It's feared that a number of community and voluntary groups across the north west are having much-needed funding cut. Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle says steps must be taken to ensure organisations do not feel burdened in criticising the state. The Independent TD's comments follow a new report that found nearly two-fifths of participants say they fe…

The Taoiseach has come under fire over not publicising a trip to Sligo. Simon Harris was in Sligo yesterday as part of the local and european campaign trail, while he also paid a visit to the Showgrounds. However, local media were not informed of his visit nor were some local representatives. Independent Cllr Marie Casserly has hit out at the Taois…

Members of the Dromahair Concerned Residents Group have had what's been described as a positive meeting with the Taoiseach. Some members of the group met in an informal capacity with Simon Harris as part of his visit to Sligo and Leitrim yesterday. Around 30 asylum seekers arrived to the former Abbey Manor Hotel on Thursday with more set to arrive …

There is a sense of skepticism following the extension of child benefits today. Parents of around 60 thousand over 18 year olds will become eligible for child benefit. The 140 euro benefit has been extended up to the 19th birthday of those still in full time education or who who have a disability. Anyone with kids who have turned 18 since May of la…

A driver was caught speeding every four minutes over the bank holiday weekend. A road safety campaign running this weekend also caught 169 people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 71 people have died on the roads already this year, 15 more than the same time last year. The RSA say a multi-departmental approach is needed to tackle the…

Ireland had the second best April on record for wind power generation, with Donegal among the top 5 producers. Wind farms powered 32 per cent of Ireland's electricity last month, while the average wholesale electricity price was down 30 per cent. Kerry produced the most amount of wind energy followed by Cork, Tipperary, Galway and Donegal. Noel Cun…

A Midlands-North West MEP has voiced their backing for the use of cash in Irish society going forward. A recent publication of the submissions made to the Government's National Payments Strategy consultation shows that public support for cash is strong. Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus highlighted that the use of cash must be protected in law, along wi…

Some Sligo and Leitrim farms are being forced into selling suckler cows, which could have a further impact in the future. The poor weather conditions so far in 2024 have resulted in fodder shortages, and is now forcing a portion of farmers to sell some of their stock. Leitrim Chair of the IFA, Liam Gilligan, highlighted the importance of suckler co…

The idea of having more civic areas in towns in the North West has been suggested. It is with the hopes of adopting the European city style of large plazas and an area for the public to gather. Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan mentioned the concept, after seeing the success at the recent official opening of Queen Maeve's Square in Sligo. Sp…

The residents of Dromahair have been thanked for their generosity as donations pile in for the new asylum seekers at Abbey Manor Hotel. Collections took place over the weekend for children's toys and clothing, along with clothing for women. Local election candidate, Bernie Linnane, put out the call for donations on Friday, and praised the “boxes an…

The ties between Sligo’s Spanish Armada tradition and the Spanish Government have been further underlined after a ceremony at the Spanish Embassy in Dublin. Eddie O’Gorman, Chair of Spanish Armada Ireland was awarded the Cross of Naval Merit, a significant award that further underpins the work that Eddie and his team have done to promote the county…

Backing for a wind farm off the west coast hasn't lost support despite the recent comments suggesting technology wasn't ready yet to face the challenges that the Atlantic weather can bring. Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan made the remark as he explained why the east and south coasts had been used for wind farms inst…

There are growing concerns over the price of sheep, as values soar due to the ongoing shortage. With fewer sheep being imported into the country, their worth has been increased, with no immediate end in sight. Donegal Chair of the IFA, Joe Sweeney, highlighted the current situation and how it benefits some farmers. Mr Sweeney says the sheep crisis …

It's time to run away with our imaginations for what Sligo can do. That's according to Sligo-Leitrim TD, Marian Harkin, who was at the official opening of Queen Maeve's Square on Friday. Outdoor dining facilities for local businesses and attractive seating options ensure that the Square will attract visitors and encourage them to stay longer, creat…

It has been confirmed that this year's Sligo Ploughing Championships are due to take place on Sunday, May 12th. Originally, the event was due to take place on April 7th, however it was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. This year's event will take place at the Brennan family farm in Chaffpool, Tubbercurry. Chairperson of the Sligo Ploughi…

The future looks bright for Sligo town. That's according to Sligo-Strandhill Sinn Féin Cllr, Arthur Gibbons, who is already anticipating opportunities ahead. With recent additions to the tourism sector in Sligo, hopes are being raised over the possibilities that they bring. Cllr Gibbons said that something has been established that will be here for…

Queen Maeve's Square in Sligo town can be an example for further tourism infrastructure in the North West. That's according to Sligo-Leitrim Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny, who was speaking at the Square's opening on Friday evening. It required an investment of over €4 million by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and…

Funding has been granted to St Paul's NS, Collooney for a new mainstream classroom extension. The Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, confirmed that funds were secured under the additional School Accommodation Scheme 2024. It is hoped that the works can get underway and be completed before the end of the year. Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan has…

Planning permission has been granted for a new water sports facility in Rosses Point. The centre is one of two in Sligo, with the other set to be built in Enniscrone, that received a share of a €22 million investment in facility centres at beaches and inland water spots. It's expected that the total cost of the project in Rosses Point will come to …

The annual convention of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will take place in Sligo for the first time this weekend. The convention, or Comhaltas Congress, will take place at the Clayton Hotel in Sligo this weekend between Friday - Sunday, and will feature a number of lectures, discussions and musical performances throughout the weekend that are free to …

The issue of Garda pensions was highlighted in the Dáil on Thursday by a Sligo-Leitrim Independent TD. It was during a session of questions for Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe. The question focused on the Gardaí who retire on full pension after 30 years, that are then forced to claim j…

There's not a blade of grass left in Donegal for livestock because the county is overrun with deer. That's according to Independent Cllr Michael McClafferty, who says while the road safety element is still a major issue, farmers are now suffering at the hands of a rise in deer population. Land that is saved for silage and hay is being eaten by Deer…

The Government is being urged to ensure the adequate resources are in place in Dromahair in the wake of a number of asylum seekers arriving to the village. 30 people, including 10 adults and 20 children are now settling into the former Abbey Manor Hotel after being transported by bus yesterday afternoon. It's not yet known when the next group are d…

Another candidate has put their name forward to contest the upcoming local elections in the Donegal Municipal District. Businessman Derek Vial is set to run as an Independent Candidate. Based in the Killybegs area, Mr. Vial is a local taxi man and tourism promoter. Speaking to Ocean FM news, Mr. Vial says housing, immigration and tourism are among …

The Government is facing pressure to implement measures to curb sky-rocketing rental prices in Sligo. It comes as the County was found to have the biggest gap nationwide between new and existing rents. According to the latest report from the Residential Tenancies Board, new tenants in Sligo are paying 36% more than existing ones. It means that new …

The “Use Your Vote” campaign is in Sligo today to encourage voter turnout ahead of the upcoming European elections. Organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, a number of events are taking place in the town today, including a pop-up information stand outside the Yeats Society, and a poetry evening taking place at 8pm in the Mod…

The Health Minister has refused to meet with Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland in the wake of a major crisis in services locally. Campaigners in Donegal are calling for a meeting with Minister Stephen Donnelly and the HSE over critical delays in adult diabetes services at Letterkenny University Hospital. The Health Minister has however given reass…

Little to no progress has been made on the ongoing situation regarding diabetes care in Letterkenny University Hospital. Currently, 387 people are currently awaiting a review appointment, with 112 of those waiting for as long as two years. It's understood that the delays are down to a lack of staffing and resources for the diabetes unit at Letterke…

The Dail has heard that vital funds for the North West Hospice in Sligo could be impacted if the Government presses ahead with a new Gambling Bill. The proposed legislation may threaten on-air bingo games and advertising for certain fundraisers. A proposed ban on betting advertising between 5.30am and 9pm means radio stations would be unable to run…

It's estimated that there around four thousand properties lying vacant in Sligo. The high level of vacancy comes against the backdrop of what's been described as a major rental crisis in the town. Local People before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle says efforts to date by both the Government and Sligo County Council have been found wanting. He's urging th…

Leitrim County Council could be facing a six figure bill for legal costs after its failed High Court action to prevent the former Abbey Manor Hotel in Dromahair from being used to house international protection applicants. It is expected that applicants, believed to be families, will move to the north Leitrim village shortly. But it has led to majo…

There's outrage in south Sligo after a large section of the N17 was omitted from a speed safety camera rollout. Gardai have confirmed that nine static speed safety cameras are to be installed on routes across the country with aim of them being fully operational by the end of this year. The camera for the N17 is set to be located in Mayo, close to C…

The IFA is holding a public meeting for farmers and the wider community to confront issues to candidates in the upcoming European elections in the Midlands North West constituency. The meeting will take place on Thursday evening at The MacWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris at 8pm. Among the items the IFA is looking to discuss include CAP, over-regul…

Another candidate has put their name forward to contest June's local elections. Seán Wynne, a native of Drumshanbo has announced his intention to contest the election as an Independent today. Mr. Wynne unsuccessfully contested the 2019 local elections in both the Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballinamore electoral areas. He will contest this year's in the…

Significant improvements need to be made to footpaths and roads in Strandhill. That's the view of Green Party election candidate Johnny Gogan, who feels a lot of infrastructure is currently not in place in Strandhill. A development committee for the village has managed to secure up to €200,000 euro for work to be carried out, but none of that work …

It's been 15 years since a greenway was first suggested between Sligo and Mayo. On May 1st 2009, the then Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs, Eamon O'Cuiv, proposed to use the section of the railway line north of Claremorris as a walkway and cycleway. The Western Rail Trail campaign aims to utilise the transport corridor which carr…

The Taoiseach has failed to give a commitment to visit Dromahair in the wake of a number of asylum seekers set to be housed in the former Abbey Manor Hotel. It’s reported that a number of refugees are due to arrive to the area shortly, after the High Court this week ruled that the plans can proceed. While the Abbey Manor Hotel could cater to up to …

Serious safety concerns have been raised once again over the N15. The route, which runs through Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, is home to a number of rural villages and a large number of schools. Hopes for an upgrade were dashed some time back, after it was removed from the Departments agenda. Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy believes that a number of sh…

There's further calls for longer opening hours at rural Garda stations close to the border. With an increase in population, Leitrim Councillor Felim Gurn is hopeful for fully maned, operational stations in Manorhamilton and Blacklion. On several occasions, it's been reported that a notice has appeared on the front door of Manorhamilton Garda statio…

Reassurances have been given that refugees set to be housed in Dromahair will be families. It's thought that a number of international protection applicants are expected to move into the former Abbey Manor Hotel shortly. It's after the High Court rejected a bid by Leitrim County Council to block the plan - and said work on the site can 'go ahead'. …

The Government has been accused of crucifying border filling stations with its planned tax hikes on petrol and diesel. Fuel prices have risen by more than 30 percent in the past three years. The AA Ireland's latest monthly Fuel Price Survey has reported a surge recently, with fears the cost of fuel will soon rise to €2 per litre. The Government is …

An Independent Donegal TD has raised the issue of social media safety in the Dáil today. Recent reports highlighted that adolescent males can be quickly subjected to harmful online content curated by algorithms. Deputy Thomas Pringle said he was horrified by the content that young Irish men are targeted with online. He also said that we must get se…

It’s emerged that a number of refugees are set to move to Dromahair in the next 24 hours. Just yesterday, the former Abbey Manor Hotel got the ‘green light’ to house 155 international protection applicants. The High Court rejected a bid by Leitrim County Council to block the plan – and said work can ‘go ahead’ at the former Abbey Manor Hotel in Dro…

Letterkenny University Hospital was among the most overcrowded facilities in Ireland in April. In a statement today, the INMO says that a worrying trend of overcrowding across the country has continued, particularly in the north west and west. Figures released today by the INMO show that a total of 594 people waited for a bed at Letterkenny over th…

Once again during the Month of April a group of TY students joined us here at the Ocean FM studios in Collooney Students from a number of local schools had the opportunity to see how radio worked and as a result took responsibility for the research, production, presentation and editorial content for a special TY Radio show that was recently broadca…

There's said to be huge disappointment in Easkey over the latest round of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The community submitted what's been described as an impressive application for much needed funding but was unsuccessful. County Sligo got one million euro under the scheme this week, with Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Culfadda all set to bene…

Getting rid of rent pressure zones would prove disastrous for Sligo. That's according to local People Before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle, who was reacting to calls from The Irish Property Owners' Association for the Government to row back on the current system which has been in place since 2016. The Sligo-Strandhill Local Electoral Area is currently t…

The HSE has confirmed that a funding application is to be made to redevelop Markievicz House in Sligo. A feasibility study has already been completed to ascertain the extent of potential services that could be accommodated in the building and the costs associated with it. The next step in the process will be the completion of a capital submission f…

Farmers who are losing forestry land as a result of ash dieback could be set receive grants to clear them and replant new trees. The Agriculture Minister is bringing proposals to Cabinet for a 79-and-a-half million euro package – with farmers receiving 5 thousand euro per hectare. Ash dieback is a fungal disease which was first recorded in trees he…

The community of Dromahair now has two choices following a High Court decision over the Abbey Manor Hotel. That's according to Local Election Labour Candidate Bernie Linanne, who was speaking after the former hotel was given the green light to house 155 asylum seekers. The High Court's rejected Leitrim County Council's move to block the development…