Ocean FM News Reports

It's emerged that brand new residential homes for those in vulnerable positions will now not be going ahead. The state of the art homes delivered by Newgrove Housing Association were to provide round the clock support in Manorhamilton. Local Sinn Féin Councillor Padraig Fallon has previously been a strong advocate of the homes being provided. He says he's hopeful a solution can be found sooner rat...

An end to the long running row over Garda rosters is in sight. Members of the Garda Representative Association will now vote on proposals agreed by its national executive. President of the GRA, Donegal's Brendan O'Connor, says the rosters are similar to the ones being operated on an interim basis at the moment.

Fishermen across the north west have outlined their disgust with a Dutch supertrawler currently fishing off the Donegal coast. The vessel, operated by Dutch corporation PVP has the ability to catch and freeze as much as 250 tonnes of fish per day. Donegal Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn has reiterated his call for super trawlers to be banned from fishing in Irish and EU waters. Sinn Féin's Fisheries a...

A redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes opens for applications today. The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will provide financial and health supports to those who spent at least six months in a home. The limit to those who can apply for the supports has been criticised by campaigners, who are calling for the scheme to be expanded. People Before Profit Councillor, Gino O'...

There are claims 'EU Militarisation' will have serious implications for Ireland. A Dáil protest will take place today against any move towards a European Army. The EU has set out proposals for a European Defence Industrial Strategy. Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle believes there has been an intensification in efforts to militarise the block.

As part of Budget 2024, the Government has agreed a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business grant. The funding is targeted towards small or medium-sized businesses to help counter the rising costs that they're facing. The potential grant amount will depend on the value of the Commerical Rate bill received by the business for 2023. Fine Gael Councillor, Thomas Walsh, has welcomed...

The issue of vacant properties and unfinished housing estates continues to impact the north Leitrim area. It's estimated that there are hundreds of vacant homes and properties despite many still looking for a place to call home. Local Labour Party election candidate Bernie Linnane says there a number of houses in the area lying idle for 20 years. She feels that it's time for answers and steps must...

Progress has been made on a new fire station in Manorhamilton. Currently, the station is said to be not fit for purpose and it’s thought with development and an increase in population there is never been a greater for upgrades to be made. Councillor Frank Dolan says while money is not an obstacle, the issue has been rumbling on for a number of years. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Councillor Dolan the...

Sligo band Bluemoose had a surprise appearance from Sophie Ellis-Bextor at their St. Patrick's day gig in a Zurich bar. The band were performing Ellis-Bextor's hit song Murder On The Dancefloor, when the singer made herself known and asked to join them on-stage. Tony Ward, a member of the band, said that his concerns were eased the moment he heard her sing.

The Minister for Agriculture has confirmed a 40% increase in Ireland's funding to the World Food Programme. The announcement comes after Charlie McConalogue visited the Horn of Africa in South Sudan as part of the St Patrick's Day expeditions. The World Food Programme is run by the UN and is directed by Mountcharles native, Mary Ellen McGroarty. The increases announced by Minister McConalogue will...

Sligo County Council paid out a total of 8.4 million euros to landlords over the year of 2023. The payment was received through the Housing Assistance Programme, the Rental Accommodation Scheme, and the Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme. Sligo Councillor Declan Bree revealed the report and criticised the government's actions of putting millions “into private landlords pockets”, while causing...

Tributes are being paid to the late Joe Coulter.   Mr Coulter passed away on Saturday in the care of the North West Hospice surrounded by his loving family.   The former Sligo IFA chairman was a highly respected figure and was also a valued member of Sligo RFC, his local church and community in Skreen.   Current chairperson of the Sligo branch of the IFA, Michael O’Dowd says Joe’s s...

The courthouse in Donegal Town has been branded an eyesore. The side of the building in particular is said to have fallen into a state of disrepair which in turn is resulting in a blight on the landscape, with Donegal Castle situated close by. Donegal County Council is to write to the courts service outlining the local concerns. Independent Councillor, Niamh Kennedy, says the OPW must take immedia...

With members of the European Parliament set to vote this morning on amendments to a report on defective blocks, one Midlands North West MEP is reiterating his calls for 100% redress. Sinn Féin's Chris MacManus was part of a delegation that visited Donegal as part of a fact-finding mission on the use of defective blocks. The current system in place does not allow for 100% redress, with MEP MacManus...

It's hoped that a solution can be found sooner rather than later to an ongoing issue in Donegal Town. Just last weekend, over 60 campervans were reported parking in the car park at the pier. While they are not parking illegally, the main issues surround campervans taking up two or three spaces and blocking paths for pedestrians. Mayor of Donegal Town Padraig Kennedy is calling for all relevant par...

Motorists across the north west are being urged to travel with care, when taking to the roads this Bank Holiday Monday. A national Road Safety Enforcement Operation is underway across counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal focusing on speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving. 42 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year. &...

Despite talk of potential disturbances in and around Bundoran on St. Patrick’s Day, one local Councillor has said with the help of the emergency services and the county council, the town enjoyed a successful day. Last week, it was reported that hundreds of car enthusiasts would descend on the seaside town. This caused major concern among residents and the local business community, given the fact t...

There are urgent calls for upgrade works to take place at the Craft Village in Donegal Town. The amenity is home to a number of local businesses but part of the site is said to have fallen into a state of disrepair. Funding has been earmarked for the works and Cllr Michael Naughton says it while plans are still ongoing with how that money will be spent, he feels that some minor works should be car...

A call has been made to make Sligo Bay a certified Marine Protection Area.     A meeting was organised by Sligo Public Participation Network to discuss the topic, and was attended by an estimated one hundred and fifty people.     Sligo Strandhill Local Election Candidate Johnny Gogan praised the talks as they highlighted the rich biodiversity of Sligo Bay.     The Gre...

The Minister for Finance has been urged to postpone a scheduled hike in excise duties for fuel. The call comes from Sligo Leitrim TD, Marian Harkin, as prices are set to increase on April 1st, and again in August. It's thought that the planned increase will adversely affect Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, as well as other counties close to and on the border with Northern Ireland. Speaking to Ocean FM...

The public toilets at Rossnowlagh beach are set to be upgraded once funding is secured. The local council acknowledge that the current facilities are not of the highest standard. Sinn Féin councillor Michael McMahon brought forward the motion and intends to work closely with the council on the project. Cllr McMahon has previously said he wants to see the upgrades done for both locals and tourists.

Gardaí have made an appeal to the public ahead of St Patrick's Day weekend. This bank holiday is one of the busiest times of the year on Irish roads, and so increases the danger to road users. Sergeant Aoife Hayes of the Road Policing Unit Sligo, has urged caution as they try to tackle the habits of motorists. An increased Garda presence will be in operation over the weekend.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, along with Minister Joe O Brien, have announced a further €50million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund. This money will be allocated to communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries, and will give areas an opportunity improve and develop facilities. Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan, has welcome...

Calls have been made for an audit to be carried out on footpaths around the Sligo Strandhill area. It's thought that a number of footpaths around the town have loose paving or uneven and broken path that is need of repair. It's understood a number of elderly people have also raised concern about the condition of the paths. Labour's local election candidate, Nessa Cosgrove, says Sligo County Counci...

Nobody is taking responsibility for historical graveyards in south Donegal. That's according to Sinn Fein Councillor, Noel Jordan, who says there a number of graveyards in the area that have fallen into a serious state of disrepair. While funding applications can be made to the OPW, a Department within Donegal County Council must then take the project on board. Councillor Jordan says the Council n...