Ocean FM News Reports

A Donegal TD has criticised any potential introduction of domestic water charges across Ireland. It’s been suggested that a charge could be issued for excessive use of water, as environmental impacts are being considered. However, it’s argued that the charges wouldn’t help water conservation but would only cause water poverty to those who can’t afford it. Sinn Fein Deputy Pearse Doherty says there...

Shocking revelations have emerged over the impact dog fouling is having in south Donegal. A number of children with a disability have had dog mess left on their hands trying to push their wheelchairs in recent weeks. The issue is said to be particularly prevalent in Killybegs and Donegal Town. Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD and Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Jordan says this is the harsh reality behind dog owne...

The north west is set to see continued improvement in weather conditions across the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend.   Counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal had all been under status yellow, orange and red weather warnings so far this year.   However, while temperatures are still set to be cold, increased spells of dry weather are set to grip the region.   Forecaster with Met Éi...

The owners of a notorious eyesore in Ballisodare have until Easter to consider a structural report. The abandoned apartment complex on the outskirts of the village has been a bone of contention for the wider community for some time. A draft structural report had been sent to the owners in recent months Sligo County Council have also asked them for a clear plan for the building. Fine Gael Cllr Thom...

There's no plans for traffic calming measures for sections of the N15 in North Sligo. It's been confirmed that they have not been identified as high collision locations. This is despite serious concern raised over speeding issues along the route, with motorists exiting adjoining junctions finding it impossible to do so. Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy says while he's disappointed he's also not surpr...

Spiralling energy costs are a serious health threat to older people, according to a leading charity.   ALONE says it's alarmed over arrears on bills and reports that costs from Storm Éowyn could be passed on to consumers in future.   CEO Seán Moynihan says almost half of financially-challenged older people who come to them are facing problems over their utilities:   Local Sinn Féin...

There are calls for more clarity over proposed works at Murvagh.   There's ongoing concern in the area over the amount of felling that is being planned by Coillte, and what kind of knock-on effect that will have.   A well-attended public meeting also took place over the issue at the weekend.   Local Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan says it's crucial that residents in the area be consul...

There are calls for a feasibility study into the viability of the Craft Village in Donegal Town to the stopped.   The amenity is home to a number of businesses and there have been ongoing calls for improvements to the overall visitor experience there with some minor cosmetic works.   Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Naughton feels that money being spent on the study should be invested into the c...

A local government TD and Junior Minister has clarified her stance after the cabinet approved plans for a national gas storage facility using imported gas.   It's understood that the gas will be imported from the US where it is extracted mainly by hydraulic fracturing or fracking.   Fracking is banned in Ireland due to concerns over the damage it causes to the environment, water sources...

It’s reported that government is considering a clamp down on learner drivers who repeatedly renew their permits.   The Department of Transport is suggesting learners should only be allowed four consecutive permits if they don't pass their driving test.   If they fail, they'd have to start the process again by re-sitting the theory test - according to reports in the Irish Times.   Do...

There are calls on politicians travelling to the US for St. Patrick’s Day to meet with the undocumented Irish.  It’s thought that there are tens of thousands of Irish people, many from Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal currently living in America.  The Programme for Government here includes a provision to "seek solutions for undocumented Irish citizens in the US to regularise their status." It’...

Households across the North West could be about to face charges for excessive use of water.    The cost is expected to be imposed on households later this year - eight years after legislation was passed to allow for such a move.     The Irish Independent are reporting this morning that the introduction the charges is a “high-level priority” for the Department of Housing.  ...

It's claimed that high level meeting will take place today to plan for a scenario if Ireland's energy supply was attacked is a glorified PR stunt aimed to persuade the public that Ireland needs to import fracked gas. The Tanaiste will chair a meeting of the Government's Taskforce on Emergency Planning which focuses on dealing with disasters. It's understood the Taskforce will consider a scenario i...

It's hoped that the issuing of interim payments will help ease the financial pressure that many farmers across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are currently experiencing.   A number of farms inspected and cleared as part of the ACRES environmental scheme, are still waiting for payment.   Farmers were previously met with claims that a glitch on the IT system resulted in many receiving unwarran...

A Donegal TD says Ireland's reputation in the USA is strong enough that the Taoiseach should not go 'cap in hand' to meet President Trump tomorrow.       Sinn Fein's Padraig McLoughlin says with the large Irish diaspora in the states and a record of substantial investment in the US, the Taoiseach should visit the Oval office as the head of a proud nation.   In advance of the me...

Local members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and Fórsa have served the HSE with notice of industrial action in a dispute over staff shortages. The row involves the INMO, Fórsa, Connect, Unite and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association. The action is to begin on 31 March, after a three-week notice period. Local Fórsa union representative, Pat Fallon says its ultimately about p...

Gaeltacht communities in a number of counties including Donegal will gather outside the offices of several institutions today which play a key role in housing. Campaigners are expected to gather outside of local authorities - to call for immediate action to resolve the Gaeltacht housing crisis nationally. They are calling for a number of action to be taken including the establishment a special Gae...

Many families across Sligo and Leitrim are said be finding it impossible to access CAMHS. The Children's Mental Health service locally currently doesn't have clinical lead, meaning a significant number of children who need help can't even get on a waiting list. Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny says it's becoming a very serious issue and it needs to be addressed urgently. He says the reality...

It's hoped that action will be taken on a structural report on the notorious Old Mill Apartment Complex in Ballisodare. The assessment was carried out to consider the buildings viability -the eyesore has been lying idle in the village for many years and has previously been described as 'an appalling legacy from the Celtic Tiger days.' The 75-apartment building was built at a cost of 12 million eur...

Listen back to the full match commentary of the Masita All-Ireland Post Primary Schools senior 'C' football final between St Clare's Manorhamilton and Ennistymon CS (Clare) - as described by the Ocean FM Sport commentary team of John Lynch and Martin McGowan.

Reflections from an eventful 1-1 draw with Cork City at Turner's Cross on Friday night. Manager John Russell, goalscorer Owen Elding and goalkeeper Conor Walsh share their thoughts. Plus - the new women's League of Ireland season begins for Sligo Rovers with a scoreless draw at home to Bohs. We bring you Steve Feeney's reaction.

Leitrim County Council is to contact the Minister for Education calling on the State Examinations Commission to introduce stand-alone additional time for students with Dyslexia and other learning difficulties while sitting examinations. Manorhamilton Independent Councillor James Gilmartin recently raised the issue at a meeting of the Local Authority. The secondary school teacher says this addition...

There are calls in Sligo to prohibit the use of counselling and therapy notes in gender-based violence cases. This is with the intention of protecting survivors' rights to confidentiality and ensuring their private records won't be used against them. It is thought that the reveal of such information could deter people from seeking critical mental health support. Independent Sligo Cllr Marie Casser...

The Sinn Fein Chief Whip says the recent actions of the US President provides clear evidence why his party has taken the decision not to attend the White House for the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations.     US President Donald Trump has hailed the impact of the Irish in America days ahead of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin's visit to the White House.   Donald Trump recently signed a procl...

A man and woman have been handed life sentences for the murder of a man in Co Donegal, who was thrown off the top of Sliabh Liag after being beaten with a rock. Alan Vial, of Drumanoo, Killybegs; and Nikita Burns of Carrick, Co Donegal, denied murdering Robert Wilkin in June 2023, with both blaming the other for killing him. However, after over eight-and-a-half hours of deliberations, the jury con...