Ocean FM News Reports

It’s been confirmed that work on the Outdoor Public Space Scheme project on the Diamond in Donegal Town is to begin later this month.   The works include a revamp of the entire area, incorporating a permanent stage canopy, new seating and other associated features.   The works are set to begin on January 22nd with a view towards being finished by June.   Local Fianna Fail Cllr Micha...

A number of ramps are to be installed in Bundoran.    The primary focus will be on Main Street and Atlantic Way and it’s in a bid to slow traffic down and ensuring the safety of pedestrians.    It’s envisaged that the infrastructure will be in place by years end.    Local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMahon says there have been a lot of serious speeding incidents in the to...

The recently elected chairperson of the IFA's Connacht branch begins his term today. Brendan Golden, a native of Killala in Mayo was elected in mid-December. He defeated Leitrim's James Gallagher by 720 votes to 651. Prior to his election, Mr. Golden held the position of chairperson of the IFA National Livestock Committee for the past four years. Speaking to Ocean FM News, the newly elected chairp...

The January meeting of Leitrim County Council has heard renewed calls for additional ambulance crews to be introduced in Leitrim and the North West. Sinn Fein Councillor Brendan Barry urged the Council to call on the HSE and the National Ambulance Service to provide additional ambulances crews immediately. At yesterday's meeting he also sought information on the percentage of life threatening call...

There must be better communication between the Department of Integration and communities where refugees and asylum seekers will be housed. That's the view of Leitrim Independent Councillor, Felim Gurn, who raised the issue at this month's meeting of Leitrim County Council. Councillor Gurn says there is a lack of infrastructure in terms of health care, schools and community facilities in many of th...

It will take more than introducing a few wolves back into rural Ireland to solve the issues dogging the forestry sector in this country. That’s according to the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council who was responding to comments from the Green Party Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett who said she would not be against the idea of reintroducing wolves into 'certain par...

A former Sligo secondary school teacher and General Secretary of the ASTI has accused the Education Minister of throwing in the towel on the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.   The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland says Norma Foley doesn't have the "political will to properly tackle the problem."   It says there are hundreds of unfilled post-primary teaching posts adve...

The issue of hedge cutting in North Leitrim has to be taken more seriously.   That's according to local Fine Gael Cllr Sean McDermott, who is calling for a solution to be found once and for all.   Every year, there's said to be a small cohort of landowners who don't cut hedges which are on their land, leading to major road safety concerns in rural areas .   Cllr McDermott says the p...

Farmers in the north west are being urged to continue to prioritise safety this week with freezing conditions expected to last until Friday. Many areas have been hit with bitterly cold temperatures, with severe frost and ice with temperatures dropping to minus 8 in some places. Among the advice issued includes to put measures in place to ensure outwintered and housed livestock have access to fresh...

A Sligo councillor is questioning the criteria that more experienced drivers are being asked to meet. It recently emerged that some policies are requiring drivers who are 75 and over to supply a medical report to obtain a licence. Changes were made to the policy in February 2022 to increase the age at which drivers have to supply a medical report from 70-75. Sligo Drumcliff councillor, Thomas Heal...

An investigation is continuing into an incident of vandalism outside a wake house in Donegal.   It's understood that flares were removed from roadside signs in recent days while a wake was ongoing in the Falcarragh area.   In a statement the local undertaker, Sweeney Funeral Directors and Embalmers called on those involved in the theft to return the lights immediately.   It's believ...

Property prices in counties Sligo and Donegal rose in the final quarter of 2023, according to the latest MyHome.ie property price report. Property prices in Donegal rose by €10,000 during that quarter. The report also shows that the median asking price for a property in the county is now €209,950. Properties in Sligo rose by €1,500 with the median asking price for a price for a property in the cou...

Paddy McGill brings you a new season of the Donegal GAA podcast for 2024 – and beating Tyrone in Healy Park on a foggy January Sunday isn’t a bad place to start. Peter Campbell, Alan Foley and manager Jim McGuinness wrap up well for their respective postmatch assessments.

A new sub-group set up to examine issues relating to homes affected by defective blocks must deliver for the homeowners affected. That's the view of Sinn Fein TD, Pearse Doherty, who was speaking on the issue following the establishment of the group. One key issue the group will tackle is the mortgageability of the homes affected following remediation. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Deputy Doherty sai...

Speculation is mounting locally over big names to potentially touch down at Ireland West Airport in 2024.   It comes as the airport recorded its highest ever passenger numbers in its history, with 818,000 people passing through the airport last year.   One of the more prominent 'passengers' passing through the airport last year was US President Joe Biden and Head of Marketing at Ireland...

A local election candidate in Leitrim says she is confident that there is not a far right element behind recent opposition in Dromahair to the arrival of those seeking international protection at the Abbey Manor Hotel.   Bernie Linnane was responding to recent comments from her party leader Ivana Bacik who had expressed concern about the role of the far right in orchestrating hate in differen...

Concern has been raised once again over a lack of youth facilities in Donegal Town.   The lack of such facilities in the town have been highlighted for some time, with hopes for the likes of a new cinema dashed in recent months.   All the while, there have been a number of new housing developments in the area.   Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy says it's crucial that other aspec...

A permanent Roads Safety Officer is set to be appointed in Donegal. It's understood the appointment will be made in the next few months. The last officer to hold the position retired in April 2023, and no permanent replacement has been found to date. Donegal had the highest number of road fatalities in the North West in 2023, with 10 people losing their lives. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Fine Gael...

The increase in fatalities on Irish roads should act as motivation for Local Authorities to put measures in place to reduce speed limits. Sligo Drumcliff Councillor, Marie Casserly, says the recent figures are a stark warning of how dangerous many local roads currently are. All local authorities in the country will be expected to carry out speed limit reviews this summer in order to facilitate the...

A local election candidate in Leitrim has welcomed a decision from the Road Safety Authority which has ruled out the requirement for an 'NCT-style' test for tractors and all agricultural machinery.   The Irish independent are reporting that the RSA Officials are completing analysis are unlikely to be recommending mandatory Periodic Test Inspections for agri vehicles.   Since 2018, it has...

There are calls to grow the number of courses available at the ATU campus in Killybegs.   It's after the Government recently sanctioned funding to establish electrician apprenticeships on the campus.   Killybegs has been traditionally renowned for its catering courses.   Donegal Independent TD Thomas Pringle says Killybegs in an important aspect of ATU, it does need to diversif...

Farmers across the north west are being urged to carry out the necessary precautions ahead of the cold snap.   Many will face the challenges during the predicted inclement weather conditions   The IFA has issued a number of safety tips, with the safety of farmers themselves of paramount importance.   The association’s Connacht regional Chairperson, Brendan Golden, is encouraging all...

There are urgent calls to replenish the Sligo/Leitrim Roads Policing Unit.   It comes in the wake of stark figures released by the Road Safety Authority this week which show that 17 people lost their lives across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal last year.   Donegal had the highest number of fatalities at 10, followed by Sligo at 4 while there were 3 road deaths in Leitrim.   The figures...

People in Sligo have been asked to look at the bigger picture when it comes to the development of the town. Residents of Sligo Town have raised concerns about the widening of footpaths in some areas, particularly O'Connell Street and Wolfe Tone Street. However, Sinn Fein Councillor, Arthur Gibbons, feels once all works around Sligo Town are completed, people won't have as many concerns. He feels t...

Donegal Coroner and Stranorlar based GP, Dr. Denis McCauley is set to become President of the Irish Medical Organisation.   The appointment is due to take place in April and it's understood that he will be the first President from Donegal.   The role of the IMO is to represent doctors and GPs in Ireland and to provide them with all relevant services.   It is also committed to the de...