The Forestry Minister is expected to face a grilling from North West Senators later.

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae is in the Seanad taking questions with the impact of how Storm Eowyn devastated this region set to be a hot topic.

The Minister received some backlash for not meeting with key people impacted by the storm during a visit to Leitrim in recent weeks.

Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle says there will be an expectation for the Minister to have answers and plans of how to combat such a weather event going forward:

There are renewed calls on the Government to honour a promise to make increase in the cap for the Defective Block Grant Scheme available to all homeowners availing of the scheme and not just new entrants.

It was a commitment made last autumn.

Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn has claimed that the delays are costing affected homeowners as much as €42,000 of a shortfall.

Speaking to Ocean FM news, Deputy Mac Lochlainn accused the Government of dragging its heels on the issue:

There's concern that some Sligo retail workers continue to face aggression and threat of assault in shops.

It comes as the Seanad will debate a bill to protect retail workers later today which creates specific offences for such incidents.

It's thought that the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a particular spike in the likes of threats and aggression.

Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove many workers locally are going above and beyond the call of duty and they need to be protected urgently:

Public consultations are being set up to get feedback on the planned route for the SLNCR Greenway.

A preferred route has been identified in a recent meeting for all TDs and Cllrs from the region, and it's understood to have been received positively.

It's hoped the proposed greenway could bring an economic boost with an increase of tourism across the Northwest.

Manorhamilton Independent Cllr Eddie Mitchell has welcomed the latest developments:

A new beach school programme for children will be launched in Donegal this year.

The first of its kind in the Northwest, Liquid Therapy has launched the school with the hopes of combining academic learning and surf therapy.

Schools across the region are being encouraged to apply ahead of the start date next month.

Tom Losey, Founder of Liquid Therapy, highlighted what the programme has to offer:

100% Redress Party Councillors have staged a walk-out at today’s Special Plenary Meeting on Housing in Donegal County Council.

The exit is in protest at what they claim is a lack of engagement by the government in solving the defective block crisis.

The party are requesting that the Minister for Housing James Browne TD visit Donegal and the homes impacted.

Donegal Cllr Joy Beard, who was part of the walk-out, explained why they made the protest today:

There are renewed calls for a clampdown on dog fouling in the North West.

It follows a weekend incident in west Donegal where dog mess was left outside a local business premises.

Independent Cllr Michael McClafferty believes that local authorities need to put more money into enforcement and fines.

Speaking to Ocean FM news, Cllr McClafferty fears that the issue will never be resolved unless the appropriate action is taken:

Support has been given in Leitrim for the introduction of paid leave for workers during extreme weather conditions.

The trade union Unite has called for four days of paid climate leave, after a survey of their members showed people didn’t feel safe going to work in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn.

The Storm caused devastations across the North West earlier this year, and it’s thought that this new scheme could be beneficial to many.

Local Independent Cllr James Gilmartin says that it’s not acceptable for people to be forced to use annual or unpaid leave during dangerous periods:

Passengers on the Sligo to Dublin train will not be impacted by the introduction of a new fare calculator.

From today, Dublin is divided into zones with an expanded radius to include areas like Drogheda, Enfield, Navan and Newbridge.

When using a leap card, the majority of fares are now significantly reduced - except for some Dublin regions which will now be charged nearly one euro more per trip.

Barry Kenny, Spokesperson for Irish Rail has this advice to people in the North West who may be travelling to the Capital:

The Breast Check Mobile unit is returning to Sligo.

It hasn't been in the town for two years, with women having to travel to either Tubberycurry or Carrick-On-Shannon.

The unit is to set up at the Showgrounds from next week with local women now beginning to receive their appointments.

Local Fianna Fail Cllr Edel MacSharry is hopeful that it will rotate more frequently going forward: