Ocean FM News Reports

The local authority in Leitrim is being urged to explore avenues for extending waste water treatment plants in towns and villages in the north of the county. It's thought that the lack of such is holding up the development of new houses in the area. However, it has come to light recently that funding could be available to develop a wastewater treatment plant and sewerage system if the council deci...

Some Leitrim Councillors have called for an overhaul in the healthcare system as delays for children's resources looks set to continue. There have been calls for extra services in relation to Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language in Primary Care. Manorhamilton Fianna Fail Cllr Mary Bohan said this is a constant concern for parents that she speaks to. Cllr Bohan said there is too long a wait...

A Manorhamilton local election candidate has raised the possibility of using modular housing to help solve the housing crisis in Leitrim. The county, like the rest of the country, has an extensive waiting list in terms of social housing. Independent candidate, James Gilmartin, said that housing was the number one issue raised by locals when he spoke to them. Mr Gilmartin highlighted that modular h...

Shoppers in Sligo were also pleased to see a big brand coming to the town.  

IKEA have officially opened their latest Plan and Order Point in Sligo today. It is IKEA's first ever store in the North West. It is also the retailers sixth Plan and Order Point in Ireland, with another three planned to open within the next year. Market Manager for IKEA Ireland, Garry Connolly, says that IKEA were happy to choose Sligo to house their latest Plan and Order Point.

A recent visit to Killybegs by a European election candidate has highlighted the issues that the fishing industry faces in Ireland. The sector has faced worsening struggles in recent times as they compete with large trawlers while adhering to EU regulations. Ciaran Mullooly, who has entered the race in the Midlands-North West constituency, highlighted the frustration among locals, and said that po...

It's emerged that the new multimillion euro Ballyshannon Community Hospital is not taking on short term patients.   The facility officially opened its doors earlier this year after intense negotiations between the INMO and the HSE over concerns around planned staffing levels.   While long term patients are currently being cared for on site, it's reported that several beds are lying vacan...

A town in Roscommon is set to become Ireland’s capital of circus this Saturday.   Castlerea will host celebrations for all the family to mark World Circus Day.   The event is part of a wider collaborative project which aims to encourage more outdoor arts performances in public spaces.   Rhona McGrath, Arts Councillor with Roscommon County Council, explains what people can expect on...

A Sligo Leitrim TD is standing by his decision in supporting Simon Harris to be Taoiseach.   Many, including former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, believe that a General Election should have been called sooner rather than later.   Independent Deputy Marc MacSharry believes that Simon Harris has been a huge supporter of improving third level education in Sligo. He has reiterated that now is not...

There's further fears for border filling stations as the price of petrol and diesel is expected to rise to 2-euro a litre in the coming months. Diesel is up 13c a litre to 1-euro-78, and petrol is up 9 cent to 1-euro-81 a litre, according to latest figures from AA Ireland. The Government increased excise on fuel at the start of the month, after rates were cut two years ago. Donegal Sinn Fein TD Pe...

As Red Óg Murphy's second anniversary passes, his parents want to keep the the conversation about mental health going. We’ll hear about a special event they’re organising next month in Sligo town. And as the first heavyweight clash in this year’s football championship takes us to Celtic Park, Paddy McGill will chew on the weekend possibilities with a Derry man and a Donegal man on the Donegal GAA...

The plight of the Donegal branch of Diabetes Ireland has been heard on the floor of the Dail. Chair of the branch, Paul Gillespie, has written to the Taoiseach, detailing how badly the department is struggling in Letterkenny University Hospital. The matter was raised by Donegal Sinn Fein TD, Padraig MacLochlainn, who claimed that Simon Harris made guarantees to the department when he was Minister...

A Donegal Senator believes that there must be strong representation for farmers at European Level.   Fianna Fail Senator Niall Blaney, who's running as a candidate for the Midlands North West Constituency in the upcoming European elections, has called out Independent Candidates to outline their position as it relates to the nitrates derogation.   The main aims are to protect water qualit...

Another price hike for pints is on the way. Heineken is the latest brewing company to increase its price for pints in Ireland, they have confirmed today. The latest hike will see the price of a pint go up by 3%, which is a 6 cent increase, and will affect products such as Heineken and Heineken 0.0, Coors, Tiger, Birra Moretti, Murphys and Orchard Thieves. Heineken's changes will come into effect o...

News has been welcomed that the Taoiseach supports the establishment of a new veterinary college in the west of Ireland. The government have previously received criticism over the lack of supports for potential veterinary students in the west and north west. MEP of Midlands-North West Maria Walsh cited statistics that 75% of registered vets in Ireland were educated abroad. MEP Walsh says that it’s...

It's claimed that a Sligo woman with a disability won't leave her home because of the obstacles in place on the footpaths on High Street.   The woman, who's believed to be in a wheelchair, is said to be unable to navigate the safety measures which are outside a number of derelict buildings in the area.   The Sligo Action Housing Group has stated that private developers are holding Sligo...

More incentives are urgently needed to entice people in the taxi profession in the North West.   That's according to the operator of a local taxi service, who has been reacting to figures which show a major decline in taxi licence holders in the region.   The drop in taxi numbers stretches right across the North West.   Daithi Feehily of Feehilys taxi, bus and coach hire says there'...

The Tánaiste has told a Donegal TD to 'cop on the nonsense'.   The issue of the apprenticeships was to the fore in the Dail today, with Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty claiming that the number of people waiting for off the job training is getting worse.   Deputy Doherty also accused the Government of not caring about apprenticeship programmes.   But Michael Martin rubbished the Deputy's c...

Hospitals including Letterkenny University Hospital are set to benefit from the rollout of a new treatment to support cancer patients. The new scalp cooling treatment will aid the prevention of hair loss for those going through chemotherapy. Sligo University Hospital was one of only seven hospitals around the country to have this treatment available, but it is set to be extended to all hospitals t...

A move which would see Gardai have to carry out 30 minutes of road policing work during each shift has been described as a ploy.   Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has given the instruction in a bid to curb the spiralling number of road deaths.   As part of statements on road safety in the Dail, Sinn Fein's Transport Spokesperson Martin Kenny says that the majority of Gardai do that anyway...

The GRA is standing by its decision in not to invite the Garda Commissioner its annual conference.   The Justice Minister has now said that she won't be attending the conference because of the body's refusal to invite Drew Harris.   The GRA revealed it would not being inviting the Garda Commissioner earlier this year, saying trust had broken down.   But GRA President and Donegal bas...

It's thought that extending opening hours for Sligo pubs and nightclubs would not be beneficial to the town.   Sligo had been earmarked for an initial pilot programme which would see nightclubs potentially stay open until 6am and pubs to open until 12.30am.   However, it's looking increasingly unlikely that the legislation will not be ready by the summer as was expected.   Speaking...

Cancer and mortality rates are highest in the West and Northwest of the country. The issue is being raised by Independent TD Marian Harkin who is telling government the National Cancer Strategy needs better funding. Deputy Harkin says when it comes to survival rates Ireland is performing poorly in relation to many western European countries - with the regions she represents ranked among the lowest...

There was an agreement at the latest Manorhamilton Municipal District meeting to send a letter to the Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman. The situation regarding childcare services has long been highlighted in the Leitrim area, leaving both parents and providers struggling. Local Independent Cllr Felim Gurn has been previously vocal about the issue, highlighting that some parents are having to...

At the recent Sligo County Development Plan meeting, which is set to be resumed on Monday, the topics of housing and planning in relation to farmers and rural dwellers were some of the topics addressed. The council will have to review any final decisions, and then the public will be given one month to provide any feedback or objections to the plans. With the approval aimed to be given towards the...