Ocean FM News Reports

There's a further warning that changes to nitrates derogation limits will drive up the price of land in Sligo and Leitrim   Farmers are meeting the Taoiseach today to raise concerns over the issue.   European regulations aimed at reducing water pollution mean that farmers can only produce 170 kilograms of organic nitrogen per hectare of farmland.   Ireland currently has a derogation...

The 100% Redress Party are set to be approved as a registered political party ahead of the next elections. The Registrar of Political Parties has signalled his intent to approve the application, pending a 21-day appeal period. Should the 100% Redress Party get through the appeal period unscathed, they will be able to contest local, Dáil and European elections. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Ali Farren...

A number of small Irish companies could get access to global markets after a special event in Rathmullan Co. Donegal today.   The inaugural 2023 'Shark Tank Investor Conference will allow six companies to pitch their company plans to major US investors.   The US representatives will offer a shareholding to the most impressive pitch.   Kevin Sexton of organisers, Alpha Innovation, sa...

Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue will appear before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee this morning to face questions on the nitrates derogation.   The derogation determines the amount of manure that is spread per hectare on land.   Ireland currently has a derogation until 2026 however plans are underway to reduce the level from 250 kilogrammes per hectare to 220 in certain...

A lack of social housing in Killybegs is said to be at breaking point.   The waiting list has increased while housing development in the area it's not going at a fast enough pace to cope with the demand.   While some projects locally are ongoing, it could be years before hopeful tenants turn the key in the door.   Some people are reportedly living in caravans in the interim.  ...

People in the Mountcharles area are said to be 'living in fear' over what's been described as a lack of road markings on two local routes.   A section of the N56 and a junction on the N15 are said to be hugely problematic now because right hand turn marking have been removed.   There have been recent minor crashes at the two junctions but Gardai have confirmed that a lack of road marking...

A proposed train line from Derry into Letterkenny has been branded an insult to south Donegal.   As part of the All Island Rail Review, there were no proposals to link Donegal with Sligo which has caused outrage among some communities.   The lack of train facilities in Donegal has long been flagged as having a detrimental impact on the county's economic potential.   Local Fianna Fai...

People from Donegal all over the world are being encouraged to support Love Donegal Day today. This year is the second celebration of the event, after the inaugural celebration took place last year. Anyone with a connection to Donegal can share their love for Tír Chonaill by posting photos on social media platforms with the hashtag, #LoveDonegal. Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Martin Har...

Concern has been expressed over the suspension of two long-serving gravediggers in Sligo Cemetery. Both men have been suspended with full pay, and their suspensions came into effect in August. Following their suspension, graves have become overgrown and untidy, as there is no longer anyone there to maintain them. When contacted, Sligo County Council declined to comment on the matter. Speaking to O...

An investigation is continuing into a burglary at St. Molaise Church in Cliffoney earlier this week.   During the course of the incident, thieves broke into the church and subsequently made off with a safe containing a sum of money.   Substantial damage was also caused to some of the interior of the church.   The break-in happened at around 7pm on Sunday evening last.   Parish...

A clampdown on the illegal activities of some camper vans in south Donegal is imminent.   It's understood that issues with parking and dumping by a small minority was prevalent in the area over the summer months.   A workshop with all relevant bodies is due to take place this side of Christmas with a view towards more regulation and enforcement.   Local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMaho...

There's major concern over the level of roads policing in the wider Sligo/Leitrim area.   The number of Gardai assigned to the roads policing unit in Sligo in particular is said to have decreased dramatically over the last number of years and it's understood that there has been little progress in attempts to address the issue.   It has led to fears locally that it will ultimately lead to...

Disappointment has been expressed over what's been described as a lack of maintenance of the toilet facilities at Rossnowlagh over the summer months.   There had been hopes that the cleaning schedule would have increased for the tourism season however it's understood that this did not happen.   On some days, it's reported that the facilities were unfit for use.   Local Fine Gael Cll...

It's understood that there's currently no application submitted to the Department of Integration and Children to house refugees at the Ringfort Inn in Bruckless.   A public meeting held earlier this week heard concerns from members of the community over the potential move and a lack of services and facilities locally.   However, it's believed that a planning application for an extension...

Accommodation and space issues are said to be prevalent at two schools in Sligo. Sinn Fein's Education Spokesperson Sorcha Clarke was in Sligo today, visiting St. Joseph's Special School and Ballinode College of Further and Higher Education. Among the issues raised were inadequate facilities and the limited options that can be provided to students as a result. Deputy Sorca Clarke says the Governme...

A cautious welcome has been given to halted works at the T-Junction on the Barrack Road in Collooney.   The recent work to the junction has been causing major problems for lorries and HGVs with Sligo County Council set to re-jig it.   The issue has in turn led to serious safety concerns among the local community however it's hoped that following the review, a few adjustments to the works...

Calls have been made to reopen the partnership between Sligo County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Councils. Donegal Municipal District, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Municipal District of Lifford/Stranorlar have previously held meetings. The aim of the committee is to explore ways in which cross-border communities can work together. Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District Coun...

A former Donegal Sergeant has described the Garda Commissioners position as 'untenable'.   It comes the Garda Representative Association has this afternoon, unanimously voted no confidence in Drew Harris.   Of the 10 thousand 800 members, 84 per cent used their vote, and 98 point 7 per cent voted "no" when asked if they have confidence in Drew Harris.   It's the first time in the 10...

Calls continue for all local representatives in Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal to put pressure on the relevant bodies to address the retention and recruitment crisis in the local authority. The call comes as local authority continue indefinite industrial action. Employees, who are represented by the Forsa trade union, are refusing to carry out engagements with politicians. The union is calling for be...

There are calls for a thorough investigation into what's been described as a pungent smell from the water in and around Killybegs Harbour.   Several complaints have been made by members of the public as it relates to the issue, the first dating back to 2021.   While there has been testing of the water there, no definitive answer has been found.   Cllr Niamh Kennedy says something is...

The Donegal based President of the GRA is expecting a big turn out at this mornings ballot on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.   An overwhelming number of Gardai are expected to carry a vote of no confidence in the Commissioner Drew Harris today.   A result is expected to be known at around 11:30.   It's the first time in the 100-year history of the organisation that a such a ballot...

It's been confirmed that work on two outdoor amenities for Bundoran and Donegal Town is to begin shortly.   The news will quash rumours that had been circulating locally that the plans may have been shelved indefinitely.   However it's been confirmed that while inflation costs had led to a slight delay to the projects, work is to start in the coming weeks.   Speaking about plans for...

Residents in Collooney and the surrounding area can breathe a sigh of relief following confirmation that a review is to take place of recent work carried out at the T-junction at Barrack Road.   As part of a one million euro active travel upgrade, the junction has been narrowed which has caused huge difficulty for those driving lorries and HGVs.   A significant number of local residents...

There’s said to be a significant backlog on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in south Donegal. Homeowners can get up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property and up to €70,000 if the property is derelict. However, people must do the work and spend the money in the first instance before they are allocated the grant, leading to big delays locally. Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMah...

A timeline for planned works on a one way system for Donegal Town is expected in the coming days. A meeting is due to be held this week with a view towards notifying the general public on a schedule of works thereafter. The plans include introducing a One-Way System onto Tirchonaill Street, Castle Street, Water Street and New Row within Donegal Town to improve traffic flow and safety. Additional o...