North West Today

Two residents of the Nazareth Village social housing complex in Sligo outline their shock at the proposals for a major hike in their rent - Loro Tylor and Trevor Sweeney outline the stress it has caused, while Cllr Ann Higgins says talks are ongoing to ensure such increases are not imposedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabriel was visiting County Sligo in the past week and noticed giant hogweed in parts of Collooney, which he insists can be a dangerous plant as it can burn people's skin. He says the local authority need to take action straight away to have it removedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mayor of Donegal Town, Anna Gallagher, and writer and journalist Peigin Doyle are this week's Friday Panel guests. Topics discussed include the VAT reduction, one-off housing guidelines, developing local tourism, women in politics, the World Cup and...meeting Rod StewartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Leitrim referee and Chairman of the GAA County Board, Enda Stenson, says the physical attack on a referee this week at an Under 15 boys match in Co Clare is an absolute scandal. He says the GAA need to come down hard on all those involved, as such incidents are preventing the recruitment of younger refereesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo resident who previously organised a petition to call for CCTV cameras to be installed in Sligo Cemetery says those with family  members buried there might consider contributing to the cost of lighting and CCTV. Sligo Co Co has already ruled out CCTV due to data protection issues but Hilda says something is urgently needed because of the scale of anti-social incidentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man behind the voice on 'It Says in the Papers' on RTE Radio has written a new book about his life in Maugherow in Co Sligo for the past 34 years, during which he and his wife have developed a barren two-acre site into a home, a woodland and sanctuary for wildlife. John S. Doyle speaks about the inspiration for 'Salt Wind, Rising Water'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's largest replica of a Spanish Galleon has now docked in Sligo after an emotional journey around the North West coast - the Galleon fired shots as it passed by Streegadh strand where three Spanish Armada vessels were shipwrecked in 1588. Dr Prannie Rhatigan, Chair of Spanish Armada Ireland, says it's wonderful to welcome the Galleon to Co SligoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's Sligo Relay for Life cancer fundraising event is to take place on 5th and 6th September, following on from the huge success of last year's event - teams and individuals are being asked to sign up to participate. Committee chair Ann Higggins and community fundraiser Monica McElhinney outllne moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Church of Ireland Archdeacon, Patrick Bamber, has confirmed that there is a 'restoration levy' for commercial tour groups visiting WB Yeats' grave at Drumcliffe but insists there is no charge for members of the public -the levy is being used for upkeep of the site - but Yeats Society Director, Susan O'Keeffe, says the move may be counter productive as the number of bus tours to the site have decreasedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Friday Panel discuss an early morning train service to Sligo, proposals for maximum temperature limits in the workplace, the promotion or not of local tourism, Hospital car parking charges, the World Cup and more. Guests are Sligo county councillors Thomas Walsh and Seamus KilgannonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election posters should not be banned but there should be restrictions on their size and shape in future. That's the recommendation of the Electoral Commission, which has published the outcome of public consultation on the matter -  the Commission's Head of Research, Mary Clare O'Sullivan, outlines moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A well-known WB Yeats author and scholar has described the decision to seek donations to visit the poet's grave at Drumcliffe as miserable and scraping the bottom of the barrel. Declan Foley, a native of Sligo, is an Australian-based author, editor, and scholar who focuses heavily on the Yeats family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falling space debris is the cause of a number of forest fires in this country - that's according to a long-time campaigner on the dangers and frequency of space debris fallling to earth. John Hall from Lincolnshire in England has close family ties with Templeboy in Co Sligo, where he's been visiting this week, and still insists society is not fully aware of the disasters space debris is causingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been claimed that a suggested donation of €5 to visit the grave of WB Yeats at Drumcliffe is actually damaging tourism locally. Visitors to the historic grave are being asked to make the donation - local resident and tour guide, Leo Leydon, insists it's a charge, not a donation, and it should be removedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legislation needs to be brought foward to set a maximum workplace temperature limit, which would compel employers to ensure the safety of workers during periods of extreme heat. That's according to Sligo Labour Party Senator Nessa Cosgrove, who's been outlining more about her proposalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fianna Fail TD, Eamon Scanlon, has moved to clarify which way he voted in last week's Dail vote on the proposal to abolish the three-day waiting period for abortion services. Deputy Scanlon's Dail seat had indicated a vote in favour, but Deputy Scanlon says he wasn't sitting in his seat the time - he was in the adjoining seat, and definitely voted NoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The  principal of Our Lady of Mercy Primarhy School in Sligo says the Government sanction for a new ASD class does not mean that there will be additional places in the school's existing special classes for autism. While welcoming the announcement of the Autism Inclusive Special Class, Olivia Flannery says it is separate to the Special Classes the school already hasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Donegal Garda Superintendent has warned that modern slavery exists and is hidden in plain sight, and we all have a responsibilty to report any such activity. Supt Siobhan Mollahan has been commenting on the outcome of a court case which resulted in the jailing of two Ballyshanon residents for human traffickingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North West Today broadcasts live from Tubbercurry where our guests are Joann Hosey, Tubbercurry Town Team, Micheál McGinty, Town Regeneration Officer, Louise Kilbane of Tubbercurry Old Fair Day committee, Sandra Cribben of the Family and Childcare Resource Centre adn Sarah Kelly, Manager of Tubbercurry Community Library. While our Friday Panel is Helen Rochford Brennand and Gearóid SurlissSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martina lives in the hinterland of the proposed new wind farm development at LIssinagroagh in North Leitrim and says the location is completely unsuitable for a number of reasons, primarily environmental. The development includes proposals for a 14-turbine wind farm and Martina already  lives in the shadow of 3 wind turbinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are new fears over the future of the national school in Kiltyclogher due to declining student enrolment numbers - the matter was raised at this week's meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District Council. A similar challenge arose there is 2017 when the Kilty Live initiative began, as organiser Ciaran Rock recallsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's 30 years since the visit of Mother Teresa of Calcutta to Sligo - now, a Saint. We look back at the coverage of the event at Sligo Cathedral at the time, where she was also accorded the Freedom of Sligo. Canon Niall Ahern and former Mayor Matt Lyons outline their recollections of the historic eventSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The failure by the GAA to provide any live TV coverage of the weekend GAA Championshlp clash between Donegal and Cork has been described as inexplisable by a Donegal councillor. Sinn Fein councillor, Jack Murray, says there's still no reason being given as to why, and the decision was unfair on many, particulaly the elderly who could not attend the matchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Panel discuss The World Cup, the increase in numbers of learner drivers, the Northern Ireland riots, vaping and children, job losses at Kingsbridge and the weekend GAA fixtures. Guests are Cllr Marie Casserly and former head of FAS Peter TiernanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder and Chairperson of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon has spoken of the sickening and raw experience of finding out that they are owed €283,000 following the liquidation of the company behing the tickets.ie website. Barry O'Neill says it's a devastating and unfair blow to smaller festivals and wants the Government to step in to ensure such festivals are savedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic and World Boxing Champion Katie Taylor visits the Ocean FM studios as she prepares for the final fight of her career, Croke Park on 5th September next. Katie talks about how important this fight was for her personally, why she wants the growth of women's boxing to be her legacy, and reflects on her and all aspects of her lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A caller from Drumkeeran contacted us after booking a builder through an online agency to carry out work on her guttering. She has since handed over 7.5k to the builder with no sign of work to begin and no updated communication from them and now fears she has been scammedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A solar waste bin, which cost 6k, was destroyed by fire at Mullaghmore at the weekend -  it's not yet known if it was a case of vandalism or not. The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Donal Gilroy, has expressed his concern at what happened, and also at the disposal of waste from camper vans in chemical disabled toilets beside the beachSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The detention of Dr Margaret Connolly and her flotilla colleagues, the boycott of the Ireland Israel soccer international, the rise in cost of living, the Government's new car scrappage scheme, the temporary removal of Sligo's WB Yeats statue, and Donald Trump coming to |reland are all discussed on The Friday Panel - with Cllr Declan Bree and Dympna MannionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A young mother has spoken of her frightening expeience of being approached and followed by 2 men while out walking on the Rosses Point coastal loop path this week. The woman says the men attempted to access her phone to take photographs of her children in their double pram when she realised that they could be in dangerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic WB Yeats statue at Stephen Street in Sligo has been removed temporarily as a result of ongoing town enhancement works. However, some claim that it was not the wisest time to make the move, as we head into the tourism season and that many visitors like to have their photo taken beside the statueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Chambers from Sligo lost his young son, Conor, to suicide in 2019. The huge grief and isolation that Alan and his family suffered led him to seek out the services and supports of national suicide bereavement organisation, HUGG, with whom he now volunteers. He's spoken out publicly to give hope to others in a similar situationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chairperson of the Irish Motorhome Working Group says the residents of Donegal Town need to embrace the camper van and motorhome community and recognise that they bring much income to the town. Jason Carmody has made his comments after criticism of the latest numbers of camper vans parkling in The Pier area of the TownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Panel discuss the detenation of the flotilla activists in Israel, tourism and facilites for camper vans and motorhomes, the latest RTE payments controversy, the rise in the price of groceries, King Charles invitation to visit Ireland and GAA games not being free-to-air. Guests are Cormac Meehan and Miriam KivlehanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo GP Margaret Connolly and her colleagues on the Gaza flotilla were not well treated and roughed up by Israeli forces, during their detention at a port there. That's according to her husband, Cllr Declan Bree, who finally spoke to his wife last evening after she arrived in Istanbul, having been flown from Israel. He attended a vigil in Sligo in suipport of the activists    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman who came across the body of a mutilated dog at Dooney Rock in Sligo has described her horror at what she saw. She says it appears as if the dog was sawn in half and had its ears ripped off. She reported the matter to the Gardai and authorties but the dog's body was removed before they got to the sceneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two people from the region join us in studio to talk about their battle with alcoholism - Cathy, who's been sober for the past 18 years, and Richard, sober for 17 years. They turned successfully to Alcoholics Anonymous for help - a Connacht Intergroup of AA takes place this coming SundaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councillor Declan Bree has described his wife as a truly exceptional human being and says her family couldn't be prouder of her, as  she contines to be detained by Israeli forces. Dr Margaret Connolly and her colleagues were arrested after their flotilla vessel, en route to Gaza, was intercepted - Cllr Bree continues to wait for word on her safetySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leitrim Fianna Fail councillor Paddy O'Rourke has condemned the secret video recording of Bertie Ahern during a political canvas in which he made controversial comments on immigration. He says the incident sets a 'dangerous precedent' for canvassers in futureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a weekend  of devastation on Irish roads, including the death of three young people on roads in County Donegal, the Taoiseach and Government Minsters have been called on to treat road deaths as a national emergency. Sligo Cllr Marie Casserly has written to them urging immediate intervention in the crisisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bertie Ahern's comments on immigrants, the two by-elections, Kier Starmer's leadership, financial incentives for Ukrainians to return home and the legacy of James Connolly and Sean MacDiarmada are among the issues discussed on this week's panel -  with Senator Nessa Cosgrove and former MEP Chris MacManusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parents of pupils attending Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré in Sligo say they are disappointed with the outcome of a meeting they had with the Minsiter for Education when she visited the school yesterday. The Minister indicated that it would be 2028 before the school could be on the new list for school developments, but the parents say a new school is long overdue, because of existing inadequate facilitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Sligo-Leitrim Fianna Fail TD John Ellis claims ex-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was set up after a video recording of him commenting on immigrants was posted online. Ellis says he has sympathy for Ahern and was only putting across views that many Irish residents hold, but are afraid to express for fear of being called racistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in the numbers of fatatlies on our roads has unfortunately highlighted the whole area of  personal injuries and personal injury claims and what dependents might do in cases of fatal injury accidents. Carolne McLoughlin, Partner with Callan Tansey Solicitors, discussesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Donegal tour guide insists the development of superpubs in Donegal Town is not the way the Town needs to go in terms of tourism and threatens to destroy its reputation as one of the 'coolest places on the planet'. Derek Vial of Tour Donegal has been reacting to a planning application by McCafferty's Bar to expand its premises in the townSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mystery still surrounds the discovery of the body of a man on the shore at Tullaghan in North Leitrim 40 years ago. The heavily tatttooed body was found on 1st May, 1986, and despite an exhumation, still remains unidentified. Former Garda diver, Jim Brennan, has had a long-time interest in the caseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke Coleman was the subject of a sexual assault in her home village of Gurteen two years ago -  the man responsible has been jailed for two years. She's given a detailed inteview on how traumatic the entire experience has been for her - while her mother, Jessica, speaks of the devastation of parents being told their daugher was sexually assaultedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lydia is preparing to send her son to school in Co Sligo but says she is shocked that there is only one non-denominational school in the county, whereas there are 62 Catholic schools and 5 Church of Ireland. She claims this is a form of discrimination and exclusion as she does not want to send her son to any school which has a religious ethosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Friday Panel discuss the arrival of more IPA residents in Sligo, possible retrictions on vape shops, banning social media for under 16s, the latest political opinion poll and Government peformance, the concept of kid's courts to crack down on speeding, and Ireland's Eurovision boycott. Guests are former Sligo Mayor Marcella McGarry and Fine Gael Cllr Fergal NealonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 year old Aaron Langan of Laghey in Donegal has the rare muscle-wasting condition of DMD - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His family are appealing to the HSE and authorities to facilitate access to a drug which would slow his condition. His father, Dermot, outlines moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.