There are unlikely to be any income tax cuts in this year's budget.

The Sunday Times reports the government is instead going to focus on lowering the VAT rate on electricity and hospitality to 9 per cent.

A commitment to reduce tax on the hospitality industry has already been included in the Programme for Government.

Several businesses locally have been forced to short their doors following the VAT increase.

Former President of the Restaurants' Association of Ireland and Sligo restaurateur Anthony Gray is urging ministers not to break that promise:

The introduction of a tractor driving test is being considered by the Road Safety Authority.

The Farmers Journal are reporting that will affect those applying for category W-only learner permits from 2027 onwards.

Previously, the RSA said that it was reviewing the minimum age limit at which you can drive a tractor.

While it's unclear whether those wishing to obtain their tractor licence will have to undergo the mandatory 12 lessons required for a car licence.

Sligo IFA Chairman Michael O'Dowd feels a number of factors need to be considered prior to its implementation.

The new Cathaoirleach of the Manorhamilton Municipal District says he wants to see a greater focus towards housing in the north of the county.

Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraig Fallon took up the chain of office at today's AGM, succeeding Mary Bohan of Fianna Fáil.

It is the first time that the Drumkeerin-based representative, who was first elected in 2014 has held such a role.

Fianna Fáil's Justin Warnock has been elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Councillor Fallon says while his some of colleagues may represent opposition parties, and others, none at all, it's about working together for the benefit of the area.

It's hoped that the north Leitrim area can capitalise on the momentum built by recent festivals and events.

One such event, May's Leitrim Gathering has been earmarked as a huge success locally with close to 60 events held throughout the county.

This month's meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District has heard calls for annual events to take place to attract visitors.

Independent Cllr Felim Gurn:

the end of July Fr Thomas Towey, originally from Ballaghaderreen will be steepening down from his responsibility for the governance and pastoral care of the parish of Ballisodare.

Fr Towey also served in Bonniconlon, Charlstown and Bonniconlon.

He spent twelve years teaching in St Nathy’s and has been based in Ballisodare since 2007.

Ahead of his retreatment he spoke to John Lynch and starts the following piece by reflecting on his 18 years in Ballisodare

A special information evening is getting underway this evening in Strandhill over smart phone and device use among young children.

The free event is getting underway 7.30pm at the SoCo Labs in Strandhill with Gardai and a youth liaison officer also attendance to give advice.

Local parents and guardians are being urged to attend and will be asked to sign a voluntary pact, committing to delaying smart phone use for their child for as long as possible.

Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon says it's an issue affecting a lot of local families and believes that it will be a hugely beneficial session:

It's hoped the long waiting list for the Pain Clinic at Sligo University Hospital will be addressed before the year ends.

This follows news that two Consultant Pain Specialists have been recruited by the hospital and will begin work in Q3 of 2025, with the second starting a year later.

The service was thrown into disarray in June of last year, after the two previous consultants both moved to new roles in other hospitals.

Independent Sligo Cllr Marie Casserly says the backlog needs to cleared in the North West:

North West residents and holiday makers are being urged to stay safe while swimming this week.

The warning was issued with many people expected to hit the region’s beaches over the next number of days with sunny, and warm weather is expected for the next week.

A third of all summer drownings happen in June, according to Water Safety Ireland.

Paul Tuohy, a Press Officer with the RNLI, is advising people to have clear lines of communication when out swimming:

Paddy McGill and guests review Sunday's 0-19 to 1-15 win over Mayo at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, which has booked Donegal's place in the All-Ireland prelim quarter-finals, and eliminated Mayo from this year's championship.

Contributions from Manus Boyle, Peter Campbell (Donegal Democrat), Martin Carney, Jim McGuinness, Éamonn Fitzmaurice and Jason Byrne (Irish Sun).

New EU laws to criminalise AI-generated child sexual abuse material will be voted on by MEPs next week.

This includes the development, possession, and distribution of artificial intelligence systems used to produce such content.

The European Parliament will also vote on new laws to remove the statute of limitation on child sexual abuse crimes in all EU countries on Tuesday.

Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh - who's on the committee responsible for the directive - says the legislation will transform protections for children: