Ocean FM News Reports

It's expected that the disabled toilet at Rosses Point will reopen later this week.   Members of the community were voicing their concern in recent days, with many wanting to use the facility over the weekend, only to find it cordoned off.   Work began on Monday, including repairing the door - which was damaged by recent storms - and resurfacing the floor.   A project for more perma...

The GRA conference gets underway in County Mayo today without a Garda Commissioner or Justice Minister in attendance. In a statement last night, Commissioner Drew Harris said he had been looking forward to engaging with delegates on important matters for all Gardaí - IF he had been invited. That invitation was not forthcoming - and Justice Minister Helen McEntee followed with a refusal to attend....

The Health Minister has come in for criticism over not attending the planned official opening of the new Ballyshannon Community Hospital. The new state of the art facility will officially open its doors this Friday with Minister of State Mary Butler set to cut the ribbon. It has however brought into question why Minister Stephen Donnelly won't be in attendance. Donegal Independent TD Thomas Pringl...

New figures have revealed that there were a total of 8,690 hospital cancellations across Sligo and Letterkenny University Hospitals last year. The finger of blame is being pointed at the Government, with Sinn Fein claiming that it was shifting the problem from emergency departments to waiting lists. This is ultimately said to be leaving patients waiting longer for access to care. Donegal Sinn Fein...

The Sligo Palestine Solidarity Campaign is set to hold another demonstration later today. It's getting underway outside the AXA offices at Hyde Bridge and centred around the company's alleged investments in Israeli companies that have been linked with the occupation of Palestinian territories. The peaceful protest begins at 1pm with members of the local community also encouraged to attend. Local P...

Concerns were raised today in the Sligo County Council over the high levels of land being zoned for development in the near future. The draft for the Sligo County Development plan was completed today, with housing being a primary issue. The proposed plan will soon be handed over to the public for four weeks, to see if there are any objections or recommendations. Gerard Mullaney, Cathaoirleach of S...

There are further calls on the Justice Minister to reverse her decision to not attend this week's Garda Representative Association Conference.   The association, representing rank-and-file members of the force, is holding its annual conference this week.   However, Commissioner Drew Harris hasn't been invited, prompting Justice Minister Helen McEntee to turn down her invitation.   F...

The disregard of diabetes services at Letterkenny University Hospital continues to impact those affected by condition in the county.   It now takes over three years to get a type one diabetes appointment at the facility.   Earlier this month, the chair of the Donegal branch of Diabetes Ireland wrote to the Taoiseach in relation the current situation.   In 2017, the then Health Minis...

The finer details still need to be worked out on a proposed new national disabled drivers' text alert scheme, according to a local disability rights activist.   The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland has launched the proposal to allow disabled drivers to anonymously report other drivers who illegally park in disabled bays.   It's after 88pc of disabled motorists reported a fear of v...

A Donegal man has been appointed as the President of the Douzelage European Town Twinning organisation. Bundoran's Shane Smyth will be President of the organisation until 2027, and becomes the Douzelage's 6th President in doing so. Douzelage has a partner town in every country in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Mr Smyth outlined his aims for the group during h...

The Department of Rural and Community Development have today launched an awareness campaign to combat the ever-increasing number of attacks on people and livestock by dogs. The "It's Not Your Dog's Fault, It's Yours" campaign will focus on the responsibility of dog owners on the matter. Just last week, a farmer in north Sligo was left counting the cost following a vicious attack on his livestock....

The Government is facing further backlash over record high fuel prices and impact it'll have on border filling stations.   It's estimated that restoring the excise duty will add over 200 euro to the annual fuel cost for motorists.   It's also led to major fears for filling stations along the border, with many simply unable to compete with their counterparts in the North   Sinn Fein'...

Serious concern has been raised over an emerging wheelie bin trend in Donegal.   Culprits are reportedly stealing bind from outside people's homes, attaching them onto a vehicle and driving away with it.   The bin is later found along the side of the road with its contents strewn everywhere.   Local Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig appealed to those behind the incidents to stop...

Rank-and-file Gardaí say they'll continue to make their views known after the Justice Minister declined an invitation to their annual conference. Helen McEntee says she won't attend the Garda Representative Association conference, which starts this evening, after Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was refused an invite. Among the issues up for discussion are the increased admin workload and the use of...

All school children should be entitled to a seat on a school bus. Labour's Nessa Cosgrove says this issue arises every year and wants an end to the idea of a 'lottery' for tickets. She says the current system discriminates against rural children as under current rules, some are either too far or too close from their school to avail of the scheme. Speaking to OceanFM News, the Labour Party represen...

A candidate for the Midlands-North West constituency has raised concerns over potential impacts from the proposed Gambling Bill. The Bill aims to bring about regulations in different aspects, including gambling licenses, sponsorships, and advertisements. An amendment is being called to ensure the protection of GAA lotteries, radio bingo, charity fundraisers, and radio and tv phone-in competitions....

Learner drivers are now waiting up to 23 months to sit their driving test in south Donegal. There are some 3,500 people waiting for a test in the county. It was previously claimed that wo new instructors were due to be drafted into the county to alleviate the waiting list, but it's understood that the backlog has worsened. Donegal Aontu representative, Mary T Sweeney says in a time where transport...

A Sligo Councillor has welcomed the news that body-worn cameras for Gardaí will be rolled out in certain areas this year. Dublin, Waterford and Limerick are included in the pilot scheme, ahead of a country-wide release to all Garda members, expected in early 2025. Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh highlighted that the cameras will contribute to the safety of on-duty Gardaí, and the wider community. Cllr...

This month's meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District has heard calls for the extension for those who wish to avail of social housing in the county.   Currently, only those who earn just over €30,000 qualify for social housing.   Councillor Justin Warnock says while the current level has supported many families, he's calling for an extension to the present threshold immediately. &...

Locals in Lurganboy have raised fears regarding an overhanging tree at the water treatment plant.     There are concerns that if not dealt with soon, a storm may result in serious damage being caused.     Manorhamilton Municipal District Councillor Frank Dolan highlighted the situation at a local council meeting.     Fine Gael Councillor Dolan confirmed that Uisce Eir...

Saturday evening in Celtic Park produced arguably Donegal's most memorable championship performance since beating the Dubs in the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final. Paddy McGill and guests examine the who, what, where, when and how.....

The government's reform of the insurance sector has been criticised.   The criticism comes after a number of insurance companies recorded increases in profits for 2023.   It's understood that FBD recorded profits of 81 million euro, while Aviva made a profit of 72 million euro last year.   Local Sinn Fein Councillor, Arthur Gibbons, says despite the high profits, businesses are stil...

A traffic hazard on the N16 turn towards Lurganboy was raised at the latest Manorhamilton Municipal District meeting . The issue was flagged following concerns from the public, and the junction will now be assessed through a road traffic survey by the TII to weigh the need of a right turning lane.   Independent Councillor Felim Gurn highlighted that proactive measures should take place before...

Significant funding has been allocated to construct two community centres in county Sligo.   Just over €2.6 million has been allocated to Ballymote Community Centre while Kilglass Community Centre is in receipt of €1.6 million.   The funding is part of a significant investment package of over €30 million nationwide under the Community Centres Investment Fund announced by Minister for Rur...

A leading Donegal farming official says a recent dog attack on livestock in Sligo is just one of an ever-growing number throughout the country.   Other incidents occurred in counties Roscommon and Tipperary in recent days.   The Irish Farmers Association say the incidents part of a worrying trend which leads to devasting effects for significant losses to farmers.   IFA Sheep Chairma...