Ocean FM News Reports

There could be a few new faces at the Cabinet table in the wake of Taoiseach Leo Varadkars imminent departure.   The Higher Education Minister confirmed his intention to run to be the next leader of the party last night and has already been endorsed by the majority of the parliamentary party - meaning he will likely be the sole candidate and the next Taoiseach.   But he is being urged to...

There are hopes that a number of issues will be tackled at St. Aidan's National School in Ballaghameehan sooner rather than later. The school building and playground are said to be in a state of disrepair while emergency funding for external doors and windows was previously rejected. Local Independent Councillor, Felim Gurn, is calling for the issues to be addressed. He says the current situation...

The 100% Redress Party has officially endorsed "The People's Document". The document details what exactly is required by those affected by defective concrete blocks in their homes to receive full redress. The initiative was launched at the beginning of this month. A public endorsement event will be taking place in The Inishowen Gateway hotel, Buncrana, to officially launch the document on Tuesday,...

There are fears that it may be too little too late for many struggling tourism businesses in the North West, even if the Government steps in at the eleventh hour. It comes as a report from the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation found that thousands of jobs could be lost in the sector because of an increase in costs. Treasurer of the Donegal Vintners Association and Cathaoirleach of Donegal Count...

It's Ireland’s Call for Sligo’s Nicole Fowley – the Drumcliffe native starts at outhalf in Saturday’s opening Six Nations match against the French – her first Six nations game for five years. Could Leitrim gaelic football secure a promotion double this weekend? The women will go up to Division 3 if they beat Limerick in their league semi-final on Sunday. The men will do likewise if they beat Tipp...

Fine Gael continue to face calls for a general election in light of the Taoiseach's resignation.   Leo Varadkar's shock announcement yesterday has left his party looking to elect a new leader.   However Donegal TD Pearse Doherty feels now is the time for an election.   Deputy Doherty says that it should be up to the public to vote for their next Taoiseach, rather than having it deci...

A Sligo Restaurateur says he's not surprised by today's shocking report from the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.   It's warning that recent enforced changes to payroll will cost tourism businesses 450 million euro this year.   The group is also calling for the Government to reduce the VAT rate to 9 per cent in an effort to offset the rise in minimum wage and other employee benefits...

Questions have been asked in the Dáil regarding road safety and the use of GoSafe cameras on Irish roads. It comes after almost 1,800 people were caught speeding over the St Patrick's weekend. Sinn Féin's transport spokesperson, Martin Kenny, feels that the most dangerous areas on roads are not being policed correctly. Deputy Kenny also highlighted a number of blackspots on Irish roads where serio...

Simon Harris is almost certain to be the next Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach. He's expected to announce his candidacy after all his potential competitors announced they weren't running.   And amid calls for a general election, some have taken the opportunity to praise outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for his time in office.   Manorhamilton Local Election Candidate for Fine Gael, Kevin Com...

Current General Practitioner capacity issues led to a local pregnant woman unable to access healthcare services. The woman contacted five GP services across South Donegal and Sligo, but none of them were able to accept her. Donegal TD Pearse Doherty raised the issue and highlighted the urgent need for the GP shortage to be addressed. The woman eventually found a GP, but only after she went public...

The current Government need to make way for the people to decide who should lead the country.   That's according to Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn, who has described Fianna Fail and the Green Party backing Fine Gaels moves to appoint a new Taoiseach as a spectacle.   Support meanwhile for Simon Harris as the next leader of Fine Gael is growing.   But Deputy MacLochlainn s...

Serious concern has been raised over what's been described as an alarming rise in knife crime in Sligo.   It follows last night's alleged assault in the Ballinode area - it's believed that at least one man was stabbed.   He was taken to Sligo University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.   It's said to be the latest in the string of similar incidents in the town recently....

A Fine Gael TD thinks 'bouncing' into a General Election for the sake of it isn't a good thing. Former Education Minister Joe McHugh made the comments in the wake of the shock resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday. The race for the next leader of Fine Gael has officially started. Numerous politicians have come out in support of Simon Harris, while Helen McEntee has ruled herself out. In...

There are further calls being made from TDs that it is time to call for a general election. The unrest comes after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's announcement yesterday that he will be stepping down from his political role. Deputy Marian Harkin offered her respect to the outgoing leader for his service, but insisted that this government has run its course. The Sligo-Leitrim TD says that its about what i...

The government is being urged to take the European Parliament's recommendations on board when it comes to dealing with defective blocks. This week, MEPs published a report calling on the State to improve the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme and provide 100 per cent redress for those affected by the Mica scandal. Campaigners say the current offering of renumeration up to 420 thousand...

The local authority in Sligo is being urged to explore avenues for funding to build a wastewater treatment plant in Rathcormac. It's thought that the lack of such is holding up the development of new houses in the area. However, it has come to light that funding could be available to develop a wastewater treatment plant and sewerage system if the council decides to apply for it. Local Independent...

Sligo County Council are being urged to write to Transport for Ireland to establish a bus route from Ballymote to Tubbercurry. Currently, there is no link between the two towns, both of which are two of the most populated areas outside of Sligo Town. Local Fine Gael Councillor, Dara Mulvey, has urged the public to reach out to the TFI to highlight the demand for the service. Councillor Mulvey also...

Leitrim manager Andy Moran was encouraged by what his side produced in Wednesday night's 2-16 to 0-13 loss to Galway in their opening group match of this year's Connacht U20 football championship. He spoke to Ocean FM Sport's John Lynch after the game in Ballinasloe.

Kilcar GAA Club in Donegal officially launched its Centenary celebrations with a special night of chat and nostalgia at the Áislann on March 15th. Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan was part of a full house for this special event.

Listen back as Onóir join Seamie Mac on Ocean Drive.

The European Parliament's report on the defective blocks crisis has recommended that the Government insure a 100 per cent redress for those affected. Currently the scheme from the Government covers remediation work up to a maximum of 420 thousand euro. The new report calls for redress of the financial burden of all the costs, including new foundations, provisional accommodation and rental costs. F...

News of Leo Varadkar's resignation has been met with some surprise by an Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle     Deputy Pringle has long been critical of Leo Varadkar and the current government and feels the announcement was a sort of "damp spuib” and is merely a tactic by the Fine Gael party.     Speaking to Ocean FM News, he says he believes a general election is the only a...

Leo Varadkar's decision to step down has been described as a complete surprise. His party colleague, and Sligo Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has been reacting to the Taoiseach's announcement with Ocean FM News this afternoon.

Leo Varadkar has confirmed that he is to step down as Taoiseach and leader of the Fine Gael party. He assumed the office of Taoiseach in June of 2017. He has been a Fine Gael TD for the Dublin West constituency since 2007. Mr Varadkar was confirmed as Taoiseach for the second time in December 2022 following a special sitting of the Dáil. He previously held the role from June 2017 to June 2020 befo...

Those sentiments were echoed by Independent Councillor, Felim Gurn, who was also disappointed with the setback.