Ocean FM News Reports

A Donegal teacher has supported the showing of Netflix tv show Adolescence in schools, but that it must be backed with appropriate government legislation and resources. This follows an announcement from the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday, that the hit series would be shown in UK schools. The show focuses on how young males see the world due to an exposure of harmful online content. Teach...

Sinn Féin has objected to the new Dáil speaking arrangements ahead of a motion of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle. Verona Murphy says the procedures followed last week are legitimate and stand as the new rules of the Dáil. The opposition has brought a joint confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle, with the Government set to back her. That hasn't stopped Sinn Féin Deputy and Donegal TD, Pádraig...

There is hope that the North West can withstand any potential impacts as a result of US trade tariffs. Tomorrow it is expected that a 20% tariff will be placed on all goods and services coming from the European Union. There are a number of companies in this region that depend heavily on the US market, such as distilleries. Speaking to OceanFM News from Europe, North West MEP Maria Walsh highlighte...

Many companies across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are holding their breath ahead of Donald Trump's expected tariffs announcement tomorrow. Cabinet Ministers are being briefed of the potential economic impact this afternoon. Pharmaceutical exports from Ireland to America could half if the tariffs go ahead. It's thought that a potential trans-Atlantic trade war could result in the immediate decline o...

There are hopes for Donegal Tweed to receive a special protected status from the EU. This would prevent other products from using the label across the world, as it could only be produced from within Donegal. It would not be the first time such a measure has been sought in the North West, as in the last year Leitrim have wanted a protection in place for Boxty. Patrick Temple, of Magee Weaving in Do...

The North West is in for unseasonably high temperatures over the next week. The dry spell is set continue for the foreseeable with temperatures set to hit the high teens on some days. This will also increase the risk of gorse fires with people urged to be vigilant and to take extra care. Kenneth Conlon from the Donegal Weather Channel says what's known as an omega blocking high pressure system is...

The hospitality sector in Donegal was responsible for generating over 6.6 million euro in commercial rates in the county last year. It's the second highest contribution in Donegal in 2024. The figures come against the backdrop of numerous restaurant and café closures across the North West due to rising costs. Donegal County Council is to write to the Government urgently requesting that the 9% VAT...

A trans-Atlantic trade war could result in the immediate decline of the North West of Ireland. That's the warning from Irish MEP Maria Walsh, who's been speaking at the European Parliament ahead of Donald Trump's expected tariffs announcement tomorrow. The Midlands, North West representative says we've got to remain vigilant:

A Sligo Leitrim TD says careful consideration must be given to the imminent threats by the US President in relation to forcing US pharmaceutical companies out of Ireland and relocating in the United States. Donal Trump has also placed hefty tariffs on European alcohol products entering into the US and with pharmaceutical companies such as Abbot a major employer in the North West it's feared that s...

A Donegal TD doesn't foresee Verona Murphy winning back confidence from Opposition parties, even after she survives the confidence vote later. The Dáil will vote on the motion in the Ceann Comhairle for the first time in its history today. Opposition TDs have come together to submit the motion after the handling of last week's speaking time row. When asked if she had any hope of building bridges o...

It remains to be seen when works on the R292 top road in Strandhill village will be completed. Just over €130,000 in special contributions were previously to finance an upgrade, however, the main body of work is yet to be completed. Cllr Arthur Gibbons has stressed the need for improvement works on the road, in which he feels brings people to the ‘jewel in Sligo’s crown'. Cllr Gibbons says the pub...

A lack of parking is said to be becoming an increasing problem in Sligo town. The town has expanded in a number of ways but car parking facilities have not and this is now reportedly causing huge issues for both businesses and residents. The St. John's Terrace and Duck Street areas are thought to be particular problem areas. With spaces at a premium, it's hoped a number of options can be explored....

A North West Group has thrown their support behind a number of protestors who were arrested outside Leinster House in Dublin this morning. The Mothers Against Genocide protested overnight at the destruction seen in Gaza and wanted to see further government action. Gardai have confirmed to OceanFM that as individuals continued to block the entrance to Dail Eireann after a dialogue, a number of them...

There are calls in Sligo for funds and developments to be processed faster for the N17. This follows another road traffic collision that occurred along the stretch outside of Tubbercurry in Achonry on Friday. There were then major delays and road diversions in place for a number of hours for all motorists travelling the route. Fianna Fail Cllr Barry Gallagher raised major concerns over the speeds...

There's been a major increase in unfilled home care hours in Sligo and Leitrim. This means that people locally were approved for home help but didn't always receive it. As of 31st of December 2024, there was a total of 1,214 hours left unfilled in the area. This was an increase from 545.5 hours in January 2024. The majority of the unfilled hours are in older person services. Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fei...

Sligo and Leitrim will be granted a combined €5 million as part of a government social housing programme. There was initial concern as the two counties were omitted from the funding announcement, but the situation has now been clarified. The €3 million for Sligo and €2 million for Leitrim will also be joined with an additional €2 million for Donegal to help fight homelessness across the North West...

Counties Sligo and Leitrim appear to have been left out of a major social housing announcement by the Government. Minister James Browne has announced today he's set aside 436 million euro to meet social housing needs. He's providing 111 million euro for 82 projects, which will deliver over 1 thousand 300 new homes between now and 2027. There are housing approvals in a large number of locations acr...

Urgent clarity is being sought over Sligo and Leitrim being seemingly omitted from a social housing announcement. Minister James Browne is providing 111 million euro for new build developments and 325 million euro for second-hand homes. Many Counties are to benefit but there is no mention of Sligo or Leitrim in the plans,. Local Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Healy says questions need to be answered:

Reassurances have been given over the future of Donegal Town and Killybegs Community Hospitals. It's after rumours had been circulating over the potential downgrading of both facilities. The HSE has confirmed however that that there will be no moving of services out of the Community Hospital in Donegal Town. Seven beds which are closed at the moment is to facilitate some on-site works. The HSE hav...

Fresh calls have been for the introduction of the tenant in situ scheme. The scheme allows local authorities buy a house from a landlord that is occupied by a tenant who is on HAP or who would normally be entitled to a Council house. With the ever-growing number of homelessness locally, it's felt the scheme would go some way to reducing that. The latest figures, focusing on the week of the 17th -...

There are major fears that the Cranmore co-op in Sligo could close. It provides essential services like youth programs, community events, and support for disadvantaged groups in the area. There are reports that their core funding under regeneration from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage is coming to an end which could ultimately result in a wind down of the service. Fine Ga...

Seven games in, Sligo Rovers are bottom of the table after Friday night's 2-1 loss to Shelbourne. Reflections from Rovers manager John Russell on the season so far, the red card count....and the Showgrounds pitch.

Kilglass/Enniscrone Utd manager Dan Gorman reflects on the west Sligo club's league-winning season in junior soccer's Sligo Pallets Premier League.

There are renewed calls to prioritise a troublesome north Leitrim bridge in 2025. Located between the townlands of Rassaun and Leckanarainey, the bridge sees significant traffic despite its rural location. However, the base of the bridge is in much need of repair. Local Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraig Fallon feels its rumbled on for too long and the project needs to be delivered once and for all.

11 evictions carried out in the last ten years in the north west were determined to be illegal, according to a new report. The Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) published the report today, outlining the increasing prevalence of officially recorded illegal evictions among private and corporate landlords in an already precarious market for tenants. According to CATU, 11 evictions officially clas...