Ocean FM News Reports

A Donegal teacher has questioned the Government’s decision to allocated €9 million towards mobile phone storage for second-level students in the Budget.   Phones would be taken off students and placed in pouches, which could not be opened until the end of the day.   It is hoped that this will help limit distractions for students, while also taking pressure off staff to monitor students'...

Pressure is being put on Sligo County Council to intervene on a dangerous stretch of road in Ballygawley. The road in question, the R290 at Dunamurray  has seen a number of crashes and near misses and crashes in recent times. Sligo County Council were allocated just €264,000, to be spread between 15 projects, for road safety measures in 2024. But local Fine Gael Councillor, Thomas Walsh, says...

The Health Minister has confirmed that the HSE is actively scoping out options with the view towards refurbishing Gurteen Health Centre.   The building is not suitable for an extension.   This review is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, which will pave the way for a funding application to be made for works to take place.   The facility in its current state has long been...

Strike action is not off the table for retained firefighters in Sligo, following another setback in their discussions with the Workplace Relations Committee over a new pay deal.   A vote was taken this week, with SIPTU members rejecting the new proposals by 55%.   Retained firefighters went on strike nationwide last year, with the hopes of securing better pay and conditions.   While...

The Government has come under fire over the apparent lack of support for the N17 in the Budget.   The issue was raised by Independent Sligo Leitrim TD, Marian Harkin, who said that more needed to be done to upgrade road infrastructure in the North West.   1.36bn euro has been made available in the Budget for for national and local road networks and road safety measures.   Speaking i...

The North West has potential, if the correct investment is put into it.   That's according to Sinn Feins Martin Kenny, who has been reacting to Budget 2025, raising concern that the measures for farmers won't go far enough.   More than €2 billion will be allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine next year.   That will include €30m for a new tillage scheme, as well...

It's felt locally that the Government have missed their chance to support the hospitality industry.   There has been widespread disappointment following the Budget earlier this week, that the VAT rate for the sector is to remain at 13.5%.   It's understood that a reduced rate of 11% that was suggested before the Budget was rejected at the eleventh hour.   Donegal Sinn Fein councillo...

Negotiations are underway for a proposed community centre for Grange in North Sligo. Sligo County Council have stated that they intend to liaise with the community in order to find a potential site for the development. Funding is now available for the development of community buildings, but the projects need to be shovel-ready before that funding can be accessed. Independent Sligo Drumcliffe Counc...

As the fallout from Budget 2025 continues, one general election candidate has dismissed claims of it being a comeplete "giveaway budget". Yesterday's announcement saw a number of one-off benefits included, such as €300 boosts in fuel allowance, and €400 to those in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension and the Carer's Support Grant. Many in opposition have been critica...

A free vaccine to protect against chickenpox will be offered to 12 month old babies from next year. The jab - known as the varicella vaccine - will be available for babies born after the 1st of October this year. Up until now, parents wishing to get their baby vaccinated against chickenpox had to pay between 100 and 200 euro. President of the Irish Medical Organisation, Donegal's Dr. Denis McCaule...

The current staffing levels in the HSE are affecting the availability of vital services nationwide. That's according to INMO representatives, as it addresses the Oireachtas Health Committee today. It's calling for an immediate end to all recruitment caps and the urgent implementation of the government’s safe staffing framework, to help manage the current increase in hospital overcrowding. There we...

There's a further warning of more closures across the hospitality sector in Sligo and elsewhere due to Budget 2025.   It comes as yesterday's announcement offered no reduction in the VAT rate, with the sector anxiously anticipating some form of supports for the year ahead.   Many businesses across the North West have already shut for good due to rising costs.   Local Restaurateur An...

There's concern that the Government hasn't thought about the level of childcare available in the likes of Sligo and elsewhere as part of the Budget.   The budget for The National Childcare Scheme is set to increase by 44% which will lead to full-time childcare costs reducing by an average of €1,100 a year.   All the while, six providers in County Sligo alone have closed their doors this...

It's thought that some of the measures announced in yesterday's budget will still help the local hospitality industry.   Many in the sector have been venting their frustration today that, after despite a major campaign over the last few months, the VAT rate is to remain unchanged.   There have been several restaurant and café closures across the North West over the last year due to risin...

Sligo Chamber has given a cautious welcome to Budget 2025 but it has urged the Government to now focus on delivery. The Chamber has stressed that infrastructure funding will only have an impact when it is delivered. Businesses in Sligo and across the region are said to urgently need essential infrastructure to be developed without delay to safeguard regional and national competitiveness. Sligo Cha...

Management at Sligo University Hospital has come under fire for not accepting cash payments.   It’s emerged that a sign has appeared at the reception in recent days, stating that cash payments were no longer being accepted.   Independent Cllr Michael Clarke believes that this is just another step to take cash out of society, a move he feels is totally unacceptable.   He’s calling fo...

Connor Malley has signed a contract extension with Sligo Rovers for the 2025 season. Confirmation of the deal was announced by Rovers on Tuesday afternoon. The 24-year-old central midfielder will line out for his second season with the Bit O’Red following his arrival from Dundalk in December 2023. Malley has featured in all but one of Rovers league games this season, scoring two and assisting the...

Tributes have been paid to the man who died following a two-vehicle collision on the N4 on Monday afternoon.   Tom Mulhern, who was in his 70s died following the collision between a jeep and a car when at Ardcarne, outside Boyle at around twenty-past one.   The late Mr. Mulhern was a former employee of An Post and was well-known for his love of horses.   Speaking to Ocean FM, local...

It's felt locally that a ban on XL Bully dogs won't do much to improve public safety. The first phase of banning of the breed starts today. The new law bans buying, breeding or importing the dogs - the second phase will kick in on February 1st, when rehoming the dogs will be banned. The government has issued a guide to identify XL Bully type dogs. But Sligo woman, and XL Bully owner, Vanessa Slate...

Farmers across the north west have outlined their hopes for adequate support in this year’s budget.   The reduction of farm incomes, high input costs and increased red tape are just some of the issues farmers are looking to see fixed in today’s announcement.   While farmers also believe increased demand over environmental schemes in comparison to financial supports available must be high...

The relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes are coming to Sligo today.   It's part of their historic tour around Ireland and they will be in the Cathedral for the next two days.   A welcoming ceremony taking place at 2 o'clock this afternoon while several Masses and processions will take place over the next couple of days before the relics make their way to Ballina on Thursday.   Sligo...

It's felt locally that a ban on XL Bully dogs won't do much to improve public safety. The first phase of banning of the breed starts today. The new law bans buying, breeding or importing the dogs - the second phase will kick in on February 1st, when rehoming the dogs will be banned. The government has issued a guide to identify XL Bully type dogs. But Sligo woman, and XL Bully owner, Vanessa Slate...

A Donegal TD has heavily criticised Budget 2025, despite it being the biggest in the history of the State. It includes 8.3 billion euro in extra spending and tax cuts. School books have been made free, vapes will be taxed for the first time and Ministers cut the USC. But speaking in the Dail, Sinn Feins Finance Spokesperson and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty was still adamant that the Government has be...

As Finance Minister Jack Chambers is about to take to his feet in Leinster House this lunchtime to announce one of the biggest Budgets in the history of the State, one Donegal TD feels that there will be no real surprises.   A social welfare package of 2.7 billion euro is set to be revealed that includes 1.5 billion euro in one off payments.   Families are to be the main winners with a d...

It's emerged that scientific evidence has recommended cutting mackerel stocks in Ireland and the north west by a further 22 per cent. The revelation comes as a meeting is to take place today between Irish fishing leaders and elected representatives to support the industry. The group, the Seafood Ireland alliance say 2024 is set to be the worst year on record for Irish fish processing. Brendan Byrn...