Ocean FM News Reports

Residents in North Sligo are expressing concerns about the current state of the area's water supply.   It's after a strong the discolouration has been noted in the water.   Meanwhile, a burst in the Grange area caused disruption in supply last week.   Residents have been forced to buy water from shops and seek alternative arrangements when it comes to cleaning clothes.   Local...

Sligo town and county look set to benefit from additional bus services.   The S3 route in Sligo looks to finally be launched.   Long running concerns have been expressed for some time over the service that covers areas such as Maugheraboy, Finisklin estate, and the First Sea Road are not being served.   Residents in Ballintogher and Ballygawley, meanwhile are to benefit from a revis...

The budget has failed to address the big issues facing education in the north west. That's according to ASTI General Secretary, and former Sligo secondary school teacher, Kieran Christie. The association has previously called on the department of education to make urgent investment. These include in class size, teacher shortages and school guidance and counselling services. ASTI General Secretary,...

The Agriculture Minister doesn't believe his Department has been underfunded in this year's Budget.   19 point 1 billion euro has been allocated for 2024 - with a Brexit fund expiring this year, bringing the total down 21 billion in 2023.   Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue also rejects claims that there's nothing to help farmers impacted by EU nitrates derogations:

It’s been claimed that there are a large number of cars speeding through the Main Street in Bundoran.   The issue is said to particularly prevalent at weekends.   It’s also been reported that several motorists are ignoring pedestrian crossings in the town.   Cllr Michael McMahon is insisting that speed ramps be installed on the Main Street as a matter of urgency:

A speed limit review is set to be carried out in County Sligo next year.   It's expected that the review will determine the areas where the speed limit should be reduced and will form part of a nationwide review on the issue.   The objective is to improve road safety and driver compliance and the public will also have an opportunity to have their say.   The last review in Sligo took...

There's disappointment that yesterdays Budget announcement did not include a stimulus package for the North West which would include the upgrade of the N17.   Earlier this year, the Transport Minister indicated to council officials in Sligo that there will no funding available for the foreseeable future, despite the public consultation taking place.   Speaking in the Dail, Sinn Féin's Sp...

The crisis in the health system in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal has been ignored in Budget 2024.   That's according to Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin who lashed out at the Government over what has described as an ever widening gap in regional imbalance.   It comes as almost 80 GPs in Donegal wrote a stark letter to the Health Minister earlier this week, outlining their concerns...

The Government is under pressure to establish a surgical hub in Donegal Town which would cater for patients in Sligo and Letterkenny.   The two acute hospitals in the North West have a combined 40,000 in-patients annually - only Cork University Hospital would have more in-patients than this.   It's thought that the hub would have far-reaching benefits for the region, including reducing w...

The Government, meanwhile has been accused of having “no urgency, no vision and no compassion” as it relates to the health system. In an impassioned speech in the Dáil, Sinn Féin's Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said the Government has delivered a “standstill Budget for health.” Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Deputy Doherty labelled the health system as “breaking at the seams.” He h...

The root of a foul odour at Killybegs Harbour has yet to be identified. The unpleasant smell has been an ongoing issue in the area for several months now and there have been calls for an investigation into the matter. It’s believed that it could be a sewerage problem. Local Independent Cllr Niamh Kennedy says there needs to be more of an effort to get to the bottom of what is causing it. Cllr Kenn...

There's outrage in Dunkineely following a decision by the Department of Education to reject a proposal to establish a set down area outside the local national school.   It was submitted following major safety concerns for both children and their parents crossing the road in the village, with an almost near miss with a lorry recently while some of them were on the pedestrian crossing.   T...

A Donegal TD has labelled the housing crisis as the government’s “greatest failure”   Sinn Féin’s Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said the Budget needed to provide support for renters, however it is instead “for landlords”.   Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Deputy Doherty accused the Government of locking thousands out of home ownership.   He believes that many feel the...

Learner drivers are said to be waiting up to eight months to do their test in the south Donegal area. With the lack of accommodation in Sligo for third level students, the issue is said to be causing major concern locally as many have no other option but to drive to college without a full licence. Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Naughton says it’s very much a crisis situation and is calling on the RSA to...

A Leitrim Councillor fears that recent comments from the Tourism Minister in relation to splitting VAT rates for Hotels and restaurants sound like more empty promises. Minister Catherine Martin previously told the Hospitality and Tourism Forum that splitting the two VAT rates could be “looked at”. However it's understood that “direct” talks on the issue did not take place with Finance Minister Mic...

A former Sligo-Leitrim TD has furthered his pleas for the Art Deco building in Ballymote to be utilized to its full potential. Its feared that the building will be used to house a library despite major refurbishment works taking place some years back. John Perry will host a public meeting on the issue in the coming weeks. Speaking to Ocean FM News, he feels there is no reason why the Art Deco shou...

A Donegal TD has reiterated the belief that there should be more targeted measures in terms of energy credits in the upcoming Budget. The details of Budget 2024 are set to be unveiled later today, a €6.4 billion package which the Government says will be fair. But Independent TD Thomas Pringle says the way in which the expected energy credit will be distributed is unfair. He says the less well-off...

The GRA has welcomed the new interim roster for their members following yesterday's meeting with Garda officials. Management met all four Garda Associations on Monday to try and resolve the issue over rosters that lead to threats of industrial action from members earlier this month. Following yesterday's meeting, the sides struck a deal that would see the interim roster come into place shortly. A...

It's hoped that businesses in Sligo will benefit from the O'Connell Street Enhancement Scheme. The scheme officially opened on Friday and has been described as a first step in the provision of the global public realm strategy for Sligo Town. The completed project provides improved pedestrian access and mobility for all. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Gerard Mullaney says it leaves O'Co...

It's confirmed that the new 100% redress party will contest the local elections after gaining official approval from the Electoral Commission. Candidates are now being sought for the party that is being led by campaigners in Donegal. The new party intends to hold a series of roadshows over the coming months. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Ali Farren, member of the 100% Redress party reiterated that th...

Eradicating child poverty and placing a strong emphasis on children's health are among the key points of Labour's alternative Budget. The party have called for 239 million euro to be invested in dedicated measures to end child poverty in Ireland. Labour have also said they would invest 1.1 billion euro in new health measures, including free GP care for all children, and a full medical assessment f...

There's widespread shock in west Donegal following the discovery of a number of dead animals dumped at Maghery Pier.   A dismembered deer and a number of dead hares were discovered by locals in recent days.   The small pier is widely used by the local community for fishing and water activities.   Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has hit out at those responsible:

A new burial site for the community of Grange is a step closer.   It's after trial holes were dug on lands owned by Sligo County Council which indicated that the land is suitable for a burial ground.   A feasibility of providing access to the site is currently being examined.   Similar trials were carried on lands at Rosses point - these were deemed unsuitable however its understood...

Ireland's three main banks must offer financial support to mica homeowners, according to a Midlands North West MEP.   It comes as Bank of Ireland, AIB and Permanent TSB are willing to offer millions of euro in zero-interest loans to those trying to rebuild their homes, according to reports in the Business Post.   It's in order to bridge the gap in financing, as the State's 3 billion euro...

Ireland’s three main banks are offering to pay out millions of euro in interest-free loans to mica homeowners.   The Business Post reports that AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB have submitted a proposal to the Department of Housing to offer zero-interest finance to assist affected homeowners.   The government has launched a 3 billion euro redress scheme, but the money must be drawn...