There is backing in Sligo for the Deposit Protection Scheme Bill brought before Leinster House yesterday.

Housing charity Threshold presented the bill amid their concerns that a number of private renters are having their deposits unlawfully retained by the landlord.

This new scheme would mean the deposits are lodged with an independent third party and then returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy, unless a legitimate issue arises.

Sligo People Before Profit Cllr Gino O’Boyle says the bill would be beneficial for students:

A number of businesses in Killybegs have come together in opposition to upcoming works in the town centre.

The roadworks are set to last for a week and will result in the closure of Main Street from 7pm on Monday evening until 7am on Saturday.

Several businesses feel that trade will be seriously impacted and claim that they were not given sufficient notice.

Businessman Kevin Hegarty who owns the local Centra Store doesn't see why the works can't be carried out at night-time.

Speaking to Ocean FM news, Mr. Hegarty says the economy in Killybegs can't withstand the plan that's currently on the table:

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council says new EPA report into the quality of bathing water in the North West will be a further boost for the local tourism sector.

The report was positive for the majority of local beaches in Sligo and Donegal.

The publication released this morning, (Thursday) did state Localised intense rainfall has led to bathing water restrictions being introduced to protect bather health in the North West.

Lady’s Bay (Buncrana) Co. Donegal and Sandymount beach in Dublin were the only two beaches ranked ‘poor’ in the Country,

Locally in Sligo the beaches at Dunmoran, Enniscrone and Mullaghmore were found to have excellent quality of water during bathing season. 

In Donegal a similar grade was afforded to the beaches at Bundoran, Carrickfinn and Fanad.

Cllr Niamh Kennedy says the EPA report shines a positive light on local beaches  

Young people all across the North West are being encouraged to join the Be The Arrow: Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge.

Gaisce, the President's Award, has empowered over 400 young people in Sligo in the past year alone.

It can involve a volunteering challenge, a physical challenge, or a skills challenge, and is targeted for people aged between 14 to 25.

Gaisce CEO, Avril Ryan, says the award is about reaching for the stars:

Awardees will receive a certificate from President Michael D Higgins, and more information on the challenge can be found on bethearrow.ie

People across County Leitrim are being urged to take part in a public consultation that will help determine policing priorities in the future.

It's being conducted by the new oversight body for An Garda Síochána - the Policing and Community Safety Authority.

The organisation has set up a 10-minute online questionnaire that allows the public to allocate 'points' to the areas of policing they consider a priority.

It's also hold in-person public consultations. The first of which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim today.

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Cllr Paddy O'Rourke says issues affecting policing locally are far-ranging, with a general lack of Gardai top of the list:

A North West MEP is not surprised by a recent confidence poll by the Irish public.

According to European Movement Ireland, 43% of people don't believe that their views are being represented at European level.

However, support for membership of the European Union is still strong at 82%, although it is the lowest it's been since 2013.

Independent Ireland Midlands-North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly is not surprised by the results and says more needs to be done to make the EU relevant to people:

A new Sligo Cancer Bus is expected to be purchased in the next few months, with the process of identifying a suitable vehicle currently underway.

A working group has been set up involving charitable organisations and Sligo University Hospital representatives to progress the situation.

The new bus will have toilet facilities and be wheelchair accessible, which have been highlighted as essential for the passengers.

Independent Cllr Marie Casserly says this should be completed by mid-2025:

It's emerged that an elderly Kilcar man had to wait nearly two hours for an ambulance after having a fall outside his home.

His daughter, who made the 999 call, was told that there were no available ambulance in Donegal with the nearest one in Boyle, County Roscommon.

The man who's in his, mid-80s, eventually arrived to the hospital three hours and 40 minutes after the initial emergency call was made.

The case, which happened in recent days was highlighted in the Seanad by Senator Manus Boyle, who says it further shows the urgent need for a review into the ambulance service in the region:

Department of Agriculture officials are expected to announce new proposals today at an emergency meeting to prevent the spread of TB.

It comes as levels of the disease on Irish farms have increased significantly in recent years.

There was a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon is holding the meeting of key stakeholders at the department, at which a number of Government proposals will be discussed to address the issue.

Leitrim Councillor and ICMSA representative Brendan Barry says locally farmers are concerned over the spread of TB and they are also apprehensive concerning the measures that will be announced today

The need for a surgical hub in Donegal has been raised on the floor of the Dáil.

Last week, campaigners gathered outside Letterkenny University Hospital where Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill was visiting the site of the new Letterkenny Community Hospital.

Patients throughout the county are currently forced to travel long distances to access care and undergo surgeries.

Deputy Charles Ward feels the issue needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency:

In response, Minister Carroll McNeill while she understands the concerns of the 100% Redress TD, the government is committed to establishing a hub in the north west.