Local authorities in the North West have been allocated additional funds today to improve the collection of electoral register data. The total funding of 3 million euro is to enable county and city councils to modernise electoral registration and build on work done over the last two years. Significant changes to electoral registration process in 20…

Donegal are back in the Ulster football final following Sunday's 1-19 to 0-16 semi-final victory against Down. Martin McHugh and Manus Boyle give their postmatch assessment - as Donegal get ready to take on All-Ireland champions Armagh on May 10th in the provincial decider.

There's disgust in Sligo following reports that a local bring bank was left in deplorable state over the weekend. Numerous bags of clothing and other household items were dumped beside the recycling and clothing bank on the Cranmore Road in recent. Sinn Fein Cllr Arthur Gibbons believes that while people should return another day if the banks are f…

It's feared the government will not deliver on their promise to tackle homelessness. Recently released figures show that there were a total of 169 adults accessing emergency accommodation in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal during this period. In terms of County breakdown, Sligo recorded the highest number at 82, followed by Donegal at 67 while there wer…

Over a quarter of a million people attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome today. People from all corners of the globe travelled to the Vatican to pay their respects to the late Pontiff. Earlier this morning people queued for hours before the funeral, while during the funeral, flags from different countries could be seen, representing the many…

Large crowds attending the official launch of Relay for Life Sligo at the City Hall on Friday evening. The two-day event itself is set to take place over the weekend of September 13th & 14th on the ATU Sligo campus. Relay For Life is a celebration of solidarity and helps to raise awareness of the services provided by the Irish Cancer Society locall…

The disparity of household income across Ireland, but in particular, in the north west, has been highlighted. Earlier this week, a CSO report showed that Donegal had the lowest median gross household income in the country just over €42,400. The figure in Leitrim was over €47,200, while Sligo was just shy of €50,000. Irish Rural Link say they believ…

A huge security operation is underway in Vatican City today ahead of Pope Francis's funeral tomorrow. More than 100-thousand mourners have so far filed past the Pope's open casket - as he lies in state for a final day in St Peter's Basilica. The pontiff's been there since Wednesday following his death in Vatican City on Easter Monday, aged 88. Done…

The Emergency Aeromedical Service responded to 64 critical incidents across the north west in 2024. Missions frequently involve significant trauma resulting from falls, road traffic collisions as well as medical emergencies. Run by the National Ambulance Service, these calls are separate to Resuce 118's search and rescue helicopter, they do offer s…

Two Donegal sites have been included in the latest EPAs 2024 National Priority list. The report out today identified Aurivo Consumer Foods Limited for discharges to water and Glenmore Biogas in Ballybofey for odour issues. Water pollution and bad smells are the most common failures the EPA has found in breaches by waste and industrial facilities. T…

US firm Sazerac have announced the renaming of Lough Gill Distillery in Sligo, which will now be known as Hawk’s Rock Distillery. The distillery is currently closed to the public during renovations, but it has been confirmed that Sazerac has received planning permission to develop ‘a future visitor experience’ at the site. Hawk’s Rock will continue…

It's been claimed that cancer patients south of Donegal Town are being excluded from accessing the Letterkenny-to-Galway HSE-funded transport. There's said to be a large number of cancer patients in this region who have to make the long journey to Galway for treatment. However, people living along the N15 corridor between Ballyshannon and Rathcorma…

Parents across the North West are being reminded that today is the final day to apply and reapply to the school transport scheme. Every academic year the scheme causes major controversy locally, with some pupils struggling to get a seat on the school bus. This is down to the terms and conditions with concessionary and non-concessionary tickets. The…

The lack of unity among Irish MEPs over EU trade decisions has been called into question. A recent European Parliament vote on the Mercusor trade agreement brought forward a number of amendments. Midlands-North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has hit out at a number of his colleagues, including those aligned to Fine Gael for rejecting those amendments, sa…

There's concern that the future of the Strandhill peoples market hangs in the balance. The market held at Sligo Airport was initially due to reopen for the 2025 season in March but has been delayed, with over 160 traders are said to be displaced as a result. This centres on ongoing training for the new Irish Coastguard helicopter service taking pla…

Relay for Life Sligo is being officially launched at the City Hall tomorrow evening. The two day event itself is set to take place over the weekend of September 13th & 14th on the ATU Sligo campus. Relay For Life is a celebration of solidarity and helps to raise awareness of the services provided by the Irish Cancer Society locally and nationally. …

The Rural and Community Development Minister has conceded that North West communities cannot be left without power for weeks on end after any future storm. Minster Dara Callearys comments come as part of a visit to Leitrim today which was arguably the County worst hit by Storm Eowyn. The Minister will be visiting projects and performing official op…

There's still no reopening date for Waterworld in Bundoran. Major refurbishment works at the facility are ongoing, with approximately €2.2 million being invested into the overall upgrade. The works include the addition of a new reception and viewing area, the extension and a total revamp of the changing area An upgrade to disabled access through th…

Farmers across the region are being urged to reject lower price offers for their beef stock. The IFA say factories are trying to get back control of the market as steer prices have risen by over 18 cent per kilo since the start of the month. While demand is high, supplies remain low, Bord Bia is predicting a reduction of 87 thousand cattle in the b…

Newly qualified teachers may become eligible for a permanent contract after just one year in a post, in a new measure announced by the Minister for Education. The change is designed to reduce precarity and casualisation in the profession and to boost teacher supply by encouraging more qualified teachers to stay and work in Ireland. Many newly quali…

It’s emerged that the north west has seen a decrease in the number of staff working in child and adolescent mental health teams. Figures released to Wicklow-Wexford Deputy Malcolm Byrne show that staff numbers at CHO 1 fell from 90 at the end of 2023 to 84 last December. Nationally, waiting lists continue to rise with over 3,700 children in the que…

The Health Minister has come under fire as she is unable to attending the annual Irish Medical Organisation AGM this week. The conference is usually addressed by whoever is in the ministerial role, but Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has opted out. A spokeswoman said she had “a long-standing personal commitment that predated her appointment as minister f…

There's mixed emotions in Rome, according to a Leitrim Priest who's there. Tens of thousands of people have gathered at the Vatican, as mourners file past Pope Francis's open coffin to pay their last respects. The 88-year-old died on Monday, after suffering a stroke. The late Pontiff is now lying-in-state in Saint Peter's Basilica. Speaking to Ocea…

The flames which engulfed a west Donegal Church reached the heights of heaven. That's according to Parish Priest Father Brian O'Fearraigh who at the scene of the fire at St. Mary's chapel in Derrybeg on Easter Monday morning. The Church has been completely gutted but fundraising efforts are already underway with almost €40,000 raised so far to rebu…

It's claimed that there's a major issue with respite in south Donegal. There's said to be several families impacted in the area, and despite applying for respite hours, there's not enough beds in community hospitals to facilitate them. Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle believes that every effort needs to be made to ensure these people get the break tha…

The lack of insurance being provided by the Government for local playgrounds has been branded a major setback for Tidy Town groups. It comes committees across Sligo, Leitrim and south Donegal are set to benefit from a new insurance premium which will ultimately reduce costs significantly. However, some groups still need to fundraise to get the like…

Many tidy town committees across Sligo, Leitrim and south Donegal are set to benefit from a new insurance premium. A typical insurance premium is around €1,500 which rises to almost €7,000 for larger towns which is said to be a significant drain on the finances of local groups. All tidy towns groups are now 'pooled together' to avail of a master po…

Frustration continues to be expressed over the current NCT system. A number of motorists, particularly in Sligo are experiencing delays at getting appropriate date. According to the NCT website, the next available date at the Sligo centre is June 28th. While some other centres in the north west have a backlog of up to a month and a half for an appo…

A number of masses will take place locally to mark the passing of Pope Francis. His funeral will be held on Saturday morning. The Vatican has confirmed it will take place in the square in front of St Peter's Basilica at 9am Irish time. His coffin will then be taken inside the church and from there brought to the Rome basilica of Santa Maria Maggior…

Pope Francis has been remembered locally for bringing the church “to a better place”, following his passing. A local parish priest has commended the late pontiff's term after passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following his battle with pneumonia and "complex" health conditions. Millions have paid tribute to the late Pope Francis since the news …

The death of Pope Francis continues to be marked at Knock Shrine. Pilgrims have gathered over the last 24 hours or so to pay their respects. Hundreds gathered on Monday morning to honour the late pontiff following his passing. Many were in attendance in August 2018, when Pope Francis himself visited to the International Marian Shrine at Knock. Ocea…

Father Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest in Knock has been reminiscing on Pope Francis’ visit in 2018. He made a notable visit, an occasion many will fondly remember after attending the World Meeting of Families in Dublin. While almost three years on from his visit, Pope Francis officially recognised Knock as both a Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. Spea…

As part of his historic visit to the Marian shrine at Knock, Pope Francis arrived into Ireland West Airport. He arrived by chartered Aer Lingus flight from Dublin on Sunday morning, August 26th from Dublin and travelled by motorcade the 20-kilometre route along the N17 to Knock shrine. It was following the first ever Papal visit to Ireland in 1979,…

An investigation is continuing into a major fire at a Church in West Donegal. The blaze broke out at St. Mary's Chapel in Derrybeg in the early hours of this morning. Despite the best efforts from the emergency services, the building has been extensively damaged. Speaking to Ocean FM news, Donegal Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty says attentions are alr…

The Bishop of Elphin and Achonry has paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, describing him as a listening pope who also encouraged others to listen. The pontiff passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88. Arrangements are now underway for his funeral - which will be stripped-down, as per his wishes. Bishop Kevin Doran has also been reflecting o…

Further concern is being raised over a rise in those waiting to get a driving test. In Sligo, the current waiting time is seven months, while in Leitrim, it stands at six months. A total of 1,135 people were waiting for a test in Sligo as of the end of March. Nationally, it's reported over 81 thousand learner drivers are waiting for a date to take …

Dismay has been expressed over the impact dog fouling is having in north Leitrim. Tullaghan has long been renowned for its beauty, and many avail of the amenity on a daily basis. However, there have numerous reports of dog mess being left in public areas and in particular, children's play areas. While, fouling bags have also been found in nearby bu…

Crowds are already gathering at St. Peters Square in Rome following the news of the death of Pope Francis who has died at the age of 88. The Vatican says the Pontiff passed away at 25 to 8 this morning, local time. He was admitted to hospital in February and spent five-weeks undergoing respiratory treatment. The President, Taoiseach and Tánaiste ar…

Sligo County Council are to host three clinics to advise those applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on the Online Application process. Following a report by the housing agency, Sligo was included in the scheme after a significant number of effected properties were found in the county. The clinics will be by appointment o…

Donegal have negotiated their Ulster SFC quarter-final against Monaghan with a 0-23 to 0-21 win in Clones. The victory sets up a semi-final meeting with Down next Sunday. Paddy McGill digests the game in the company of Peter Campbell, Fergal Monaghan, Dessie Mone, Jim McGuinness, Mark McHugh and Alan Foley.…

A new bill is calling for Irish citizens north of the border to be allowed to vote in presidential elections. It's been submitted to the Dáil's bills office by Aontú, ahead of the upcoming election in October. Over 600 thousand people in Northern Ireland claim Irish citizenship - party leader Peadar Tóibín says it's only fair they should have a say…

A commemoration in honour of IRA volunteer Martin Savage from Ballisodare will be held this afternoon. Martin Savage participated in the 1916 Easter rising and was the first volunteer to be killed in action in the War of Independence on 19th December 1919. This year's commemoration takes place at St Feichin's Cemetery in Ballisodare at 12 noon with…

There are fears over the impact the absence of Strandhill Market will have on future local SMEs. As it stands, the market is not set to reopen until December at the earliest, knocked back from the planned opening in March last month. It's thought that many businesses depend on the income provided from the market, while others depend on the feedback…

Gardai in the North West are continuing an extensive Roads Safety Operation throughout the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. The operation began yesterday, and will run right through the extended weekend period. This weekend is one of the busiest of the year on Irish roads, and many motorists take to the roads for the break. Speaking to Ocean FM News, S…

A Leitrim Councillor is warning that the new rules around short-term lets could negatively impact the local tourism economy in the North West. Under the legislation online platforms could be hit with hefty fines if they fail to comply with the changes. Under the regulations, Fáilte Ireland will manage a new register, from May 2026. Anyone offering …

The waiting list for driving tests in Sligo has been described as shameful. It comes as new figures show that a total of 1,135 people were waiting for a test in Sligo as of the end of March. Nationally there were over 81,000 people waiting. Labour Cllr Ann Higgins described the situation as having a detrimental effect on young people in the county.…

Austin O'Callaghan introduces Ocean FM Sport's preview of the 2025 Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Championship - live from Co Sligo Golf Club in Rosses Point. With contributions from Tournament Director Enda Lonergan, Club Captain Robbie Fitzpatrick, Kevin & Shane Flanagan and Irish Golfer Magazine journalist Mark McGowan. Plus - former golf …

Local support has been given following the government decision to not use the Leitrim Marina Hotel as accommodation for international protection applicants. The Leitrim Village based hotel had been offered to the Department of Integration as it has been used previously to provide safety to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. However following this la…

It's thought that additional funding will be needed to get coastal erosion works completed at Inver. It comes as the OPW has sanctioned €45,000 for planned works there which include constructing a row of rock armour. The money has been awarded under the Office of Public Works' Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Fine Gael Se…

It's emerged that up to 150 farmers face financial losses over the wildfire at Barnesmore Gap. The blaze ravaged through the hillside the weekend before last, destroying a vast amount of land in its wake - a lot of which is claimed as commonage by local farmers. Now single farm payments are being held following the fire. Local Fianna Fail Cllr Mich…