Ocean FM News Reports

It has been confirmed that the reopening of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo has been pushed back.   The cathedral originally closed in the beginning of January for several months for much needed repair works.   It was hoped that works, which include the cleaning and repainting of interior walls and surfaces would conclude prior to Easter and reopen on Wednesday, April 16t...

There are renewed calls for various agencies to provide a spokesperson to provide information directly to local representatives. The likes of the ESB and various phone providers received major backlash in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn due to an overall lack of communication of when outages would be fixed. Local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMahon believes that at the moment these providers are not opera...

People are being advised to check weather conditions and to tell someone where they are going before heading out on the water this Bank Holiday Weekend. That's according to the Irish Coast Guard, Irish Water Safety and The RNLI, which are asking people to be extra careful around water this St. Patrick's weekend. Killian O'Kelly Water Safety Educator with the RNLI says people may decide to take boa...

Drivers are being warned to never driver under the influence of drink or drugs. Anyone planning to socialise and take alcohol over the St. Patrick's weekend needs to leave their car at home. Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries says Gardaí will be out in force on the country's roads:

It's expected to be a busy St. Patrick's Bank Holiday weekend at hospitals. The HSE is encouraging people to consider all care options by getting help in the right setting. If someone needs to see a GP urgently they should contact their local out of hours GP service. HSE West and Northwest Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan has this advice for anyone with an injury:

A Tubbercurry company involved in the construction industry has been described as industry pioneers at the cutting-edge of modern construction. Speaking at the National Modern Methods of Construction Conference, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Marian Harkin acknowledged the contribution of Vision Built, the Tubbercurry based modular construction company that em...

There are calls for an urgent meeting to be held over housing development in Donegal. Housing stock in Donegal like everywhere else in the North West is at crisis point. The meeting would involve Donegal County Council along with the Donegal branch of the Construction Federation to see if housing construction can be fast tracked. Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Naughton feels that these developers know b...

Bundoran RNLI have issued a water safety appeal ahead of the extended St Patricks Day weekend. Despite calm conditions expected over the weekend, the public are being asked to not be complacent and be prepared for any incident. While it has also been highlighted that 67% of accidental drownings were preceded by land-based activities, such as walking, hiking, or angling. Killian O’Kelly, of Bundora...

A Donegal TD says the results of a new study that examines the psychological impacts of the defective concrete crisis in the county has provided alarming parallels between what those impacted and individuals that have lived through a natural disasters.   Deputy Ward says impacts of the crisis had led to many experiencing suicidal thoughts with more struggling with depression as result of what...

The Taoiseach has rejected criticism following his recent meeting with the US President.   Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny described the visit of the Taoiseach to the white house as a missed opportunity to raise the concerns of the Irish People over the ongoing conflicts in Gazza and the Ukraine.     The Sinn Fein TD says he expected the Taoiseach to be more vocal on the current confl...

Over the next few days, Ireland West Airport Knock is expecting one of its busiest weekends in its 39-year history.   With St Patrick’s Day on Monday, the three-day weekend will witness many people looking to travel abroad and many others looking to fly in.   The Airport has issued advice to all passengers to arrive 90 minutes in advance of the flight time, to allow time for any delays....

A Donegal TD says the results of a new study that examines the psychological impacts ofthe defective concrete crisis in the county has provided alarming parallels between what those impacted have gone through and those that endure national disasters. Deputy Ward says impacts of the crisis had led to many experiencing suicidal thoughts with many more dealing with depression. The Donegal elected rep...

A North West MEP has stressed the importance of protections being in place for irish Food and alcohol exporters.   After threating yesterday to impose a potential 200 per cent tariff on alcohol exports from the EU yesteday, there are fears this morning that Donald Trump will target Ireland's agri-food industry with tariffs.   Taoiseach Micheal Martin has called for dialogue between the t...

Water sport enthusiasts in the North West are being warned to be vigilant when taking part in such activities this Bank Holiday weekend.   The St Patrick’s Day celebrations traditionally mark the start of the tourism season and it’s expected that many visitors and those living locally will take to the water over the next number of days.     The Irish Coast Guard, Irish Water Safety...

A local whiskey distiller has expressed their concerns if the US President, follows through on his threat to impose a 200 per cent tariff on alcohol exports from the EU.   Donal Trump issued the threat following the imposition of EU taxes on American whiskey.   The move effectively places massive tariffs on one of Ireland's largest exports.   The US accounted for 40 per cent of all...

The All-Stars are heading for basketball’s Super League play-offs again. Head coach Shane O’Meara, team captain Tom Child and other EJ Sligo All-Stars club stalwarts on what making the knockout stages for the third consecutive season means. Sligo Rovers were at the All-Stars win over Galway Maree on Wednesday night. We’ll hear from John Russell and Harvey Lintott as Rovers plan a full-court press...

Killybegs Harbour in Donegal is set to receive a funding boost of €11.2 million. The money is being made available through the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme and its one of the highest allocations in the country. It’ll be used to improve facilities and the overall visitor experience in the area. Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle has been outlining how the...

A Sligo Leitrim TD has described the visit of the Taoiseach to the white house yesterday as a missed opportunity to raise the concerns of the Irish People over the ongoing conflicts in Gazza and the Ukraine.   Deputy Martin Kenny acknowledged that Michael Martin was in a difficult position given the last word leader to visit the Oval was the Volodymyr Zelenskyy.     The Sinn Fein TD...

Donegal and Sligo saw the largest percentage changes in dwellings units granted planning permission in 2024. Sligo saw a decrease from 311 units approved in 2023 to 148 units this year, while Donegal saw an increase from 642 to 998. The figures were published by the CSO, which includes one off housing, multi-development estates, and apartments. Shane O’Sullivan, of the CSO, explain the reasoning b...

A Sligo Councillor has warned that the delays involved restoring broadband connection to parts of the county is putting the jobs of remote workers at risk.     Fresh concern has been raised in relation to the amount of time it is taking to restore broadband connection to a number of customers of customers in Sligo.      Sligo Drumcliffe Councillor, Edel McSharry is urging...

The Education Minister has been accused of not taking the Donegal Education Centre debacle issue seriously.   The data for when the centre is set to move from Donegal Town to Letterkenny is drawing closer.   It's been claimed that consolation with current staff over the move has been non-existent.   Minister Helen McEntee is under pressure to stall the plans until such time as thoro...

There are fears that long awaited flood mitigation works for Pettigo may not be in the pipeline.   Many homes and businesses near the local river have been severely impacted by flooding over the years.   It had been widely anticipated that following the former OPW Minister Kieran O'Donnell's visit to south Donegal last year that the works would be made a priority.    Cross bord...

The candidates for the upcoming election of Honorary Mayor of Donegal Town have been revealed. The election takes place on March 28th and there are a total of five candidates vying for the role of Mayor. They are: Billy Bustard, Justin Coughlin, Anna Gallagher, Ciara Martin and Gabriel O'Donnell. Pauric Kennedy has had held the position since 2017. Mary McGettigan Office Manager with the Donegal T...

Concern has been expressed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme available to those impacted by Storm Eowyn has been terminated.   Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice TD is calling for urgent answers from Minister Dara Calleary in relation to the reports.   The Independent Ireland Deputy says he has been informed that an email was allegedly dispatched from the Department of Social Protection to...

It's believed two recent gorse fires in south Donegal may have been started deliberately. A major cross border operation ensued on Sunday evening last to reports of a fire near Belleek. Another similar fire also happened near Pettigo. Now the Northern Ireland Fire service have confirmed that they believe that they may have been started deliberately. An investigation is continuing. Local Sinn Fein...