A Sligo Councillor says the new Taskforce established to speed up infrastructure delivery will have to be given time to see if they ease some of the local frustration that exists in relation over delays to local major projects.

The new Taskforce will meet for the first time this morning.

The Minister for Public Expenditure, has appointed twelve members six of whom are independent experts experienced in infrastructure delivery, while a further six are from commercial semi-states companies.

Sligo Fianna Fáil Councillor Paul Taylor, says it's vital that they deliver long awaited infrastructure upgrades in the North West:

A number of events are taking place at Ballisodare Fishery today which are set to focus on biodiversity and water quality.

A number of local schools are taking part in educational events throughout the day while later this afternoon, there will be a workshop for the local community.

The initiative comes almost a year after nearly one thousand salmon died in the local river.

Gerry Merrick, Chairman of the Ballisodare Fishing Club has been outlining what's in store:

Two trails in North Leitrim have been included in the latest update to the government’s Walks Scheme.

Fowley’s Falls in Rossinver and O’Rourke’s Table in Dromahair were added to the scheme following an announcement from Minister Dara Calleary today.

This will provide security for these walks as the scheme will now facilitate their development and maintenance.

Independent Manorhamilton Cllr Eddie Mitchell says this will continue to unlock the tourism potential that North Leitrim has:

A Midlands North West MEP has given a cautious welcome to the European Commission's Simplification proposals.

The Proposals which will now require approval by the European Commission contain a number of changes including the introduction of a single annual inspection which will cover all aspects of CAP compliance.

The removal of GAEC 2 from baseline requirements is deemed to be another significant development a move which will allow farmers to receive payments where restrictions are placed on their peatland or wetland areas.

Ciaran Mullooly has expressed concern however with a proposed Crisis Fund, which would be financed by a percentage of the CAP budget.

A move if implemented that would force farmers to fund compensation for their fellow farmers in the event of natural disasters or market crises.

A meeting between the Transport Minister and Leitrim County Councillors is to be arranged over the long awaited redevelopment of Lennox's Bridge.

The narrow crossing connecting Kinlough to Bundoran has been a point of contention for many years, with the current structure previously deemed as only fit for a horse and cart.

There have been numerous instances of drivers failing to adhere to the right of way with countless calls for the project to be prioritised.

Fianna Fail Cllr Justin Warnock is hopeful that at long last, there will be progress:

A Sligo Councillor is calling on the Local Authority to establish a maintenance fund to ensure that playgrounds in the Sligo Strandhill Municipal District are maintained all year round.

The calls from Councillor Tom MacSharry, come after serious concern has been raised over such facilities situated at Mitchell Curley Park and Doorly Park.

 Sligo County Council has had to close off some parts of the playground at Mitchell Curley due to safety concerns.

The Mayor of Sligo Borough says it's vital that playground are kept to a high standard in the Sligo Strandhill region.

Today is the final day that the Red Dress project will be at City Hall in Sligo.

The dress has been worked on by 380 people over 14 years from 51 countries, making it a Guinness World Record for largest embroidery project.

The project provides a platform for individuals, particularly women, and communities around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and/or live in poverty, to tell their stories through embroidery.

Kirstie MacLeod, creator of the project, says the dress aims to promote unity and peace:

Chair of the Sligo PeacePlus Partnership, Cllr Donal Gilroy praised the combined efforts on the project:

A PEACEPLUS initiative has been launched in Sligo today.

The programme is aimed at cross border counties and encourages a prosperous and connected society between them.

Millions have been allocated towards various projects to improve relations on the island of Ireland.

Minister of State Dara Calleary says it’s important to continue a message of peace in Irish society:

A series of follow-up meetings between clinicians and HSE management are to be scheduled to ensure progress on upgrades to the Orthopaedic Theatre at Sligo University Hospital.

This week it was revealed that the entire roof will be replaced at the theatre later this year after numerous leaks.

The meetings will also aim to support the restoration of a full range of elective orthopaedic surgeries.

Junior Minister Marian Harkin is confident that normal service will resume soon: