An appeal has been issued after a vital piece of life-saving equipment has gone missing in south Donegal. The AED defibrillator, located in the Mall Park in Ballyshannon has been misplaced and left locals in a vulnerable position. In 2021, the defibrillator was vandalised with its replacement costing in the region of €1,300. Defibrillators are devi…

New funding has been announced for the addition of new classroom at Gaelscoil Chluainín in Manorhamilton Minister for Special Education, Hildegard Naughton revealed the investment for the national school. The development will facilitate the addition of a special class for children with special education needs alongside a sensory area and outdoor so…

Outgoing Cathaoirleach and Fine Gael Cllr Gerard Mullaney has been reflecting on the last twelve months. He feels that until now, he underestimated the importance of the St. Patrick’s Day trip to the US:

Cllr Declan Bree has been elected Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council. The appointment comes as the new County Council met for the first time today. Cllr Bree celebrated 50 years as a local representative following his poll topping success in the recent local elections. Fianna Fail, after forming a pact with a number of Independent Cllrs, made th…

The town of Bundoran has descended into unspeakable sadness following the death of a man in a drowning incident. That's according to local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMahon who has been speaking after the body of a man was recovered at Tullan Strand yesterday. It's believed that the victim had been fishing off rocks at Roughey Cliffs when he fell. An …

The lack of new home commencement figures for Leitrim in May come as no real shock. That's according to recently re-elected Manorhamilton Independent Cllr Felim Gurn, on the Department of Housing figures that showed no new homes were commenced in the area. It's a drop from the 3 new homes from May 2023, and the total for the county in 2024 stands a…

People in Donegal are being warned of significant travel disruption as Ireland's biggest road rally takes place this weekend. Gardaí have teamed up with the PSNI for a joint roads policing operation for the Donegal International Rally between today and Sunday. Drivers are being advised there'll be more checkpoints and speed vans. Garda Superintende…

Clarification has been sought in the Dáil regarding a new modular building for Scoil Ursula in Sligo town. It's understood that the primary school on the Strandhill road has been waiting for over a year for the addition of the new building. It was brought up by Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, who acknowledged the delay in the Devolved Se…

Sligo are back in Croke Park this Sunday. A new football documentary about the football career of Seamie Coleman is coming soon to a screen near you. The cars are revving up in Donegal for the 20214 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally. And - we salute Sligo’s medal winners at the European Athletics Championships in Rome.…

Calls have been made for a roundabout to be installed on the N17 at Clarke's Bridge junction. A road survey carried out saw that over 50,000 vehicles travel the road weekly, with the junction in question one of a number of blackspots for road safety issues along the route. Currently, there are no roundabouts between the Mayo border and Collooney on…

Allegations have been made that a black market for fertiliser has emerged. It's claimed that farmers are purchasing fertiliser from Northern Ireland merchants to avoid the new Department of Agriculture register. Revealed by the Irish Farmers Journal, the effectiveness of the register is now questioned amid the potentially sidestepping of regulation…

"We need to have information on it and how it's going to be paid for." That's according to newly elected Manorhamilton Independent Cllr James Gilmartin, on the new Nature Restoration Law. The law requires all member states to introduce measures to restore nature on at least a fifth of their land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050. Cllr Gil…

There are renewed calls in Sligo for all public representatives to be given up-to-date security advice. It comes as three men have been arrested over alleged harassment of the Taoiseach. Gardaí in the Wexford-Wicklow Division, supported by the Special Detective Unit, arrested the men, in their 40s and 30s, earlier this morning. Local Independent Cl…

There's huge disappointment in Bundoran following a decision by An Bord Pleanala to reject a planning application for a housing development. The project would have seen over 70 houses built in the Church Road area of the town. It follows a major undertaking by both the developer and Donegal County Council in putting forward a comprehensive planning…

A Sligo Leitrim TD has declared that he will vote against Ireland opting in to the EU Migration Pact - whenever the vote comes. Independent TD Marc MacSharry aired his views in the Dáil last night on the matter. It was eventually agreed to defer the debate and vote until next week as more deputies wanted to have their say on the matter. Deputy MacS…

Problems with childcare in the North West and elsewhere are mainly corporate. That's according to Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny, who has been highlighting concern over the Child Care Amendment Bill. This Bill aims to introduce childminding-specific regulations, enabling parents who use childminders to access National Childcare Scheme subs…

A Sligo-Leitrim TD has welcomed the recent motion from The Rural Independent group of TDs to lower the VAT rate for tourism and hospitality to 9 per cent, or potentially 5 per cent in the West. The VAT rate currently stands at 13.5 per cent, and the sector has sought for changes amid financial pressures. Independent TD Marian Harkin used the exampl…

New figures from the CSO shows a noticeable rise in housing prices in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal over the last 12 months to April. The North West saw a 5.4 per cent rise in prices when compared to April 2023, as demand continues to soar. This is part of a nationwide growth of 7.9%, which is a near-18 month high. Donegal Independent Cllr Niamh Kenne…

The impact of the lack of available tourist accommodation in areas such as Bundoran has been raised on the floor of the Dáil. A number of bars, restaurants and cafés in the north west have been forced to close their doors in recent months. The Rural Independent group of TDs is proposing a Dáil motion to reduce the VAT rate for tourism and hospitali…

The Agriculture Minister believes that the EU Migration Pact will be crucial in providing an adequate system for dealing with the issue. A Dail debate took place last evening on whether Ireland should opt in to the Pact. The Government announced last March it would be opting into the pact, which will introduce legally-binding process times for deal…

A Donegal Independent TD has questioned whether the imminent departure of Eamon Ryan will result in an early General Election. Speculation had been rife that an election may be called in the autumn following how the parties fared in the local elections. But Eamon Ryan's announcement yesterday is said to have now divided opinion, and that a new Gree…

Rising material costs continue to impact the construction industry in the north west region. A new survey has found that Dublin is now the fourth most expensive city in Europe to build and among the top 25 most expensive places to build globally. The report, from American firm Turner and Townsend shows that average costs in Dublin stood at $3,775 p…

There's a call for lower minimum wage rates for young workers to be abolished. Mandate Trade Union is holding a protest outside the Dail today, calling on government to end sub-minimum wages. The Low Pay Commission has also recommended removing the ability for employers to pay those under 20 different rates to older staff. Youth activist Adam Ó Cea…

A proposed ban e-collars for dogs is being opposed by local members of a game hunting and conservation organisation. The Minister for Agriculture has unveiled plans for a ban of the devices, which are prohibited in several European countries amid concerns of animal welfare. The electronic collar transmits electric stimulation or low intensity shock…

Concern has been expressed over the impact of the Nature Restoration Law on the north west region. On Monday, it was confirmed that the law had been officially member states which would see them introduce measures to restore nature on at least a fifth of land and sea by 2030. Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin says while the law does have some benefits…

Chair of the North West Green Party, and recent candidate in the Manorhamilton local elections, Blaithin Gallagher has shared her thoughts following Eamon Ryan’s decision to stand down. The Green Party Leader confirmed he was stepping aside after today's Cabinet meeting, and will not contest the next general election. He will remain as leader until…

The North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce have launched a new campaign to prevent drug misuse. In conjunction with the HSE, they are raising awareness against the use of performance image enhancing drugs. Donna McGee, Addiction Services Lead HSE, highlighted that young people feel pressured to have a perfect body. Ms McGee says it's import…

Party representative Johnny Gogan, who recently ran in the local elections in the Sligo Strandhill LEA, says he's surprised by Minister Ryan's decision, and described him as the best Transport Minister in the history of the state.

Green party members locally have been expressing their shock over news that party leader Eamon Ryan is to step down. He's due to make a formal announcement shortly. It is expected that Eamon Ryan will continue on in his role as Environment and Climate Minister when he steps down as Green Party leader. He has led the party since 2011. Chairperson of…

The number of learner drivers involved in fatal road crashes has trebled over four years. 11 learner drivers were involved in collisions in which someone died last year, compared to 3 in 2019. The figures are contained in a briefing document by the Road Safety Authority which has been seen by the Irish Independent. It's resulted in calls for an urg…

Support has been given locally to the government's decision to approve the Nature Restoration Law. Just yesterday, it was confirmed that the law had been officially approved by EU member members states. It will require all member states to introduce measures to restore nature on at least a fifth of their land and sea by 2030m and all ecosystems by …

Road safety is being highlighted ahead of the Donegal International Rally, which takes place this weekend. The "Keep The Race In Its Place" campaign is urging safety for all road users heading to Donegal for the event. With a high number of road deaths so far this year, members of the public are concerned over additional traffic in the county this …

Domestic violence is happening right across the North West. That's according to DVAS manager, Carmel McNamee, who highlighted the situation following a report published today by Women's Aid Ireland. The issue of domestic abuse in Ireland was addressed in the study, and it is a concern reflected locally. The organisation's Annual Report for 2023 out…

Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim are under the national average for the recycling of e-waste. Recent figures from WEEE Ireland showed Ireland had recycled a record-breaking over 40,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2023. Included in the items recycled were a quarter of a million TVs and 750,000 vapes nationwide. Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, says there is a l…

A Sligo-Leitrim TD has called on communities to apply for funding dedicated towards the development of community centres. Grants of between €10,000-€100,000 will be made available for the upgrade and refurbishment of the facilities. It is part of the Community Centres Investment Fund 2024, which aims to improve existing premises in local communitie…

A number of popular outdoor swimming projects in south Donegal are to receive funding from the Department of Health and Health Ireland. Mountcharles pier, Killybegs, Rossnowlagh and Bundoran outdoor pool and four other locations in the county are to share 24,000 as part of the 500,000 funding in outdoor swimming projects. This will go towards new p…

The EU Nature Restoration Law has been officially approved by member states. It will be enacted across the European Union after being passed by 20 countries - including Ireland - at the EU Environment Council this morning. The law requires all member states to introduce measures to restore nature on at least a fifth of their land and sea by 2030, a…

Hundreds of supporters and wellwishers greeted Sligo's European Athletics silver medallist Lauren Cadden at ATU Sligo on Sunday afternoon. Ocean FM broadcast the celebration event live.

Mobile breastcheck services are to return to Sligo Town this autumn. The mobile service will also return to it's usual location at the back of Teach Laighne in Tubbercurry in the middle of next year. Breastcheck offers free screening services to women aged between 50-69, and its last cycle finished in Sligo town in March 2023. Speaking to Ocean FM …

The Green Party need to go into an electoral pact with Social Democrats and Labour going forward. That's according to recent local election Green Party candidate in the Sligo-Strandhill electoral area, Johnny Gogan. The situation was highlighted by the candidate that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael may not be the most reliable partners for his party. Mr …

Women need to feel they are almost overqualified for a position before they'll go for it. That's according to recent Fine Gael candidate for the Manorhamilton local electoral area, Caitriona Bergin, on the representation of women on local councils. Following the 2024 local elections, just 5 out of the 30 seats on local electoral areas in the Ocean …

There's said to be ongoing fear in north Leitrim that a joint up venture between Coillte and an overseas investment fund will see large quantities of land purchased for afforestation use. Coillte's venture with Gresham House has caused widespread concern among environmentalists, farmers, the forestry sector and local communities. It's believed the …

Paddy McGill, Manus Boyle, Peter Campbell and guests reflect on another impressive Donegal championship showing in Castlebar on Saturday. Their 2-23 to 0-5 victory over Clare, coupled with Tyrone's 1-18 to 0-17 vwin over Cork, means Donegal finish top of Group 3 and go straight into the All-Ireland quarter-finals.…

28 Sligo community groups will receive over €50,000 in funding from SSE Renewables Kingsmountain and Dunneill Community Fund. The supports aim to share the value of renewable energy projects with communities, maximising the benefits of local, sustainable power. Recently re-elected Ballymote-Tubbercurry Independent Cllr Michael Clarke highlighted th…

The final Irish seats for the European Parliament have been filled, with the conclusion of the count in the Midlands-North-West constituency in the early hours of this morning. Five candidates were elected following a five-day marathon count, which concluded at 3.30 am in the TF Royal in Castlebar. The election of Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan o…

For many GAA fans, this weekend is when the football championship really begins - as counties face make-or-break group matches to reach the knockout stages of the All-Ireland football championship. Paddy McGill, Peter Campbell and Conor Breslin assess the challenge in front of Donegal in Castlebar this weekend - Clare.…

“Illegal drugs are in every town, village and rural community in the country.” That's according to Fine Gael Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan, who was sharing his thoughts following the recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Drugs Use. A discussion was highlighted regarding a more health-based approach to addiction and the decriminalisation of drug…

The Government is under increasing pressure to provide more core funding to the Bluestack Foundation in south Donegal. The foundation, based in Donegal Town, provides supports to families and carers of people with special needs and raise most of their funds through the local community and fundraising activities. For years, there's been a campaign, …

The Tanaiste says its not certain Fianna Fail would have won two seats in the Midlands Northwest with a two candidate strategy. Barry Cowen, Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney all ran for the party in the fifteen county constituency. However Barry Cowen was the only Fianna Fail candidate who was elected, despite the party getting almost 150,000 first p…

It's emerged that not only are there pressure issues with the water supply in Collooney but now there's reports of severe discolouration. Some residents supply is currently running a brownish colour through the taps, leaving it undrinkable and unfit for washing clothes. Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Healy says it's simply not good enough. He has made sever…