A Donegal TD has urged the Tánaiste to meet with the family of the late Private Sean Rooney as soon as possible The mother of the Donegal solider has hit out at Simon Harris over comments he made after a Lebanese court convicted several men for offences related to her son's murder. Pte Rooney (24), from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed whi…

In the North, a campaign movement to increase safety on the A5 says it remains confident the road upgrade will go ahead It follows confirmation a High Court ruling against the current plans is to be appealed by Stormont's Infrastructure Minister. Since 2006, there've been more than 50 deaths on the A5 - which links Derry with Aughnacloy in County T…

An urgent meeting is being sought with Uisce Eireann over the water supply in Bundoran. It comes after the area was severely impacted by an outage yesterday, leaving hundreds of homes and businesses without water at the peak of the tourism season. This is the latest in a string of bursts to the main pipeline serving the community. Local Sinn Fein C…

At the age of 8, Australian woman Linda Kelly Lawless learned that the man raising her wasn’t her biological father. It wasn’t until decades later, through DNA testing, that she discovered the truth – her father was a Catholic priest. Linda has gone on to help many people trace their family and to learn who they are, including the O’Boyle family lo…

The Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD has launched a scathing attack on RTE over its weekend coverage of the Ladies All Ireland Final. The game between Meath and Dublin was broadcast on TG4 on Sunday. However RTE didn't feature a preview of the event on its Six one news on Saturday evening. Past President of the LGFA and Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Naug…

There's disappointment in Grange after what's been branded as wanton weekend vandalism. On Sunday morning last, the local Tidy Towns group were met with two of their flower boxes upturned and wrecked. It follows similar incidents in Sligo Town in recent weekend. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy says it's very …

It's emerged that The Yeats Country Hotel in Rosses Point has been officially sold. The hotel went on the market late last year with a guide price of €7m. It's understood that it's has been bought by a local consortium with plans to develop the hotel into a top tourist destination in County Sligo. The ocean front hotel currently boasts 98 bedrooms …

A North West member of Anotu has called on the Health Minister and HSE to recruit homecare workers directly. Mary T Sweeney made the call after it emerged that a person remained in Sligo University Hospital for up to two years due to no home care packages or residential care being available for them. Similar situation are believed to have impacted …

A Sligo Councillor has called for tougher sanctions to be introduced for those found guilty of knife crime offences. Two people were arrested locally for such offences over the Bank Holiday weekend. A person was arrested after a stabbing in Kinlough on Sunday morning. A man remains in a serious condition in hospital following an alleged weekend sta…

Stormont's Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is appealing the decision of a Belfast court to overturn permission for Northern Ireland's biggest roads project. The €1.3 billion euro upgrade to the A5 is an important link for the wider northwest including Donegal - and it's supported with €600 million euro of Irish Government money. It affects a 55…

Bundoran has been hit by a major water outage overnight. Hundreds of people are thought to be affected by a burst to the main supply which caters to the town. It could be later this afternoon at the earliest before water is restored to all areas. Local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMahon says every effort is underway to carry out repair works as quickly…

A number of weather warnings are now in operation in the North West, after Storm Floris made landfall in the early hours of this morning. Met Éireann says there could be damaging gusts and localised flooding, particularly in the west and north-west - with hazardous driving conditions and overtopping waves along coasts. Status yellow wind and rain a…

Local Cllr addresses appeals process for farmers

Flooding "to be expected" in North West ahead of Storm Floris

Minister for Agriculture "must be provided resources in next budget" - says former local IFA official

New joint Sligo senior football managers Eamonn O'Hara and Dessie Sloyan talk to Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan about their appointment.

Donegal Cllr speaks on new car safety programme

Proposed EU funding changes could impact local fishing sector

Heavier cars possibly facing tax increase in next budget

There are renewed calls for major safety improvements on the Clar Road and along the N15 in south Donegal. There have been ongoing concerns in both areas due to a high volume of junctions. Some works are due to begin this week on the Lough Eske/Townawilly Intersection with the N15 while assessments are continuing at a number of other problem areas.…

A vigil for Palestine is taking place in Sligo this weekend. It's getting underway tomorrow at the Sligo GPO at 2pm. It's estimated that more 60,000 people have been killed in Israel's ongoing genocide while Palestinians in Gaza are enduring a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions. Mayor of the Sligo Borough and People before Profit Cllr Gino O…

A former Garda Sergeant in Donegal says Garda management must establish find out why some serving members of the force are hostile to completing their duties. An unpublished report suggests some members of the Roads Policing Unit are "openly hostile to doing their job" - according to the Policing and Community Safety Authority. Commissioner Drew Ha…

A series of events in Sligo to commemorate the centenary of Countess Markievicz could be on the cards. It takes place in 2027 and it's thought locally that preparations should get underway sooner rather than later. It's hoped that a Countess Markievicz Day could be developed, similar to WB Yeats Day as part of the celebrations. Labour Cllr Anne Hig…

People are being warned to take care in and around the water ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend. Over the past week alone, a man lost his life after getting into difficulty in the water near Bundoran while separately, two people also got caught in the rip current at Deadman's Point in Sligo. The RNLI along with The Irish Coast Guard and Water…

Member of the Sligo-Leitrim-South Donegal Labour Party have rowed in behind the party decision to support Independent Socialist, candidate, Catherine Connolly in the upcoming Presidential Election. Senator Nessa Cosgrove says it’s imperative that a suitable successor for Michael D Higgins. The Sligo Senator claims that Catherine Connolly is the per…

Rushed changes to the Leaving Cert from September will widen inequalities and damage education, according to Donegal teacher and President of a Teachers Union. New ASTI President Padraig Curley who is a teacher at Loreto Community School in Milford, Co. Donegal, begins his term as ASTI President tomorrow (Friday August 1st) He says Sweeping changes…

Sligo have got their men. The two new co-managers of the Sligo senior football team are two of its most decorated former players - and they’re homegrown Eamonn O’Hara and Dessie Sloyan are on the progamme. We’ll also give you the full rundown of football and hurling county managerial appointments in Sligo for 2026. Few League of Ireland managers ha…

A Leitrim Sinn Fein Councillor is urging the government to reconsider ending cost of living assistance payments. Cllr Padraig Fallon says the harsh reality is that many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet at present. Nationally there were 331 thousand households behind on their electricity payments at the end of May. It means the numb…

It's hoped that the N17 Knock to Collooney Atlantic Economic Corridor Project will future-proof the North West. The project is currently advancing through Phase 3 which involves the design of the Preferred Option to a stage where the likes of land requirements can be established and to identify and mitigate project impacts. Sligo County Council pro…

The three Sligo Leitrim Government TDs have been accused of not getting on board with the Western Rail Corridor. It comes as all five TDs in County Mayo have come together in support for the inclusion of the WRC on a list of capital transport projects set to be announced by Government this autumn, which could include the restoration of the Athenry-…

There are renewed calls to resist the introduction of fracked gas in Ireland. The new EU-US trade deal has led to fresh concerns over the issue, with American President Donald Trump indicating a lack of interest in investment in renewable energy. While earlier this month, a group of Leitrim activists took part in a rally outside Leinster House, in …

Work has begun on major upgrades to the Sligo Way, with €200,000 in funding secured to improve a 2.8km stretch between Union Wood and Slishwood. The trail is one of Sligo's hidden gems, will see widened paths, new surfacing, and better access. The upgrades include a repaired 500m section and plans for a new viewing area overlooking Lough Lumann. Cl…

Donegal is gearing up to celebrate #LoveDonegal Day 2025 on Wednesday, September 10th a global call to share what makes this county so special. From local traditions and scenic beauty to personal stories and community pride, this year’s campaign hopes to reach even more people worldwide. Coinciding with TBEX Europe 2025, the world’s top travel crea…

The Donegal GRA Spokesperson is warning that the new Garda Commissioner will face a number of challenges. Yesterday, it was revealed that the current Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly will replace Drew Harris when he retires on September 1st. The role, with a salary of at least 314 thousand euro, will see Mr. Kelly appointed to a five-year term or u…

A special church service held for a mother and her two teenage children, killed in County Fermanagh, has heard how their deaths have "pierced the hearts" of their family, wider community, and the country. Today marks a week since Vanessa Whyte and James and Sara Rutledge were fatally shot at their home in Maguiresbridge. After the service, their co…

Fears are said to be growing over how US tariffs may impact the North West. It comes as the Irish Government is being urged to clarify details of the trade deal announced between the European Union and United States this week. There's much uncertainty among the likes of distilleries across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal along with the local Pharma sect…

A new survey reveals more than half of adults with asthma in the northwest are struggling to make ends meet, while nationwide, around 450,000 people depend on affordable care. Donegal alone has approximately 14,500 asthma sufferers and Sligo about 6,000, many of whom are limiting or skipping vital inhaler medication as costs rise Alarmingly, one in…

There are new warnings about a growing crisis among the country's doctors. The Irish Medical Organisation says research published this week by the Medical Council confirms that 'too much is being demanded from too few'. It’s being claimed that many people are experiencing difficulties when it comes to getting an appointment with a GP in the North W…

A Sligo Leitrim TD is warning that there are still many major challenges that need to be overcome before the North West Region has a ‘fit for purpose Health service’. Deputy Martin Kenny was responding to the news that a new surgical hub will be located close to Sligo University Hospital, while a second Hub will also established at Letterkenny Univ…

Dr. Mike Ryan has stepped down from the World Health Organisation. The Sligo-born doctor - who most recently served as Deputy Director General and Director for Health Emergencies - has worked with the UN agency for almost 30 years. He had planned to leave two years ago, but was asked to stay on - however, his role is now among those being cut follo…

Donegal may have missed out on the Sam Maguire this year, but the spirit in Donegal Town was anything but defeated last night. Crowds turned out in force to welcome the team home, showing unwavering support for the lads who gave it their all. Speaking to Ocean Fm at the homecoming, Donegal PRO Sinéad Breen said pride in the panel remains stronger t…

The Glens Centre in Manorhamilton has secured €55,000 in Arts Council funding for 2026, part of a €17.1 million national arts investment. The centre is among 218 organisations to benefit, with funding increases reflecting strong growth and demand in the arts sector. The Glens also reported a 9% audience increase and plans a busy season ahead, inclu…

The Government has appointed current Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly as the new Garda Commissioner. He will replace Drew Harris when he retires on September 1st. The role, with a salary of at least 314 thousand euro, will see Mr. Kelly appointed to a five-year term or until the retirement age of 62. Former Garda Sergeant in Donegal, Christy Gallig…

A surgical hub could be delivered for Sligo in just two years' time. Yesterday it was revealed that two hubs have been in given the green light in the North West - one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny, ending months of controversy over the issue. Now that the debacle has finally been resolved, attentions are now turning to how quickly shovels can ge…

National media has come under fire over their coverage on the North West surgical hub developments. Yesterday, the Health Minister revealed that two hubs are to be established in the region, one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny. It's been regarded as one of the biggest achievements for healthcare in this region in recent years. But local Fine Gael C…

The Taoiseach says the sentences handed down to some of those convicted of the killing of Donegal soldier Seán Rooney are too lenient. A man convicted of murdering Sean Rooney in the Lebanon in December 2022 has been sentenced to death. Meanwhile, a number of co-accused have received lesser penalties. Taoiseach Michéal Martin says his thoughts are …

The outcome of the surgical hub debacle is proof that standing together as a team gets results. That's according to Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn, who has been reacting todays developments that two surgical hubs are to be established in the North West - one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny. It puts an end to months of controversy that on…

Sligo Bay RNLI has been praised for their swift response to a number of incidents in recent days. Over the weekend, a boat has suffered engine failure close to Sligo Town and the crew helped six people on board safely to shore. While late last week, the lifeboat was launched after two people got caught in the rip current at Deadman's Point. The pai…

Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan joined the Minister for Health when she made the announcement regarding the Surgical Hubs this morning Deputy Feighan was delighted that two and a half years of work finally came through in the form of two new surgical hubs in the Northwest. With the new facilities he's glad that Letterkenny was not excluded from …

A Sligo Leitrim TD says the confirmation of two new surgical Hubs being created in Sligo and Letterkenny is a vital part of delivering commitments made in the programme for Government to the people of this region. Deputy Eamon Scanlon says that with a similar design being used for such facilities in the country there should be no delays during the …