Despite staycations being promoted and large numbers of tourists and visitors coming to the north west, the provision of adequate toilet facilities at Spencer Harbour remains an issue.

The fact of the system being on the public supply has been blamed for the reason behind the issue.

Local Councillor Mary Bohan says with increased development in the area, including a slipway, it's essential that adequate facilities are put in place.

Councillor Bohan feels alternative methods may be needed.

A three-week excavation of a 17th century fort in County Sligo has recovered more than 1,000 historical artefacts.

Green Fort at Fort Hill has been described as one of Sligo town's most historically significant sites.

Military artefacts like buttons and musket balls along with other artefacts which display evidence of the smoking habits, food and drinking habits of those who were once stationed at the Fort.

The excavation involved opening an excavation trench in the fort interior.

It was led by archaeologists Dr Fiona Beglane and Dr Marion Dowd from Atlantic Technological University, who are working in partnership with Sligo County Council.

Fiona has been telling Ocean FM more about the excavation:

Long awaited safety measures outside Dunkineely National School are finally a step closer. 

The project has moved out of the feasibility stage and will go forward to phase three. 

This will entail drawing up further proposed measures to be installed there, which will then need approval from the TII. 

Meanwhile, there was said to be another near serious collision in the area only last week. 

Fine Gael Cllr Michael Boyle says the project needs to move a lot faster going forward: 

With locals and tourists cursing relentless spells of rain in north Leitrim, it’s felt a retractable roof could be the way forward in Manorhamilton.

Recent events in the main street of the town were marred by the adverse conditions with crowds down on previously forecasted numbers.

Wexford is just one of the areas that has benefited from a retractable roof- over one of the town’s busiest nightlife spots – Monck Street.

The roof covers the street’s entire length- exceeding over 80 metres.

Independent Councillor Felim Gurn feels a similar measure would be suitable locally:

Dismay has been expressed in Donegal after a surge in the number of fines for illegal parking in disabled bays across the county.

518 were issued in 2024, up from 415 in 2023, representing an increase of 25%.

The figures, however, do not include fines issued by Gardaí.

Motorists who abuse disabled parking bays face a parking fine of €150 which increases to €225 if not paid within 28 days.

Letterkenny-based Councillor Tomás Seán Devine is just of those who holds a 'blue badge'.

Speaking to Ocean FM, Councillor Devine said he was alarmed by the figures.

It's feared that oil-heated homes could be left behind by the government's renewable heating policy.

That's according to a liquid fuels industry group, which says the upcoming Renewable Heating Obligation scheme isn't ambitious enough.

The Alliance for Zero Carbon Heating says the 1 point 5 per cent mandate on blended renewable heating fuel should be closer to 20 per cent.

CEO Philip Hannon believes a smarter approach would benefit everyone:

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Naughton has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD. 

He replaces Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Jordan in the role for upcoming 12 months. 

Cllr Naughton previously held the position both in 2018 and in 2020. 

Speaking to Ocean FM news, he says today is a huge honour and has been setting out his stalls for the year ahead: 

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Noel Jordan has been reflecting on his year in the chair and says while a lot of projects have been completed, there’s still a job of work to be done in south Donegal: 

It's hoped that work on the Tuam mother and baby home site may pave the way for excavation on other sites in the North West.

The former mother and baby home in County Galway has been sealed off, ahead of a full excavation next month, to uncover the remains of almost 800 infants believed to be buried on the site.

Local People before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle says it shouldn't have taken 11 years to get to this point.

He also hopes that this marks the start of getting closure for so many:

It's emerged that 114 local authority houses were damaged by Storm Éowyn in Leitrim.

The figures were revealed at this month's meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District which also heard that over 70 houses suffered roof damage.

While over 4,300 applications were made in the county to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme following the deadly weather event.

Local Councillor Pádraig Fallon says while repairs have been carried out, issues remain:

The north west is set to continue to bask in more pleasant weather conditions.

Counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal have each been hit with mixed spells recently with rain, drizzle and even thunderstorm warnings in the last week.

However, according to Met Éireann, the weather will be mostly dry and sunny for the week ahead.

Meteorologist, Brandon Creagh says the region will be in for some pleasant conditions as the high pressure continues.