Reservations have been expressed over a meeting on how Storm Eowyn impacted County Sligo.

The meeting between the ESB, Coillte and local representatives took place yesterday.

Uisce Eireann and Eir were invited but didn't attend.

One of the biggest bones of contention was who should be responsible for maintaining network corridors through local forestries.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Barry Gallagher says there were a lot of questions asked but not a lot of answers given:

A Sligo Councillor is warning that measures aimed to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy will be disastrous for Irish farmers and in particular for farmers here in the North West.

Cllr Michael Michael Clarke is warning that the measures will lead to a reduction in the number of those farming the land and ultimately food shortages with only the wealthy being able to afford meat products.

The Ballymote Tubbercurry Councillor says the proposals also pave the way for the European commission to allocate funds previously earmarked for farmers, to be redirected to other projects such as community infrastructure upgrades.

On the contentious issue of GAEC 2 payments the Independent Councillor says farmers will be no better off despite claims to the contrary from Europe. 

Former Leitrim Councillor Des Guckian has been remembered for willingness to work with the voiceless at his funeral mass.

Mr Guckian passed away last Thursday in the North West Hospice following an illness.

He was first elected to the local authority in 2014 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2024.

The late Mr Guckian officially stepped down from the Council in April of this year due to health reasons with his daughter, Irene, co-opted onto his seat.

Speaking during the homily at St Mary’s Church in Annaduff this afternoon, chief celebrant, Fr Francis Garvey said he had an impact on everyone he met:

There are further claims that the ESB network in the North West is not fit for purpose.

It comes as a meeting between local representatives and Semi-State Organisations and Utility Providers over the aftermath of Storm Eowyn is underway in Sligo today.

It’s thought that there has been a major lack of investment in the network across the region, while there’s also concern surrounding unexplained outages and the length of time it takes for power to be restored.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paul Taylor says there must be better collaboration between relevant bodies going forward to ensure that disruption is minimised in any future storm:

Both Uisce Éireann and Eir are under fire for not attending a meeting over Storm Éowyn in Sligo.

The meeting with Semi-State Organisations and Utility Providers and Cllrs is underway at the County Offices.

Representatives from the ESB and Coillte have been answering questions from local representatives over how they handled the weather event and the aftermath earlier this year.

Local Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Healy has been expressing his disappointment with Irish Water and Eir:

A Sligo businessman has been elected as the new Chair of the Irish SME association.

Finbarr Filan previously served as Vice-Chair, but has now been selected as Chair for the next two years following the organisation's AGM.

ISME aims to advocate for small businesses at both national and European level.

Mr Filan says he is optimistic despite the challenges that the small business sector currently faces:

A fairer quota allocation for Ireland was just some of the issues raised during a recent meeting between representatives of the fishing industry here and the EU Fisheries Commissioner.

Fishing Representatives from all sectors attended including the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation as well as MEPs and Minister for the Marine, Timmy Dooley.

While earlier this year, the Oireachtas Fisheries and Maritime Committee was established to lead national policy discussions on Ireland's fishing industry, coastal communities, and marine sustainability.

Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association hopes the meeting will add some further steps towards greater support for the sector here.

A Fermanagh community has been plunged into shock and sadness following the sudden passing of a woman.

Police, fire service and ambulance crews attended the scene in the Rockfield Gardens area of Belleek on Sunday morning.

An investigation is continuing into the death of the woman, who’s believed to live on her own.

Local MLA, Jemma Dolan says the community will support the family and has praised the emergency services for their response:

A Leitrim Councillor has called for landowners whose land is impacted by Gorse fire and other events of nature to be paid state compensation.

The calls from Councillor Justin Warnock come as a constant threat of mountain and forest fires lie over many farmers and rural property owners.

In the past blazes that were uncontained caused serious damage in the local region.  As a result landowners and property faced hefty costs.

 The Fianna Fáil Councillor says that with such events as fires and severe storms becoming more frequent consideration should be establishing a national scheme.

The Kinlough based Councillor has been critical of the way that the Minister with responsibility for forestry,  Minister Healy Rae has responded to the level of damaged caused to property in Leitrim by falling trees during storms earlier this year.

Cllr Warnock  says this is another reason why he has called for the establishment of such a fund:

A Donegal TD has called for continued dialogue between the US and EU in a bid to avert possible being tariffs being introduced.

The US President has recommended putting a 50% tariff on all EU imports from June 1st.

However over the weekend President Trump confirmed that he would pause his threatened tariffs until 9 July, after a "very nice call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The EU and the United States have been negotiating in a bid to avert an all-out transatlantic trade war, and had agreed to suspend tariff action on both sides until July.

Sinn Fein Deputy Pearse Doherty says the only way to resolve the issue is through dialogue: