Connacht GAA has paid tribute to former Leitrim manager John O'Mahony, who has passed away at age 71. The late Mr O'Mahony will be remembered in Leitrim for being manager of the 1994 Connacht championship winning side, only the second and last time the county won the Nestor Cup. He led his native Mayo to Connacht titles in 1988, 1989 and 2009. He a…

Calls have been made for the foundation of a women's refuge in Sligo to be speeded up, and for the announcement of a further one in Leitrim. Sligo-Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin spoke about the issue to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee in the Dail during a discussion on gender-based violence. In light of the attack on Natasha O'Brien an…

Calls have been made for the presence of Beach Rangers to be put in place in Sligo. The issue is to be raised by Ballymote-Tubbercurry Cllr Dara Mulvey at the Sligo County Council meeting next week, as he looks to mirror the actions of Mayo County Council. Beach Rangers monitor activities such as littering, dogs on leashes, and parking. Cllr Mulvey…

Tributes are being paid to the former TD and Leitrim Connacht championship winning manager John O'Mahony who has died. He was first elected to the Dáil from the Mayo constituency in 2007 and served as a Fine Gael TD until 2016. He was also elected to the Seanad, serving until June 2020. The late Mr O'Mahony will also be widely remembered in GAA cir…

The Irish Prison Officer's Association say that overcrowding in prisons is currently at a crisis point. At the end of June, the number of inmates in the country's prisons passed the 5 thousand mark for the first time ever - that's nearly 500 over capacity. Concern is now being expressed that the levels of overcrowding could led to a violent outburs…

There were over 2,420 cancelled appointments across Sligo and Letterkenny University Hospitals in the first three months of this year. These cancellations would include people who needed surgery for various illnesses. Reasons given include overcrowding, infection outbreaks and staff shortages. In Sligo, there were over 1,140 in the first three mont…

Hopes remain among the hospitality industry in the North West that the Government will reduce the VAT rate. It now looking increasing unlikely that there will be a return to the 9% Vat rate for the sector in October's budget, despite Fine Gael's lobbying for the move. Members of the two main government parties met with representatives from the sect…

Questions are being asked over the decreasing level of ambulance cover right across the North West region. The problem is said to be affecting a number of counties, namely Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Roscommon. Understaffing is understood to be the root of the problem, which has led to response times getting slower across the area. Sinn Fein…

There are renewed fears that efforts are being made to privatise NowDoc. The service provides out of hours emergency health care to south Donegal and other areas of the North West and there were initial moves to privatise it some years ago. It could have several implications, including a reduced service and additional costs for patients. Cllr Micha…

Calls have been made for the Mother and Baby Home Scheme to be expanded to include those who resided in the Nazareth House in Sligo. Sligo-Leitrim Independent TD raised the issue to Tanaiste Micheal Martin, and asked if it would be possible to extend the scheme to others. Deputy Harkin praised the current scheme, but felt it was still excluding som…

Residents in Leitrim and elsewhere simply won't stand for any potential price hike in waste collection services. That's according to Sinn Fein Cllr Padraig Fallon, who has been reacting to developments this week that the cost of household recycling could be on the way up. Waste collection companies have warned that they may increase prices for recy…

Donegal has been used as an example to reflect nationwide issue of domestic violence against women. Donegal Independent TD Thomas Pringle was speaking on the situation in the Dáil, and presented some local statistics to the floor. One instance highlighted was that local services receive five to six new calls each week for people seeking help. Deput…

Lessons must be learned from last weekend's Gran Fondo event in Sligo. That's according to Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon, who says he has been inundated with calls from concerned members of the local business community and the public. The concerns centre on a lack of communication over the details of the event from organisers. Cllr Nealon says while…

In the Dáil earlier, Sinn Féin's Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty rejected the "laughable" claim that the Budget date is being changed because of a calendar clash in Europe. Deputy Doherty believes that the date switch is to pave the way for an early election and accused the Finance Minister Jack Chambers of taking the public for fools. While re…

A couple in County Leitrim have decided to save money by living in a small structure on a site in the middle of nowhere. The total space is 25 square metres and it cost them €26,000 in total. Ocean FM paid a visit to the 'tiny home':

The need for safety developments on the N17 between Sligo and Mayo were highlighted in the Dáil this morning. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD and Sligo-Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin discussed improvements needed on the main road. Deputy Harkin said work needs to be started in sections involving Curry, Tubbercurry, and Collooney, while a…

The proposed rail line from Claremorris to Collooney will not be included in plans up until 2035. Speaking in the Dáil today, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD was responding to Sligo-Leitrim TDs Martin Kenny and Marian Harkin over questions on the western rail corridor. There has long been calls for an extended route to connect Sligo with the r…

There are calls locally for a General Election to be held as soon as possible. It comes as the Government is bringing October's budget forward by a week to the 1st of October, further fuelling speculation of an early election. However, Minister Jack Chambers denies the government is planning to call an election this year. But speaking to Ocean FM n…

Over 40,000 women have come forward to Women's Aid over domestic abuse and violent incidents, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. That's according to Sinn Fein Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, who was speaking in the Dail in relation to gender-based violence. Discussions have taken place nationwide over the country's attitude towards violence ag…

Taoiseach Simon Harris has reaffirmed the government's commitment to the development of the renal dialysis unit at Sligo University Hospital. The Taoiseach was responding to a question from Sligo-Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin, where she highlighted the numerous delays the development has encountered. It is currently projected that the detail…

Tributes have been paid to the mother and daughter who died in a car accident in North Mayo yesterday evening. Aisling Moore and her daughter Abbigael were involved in an incident with a lorry on the N26 between Foxford and Swinford. Foxford Parish Priest Fr Padraig Costello attended the scene of the accident and said prayers for the mother and dau…

The owner of a local restaurant has hit out at the poor organisation of the Gran Fondo. The international cycling event took place in Sligo over the weekend, which led to a number of road closures right across the county. However, participants and local businesses alike were left frustrated as routes and road closures were changed last minute, with…

The Taoiseach has led tributes in the Dail to the mother and daughter who lost their lives in a crash in North Mayo. The collision, involving a car and a lorry, happened on the stretch of road between Swinford and Foxford shortly before 6pm yesterday evening. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward, especially any road users who may have…

Uisce Eireann is under pressure to upgrade the pipes serving the wider Bundoran area. It's after a major burst hit the area this morning, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without water. The line also serves premises in parts of Ballyshannon. Repair works are complete this lunchtime but it still could be a number or hours before supply is f…

Tributes have been paid to a man who died in a hiking tragedy on Benbulben last night. A major emergency operation was launched at around 10pm, including Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue, Rescue 118, Gardai and the coastguard. The victim, who was in his 40s, died after falling on Benbulben walk and was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was underst…

There are renewed calls on businesses and residents in North Leitrim to focus on providing more tourist accommodation ahead of the completion of the SLNCR Greenway. That project is set to be complete in around four years' time. There's concern that if the likes of Manorhamilton and other towns and villages in the county do not have adequate accommo…

Many hospitality and tourism operators are struggling to cope with operating costs, tight margins and reduced profitability. Representatives including the LVA and Irish Tourism Industry Confederation are meeting TDs and Senators today ahead of Budget 2025. They’re calling for a return to the 9 per cent VAT introduced during the Pandemic and say the…

Mica is becoming a nationwide issue, and is starting to impact important community services. That's according to Independent Donegal TD, Thomas Pringle, who raised the case of Ardara Community Childcare Centre in the Dáil. The service is currently housed in a building impacted by defective concrete blocks. Deputy Pringle warned that other services …

New speed limits are set to come into effect in Sligo at the end of November. According to correspondence from Sligo County Council, new legislation will see a speed limit of 60km per hour come into effect in rural local roads in November of this year. It's expected that limits of 30km per hour in urban areas and 80km per hour on national secondary…

Two Sligo creches are the sole facilities in the North West to have scored top marks in a recent national Q Mark assessment. They are both Cre8ive Corner Creches, and are based at Brooklawns and Farmhill Manor, both off the Strandhill Road, and employ a combined team of 50 staff who provide services to over 200 children. Cre8ive Corner Brooklawns h…

A former member of An Garda Síochana has hit out at the Government over an examination of members of the Defence Forces going through the judicial process. Former Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan says that the Defence Forces Act needs to be overhauled, rather than the Government intervening with cases that are yet to go before the courts. The call c…

Two north west projects are among 17 nationally that are set to benefit from almost €300,000 in funding under the 2024 Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Donegal Town Community Chamber will receive €12,826 while €11,200 is on the way to Achonry Farmers Market in south Sligo. Announcing the funding, Minister for Agriculture and Donegal Deputy Mc…

The Government has come under fire after one of Donegal's top tourist attractions has been deemed inaccessible to the general public. It's understood that the castle at Glenveagh National Park has been closed on numerous occasions recently due to staff shortages. It has resulted in a significant number of tourists left disappointed. Councillor Mich…

Ireland's moving towards a health-led response to drug use. It's an approach which was endorsed by the recent Citizens' Assembly on drug use - and involves alternatives to traditional sentencing. A new report out today shows the benefit of schemes that tackle the cause of drug-use, and divert offenders into programmes that can help them tackle thei…

Donegal, Dublin, Cork, and Kerry are among just some of the counties, where thousands of homes will be needed by 2040. Data from the ESRI suggests population growth in all major towns and cities across the country will result in to an overall population of 6.1 million by 2040. Between 35 and 53 thousand new homes a year will be needed to cope with …

It's regrettable that we have the largest LEA in Sligo County Council with no female voice at the table. Those are the thoughts of Jennifer van Aswegen who was discussing the recent violent attack on Natasha O'Brien. Ms van Aswegen was a Sinn Féin candidate in the recent Ballymote-Tubbercurry election, and has now been speaking on the importance of…

A Donegal County Councillor says he and his family are lucky to be alive after a phone charger caught fire. The alarm was raised yesterday morning after a burning smell was noted in the house. A phone and charger were later discovered smouldering. Councillor Michael McClafferty says it was a miracle that the incident happened during the day and whe…

A scheme offering women free contraception has been expanded. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has offered free contraception to women, girls and people who identify as transgender or non-binary. Initially open to those aged 17 to 25, the scheme's age limit was increased earlier this year to those aged 31. From today, it is also open to wome…

Fianna Fail Cllr Tom MacSharry has been elected Mayor of the Borough District of Sligo. He replaces Cllr Declan Bree for the upcoming twelve months. People Before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle takes up the position of Deputy Mayor. Speaking to Ocean FM news, Cllr MacSharry says housing crisis will be one of key objectives in the time ahead:…

Speeding on rural roads was an issue raised on par with the housing crisis and the cost of living. That's according to Ballymote-Tubbercurry Fianna Fáil Cllr Liam Brennan, who was speaking following recent RSA claims that 7 in 10 fatal crashes occur on rural roads with speed limits of 80km or higher. 94 people have died on Irish roads so far this y…

When asked over the comments made by Cllr Nealon in the Chamber, newly elected Mayor Cllr Tom MacSharry has this to say:

Outgoing Mayor Declan Bree pleaded with Cllr Nealon to respect the Chair but Cllr Nealon persisted in speaking over him. Eventually things simmered down and Cllr MacSharry was elected Mayor. Then, when People Beofre Profit Cllr Gino O’Boyle was nominated as Deputy Mayor, Labour Cllr Nessa Cosgrove proposed Cllr Nealon for the role. This subsequentl…

There were tense scenes in The City Hall in Sligo earlier today over the appointments of Mayor and Deputy Mayor to the Borough District. Proceedings didn’t get off to smooth start, with two newly elected Cllrs voicing their concerns over how their fellow colleagues decided to delegate the positions. In the chamber today, Fianna Fáil Cllr Tom MacSha…

There are concerns locally that the latest allocation of Gardaí to the North West will not address the fears that members of the community will have. That's according to Manorhamilton Sinn Fein Cllr Padraig Fallon, after 6 new Gardaí were sent to the North West region out of 157. It is also the fourth consecutive time the North West has been alloca…

The wider Sligo farming community has been plunged into shock and sadness following the death of a woman in a farm-related incident in south Sligo on Saturday afternoon. An investigation is continuing this morning into the incident in Clooncose, which occurred shortly after 4.20pm after the woman, in her 50s was struck by a vehicle while loading tu…

Donegal are into a first All-Ireland football semi-final for a decade. Paddy McGill and guests review Sunday's 1-23 to 0-18 quarter-final win over Louth at Croke Park.

A Sligo-Leitrim TD has highlighted the current “crisis” in relation to funding for primary education nationwide. Ireland ranked last among 36 developed countries in Government expenditure per student in primary schools, according to an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report. Independent TD Marian Harkin noted how some schools…

Those in the sheep sector in the north west have expressed frustration over the latest reductions for spring lamb and hogget prices from factories. Since May, prices for spring lambs have dropped from 85 cent to one euro per kilogram in some cases. IFA Sheep committee chairperson and Donegal-based farmer Adrian Gallagher is calling on factories to …

Hundreds gathered at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Ransboro on Saturday afternoon for the funeral mass of former RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman. Mr Gorman, of Lisheen, Strandhill and formerly of Cairns Road passed away Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin on Tuesday. He was 68. Among the mourners included Taoiseach Simon Harris as well former Sinn…

Tommie Gorman has been remembered for his kindness and inquisitiveness at his funeral mass this afternoon. Mr Gorman, who worked for RTÉ for more than forty years passed away on Tuesday at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife Ceara, daughter Moya, son Joe and extended family members. During the homily at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Rans…