Best OceanFM Ireland Podcasts (2025)

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School secretaries and caretakers set to protest in Sligo today 0:23

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12h ago0:23

0:23

School secretaries and caretakers who are engaging in strike action are set to protest in Sligo today. Staff want access to the public pension among other entitlements. Around a thousand union members and supporters gathered outside Leinster House for a demonstration yesterday as an indefinite strike got underway. Head of Fórsa's Education Division…

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Two weeks out from Relay for Life Sligo 2:33

12h ago2:33

2:33

With just over two weeks to go, preparations are well underway for Relay for Life Sligo. The event is a first for Sligo and is taking place at the ATU on Saturday September 13th. It's in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and if you can't make the event itself, there are other ways to support. One of the organisers, Monica McElhinney says while a lot …

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New school term sparks renewed concern over safety outside Dunkineely NS 2:10

12h ago2:10

2:10

Serious concern has been raised over another school term beginning and no safety measures in place outside Dunkineely National School. The TII has been accused of dragging its heels on the project, which isn't set to be completed until next year. There have been a number of serious incidents outside the school between vehicles and pedestrians. Fine…

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School secretaries & caretakers assembling in Sligo for protest 2:21

11h ago2:21

2:21

School secretaries and caretakers are currently assembling in Sligo for a protest. Those who are engaging in strike action are set to stage a number of regional demonstrations across the country, following a yesterday's protest outside Leinster House. Staff want access to the public pension among other entitlements. Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove at…

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"He'll be a huge loss to the League of Ireland family" - Gavin Dykes on the death of Former Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan 3:51

2h ago3:51

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Former Sligo Rovers captain and manager Gavin Dykes remembers his good friend Ollie Horgan, who died on Thursday at the age of 57.

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Calls for better disabled parking in Leitrim grow 2:53

25m ago2:53

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Calls for improved disabled parking in Leitrim’s smaller towns and villages are growing. Leitrim County Council is set to carry out a review of disabled parking across the county. This move comes in response to growing concerns about parking availability for people with disabilities. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Cllr Irene Rabbitte Guckian is calling…

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Over 300 MS Patients in Sligo and Leitrim Left Without Vital Community 2:45

2h ago2:45

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Over 300 people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Sligo and Leitrim remain without the vital support of a dedicated community worker. MS Ireland says every other county in the country has access to the service, except Sligo & Leitrim. They'll host a public meeting on September 19th to rally community and political support for the post. Speaking to …

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Warning over major delays in Sligo next week 4:48

6h ago4:48

4:48

There's a warning over major delays in Sligo next week as more roadworks are due to take place. A significant section of the N15 between Rathcormac and Sligo Town is scheduled for emergency resurfacing works from Monday. The works are set to last for three days and will avoid rush hour. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Donal Gilroy has be…

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People in North West urged to get behind secretaries and caretakers as strike underway 2:08

6h ago2:08

2:08

People across the North West are being urged to get behind secretaries and caretakers as their indefinite strike action is now underway. They're calling for access to the public sector pension scheme. Over 2 thousand schools are impacted, and Forsa trade union says picketing will continue until an agreement is made. Local Independent Cllr Jimmy Bro…

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School secretaries & caretakers across North West hold first day of indefinite strike 0:17

6h ago0:17

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School secretaries and caretakers across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will hold the first day of their indefinite strike action today. Around 2 thousand 600 staff from schools around the country will participate in the action after a row over pension and other entitlements. Talks between trade union Forsa and the Department of Education failed to rea…

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Leitrim Cllr calls for €1,000 annual tax on holiday homes 3:30

6h ago3:30

3:30

A call is being made to introduce a €1,000 annual tax on holiday homes, aimed at supporting local services. With over 1,700 holiday homes in Leitrim alone, the levy could generate €1.7 million for targeted local initiatives. Cllr Justin Warnock believes the measure could support local schools, attract young families home, and tackle long-standing p…

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Donegal TD slams LUH chemotherapy stats 1:54

1d ago1:54

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Just 20% of breast cancer patients at Letterkenny University Hospital received their chemotherapy within the recommended timeframe in 2024. According to the HSE, treatment must commence within eight weeks of surgery for 90 per cent of patients. The Journal Investigates found all nine health centres missed their goals. Donegal Sinn Fein TD Pearse Do…

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Another named storm on horizon 1:58

1d ago1:58

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Meanwhile, another named storm could be on the horizon this weekend and its set to pack a punch in the North West. Windy conditions and more heavy rainfall are forecast for the region on Saturday and Sunday. It's said to be likely that Met Eireann will issue weather warnings later this week. Kenneth Conlon from the Donegal Weather Channel has the l…

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North West students receive CAO offers today 2:34

1d ago2:34

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Students across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will find out what college course choices they got at 2 o'clock this afternoon. They'll be offered one level eight course if eligible, and one level 6 or 7 offer if applicable. Students will get an email or text with the offer, and will have until the 2nd of September at 3pm to reply. Local Secondary Schoo…

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Vulnerable Leitrim families stressed over storm alerts 2:41

1d ago2:41

2:41

Some families in Leitrim are said to be stressed over storm alerts. Those particularly who may be unwell and reliant on medical devices are said to be growing increasingly concerned with a rise in weather events and how they will cope should the power go out. It has led to calls on the Government to sanction funding to provide generators of other s…

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School secretaries caretakers across in North West set to strike 2:37

1d ago2:37

2:37

School secretaries and caretakers across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are set to strike. Talks are to take place at the Workplace Relations Commission aimed at resolving the dispute. It's in a row over pension entitlements. Members of the Forsa Trade Union are set to strike tomorrow in relation to the issue while smaller demonstrations locally could …

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Some improvement in delivery of chemotherapy treatment at LUH 0:21

1d ago0:21

0:21

There's said to be some improvement in Letterkenny University Hospitals delivery of chemotherapy. It comes as a new report suggests breast cancer patients are not receiving their chemotherapy treatments in the recommended time frame. The Journal Investigates found all 9 hospitals offering the treatment consistently missed the 8 week target set by t…

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Hotels in North West 'suffering' over VAT rate 2:47

2d ago2:47

2:47

It's been claimed that hotels in the North West are suffering at the hands of the current VAT rate. It comes as the Enterprise Minister has criticised hotels in Dublin for 'inflating' their prices for large events. Peter Burke says it's something that will be addressed in October's budget. Local Hotelier and Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD Cllr Mic…

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Childcare crisis continues to cause concern for Early Childhood Ireland 4:41

2d ago4:41

4:41

The childcare crisis in the Northwest is deepening, with over 2,300 children unable to secure crèche places. In Donegal, over 1,500 children remain on waiting lists as staff shortages limit capacity. Sligo has around 450 children on waiting lists, while Leitrim has a further 350. Francis Byrne from Early Childhood Ireland says it's time society mat…

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Minister criticised over latest allocation of Gardai to North West 1:55

2d ago1:55

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The Justice Minister has come in for criticism over the latest allocation of Gardai to the North West. While 21 extra Gardai are to be stationed in the region, just two are to be stationed in the Sligo/Leitrim Division. It has sparked serious concern once again over what's been described as an already stretched Garda workforce locally. Cllr Michael…

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Strandhills performance in litter survey deemed as major comeback 2:09

3d ago2:09

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Strandhills performance in a national litter survey has been deemed as a major comeback. The area improved to clean status in the latest IBAL survey. The overall impression was said to be of a well presented and maintained environment Local Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon says with the area ranked as littered back in 2022, the improvement is down to t…

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North West companies to benefit from US tariffs supports 1:14

3d ago1:14

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It's hoped that concern among North West companies will be eased with new US tariffs supports. Two new funds are set to be made available for Irish companies while the number of Ireland's enterprise and tourism teams will be increased across the world, in an effort to boost economic interests abroad. It's part of a new Government action plan, hopin…

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Major community effort at root of Bundoran success in IBAL survey 1:13

3d ago1:13

1:13

A major community effort is said to be at the root of Bundoran's success in the latest IBAL survey. The annual survey of coasts and inland waterways by the business shows the majority of areas attaining 'clean' status. For Bundoran, it stated that there was evidence of a beach clean with a mixture of adults and children. The red brick paving, signa…

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'Scary amount' of vapes found in Garavogue River 1:31

3d ago1:31

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The amount of discarded vapes found in the Garavogue River in Sligo has been described as scary. Last week, a major clean-up of the river was carried out by the Sligo Kayak Club, with vapes deemed the biggest offender. Shopping trolleys, bollards, mobile phones, bottles and glasses were also retrieved during the operation. The club started the clea…

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County Leitrim sees biggest jump in rent prices in North West 3:04

3d ago3:04

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County Leitrim has seen the biggest jump in rent prices in the North West. The latest Daft.ie report shows that rents in Leitrim were 10.7% higher in quarter two of 2025 than a year previously. Sligo saw a rise of 8.3% while rents in Donegal increased by an average of 5.4% over the same period. Fianna Fail Manorhamilton Cllr Mary Bohan says a lot o…

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Good news for Strandhill, Bundoran and Killybegs in latest IBAL Report concerning beaches. 0:18

4d ago0:18

0:18

The annual survey of coasts and inland waterways by business group Irish Business Against Litter shows the majority of areas attaining ‘clean’ status, among them Strandhill beach in Sligo, Bundoran Beach in Donegal and Killybegs Harbour also in Donegal. 33 beaches, harbours, rivers and their immediate environs were monitored by An Taisce on behalf …

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Rents continue to rise in the North West 0:22

3d ago0:22

0:22

Rents have risen across the North West in the second quarter of the year. The rents have increased from between 5.4% on Donegal to 10.7 % in Leitrim. The increase in Sligo was recorded at 8.3% The average monthly rent nationwide is now over 2 thousand euro, nearly triple what it was in 2011, according to the latest figures from Daft.ie. Dublin rent…

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Leitrim Councillor slams lack of updates on storm damage response. 2:20

4d ago2:20

2:20

A Leitrim Councillor says the regular updates from the office of Junior Minister Michael Healy Rae in relation to the work the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is doing for forestry owners is frustrating many people locally who were left without power and water after violent storms at the beginning of the year. Ballinamore more MD Cou…

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Local hotel industry looks for help in upcoming Budget 0:15

6d ago0:15

0:15

Those working locally in the North West tourism sector will watching with great interest the talks between the Irish Hotels Federation and government Minister next week. The Hotels Federation will be looking to restore the 9 per cent VAT rate. It's to meet Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers to safeguard the hospitality sector. It wants the…

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Local students reminded exam results not be all and end all 4:29

6d ago4:29

4:29

It’s a big day for students across the northwest today as Leaving Cert results are released. Mental health charity Turn2Me is encouraging students to remember that exam results do not define their worth. The organisation has shared six key tips to help students and parents prepare, including talking about your feelings, limiting social media use, a…

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People urged to keep North West beauty spots clean 3:43

6d ago3:43

3:43

With the warm spell set to continue this weekend, people in the North West are being urged to keep beauty spots clean. It emerged earlier this week that campers left all sorts of rubbish behind them on Coney Island, including tents, dirty nappies and BBQs. It's said to be latest in the string of similar incidents across the region this summer. Fine…

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Former Leitrim TD doubts Bertie Ahern would media attention that comes with Presidential campaign 2:56

7d ago2:56

2:56

A former Sligo Leitrim TD thinks it's unlikely that former Taoiseach Bertie will run for the Aras So far Fianna Fáil have so far nominated no candidate to contest the election. Reports today claim that the majority of Fianna Fail TDs and Senators would support Bertie Ahern to run for President. The former Taoiseach resigned from the political party…

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Extra Garda presence expected in Sligo to monitor Leaving Cert Results Celebrations 0:37

6d ago0:37

0:37

Extra Garda resources will be on the streets of Sligo later for Leaving Cert results night. Thousands of young people across the North West are set to get their results this morning, with many planning to mark the occasion by socialising in local pubs and nightclubs. Gardai are also warning that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Sergeant…

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Drinks Industry representatives express disappointment with EU.US trade deal 0:19

6d ago0:19

0:19

Whereas the trade deal agreed between the EU and US is being broadly welcomed the morning, representatives from the drinks industry have expressed disappointment with the content of the agreement. A joint statement yesterday puts a cap of 15 per cent tariffs on the pharma and semiconductor sectors. It's after the agreement was made late last month.…

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Strandhill set for the 2025 Warriorrs Run 8:54

7d ago8:54

8:54

The 2025 Warriors Run, a 10-mile run from the cannon at Strandhill's beachfront to the top of Knocknarea mountain - and back - takes place this Saturday afternoon (Aug 23rd) at 2:30pm. Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan chats with Warriors PRO Micki Murray.

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New bins arrive to Strandhill 1:45

7d ago1:45

1:45

New bins have arrived to Strandhill. The new solar powered big belly bins are able to take over five times more waste, with three of them now installed in the area. The old ones were said to be constantly full, with birds regularly making a mess by picking at the overloaded rubbish. Local Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon says it's a much cleaner, effic…

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5km Active Travel Boost on the Way from Ballyshannon to Bundoran 2:12

7d ago2:12

2:12

A major boost for active travel is coming to south Donegal, with work on a new 5km route set to begin next month. The Bundoran to Ballyshannon project will create a safer, dedicated path for walkers and cyclists along the Finner Road. Designed for all ages and abilities, the scheme aims to make active travel a more accessible daily choice. Speaking…

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Coast Guard's new aviation service officially launched 1:47

7d ago1:47

1:47

Minister of State Sean Canney has officially launched the Coast Guard's new aviation service. The new aviation service, operated by Bristow Ireland under a 10-year contract and includes six purpose-built AW189 helicopters based at Sligo, Waterford, Dublin, and Shannon. The Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed wing service, provided by two B…

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Sligo's student accommodation crisis no better this year 3:06

7d ago3:06

3:06

Sligo's student accommodation crisis is said to be no better this year. Many students set to attend ATU Sligo in the coming weeks will be travelling from different Counties as the struggle to find somewhere to live continues. There is however said to be a big uptake locally in the Rent a Room Scheme, with applications still being processed. ATU Sli…

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Labour backs Connolly, despite reported division 2:06

7d ago2:06

2:06

A Sligo Labour Senator says to the best of her knowledge the Party is fully supportive of Catherine Connolly in the upcoming Presidential Election. The Irish Independent are reporting today that opinions are divided in the Party over the wisdom of endorsing Catherine Connolly with some privately quoted as saying it reflects poorly on the judgment o…

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Local Deputy demands that Sligo train is prioritised in restoration of catering services 2:08

7d ago2:08

2:08

A Sligo Leitrim Deputy is urging Iarnrod Eireann to prioritise the Sligo to Connolly route for the reintroduction of catering services. Irish Rail announced yesterday that it was working to restore trolley catering on trains and a preferred supplier is now in place. The service was removed during the pandemic, and while it was returned to other ser…

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Sligo Councillor questions Department of finance’s stance on Hospitality & Tourism sector. 3:18

8d ago3:18

3:18

A Sligo Councillor says that she is in agreement with a recent claims by the Irish Hotels federation which claimed that the Department of finance has turned its back on the Hospitality and Tourism industry in this Country. Data from the Central Statistics Office earlier this year suggested that the number of visitors here is continuing to fall. Rec…

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Warnings sounded that the creation of the Shannon LNG could lead to fracking in the North West 3:18

8d ago3:18

3:18

A former North West election candidate and Chairperson of Good Energy Alliance Ireland has expressed his deep concern at reports that Minister Darragh O’Brien has written to An Commisiún Pleanála giving the green light to Shannon LNG. Recently the Government’s decided to overturn a previous policy position which banned the importation of highly-pol…

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Catering services could be returning to Sligo Connolly Rail service 0:13

8d ago0:13

0:13

Catering facilities could be about to return on the Dublin Connolly train service. Irish Rail says it's working to restore trolley catering on trains and a preferred supplier is now in place. The service was removed during the pandemic, but calls are growing to bring it back on the Sligo to Dublin line. Recently an independent tea cart started trad…

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Fermanagh residents urged to have their says on new Climate Actin plan 1:52

8d ago1:52

1:52

Members of the public in the North are being urged to have their say on how Northern Ireland will address climate change. Belfast City Hall hosted the consultation event on Northern Ireland’s first draft Climate Action Plan which was launched in June. A 16 week consultation is due to end on 8 October. It’s hoped that the launch of the Plan will be …

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Over 500 fines issued in North West for parking on footpaths 2:19

8d ago2:19

2:19

There were 514 fines issued in the North West last year for parking on footpaths. 417 of these fines were issued in Donegal and a further 92 in Sligo. However just five fines were handed out in County Leitrim in 2024. The survey by Vision Ireland found that 26% of people identified parked cars as the number one obstacle which causes them the greate…

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Further questions over Irish Rail stance on local Greenway project 2:37

8d ago2:37

2:37

It's been claimed that the Chairman of the Board of Irish Rail has reiterated that the preservation of the Western Rail Corridor as a railway is an absolute priority. Speaking this week, Steve Murphy is understood to have indicated that if greenways are put on existing rail alignments they will never be got back for rail use. Responding to a query …

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Calls for resources to be put into dog foul fining in North West 2:50

9d ago2:50

2:50

There's calls for resources to be put into dog foul fining in the North West. It comes as new data from Vision Ireland shows that no fines were issued in Sligo, Leitrim or Donegal last year. Data collated by Vision Ireland shows no fines were issued at all in 14 of the 31 local council areas in 2024, with just 48 fines were issued across the entire…

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Heather Humphreys gains local support in Fine Gael presidential race. 3:15

9d ago3:15

3:15

Serious momentum seems to be building behind Heather Humphreys Campaign for President among Fine Gael members in the North West. The former Minister for social protection and rural development is battling it out with MEP Sean Kelly for the right to contest the election for the party. At the close of nominations yesterday to replace Mairead McGuinne…

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New fleets of trains could increase capacity across national networks 0:25

10d ago0:25

0:25

The chair of Irish Rail says introducing new fleets of trains will increase capacity across the national networks. The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is a plan to increase connectivity by 2050 - which Irish Rail says it is committed to delivering. The body says a priority is ensuring there are double tracks around the island, which would decrease…