Ocean FM News Reports

The new Family Resource Centre in Drumkeerin will be allocated an annual funding allocation of 180,000 euro towards its running costs.The news was confirmed earlier this morning by Sligo Deputy Eamon Scanlon.The Family Resource will be located in the former Garda Station in the village.Speaking to Ocean FM news Deputy Scanlon says the funding will help the Centre provide funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo/ Leitrim TD and Junior Minister says overseas visits as part of St Patrick's Day events are far from junkets for Government representatives. Minister of State Frank Feighan was responding to the news that no fewer than 50 cities around the world would be afforded visits from government officials during the St Patrick's Day celebrations. His constituency colleague, Junior Minister Marian Harkin, will visit France and Monaco.While Donegal based Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue will travel to Thailand and Vietnam.  Minister Feighan will travel to Singapore and the Philippines.  He says these trade missions involve difficult and important work:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A leading member of the Green Party in the North West says the appointment of Dublin City Councillor, Hazel Chu, as deputy party leader is ‘a positive appointment’. Dr Bláithín Gallagher speaking in a personal capacity Says the Dublin councillor received massive support from across the Country and she will help to drive the party onwards as they continue the rebuilding process following the 2024 general election where they lost all bar one of their Dáil seats. Concern has been expressed by some grassroots members that the leadership of the party is too Dublin centred and lacks rural representation. The Chairperson of the North West Greens says no rurally based candidate declared an in interest in contesting the contest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work-integrated learning remains a cornerstone of Ireland's tertiary education system, supporting both apprenticeships and traineeships.  Apprenticeships provide structured, hands-on routes into employment, while traineeships offer more flexible, shorter-term options.  Budget 2026 includes €79 million for apprenticeships, bringing total funding to over €410 million and expanding programmes nationwide.  Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Marian Harkin wants the Government to remain fully committed to investing in apprentices and trainees in the North West. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Donegal Senator is calling for one of four new government helicopters to be based in Finner Camp.  Senator Michael Boyle says a local air ambulance could cut response times across the county and save lives.  He highlighted Donegal’s size and rural challenges, urging the government to treat the county as a special case.  The Senator also praised the Defence Forces and Coast Guard for past lifesaving patient transfers across Donegal.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers in the North West have been asked to reduce speed on this bank holiday Monday. Many commuters across the counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are expected to take to the roads as the February Bank Holiday begins to wind down. Gardai will continue to carry out an enhanced Road Safety and Traffic Enforcement campaign until 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reflections on Donegal's 1-22 to 1-18 Division 1 win over a David Clifford-less Kerry in Ballyshannon on Sunday.Host Paddy McGill hears contributions from Martin McHugh, Jimi McGuinness, Peter Campbell, Sylvester Maguire and Colm Keys (Irish Indo).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin O'Callaghan, Gavin Dykes and Jessica Farry look ahead to Sligo Rovers prospects for the new League of Ireland season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donegal Senator calls for financial packages for fishing industrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local hotel to possibly reopen this year following council applicationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donegal TD addresses lack of infrastructure on Donegal roadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bundoran RNLI urges public to check the weather before swimming in seaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new ESRI report has highlighted significant economic and social inequalities between the north and south of Ireland.Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan says people in the north have around 10 per cent less disposable income and shorter life expectancy than those in the south.She described the findings as deeply concerning for border communities, calling it a “postcode lottery” that affects income and even how long people live.Speaking to Ocean Fm News Jemma says the report strengthens the case for greater fiscal powers and expanded all-island cooperation, particularly in health and public services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gardaí are warning road users across the North West to drive safe over the bank holiday weekend.A higher volume of traffic than usual is expected on roads across the region over the weekend.The main risk factors are drink and drug driving, as well as distracted driving and speeding.Inspector Sean McDaid, who has responsibility for roads policing in Donegal, is urging people to slow down this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A local county councillor and teacher says the amount of time that some children are missing from schools could well be a lingering effect of the Covid-19 eraOne in three children in disadvantaged schools are missing more than four weeks of school per year, according to a new report.Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute found 'chronic' school absenteeism is showing little signs of improvement.When a student misses more than 20 days in a school year Tusla are notified. Leitrim Councillor James Gilmartin says that children are less miss to attend time if they are attending smaller primary schools. The Independent Councillor says the number of day being missed by some students are concerning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sligo Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards have officially launched for 2025. Winners across five categories will be revealed at the annual Sligo Chamber Gala Dinner on Friday, March 6th, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Co. Sligo. Reporter Dervla Carr, takes a closer look at what this year’s event has to offer. For more information, visit sligochamber.ie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo Councillor has claimed there needs to be a roundabout for traffic from Ballymote entering the N17.Barry Gallagher raised a motion on the matter at the latest sitting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD.The N17 has seen a large number of road traffic accidents in the last space of time prompting calls for an upgrade to the route.The Fianna Fail Councillor says the roundabout would be near any potential N17 upgrade:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of a busy weekend for shops across the North West a Sligo Councillor is urging shoopers to treat staff in the retail sector with respect and kindness.Many stores in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are bracing themselves for a busy period over the Bank Holiday Weekend.Earlier this week it was reported that Up to 70% of retail workers have experienced abusive language or behaviour from customers, according to new research released as part of Kindness Week. The survey of 500 retail workers found verbal abuse is the most common issue, with one in three saying it happens at least once a week. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Fianna Fáil Councillor Cllr Dara Mulvey says it costs nothing to be kind and respectful to retail staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo Councillor has called to front load funding for SEAI grants so that elderly and vulnerable people can address heating issues in many homes across the North West.A new package of SEAI grants announced by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien this weekThe National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 introduced a suite of enhanced supports designed to make home energy upgrades more affordable and accessible.It's thought that the funding could help the Country meet it's climate emission targets. Sligo Councillor Tom McSharry says the cost of living and heating homes is a primary concern for many people at present. He says it's vital financial barriers that have prevented many from making their homes warmer are remove without delay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Leitrim Councillor is calling on Local Authority to address the serious safety concerns on the approach to road to Ballinaglera from the Dora side.Cllr Enda McGloin tabled a motion on the issue at the January meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District of Leitrim County Council.The Fine Gael elected representative is looking for assessment be conducted on the hedging and drain along the road close to St Hugh's Park.Speaking to Ocean FM news Cllr Mc Gloin believes there is a real and present danger that vehicles could easily overturn at this location if the drive too close to the verge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo Senator has criticised the Government over the exclusion of three local school projects from the Department of Education’s latest priority list.   Senator Nessa Cosgrove made the comments after  Ursuline College in Sligo, Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré and Scoil Mhuire in Carrick-on-Shannon, all of which she says are in urgent need of new buildings were not included on the list.  The Labour Senator says students, staff and parents will feel deeply disappointed after years of waiting and repeated engagement with the Department.   Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Nessa Cosgrove says the scale of frustration locally cannot be underestimated.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RNLI along with the Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland, are urging people to check weather conditions before heading out for any Coastal Water Activities across the North West  this Bank Holiday weekend.  Strong winds are expected along coastal waters and members of the public are being advised waterside pathways may have been damaged during the recent storms and may be unsafe.  RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead Linda Gene-Byrne, has this advice for people walking on coasts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Bill being put forward on fossil gas infrastructure is being criticised.  Friends of the Irish Environment says accelerating LNG does not protect the country from geopolitical instability, price shocks or supply disruption. The practice of fracking was banned after a successful campaign led by the former Sligo Leitrim Deputy Tony McLoughlin.  Director of Friends of the Irish Environment Tony Lowes says fracked gas is not secure:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inshore fishing groups are calling for urgent action to protect livelihoods along Ireland's coastline.Donegal TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn says a basic income scheme could support up to 900 fishermen facing rising costs and climate pressures.He says the proposal has strong cross-party backing and needs to be delivered in the short term.Speaking in the Dáil, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said small inshore fishermen are central to the cultural and economic life of coastal Donegal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report published today by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service has highlighted how homeowners affected by defective concrete are falling behind on their mortgage payments.The report has found that the issues are interlinked with homeowners affected being of higher risk of falling into arrears.The body is calling for urgent support for people affected by the scandal with the establishment of a new scheme to aid in mortgage payments.Karl Cronin - Area Manager at MABS North Connacht & Ulster says it's a perfect storm:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers in the North West have reacted angrily to the fact that those not registered for VAT have had a reduction in their "flat-rate addition" compensation when selling animals at marts.A number of local Marts have also criticized the move.The rate has been reduced from 5.1% in 2025 to 4.5% this year.It means non-VAT registered farmers in Ireland will receive less VAT compensation on their sales, with calculations indicating a loss of approximately €2.86 for every €1,000 worth of livestock sold.The changes will only effect mart sales and not factory sales.Sligo Independent Councillor Michael Clarke says the marts will not gain from the increase, adding that it's the government will receive the funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Leitrim Councillor has warned that rising construction prices will prevent many people from building and renovating properties.Councillor Padraig Fallon made the comments while reacting to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report which stated that Leitrim has the highest residential vacancy rate in the Country.The Sinn Fein Councillor says ever increasing construction costs are deterring many people from building or renovating at present while securing finance is also an issue for many.Cllr Fallon says rising costs coupled with planning laws will continue to result in less new builds or renovations:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction on a new playground and outdoor gym in Sligo Town has begun this week.The work will see Mitchell Curley Park gain a calisthenics gym as well as the renovation and expansion of the exisitng playground in the park.The funding for the works was announced in October under the Housing Finance Agency's Social Investment Fund.Sligo Borough Councillor Fergal Nealon says it's good news for the town:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an announcement expected in the coming days of new ambulance crew and staff for the local region, a Donegal councillor has again raised the urgent need for additional ambulances and crews to be provided for south Donegal. Sinn Féin's Noel Jordan is warning that the likely allocation which will be announced this week is far from what is required to properly service the area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Palestine Solidarity public meeting will take place in Sligo this evening.  Poet Sarah Clancy, who participated in the recent Gaza Flotilla and Eoghan McNeill, co-founder and editor of The Ditch are amongst the guest speakers for this evening's event. The meeting, organised by the Sligo Palestine Solidarity Committee, will be held in the Glasshouse Hotel at 8pm. Former Sinn MEP and Councillor Chris McManus is one of the organisers of the public meeting. He expects that the meeting will issue calls on the Irish Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill in full and impose sanctions on Israel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A member of the Regional Health Forum West has urged people to go to hospital if they are extremely unwell despite the overcrowding in North West hospitals.Today's figures have confirmed that there are 57 people waiting on a bed in Letterkenny and 55 in Sligo.The numbers in the local emergency departments are 16 in Letterkenny and 33 in Sligo.The local figures account for over 16% of Wednesday's national figure of 695.Another Hospital in the Saolta Hospital Group, Galway University is the second most overcrowded facility in the Country behind Limerick University Hospital.Their figures stand at 73 in Galway and 119 in Limerick.Roscommon Councillor Sean Moynan says to not be frightened of the high figures if you are sick:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo/Leitrim Junior Minister has labelled the latest SEAI Grants as a positive step to tackle rising costs.The move was announced yesterday evening with a total package of just under 560 million euro.The grants will allow for people to retrofit their homes to make them more energy efficient and in turn more sustainable.Speaking to Ocean FM News, Minister Marian Harkin says it's now possible to undertake retrofitting works one by one under the grant:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Authority in Sligo has recently commenced an Active Travel Scheme within the speed limits of Grange Village along the N15. This project is currently in the early stages of development and is intended to identify locations where existing walking and cycling facilities need to be improved.Feedback received during the consultation will be used to identify key constraints and opportunities and help shape the developing design. Public Consultation will take place from early February right up to the beginning of March.Sligo Independent Councillor Marie Casserly is urging as many people as people as possible to submit their views during the consultation phase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A public consultation is due to get underway this evening around the future layout of Ballyshannon.The consultation is scheduled to run from 4pm until 8pm in the library in the town.It's set to discuss key problems like housing, road layouts and utility needs.Local Councillor Michael McMahon says it's imperative that people have their say:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing adaptation grants remain an issue in the North West despite funding being allocation towards the scheme.That's according to Ballymote/Tubbercurry Councillor Liam Brennan, who put forward a motion on the topic in the January meeting of Sligo County Council.His Fianna Fail colleague Eamon Scanlon raised the issue in the Dail last week with the Deputy describing the situation as critical.Speaking to Ocean FM News Brennan said that the funding in place for the scheme isn't enough:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo Councillor has called on the government to implement the promised changes to the Criminal Law and Civil Law Bill as soon as possible.These changes will see homosexuality convictions handed out before 1993 abolished.Last week Justice Minister said he will amend legislation.The Labour Party have been to the fore in calling for these changes, Sligo based Councillor Ann Higgins says the historical laws around same sex relationships destroyed many lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Donegal TD has accused the Government of cooking the books when it comes to hospital waiting times.It comes as the Health Minister will bring a new action plan to Cabinet aimed at reducing waiting times.Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will set out 36 actions to reduce the amount of time patients are spending on waiting lists.Her Department says weighted average wait time for patients almost halved in the year to the end of December.But Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn believes that isn't the true picture:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncertainty remains for a number of elderly Enniscrone residents who are facing eviction.Six households are being told they must move out by June 5th.The residents, some of who are in their 80s and with major health issues, are living in a wider estate for independent living with a nursing home located in the centre of it.The homes - part of an estate named Sonas Retirement Village - were previously owned by Sonas, the former owners of the nursing home, but rented out privately but there were changes to the ownership of both the nursing home and the surrounding houses last year.Local Cllr Joe Queenan says efforts are ongoing by Sligo County Council to find those affected alternative accommodation and is hopeful that common sense will prevail in the interim:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former North West local election candidate says the incident over the weekend in where a female Councillor in Meath was allegedly spat at a and racially abused will discourage women and those who have moved here from entering politicsGardai were notified after an elected councillor reported she was spat at and racially abused in Co Meath last Friday.Caitriona Bergin contested the last local elections in the Manorhamilton MD for Fine GaelShe says the incident involving, Yemi Adenuga (Pronounced Yem-E A Gue-na) which took place in Navan on Friday last is a terrible reflection on society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sligo Leitrim TD has urged all farmers to double their efforts when it comes to preventing the spread of Bluetongue,Officials from the Department of Agriculture are meeting today to discuss the first outbreak of bluetongue in the Republic of Ireland.The virus was confirmed in a cattle herd in Co Wexford at the weekend.The Department of Agriculture says it increased its testing and surveillance for Bluetongue since the virus was detected in Northern Ireland last month.The Sinn Fein spokesperson on Agriculture is Deputy Martin Kenny he says that although the virus doesn't pose any threat to food safety or human health it has the potential do doe serious harm on farms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Met Eireann has come in for criticism over the latest weather alerts for the North West.A yellow wind warning is currently in place for Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal until 11pm tonight however it's thought that an orange level alert should have been issued instead.Several routes are impacted by fallen trees across the region this morning while there were thousands of power outages - areas of Collooney, Ballyshannon, Manorhamilton and Donegal Town continue to be impacted.Donegal County Councillor Michael Boyle has hit out at Met Eireann and also says Coilte needs to get its act together:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Leitrim Councillor is calling for every support to be given to demands by the ESB for a 55 Metre cutback area from power lines to be established in forestry plantations.At present the requirement is for a 20 metre corridor which was introduced following severe and damaging storms last year.ESB officials informed Councillors in Leitrim at a meeting yesterday that 30-40% of damages to their infrastructure locally was due to trees falling on lines.They also confirmed that 80,000 poles nationwide will need to be replaced.Leitrim Fianna Fail Councillor Mary Bohan wants the new legislation regarding how close trees can be planted to powerlines to be implemented as soon as possible:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmacies across the North West are being urged to sign up for the Common Conditions Service.The scheme allows for pharmacists to treat numerous conditions without the need for the patient to enter hospitals or GP care.Pharmacists can now issue prescriptions for the treatment of these conditions under the scheme.President of the Irish Pharmacy Union and Donegal native Tom Murray says it will relieve the pressure on hospitals:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Irish Farmers' Association will protest outside Bord Bia headquarters today. They claim the position of Chairman Larry Murrin, is untenable. Dawn Farm Foods of which Murrin is CEO, has confirmed that Brazilian beef accounted for 1% of its beef supply in 2025. Various farm organisations and Sinn Féin have called for Larry Murrin to resign.However, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has expressed "full confidence" in him.Donegal Sinn Fein Deputy Padraig MacLochlain says today’s protest will show that Minster Hayden is out of touch with the views of farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former election candidate for the Green Party says the current election for the position of party Deputy Leader is a missed opportunity to connect with rural areas.The positions is to be voted on by members with nominations for the role closing today.The role is expected to be contested between Louth councillor Marianne Butler and Dublin City councillor Hazel Chu.Leslie O Hora, the party's South Leitrim representative says the party leadership need a strong rurally based figure, he feels that given current party numbers the policy of joint leaders should be considered:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls on Donegal County Council to immediately delete all of its official accounts on X.The local authority is also being urged to cease any future official use of the platform, and issue a public statement to outline same.Formally known as Twitter, the platform developed the AI chatbot Grok, which has caused major concern for local authorities and regulators due to its potential to manipulate and generate harmful content.A number of County Councils are said to be reviewing how they use X, while several others have reduced activity.But local Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig believes it needs to be more than a reivew:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are further calls for a comprehensive, long-term solution for coastal erosion in Strandhill.It comes following confirmation in recent days that some emergency works are to take place in the area later this year.However, there is concern locally that the works do not go far enough.The community is said to be still without a clear timeline for when meaningful, long-term protection will actually be delivered for what's been described as a vulnerable stretch of coastline.Fianna Fail Cllr Tom MacSharry says what's currently on the table is a step in the right direction:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo Leitrim TD calls on Agriculture Minister to remove Bord Bia ChairSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Donegal GAA podcast returns for a new season - and it's a winning start for Donegal with a 1-20 0-20 victory against Dublin in their opening Division 1 league game.It's their first win over Dublin at Croke Park in the league since 1994.Contributions from Martin McHugh, Jim McGuinness, Caolan McGonagle (on his 100th Donegal appearance), along with journalists Alan Foley and Frank Craig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manorhamilton MD looking to secure funding for housing estateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.