Ocean FM News Reports

Employment opportunities all rose in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal in 2024. In figures released by FRS Recruitment, opportunities in each of the counties increased in 2023. Figures show opportunities in Donegal grew by 43%. An increase was also recorded Leitrim at 40% while opportunities in Sligo are up 13%. Other counties that recorded increases included Mayo, Tipperary and Wicklow. Lynne M...

A number of projects in Sligo and Leitrim will receive funding announced today by Minister Heather Humphreys.   The fund, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, will see old and derelict buildings repurposed for community use.   In Manorhamilton, a former accountancy firm office will be used as a multi-purpose youth hub space.   Leitrim County Council will purchase a two-storey...

The Donegal-based President of the GRA is warning that the lowest point of the salary scale facing new garda recruits stop many from applying to the force.   People up to the age of 50 can apply to join An Garda Siochána from today.   A new Garda recruitment competition is open until the 8th of February, with the age limit rising from 35.   As of December, there were just under 14,0...

It’s now just over two yeas since Sligo gaelic footballer Red Óg Murphy died by suicide. As part of his family’s efforts to keep the issue of Mental Health in the forefront of young people’s minds, the Murphys are organising a free public event in Summerhill College, Sligo on Friday, May 24th, at 7:30pm An Evening About Mental Health will feature speakers from the sporting community, including for...

Donegal are into the McKenna Cup final after an emphatic 4-14 to 0-11 semi-final win against Monaghan in Castleblayney on Sunday. Paddy McGill is joined by Fermanagh footballer Ryan Jones, Killybegs' Joe McBrearty, St Naul's Brian McCabe - not to mention Donegal manager Jim McGuinness - to reflect on a more than satisfactory trip to Farney country.

Calls have been made for more resources to be allocated towards gritting in south Donegal. It's understood that a number of busy secondary roads are not currently included under the winter maintenance plan. The recent cold snap highlighted the need for road gritting with many left stranded in rural areas. Local Fine Gael Cllr Manus Boyle says this is something that must be addressed:

It's emerged that two north west counties are among the top five in terms of highest unemployment rate per capita. That'a according to new analysis by the National Pension Helpline which recorded 464 people signing on per 10,000 in Donegal, putting it second highest nationally. Leitrim, meanwhile, was third, recording a figure of 438. Last year, it was revealed that that there's no prospect of any...

It's being reported that Homeowners in the counties of Sligo and Leitrim are paying more for home insurance compared to other parts of the country.   New research claims your house insurance could cost nearly 300 euro more each year depending on where you live.   Analysis by Peopl Insurance shows price differences of 62 per cent for property insurance depending on your Eircode.   Th...

Fears continue to be raised over how a lack of accommodation is impacting Donegal.   Many properties in the county are currently housing refugees and this is said to be having a serious knock-on effect on locals.   Donegal has the highest number of asylum seekers per capita, and second highest overall in Ireland.   Donegal Independent Councillor Niamh Kennedy says rents continue to...

The Funeral Mass of Stephanie Sweeney heard that she will be remembered for her love for her two sons.   Stephanie, of Seaville on Finisklin Road entered the Garavogue River in the early hours of December 22nd.   Her funeral mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo on Saturday afternoon.   Speaking in the eulogy, Victoria says Stephanie dressed her...

A pedestrian crossing is being considered for a busy area of Ballyshannon. Works have already started on the road from the Sheil Hospital to the Market area of the town and it's thought that a crossing should be installed at the bottom of the town in tandem. A point has been identified and local businesses have also been consulted. Local Fine Gael Cllr Barry Sweeney says there's a lot of footfall...

The north west is set to be hit by another cold spell from this weekend into next week.     Cold northerly air coming in over the sea will bring sub-zero temperatures across the country leading to flurries in Sligo.     Temperatures are expected to drop to minus 4 in some areas, with icy patches and widespread frost.     Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather has this upda...

There are calls for targeted housing for elderly people in remote areas of south Donegal.   There's said to be an ageing population in the area which has led to concern that this cohort need to be closer to amenities.   Local Independent Cllr Niamh Kennedy says its important that efforts are made to cater to these residents and that there should an option for them to be rehoused in towns...

A teacher's union warned the Technological University sector in Sligo and elsewhere could fall into a rural and urban divide.   The comment come after the TUI's announced it's balloting it's third level members on industrial action.   They believe the Department of Education is not adhering to the collective agreement to give all technological universities access to the same resources. &...

It's been claimed that Bus Eireann is still leaving passengers behind in Donegal.   The service running to Dublin is said to have had some capacity issues of late while it's also reported that a number of elderly people were left stranded on the roadside because they didn't book online.   It comes as Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is in Donegal today for a number of key engagements. &nbsp...

Rural villages in south Donegal are said to be suffering over a severe lack of social housing.   It's been claimed that people are under the assumption that they're in with a greater chance of getting a home if they choose a more urban area as their preference.   Local Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Jordan says Donegal County Council needs to shift its focus if it's serious about keeping these rura...

It's expected that over 100 houses and business premises in areas such as Grange and Cliffoney could be impacted by upgrade works which will be carried out by Uisce Eireann this week.   The works are due to get underway today (Friday January 11th) and to continue on for a week.   Contract workers will have to flush various sections of piping in the impacted areas.   Local Councillor...

Concerns have been raised over the dangers posed by the trees in Grange park. The sitka spruce trees that are currently planted there are a potential risk to homeowners near the park, as they could cause damage in stormy weather because of their location. The roots are also beginning to bulge through the park path, which has become a trip hazard. A meeting will be held on Monday, January 15th at 8...

The January meeting of Leitrim County Council has heard calls for the Local Authority to outline plans regarding the affordable housing programme. Fine Gael Councillor, Enda McGloin, is looking for assurances for people who do not qualify for social housing and are currently unable to access the current housing market because of pricing are facilitated. The Ballinamore Municipal District Councillo...

Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are all marginally below national average level of affluence, according to the 2022 Pobal HP Deprivation Index.   The Index, which is Ireland's primary social gradient tool, found a nationwide improvement in measures such as employment and population growth,   However persistent disadvantage remains for many communities.   Almost 19,000 small areas, includ...

It’s emerged that three families are facing eviction in south Donegal. The notice to quit letters were issued in the New Year, with those in question now scrambling for alternative accommodation. Local Sinn Fein Councillor, Michael McMahon, has described what's happening as ‘criminal’ and only a drop in the ocean of what is a major housing crisis in the North West. He says the Department of Housin...

A move to extend opening hours at Killybegs Garda Station won't result in an increase in a Garda presence in the town.   That's according to Independent TD Thomas Pringle who was reacting to news that an administrator is to be employed at the station.   The role will involve assisting members of the public with the likes of passport queries and generally act as a go between with Gardai....

Almost 80% of households in Leitrim and Sligo still reliant on high carbon fuels for home heating, a new report has found.   In Donegal, the figure is 85%.   The report found that home heating oil is the most commonly used source in the North West.   The new data published by Liquid Gas Ireland has been examining national trends in home heating energy sources based on CSO Census dat...

Former Fianna Fail Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher has confirmed that he will not be allowing his name to go forward to convention for the forthcoming European Parliament Elections.   This is despite him being nominated by his party colleagues.   The former Leas-Cheann Comhairleach says he will instead support Senator Niall Blaney in his election bid.   Gallagher's political career...

Donegal County Council is adamant that the new one way system in Donegal Town is not to blame for traffic congestion.   There have been recent reports of an increase in gridlock in the town since the work started.   It’s estimated that nearly 100 buses stop on the Diamond in Donegal Town daily - not including tourism operators - and the Council says that this is the root of the problem....