The government has agreed to allow for retrospective payments to homeowners under the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme. Legislation will now be drawn up to ensure those that have incurred eligible scheme costs since March 2024 can benefit from the increased grant amounts announced late last year. So far, there have been over 2,500 applications to t…

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht visits Boyle today. Minister Dara Calleary will turn the sod of the site of the new town library at An Ríoga. It will be located behind the old Royal Hotel and will replace the current library in King House. The Minister's visit will be part of a wider trip to north Roscommon which …

Plans for a €650 million Liquefied Natural Gas facility in Kerry is expected to have a big impact in Leitrim. Last week it was announced that Shannon LNG Ltd has reactivated its plans to develop and energy site to An Bord Pleanala. They were previously refused planning, however government policy has now changed and a decision by the board on the ne…

The construction of almost a thousand new prison spaces is being fast-tracked by the government. The Justice Minister is presenting the plan to Cabinet today, as the overcrowding crisis in jails worsens. Jim O'Callaghan will inform ministers that the Irish Prison Service can deliver 150 additional spaces at Castlerea, 180 at the Midlands Prison and…

A number of Electric Vehicle charging ports are to be installed across the Ocean FM franchise area. The announcement by the Department of Transport is part of an allocation of almost €8 million to support grants for recharging infrastructure with chargers set to be in place by the end of this year. The announcement is part of a wider plan to build …

There’s been a stark warning that the delayed balancing payments under the ACRES scheme could come “too little, too late”. Over 200 farmers in the north west are still awaiting their 2023 balancing payment under the scheme. 122 are awaiting in Donegal while 70 and 40 is the figure in Sligo and Leitrim respectively. While 520 still have been left wi…

The North West Hospice will be running their Sunflower Days fundraiser on Thursday and Friday this week. During the campaign, all money raised in Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan will go directly back into the local hospice. Volunteers will be out on the streets across the region as they aim to promote awareness of the service and the w…

It's emerged that there are around 100 homes in Donegal recently finished but not occupied. It follows what's been described as a productive meeting between Donegal County Councillors and housing developers in recent days. There is now said to be renewed hopes that housing development will be fast tracked in Donegal. Donegal Fianna Fail Cllr Michae…

The Health and Safety Authority are holding inspections at Killybegs as they aim to reduce the high fatality rate in the fishing sector. The inspection campaign aims to focus on helping fishermen to prepare for the 'harsh and dangerous' conditions at sea. From 2015 to 2024, there were 24 fatal incidents in the fishing sector, making it the most dan…

There are renewed calls for the reopening of the rail line between Sligo and Galway. It’s widely thought the opening up the western rail corridor would have far-reaching benefits for this region freight and passengers also being able to the take the train to Ireland West Airport. However, the project to reopen the line between Athenry and Claremorr…

The North West and West of Ireland have the largest amount of claims made to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme in the wake of Storm Eowyn. Thousands of homes, farms and businesses throughout counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal were left without power for an extended period of time as damaging gusts wreaked havoc across the region. In new figures p…

Thousands of students across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will begin their Leaving Cert, Junior Cert and LCA exams this morning. Nationally, around 4 million examination papers will be handed out at more than 15 thousand exam centres over the next three weeks. As is tradition, the exams will start off with English Paper One while Religion and Applied…

The EPA says all areas of our economy, society and environment are at risk of climate change in the near future. The agency has released the first 'National Climate Change Risk Assessment report' to offer advice on how to make the country more climate resilient. Urgent action is also needed within five years over the threat of disruption and damage…

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority will be at key sea fishing ports this week, as part of a national inspection campaign. Among those include Killybegs. According to the BIM Labour Force Analysis of the Irish fishing fleet, the sea fishing sector in Ireland has a workforce of almost 2,700 people directly employed and a registered fleet…

There were over 9,000 claims made across the North West to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme following Storm Eowyn. In new figures provided by the Department of Social Protection to 7LÁ, there were over 4,000 applications in Leitrim, over 3,000 in Sligo, and over 1,000 in Donegal. Nationally there was 93,007 applications registered in respect of 7…

A new study entitled ‘An economic vision for the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway’ has highlighted the proposed greenway’s potential to support rural development, sustainable tourism, and local enterprise along the route. The survey provides a practical framework for how local authorities, businesses, and communities might plan for and respond to the …

Leaving Cert Exam advice has been issued to students across the North West today. The state exams begin with English Paper One tomorrow morning. More than 66 thousand students nationwide will sit the state exams over the coming weeks. Vice Principal of Sligo Grammar School, Jimmy Staunton, highlighted some last minute tips for local students to tak…

171 Donegal Doctors are demanding an urgent meeting with the Health Minister over the exclusion of Letterkenny from the Surgical Hub plan for the North West. A business case has been submitted by the HSE for the hub to be located in Sligo, with a greenfield site also identified as a potential location for the facility. Now a campaign has been launc…

Over 5,000 motorists were convicted of motoring offences at courts in the north west from 2010 until 2023. Figures were provided by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly show counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal each recorded some of the highest in the country. The RSA have previously launched campaigns on road safet…

A HSE decision to identify a site in Sligo as the sole preferred option for a new surgical hub in the North West has been described as "flawed, unjustified, and deeply damaging". It comes as more than 170 doctors based in Donegal have sent a joint letter to the Minister for Health demanding an urgent meeting over the HSE's plans to overlook Letterk…

Today is the final day for people to have their on the SLNCR Greenway. It's the third public consultation as part of the project with the emerging preferred corridor is up for consideration. The greenway is set to run through Sligo, Leitrim and parts of Northern Ireland. Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says that the public consultation is crucial in fo…

People in the North West are being warned to ensure that their passport is in date. It comes as a number of people in the region have reportedly discovered that their passport expired just as they were about to go on holidays. The turnaround time at the passport office has also increased due to the time of year. Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan says i…

Gardai have re-issued their road safety appeal ahead of the conclusion of the June Bank Holiday weekend. A woman in her 70s after the car she was driving was involved in a collision with a van at Bunlin Bridge in county Donegal on Friday. That brings the total number of fatalities on Irish roads so far this year to 67. Gardaí caught 650 drivers spe…

Donegal have their first win of the All-Ireland series: 3-26 to 1-13 winners against Cavan on Sunday. Paddy McGill reviews the day's events, with contributions from Martin McHugh, Peter Campbell (Donegal Democrat), Donegal boss Jim McGuinness & Paul Fitzpatrick (Anglo Celt newspaper).

It has been confirmed that the reopening of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo has been pushed back further. The cathedral originally closed at the beginning of January to facilitate much needed repair works. Liturgies for the duration of the closure are being celebrated in Nazareth Chapel. It was hoped that works, which include th…

Those looking to take part in water-based activities in the north west are being reminded to take care and prioritise safety this Bank Holiday weekend. The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued the warning, as people are expected to visit beaches, lakes, and rivers. It comes following a 10% increase in drownings so far this y…

Bundoran RNLI have issued a water safety appeal for the North West over the bank holiday weekend. This warning is issued following a 10% increase in drownings so far this year, compared to the same period last year. They are urging everyone to be mindful of the dangers, plan ahead, and follow the appropriate safety guidelines for their activity. Fi…

A new Garda Station for Tubbercurry is said to be imminent. The Office of Public Works has confirmed to Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon that refurbishment works at a state-owned building will accommodate a new Garda Station building for Tubbercurry. It'll be fully refurbished right next door to the current one. The current station dates back to 1960 a…

The debate around the deployment of Irish soldiers, as peacekeepers in southern Lebanon is back in the public domain again today. That’s after Irish Troops that were on a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces came under fire yesterday near the Blue Line in South Lebanon. There were no reported injuries and no damage to the armoured vehicles t…

Measures to tackle overcrowding at Sligo University Hospital appear to be working. That's according to Fianna Fail Cllr Edel MacSharry, who has been reacting to the latest figures from the INMO, which for the first time in a long time, does not include Sligo in its top five most overcrowded facilities for the month. There were a total of 370 people…

There are genuine concerns that the future of many Community employment schemes are being placed at risk over the shortage of workers that are available or meet the criteria to work on them. The fact that participants on such schemes have no option other than to retire at the age of 66 is also thought to be another contributing factor to the number…

There is a real threat to the future of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival. The 21st edition of the festival commenced yesterday in Ballyshannon and will run until Sunday, with 30 acts performing on 15 stages across the event. The festival is organised by volunteers and brings between 4 to 5 million euros to the local economy annuall…

A Holiday home owner in the North West has expressed concern over reports that the shortage of rental properties may lead to protests targeting those who own holiday residences. Richard, who lives between the UK and the North West of Ireland has owned a holiday property in this region for the last 15 years. He says the local region feels like a sec…

Serious safety concerns have been raised over the Main Street in Riverstown. It's a busy route, home to a number of businesses and a school and it's said to becoming increasingly difficult to cross the road, particularly for children. Some motorists are also said to be travelling at excessive speeds through the village. Last weekend, parents staged…

The Government has been accused of protecting communities only after the flood happens. There's ongoing flooding concerns in a number of towns and villages across the North West and it's claimed that mitigation measures are only implemented when the damage is already done. Speaking in the Dail, Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny says that Irel…

Motorists across the North West are being warned that Gardaí will be cracking down on drink driving this June Bank Holiday weekend. 70 per cent of driver deaths happen during off peak hours between 10pm and 6 o'clock in the morning. A joint road safety appeal is being made by the force and the Road Safety Authority. Chief Superintendent David Harri…

MS Ireland have requested the establishment of a Community Worker Post in the Sligo-Leitrim area. As it stands, this is the only region across Ireland without a dedicated support position in place. On World MS Day today, MS Ireland are seeking more equity in terms of healthcare for local residents. Alison Cotter, Advocacy Officer at MS Ireland, say…

The Sligo Senator who raised the issue of rail catering services at an Oireachtas Transport Committee this week has welcomed a government review into the matter. Junior Transport Minister Sean Canney confirmed yesterday that he is now taking steps to resolve the issue. As it stands, only the Dublin to Cork, and Dublin to Belfast trains can avail of…

This week– we’re on the road from Geevagh to the Stadium of Light with Keith McGrath. who's heading to the English Premier League with Sunderland FC next season. Glenview Stars women’s soccer team have made the last night of the FAI Amateur Cup. Team manager Gino O’Boyle looks ahead to Sunday’s quarter-final in Dublin against Whitehall Rangers. Plu…

A blocked stream in Ballymote is said to be causing major flooding problems. A build-up of weeds and other matter is resulting in roads being blocked. Winter time is said to be when the risk is at its highest, with ongoing calls for clean-up works to take place in the coming months before water levels increase again. Local Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulve…

Tanaiste Simon Harris has reiterated the need to find justice for Private Sean Rooney. Private Rooney from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal lost his life in December 2022 while serving on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The Tanaiste visited the region recently and met with Lebanese Ministers where he stressed the need for accountabil…

Support has been given in Sligo following the latest success of the e-bike scheme locally. Recent figures showed there had been over 200,000 e-bike rides in Sligo since the scheme was launched in June 2022. Since its rollout, the e-bike scheme has covered over 380,000 kilometres, with over 10,000 individual users, accounting for 50% of the town’s p…

The Government is reviewing Irish Rail's on-board catering services for the Sligo to Dublin train. It's after an Oireachtas Transport Committee, including Sligo Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove, were told there's not enough money to provide snacks and beverages on all rail services. Only the Dublin to Cork, and Dublin to Belfast trains can avail of th…

Donegal is included among the highest amount allocated in the latest government funding announcement. €65 million has been announced by Minister for Education, Helen McEntee TD, and will go towards digital learning and minor building works for every school in Ireland. Donegal will receive €1.4 million, making it the fourth largest amount, only behi…

Tributes are being paid this morning to the Leitrim GAA Official Gerry McGovern who passed away yesterday. Mr Mc Govern served as County Board Chairman between 2005 and 2009. He went on to serve as President of Connacht Council for a period of time between 2018 and 2020. He was also a success player with his native club Cloone and following his pla…

The Sligo base chairman of ISME is calling for a 'reset' of the national minimum wage in its pre-budget submission. The business association want the system which calculates minimum wage to be reassessed. From the start of the year, the national minimum hourly rate is 13 euro 50 cents, for anyone 20 years old and over. Sligo based business man and …

A Sligo garda and GRA spokesperson says more needs to be done to ensure Gardaí are not injured in the line of duty. The interim Deputy General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association, James Morris-Roe made the comments after an officer in his 30s suffered serious injuries after being knocked down by a motorbike in Dublin yesterday, while …

The Cathaoirleach of the Local Authority in Sligo has urged Local TD's to play their part in the establishment of a surgical hub in Sligo. A business case has been made for a surgical hub in Sligo, but there is no green light from government yet on the project. The proposed 42 bed ward for Sligo University Hospital would help alleviate pressure cur…

A Leitrim Councillor has described as ‘laughable’ claims that the tourism sector may play an increasingly important role in supporting long-term economic growth. The predictions were contained in a recent SME Monitor published by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland. The report stated how Irish GDP grew by over 13 percent in the first quarter …

The National Transport Authority and Irish Rail say there's no money to provide catering services on all intercity trains, including the Sligo to Dublin line. Catering services had been suspended across the network in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic after government restrictions on passenger numbers made the service commercially unviable. S…