Ocean FM News Reports

Fears are said to be growing over how US tariffs may impact the North West. It comes as the Irish Government is being urged to clarify details of the trade deal announced between the European Union and United States this week. There's much uncertainty among the likes of distilleries across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal along with the local Pharma sector. Sligo-Leitrim-South Donegal Labour Party Senat...

A new survey reveals more than half of adults with asthma in the northwest are struggling to make ends meet, while nationwide, around 450,000 people depend on affordable care. Donegal alone has approximately 14,500 asthma sufferers and Sligo about 6,000, many of whom are limiting or skipping vital inhaler medication as costs rise Alarmingly, one in four respondents reported foregoing essential ast...

A special church service held for a mother and her two teenage children, killed in County Fermanagh, has heard how their deaths have "pierced the hearts" of their family, wider community, and the country. Today marks a week since Vanessa Whyte and James and Sara Rutledge were fatally shot at their home in Maguiresbridge. After the service, their coffins are being taken from County Fermanagh to Cou...

The Donegal GRA Spokesperson is warning that the new Garda Commissioner will face a number of challenges. Yesterday, it was revealed that the current Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly will replace Drew Harris when he retires on September 1st. The role, with a salary of at least 314 thousand euro, will see Mr. Kelly appointed to a five-year term or until the retirement age of 62. Garda Brendan O'Con...

There are new warnings about a growing crisis among the country's doctors.     The Irish Medical Organisation says research published this week by the Medical Council confirms that 'too much is being demanded from too few'.   It’s being claimed that many people are experiencing difficulties when it comes to getting an appointment with a GP in the North West.     A report p...

A Sligo Leitrim TD is warning that there are still many major challenges that need to be overcome before the North West Region has a ‘fit for purpose Health service’.     Deputy Martin Kenny was responding to the news that a new surgical hub will be located close to Sligo University Hospital, while a second Hub will also established at Letterkenny University Hospital.     &nbsp...

Dr. Mike Ryan has stepped down from the World Health Organisation. The Sligo-born doctor - who most recently served as Deputy Director General and Director for Health Emergencies - has worked with the UN agency for almost 30 years. He had planned to leave two years ago, but was asked to stay on - however, his role is now among those being cut following a significant drop in US funding. Speaking at...

Donegal may have missed out on the Sam Maguire this year, but the spirit in Donegal Town was anything but defeated last night. Crowds turned out in force to welcome the team home, showing unwavering support for the lads who gave it their all. Speaking to Ocean Fm at the homecoming, Donegal PRO Sinéad Breen said pride in the panel remains stronger than ever. They've brought the county together win...

The Glens Centre in Manorhamilton has secured €55,000 in Arts Council funding for 2026, part of a €17.1 million national arts investment. The centre is among 218 organisations to benefit, with funding increases reflecting strong growth and demand in the arts sector. The Glens also reported a 9% audience increase and plans a busy season ahead, including a touring play and cross-border projects. Spe...

A surgical hub could be delivered for Sligo in just two years' time.   Yesterday it was revealed that two hubs have been in given the green light in the North West - one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny, ending months of controversy over the issue.   Now that the debacle has finally been resolved, attentions are now turning to how quickly shovels can get in the ground.   Member of th...

National media has come under fire over their coverage on the North West surgical hub developments. Yesterday, the Health Minister revealed that two hubs are to be established in the region, one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny. It's been regarded as one of the biggest achievements for healthcare in this region in recent years. But local Fine Gael Cllr Michael Boyle is disappointed at what he has t...

The Government has appointed current Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly as the new Garda Commissioner. He will replace Drew Harris when he retires on September 1st. The role, with a salary of at least 314 thousand euro, will see Mr. Kelly appointed to a five-year term or until the retirement age of 62. Former Garda Sergeant in Donegal, Christy Galligan says policing needs to change, and he hopes the...

The Taoiseach says the sentences handed down to some of those convicted of the killing of Donegal soldier Seán Rooney are too lenient. A man convicted of murdering Sean Rooney in the Lebanon in December 2022 has been sentenced to death. Meanwhile, a number of co-accused have received lesser penalties. Taoiseach Michéal Martin says his thoughts are with the soldier's family today:

Sligo Bay RNLI has been praised for their swift response to a number of incidents in recent days. Over the weekend, a boat has suffered engine failure close to Sligo Town and the crew helped six people on board safely to shore. While late last week, the lifeboat was launched after two people got caught in the rip current at Deadman's Point. The pair were eventually able to swim to shore unaided to...

The outcome of the surgical hub debacle is proof that standing together as a team gets results. That's according to Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn, who has been reacting todays developments that two surgical hubs are to be established in the North West - one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny. It puts an end to months of controversy that only one such hub was to be allocated to the region....

Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan joined the Minister for Health when she made the announcement regarding the Surgical Hubs this morning Deputy Feighan was delighted that two and a half years of work finally came through in the form of two new surgical hubs in the Northwest. With the new facilities he's glad that Letterkenny was not excluded from receiving the new theatre and is happy that the pe...

A Sligo Leitrim TD says the confirmation of two new surgical Hubs being created in Sligo and Letterkenny is a vital part of delivering commitments made in the programme for Government to the people of this region.   Deputy Eamon Scanlon says that with a similar design being used for such facilities in the country there should be no delays during the planning and construction phases   Con...

The Government have given the green light for significant new investments in healthcare infrastructure for the North-West region. A new surgical hub will be located close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services. The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, says the Programme for Government co...

Donegal Fianna Fail TD Pat the Cope Gallagher has also welcomed the announcement. Deputy Gallagher says due to the geographical make up of the North West one Hub in either Sligo or Letterkenny was never going to be enough to service the medical needs of the people in the region.

A Donegal TD has expressed his dissatisfaction with no letters of assurance being issued to any defective block homeowner in Donegal. The letters were due to be issued by the Local Authority in Donegal as part of a 40-year guarantee for homeowners whose properties were remediated under the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme. It's understood that the Council have encounter some issues with the p...

A Donegal County Councillor says the Bundoran area is in shock after lost his life after getting into difficulty while swimming on Saturday afternoon.   The man was aged in his 70’s. Emergency services were called to the ‘Diving Boards’ area near Bundoran on Saturday afternoon, where a man was rescued from the water.   He was taken to Sligo University Hospital, but has since passed away....

Paddy McGill, Manus Boyle and Austin O'Callaghan reflect on Donegal's All-Ireland final disappointment against a classy Kerry side at Croke Park. We hear Jim McGuinness' postmatch assessment too.

Calls on government to prioritise homelessness crisis

Paddy McGill's concluding pre-All-Ireland final podcast brings together Alan Foley (Donegal Democrat) and Owenie McGarvey, to get their final thoughts on Sunday's Donegal v Kerry decider.

A Donegal Publican and member of the Vintners Association says if the Government decided to delay reducing the VAT Hospitality Rate it will spell the end for many businesses that are currently struggling in the sector.       Ballybofey Publican, Martin Harley, says it's vital that the reductions are afforded to all businesses in hospitality and accommodation.   Speaking to Ocea...