Ocean FM News Reports

There hasn't been enough collisions outside Cairns National School in County Sligo to warrant much needed safety works there.   The comments were made in the Dail this morning by Sinn Fein's Transport Spokesperson and Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny.   The school is located on the Main Road between Sligo and Bundoran and there are major ongoing safety concerns in the area.   Deputy Ke...

The annual An Garda Síochána Donegal Youth Awards will take placed on Monday, May 20th at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town.   The event rewards young people between the ages of 13 and 21 who help make their communities a better place to live in.   There are four categories; an Individual Award, Group Award, Special Achievement Award and Community Safety Award.   Monday’s winners will...

A warning has been sounded to get your tickets for a special upcoming fundraiser for the Bundoran RNLI before they sell out.   Limited tickets are available for a special cinematic experience at Eclipse Cinema in Bundoran next Wednesday evening.   Tickets include admission to the movie IF, popcorn and a drink spot prizes and even a chance to walk the red carpet to a string quartet. &nbsp...

With the arrival of a number of refugees to Dromahair, there are further calls for more supports to be put in place in the area.   Additional nurses in GP practices, more Gardaí and an increased number of English language teachers in schools are just some of the needs being highlighted.   Concerns have previously been expressed by the local community about already stretched services. &nb...

Patience among the community of Killybegs "is gone" over delays with ongoing works on the Diamond.   The regeneration project began almost two years ago and is said to still look like a building site.   It's also reported that there's very little manpower working on site.   Local Independent Cllr Niamh Kennedy says with thousands of people descending on the town of late, it's hugely...

It's been claimed nothing is going to be done to resolve some serious pothole issues around County Sligo this year. A stretch of road at Scotsman's Walk on the way to Rathcormac has been noted as in a particular bad state of disrepair, as well as a number of spots on the N4, N16, and N59. Fianna Fail Councillor Donal Gilroy says its extremely disappointing that nothing will be done to upgrade the...

There are further calls for comprehensive improvements to the rail link between Sligo and Dublin.   There's said to be a need for enhanced service frequency, reduced travel times, and overall efficiency on the line.   European Election candidate Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers says while they are ambitious upgrades, they are crucial to meet modern demands.   Senator Chambers says...

There are fears that Bundoran RNLI will not be able to launch due to people parking at the local boat quay.   The issue was said to be majorly prevalent over the May Bank Holiday.   There is a car park close by not it's not being utilised.   Donegal County Council has committed to treating the issue as an emergency.   Local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMahon says it has the potenti...

The outgoing Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD says he enjoyed the challenge of local politics.   Independent Cllr Tom Conaghan attended his last Council meeting yesterday, after announcing he would not be seeking re-election.   He has served on Donegal County Council since 2014.   Speaking to Ocean FM news, Cllr Connaghan says there's a lot of things he's proud of during his tenure:

There are calls for improved library services in Donegal Town.   Currently, the library is only operating one day a week and there’s said to be a big appetite locally, particularly among schools, for this to increase.   Staffing is at the root of the problem and the County Librarian recently retired.   Local Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Jordan says it’s a crucial service and every effort mus...

Frustration has been expressed after the contractor awarded tender for refurbishment works on The Rocks at Gibraltar has pulled out of the project. A large amount of work went into the application for the work to be carried out, as The Rocks is a special area of special conservation. Independent Councillor, Declan Bree, enquired with Sligo County Council to see if a penalty could be imposed on the...

It’s been confirmed that Sligo has been added to the state’s mica and pyrite redress scheme.   Earlier this year, Minister Darragh O’Brien indicated that the county would be high on the priority list.   However, it was confirmed at a cabinet meeting this morning that the government took the decision to extend the scheme to include Sligo.   This now means homes effected by defective...

An event for all Midlands-North West European candidates is being held on Thursday, May 16th, in the Galmont Hotel, Galway.   The Town Hall meeting has been organised by European Movement Ireland in co-operation with the European Parliament Liaison Office.   All members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the upcoming elections on June 7th, and to also take part in...

A Sligo-Strandhill local election candidate has welcomed the news that the government has today approved a proposal to raise the age of sale of tobacco to 21.   Ireland will be the first country in the EU to introduce this measure, continuing the tradition of tackling smoking rates which began with the ban on indoor smoking in 2004.   The prohibition on tobacco product sales will not app...

It's been confirmed that public toilet and changing facilities are to be built in Strandhill. While disabled toilets in Rosses Point are also set to be refurbished. It follows concern locally over a lack of such facilities in both areas with the business community having to step in. Fianna Fáil Cllr Tom MacSharry says while it's disappointing that they won't be in place for this summer season, its...

A memo, seeking to include all of County Sligo in the defective concrete block scheme, is being brought before Cabinet today.   Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is bringing forward the document with Cabinet expected to sign off on the move thereafter.   Hundreds of affected homeowners in the County have been campaigning tirelessly for many years to be added to the scheme.   Fine Gae...

It's been claimed that speeding and dangerous driving continue to be major issues in the south Donegal area.   Back roads in particular have been cited as a hub of such activity, with many residents in rural areas said to be fearful when out walking.   New road safety laws are on the way which will reduce the speed limit on rural back roads from 80km to 60km per hour.   Donegal Fian...

It’s estimated that family carers in County Leitrim alone save the state €120 million annually. It comes against the backdrop of calls for the means test for Carer’s Allowance to be abolished. Independent candidate in the Manorhamilton Local Electoral Area, James Gilmartin believes that the scheme in its current form undervalues care. He feels that establishing a non-means-tested participation inc...

It's feared that a serious accident will occur in Kinlough should appropriate measures not be put in place.   The speed of vehicles on the R280 at Dartry View has sparked major safety concerns in the local community.   The area in question is home to the local GAA club and community centre as well as a housing estate.   Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Justin Warnock says something need...

Workers in the seafood and fishing industries say they want to be heard in the debate on offshore renewables.   The Seafood Industry Representatives’ Forum is welcoming the Government's recently published framework on the future of offshore energy, but say they need to be included in further discussions.   The Department of the Environment has begun seeking feedback from those who would...

Tributes have been paid at today’s meeting of the Manorhamilton municipal district to long-serving Fine Gael councillors Frank Dolan and Seán McDermott. Today’s council meeting was the last which both attended as councillors. Councillors Dolan and McDermott both announced in late last year their intentions to retire from politics after over forty years of service between them. Speaking to OceanFM...

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to councillors Sinéad Maguire, Rosaleen O’Grady and Martin Baker, who have officially retired from Sligo County Council today. All three have served a combined total of 55 years on the council between them. The withdrawal of Councillors O’Grady and Maguire now means Independent Councillor, Marie Casserly, is the only female sitting councillor contesting next month...

Vocal support has been given for the potential repurposing of the OPW-owned Garda Station in Ballymote into a dedicated youth space. Youth organisation Foroige have been pushing for the building's transition into a youth and family resource centre. Foroige services nationwide work with over 50,000 young people aged 8-24 each year through staff-led Youth Projects and volunteer-led Clubs. Former Fin...

Sligo County Council have been asked to write to Environment minister, Eamon Ryan, regarding grant assistance for radon gas remediation in homes.   Currently, radon reduction techniques vary in price and are assessed on a case by case basis.   The issue is thought to becoming more and more prevalent right across Sligo.   Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulvey says that grant assistance must be...

Significant funding has been announced for three projects in the North West. Under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, 8.5 million euro has been made allocated to the Enniscrone Cliff Bath House, Community Pavillion and Promenade Project. In Leitrim, 6.2 million has been allocated to the Exchange Project in Drumshanbo, which will see buildings in the town centre repurposed into Smart Hub...