A new EPA report into the quality of bathing water in this country has found that Heavy rainfall and associated wastewater overflows, and runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas, can cause short-term deterioration in water quality.

The report says Localised intense rainfall, particularly in the West and North-West has led to bathing water restrictions (including beach closures) being introduced to protect bather health.

96 per cent of beaches here have a "sufficient" water quality rating according to the EPA.

However Lady’s Bay (Buncrana) Co. Donegal and Sandymount beach in Dublin as ‘poor’

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.

The majority of the local beaches were found to have excellent water quality annually with the exception of Mullaghmore which was classed as ‘good’ annually.

A Donegal Cllr and publican has called for more clarity over the sale of zero-zero drinks to people who are underage.

Reports emerged yesterday that there was confusion among a number of publicans as parents may be buying non-alcoholic drinks for their underage children.

Some publicans are unsure of the legalities around this, and they’re having to refuse some orders, for fear the drink will be given to a minor.

Cllr Martin Harley, of Donegal Vintners Federation, says he won’t sell zero-zero drinks to anyone underage as there is still a small percentage of alcohol in the drink:

Irene Guckian-Rabbitte has been officially elected to Leitrim County Council this week.

Independent Cllr Guckian-Rabbitte was selected to fill the seat vacated by her father Des Guckian, who resigned from his role due to health reasons.

The new Cllr will form part of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District and hopes to continue her father’s work and help for the community.

Cllr Guckian-Rabbitte says she wants to make her father proud:

The Principal of the Vocational school in Drumshanbo has paid a glowing tribute to one of his predecessors today stating that standing the school enjoys today was very much down to his vision and commitment to learning over many years.

Padraig McLoughlin who passed away yesterday served as Principal at the Leitrim School between 1973 and 2001.

  He first joined the school as a science teacher and served as Deputy Principal before going on to enjoy a long stint as Principal.

Current Principal at the school Marty Fallon earlier explained how the legacy of Padraig McLoughlin is very evident right up to the current day.

A Sligo Leitrim TD has strongly criticised the government over their plans to consider a proposal to increase personal injury awards by 17%.

It's a move which Deputy Martin Kenny claims will push motor insurance premiums higher.

It was confirmed today that motor insurance premiums in Ireland have jumped by 9% in the first half of 2024, with further increases expected.

The information is contained in the latest report from the Central Bank.

With many rural dwellers across the North West depending on cars to commute to and from work they will no choice but to take the hit when it comes to renewing their motor insurance premiums.

 Sinn Fein Deputy, Martin Kenny say increasing personal injury awards at this moment in time in not a sensible course of action.

The North West could be heavily impacted by the latest tariff threat from US President Donald Trump.

He is planning to bring in 100 per cent tariffs on non-US films, which has caused huge concern among the Irish film and television industry.

With more filming being done across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, it’s thought these tariffs could be devastating to the local economy, with industry valued in Ireland at over €1 billion.

Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh is questioning the reasoning by the White House:

A Sligo Cllr has called for the removal of VAT from sun protection cream.

It’s thought that by reducing the 23% tax on the product, more people would be encouraged to use it, which could help prevent the growing rate of cancer diagnosis in the country.

As it stands, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

Ballymote-Tubbercurry Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulvey says sun cream should not be considered as a cosmetic:

Ballyshannon native and former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan says contestants should pull out of this year's song competition over Israel's involvement.

Charlie, who won the Eurovision song contest in 1994 alongside Paul Harrington is on of 72 former acts to have signed a letter to the European Broadcasting Union.

They’re urging Israel to be banned from the event, over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Russia has been banned since 2022 following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

This year’s event is due to take place in Basel in Switzerland, from Wednesday, May 13 to Saturday 17.


Charlie McGettigan says this year's acts should boycott the event if the organisers don't remove Israel:

ASTI members have voted in favour of industrial action, if needed, against Leaving Cert reform proposals.

They have also rejected support measures from the Department of Education in the Senior Cycle implementation proposals.

The union says second-level teachers have significant concerns about bringing in such radical change in an effective way.

ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie says they're disappointed the Education Minister hasn't delayed the plan:

Tributes are being paid this morning to the former Drumshanbo Vocational School Principal and Community Activist, Padraig McLoughlin.

Mr McLoughlin who was a long serving Principal in the Drumshanbo secondary school passed away yesterday.

Apart from his role in education he was involved in several local community groups.

 He also held the position of Chairman of the Arigna Leader Programme which was set up following of the closure of the Arigna mines back in 1990.

Sean Wynne worked alongside Padraig McLoughlin in Drumshanbo Vocational School.  He says he made a huge contribution to the Drumshanbo community