of Derry, he calls Donegal his home and he has covered weddings all over the north-west, and beyond.

He points out how traditional weddings are still big here in Donegal and how there is a big spin-off economically.

Also in this week’s programme Chris has been speaking wi...

In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with the recently appointed new CEO of Highland Radio, Sean Quinn.

Sean has been the station’s Sales and Marketing Manager since 2019, and takes over from Fionnuala Rabbitt, who will remain with the station as Financial Controller.

Sean, who lives in Kilmacrennan, has been speaking about the challenges and opportunities for the radio station, the ever-evolving nature of the radio sector and how it has embraced technology and social media, and confidence about the years ahead.

You can listen to the full interview he...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Derry based financial journalist and economic commentator Paul Gosling about his new book “A New Ireland – a Five Year Review” which considers what preparation has been made for a potential referendum on the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.

In the book he looks at the economies of both the North and the Republic and how they compare and he examines areas ranging from health, education, water and the public sector to the all-island economy, the annual subvention conversation and much more. 

Are we ready for...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the Wild Atlantic Way and, in particular, how it has been such a success here in Donegal.

Launched in 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km driving route that passes through nine counties and three provinces. Along the route, there are more than 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions and and more than 2,500 activities.

Chris has been speaking with Failte Ireland’s Joan Crawford, Wild Atlantic Way, Manager, Donegal, to find out more.

The post Business Matters, EP 245 – Failte Ireland’s Joan Crawford on the...

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at Inishowen Boating which runs charter boats for sightseeing and angling excursions off the coastline of the Inishowen peninsula.

Given the spectacular scenery it is little wonder that there are many rave reviews of some of the trips and many a memory to treasure has been created.

Among the trips they offer from Bunagee Pier in Culdaff,  is one to Inishtrahull, the most northerly island off Ireland, which has the most northerly Irish lighthouse and which was the last light that many emigrants saw when t...