The Taoiseach has acknowledged the trauma that the family of Denis Donaldson continue to go through.

Denis Donaldson was shot dead at a remote cottage in Glenties almost 20 years ago, after the ex-Sinn Fein official was exposed as an MI5 informer.

In recent weeks, the Donaldson family have renewed calls for a public inquiry into his killing as an inquest has now been adjourned 27 times over a 19 year period.

The case was raised in the Dail by Labour Leader Ivan Bacik who says the family are in a particular position as they don't qualify as victims under the Legacy act:

The Health Minister is due to meet with Donegal GPS and consultants next week as the North West surgical hub debacle continues.

It comes as a key meeting between Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill and Donegal TDs took place last night, where the case was put to the Minister that a standalone hub for Letterkenny is crucial.

Sligo has been identified as the preferred location as a part of a HSE business case.

Meanwhile in a statement today, a spokesperson for the consultants say they are looking forward to next week’s engagement with the Minister, where data pleading the Donegal case will be presented to her.

Donegal Fianna Fail TD Pat the Cope Gallagher is hopeful that further meetings may results in a second hub for the region:

A Sligo Leitrim TD says the Health Minister is receiving representation from elected representatives locally in relation to where a new surgical hub will be located in the North West.

A major campaign is taking place in Donegal to have the centre situated in Letterkenny.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will meet with a delegation of Donegal Healthcare workers next week to discuss the issue.

She has also held meeting with Donegal TDs.

Last month, it was confirmed that Sligo University Hospital was being nominated as the preferred location for the facility.

However concern is being expressed in Sligo that the decision could be changed due to the pressure being applied on the Minister and here officials

Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan says ‘it’s unfortunate that one of the local hospitals will miss out on a Surgical Hub.

He says Sligo would be a more central location for the facility

The government have been accused of letting the people of Sligo down after the building of 63 social homes has been put on hold.

The Department of Housing are halting the development in Finisklin, due to the rising costs associated with the project.

However, it is still hoped that other avenues can be explored, as planning permission has already been secured for the site.

Local People Before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle says the loss of these homes cannot be afforded: 

Sinn Féin have launched what they claim to be a comprehensive Fisheries and Seafood survey.

The findings of the survey were launched earlier by the Donegal TD, and spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, and by the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Conor McGuinness in Leinster House.

The survey highlighted the severe challenges facing the industry.

Respondents underlined a sector in distress, facing mounting economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and a sense of neglect from both the Irish government and European Union.

Speaking to Ocean FM, Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn earlier explained how many in the sector are giving serious concern to their future.

Four Wicklow teenagers are making their way through County Sligo today, as part of their major challenge walking from Mizen to Malin Head.

They're doing it to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society - a link to their gofundme page is available on our website.

It's a 600km trip and they've walking an average of 40km per day and motorists are being asked to show their support if they spot them along the road over the next few days.

Ocean FM news caught up with Finn Craig, Keane Marquardt, Sean Judson and Sean Durkan as they were making their way towards Sligo Town:

A number of patients who had surgeries cancelled at Sligo University Hospital’s orthopaedic theatre are yet to receive an alternative date.

This follows ongoing safety concerns at the theatre, where surgeries had to be paused in April due to poor infrastructure and leaks.

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill, has previously confirmed that a new roof will be developed for the site later this year.

However, Ballymote-Tubbercurry Cllr Barry Gallagher says many people’s livelihoods are at stake:

Sinn Fein have launched what they say is a comprehensive’ Fisheries and Seafood survey.

The findings of the survey were launched earlier in Leinster House by the Donegal TD, and spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, and by the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Conor McGuinness.

The survey highlighted the severe challenges facing the industry, with respondents underlining a sector in distress, facing mounting economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and a sense of neglect from both the Irish government and European Union.

Speaking to Ocean FM Deputy, Padraig MacLochalin earlier explained how many in the sector are giving serious concern to their future.

A processing centre for the deposit return scheme has been requested locally in the North West.

It’s been reported that the majority of plastic collected through the scheme is being transported across the world, instead of being addressed in Ireland.

It’s now argued that any progress in terms of sustainability is now being offset in the emissions used to ship the plastic abroad.

Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Healy says that 90% of the recycled plastic in Sligo is being sent away:

The devastation caused to the family of a consultant at Sligo University Hospital has once again by raised on the floor of the Dáil.

Last month, Dr Ali Al Najjar lost nine of nieces and nephews in an Israeli airstrike on their home.

Their father, Hamid, died in hospital last week from wounds sustained during the attack.

Dr Ali’s sister, Alaa and her 11-year-old son Adam, who remains in hospital, are the sole remaining survivors of the family.

Deputy Leader of the Social Democrats, Cian O’Callaghan raised the matter during a motion as part of private members’ business: