Further concern is being raised over a rise in those waiting to get a driving test.

In Sligo, the current waiting time is seven months, while in Leitrim, it stands at six months.

A total of 1,135 people were waiting for a test in Sligo as of the end of March.

Nationally, it's reported over 81 thousand learner drivers are waiting for a date to take their driving exam.

The average wait time is over 24 weeks and it's understood waiting times won't drop substantially until the end of the year.

Fine Gael TD Barry Ward says that's unacceptable:

Donegal have negotiated their Ulster SFC quarter-final against Monaghan with a 0-23 to 0-21 win in Clones.

The victory sets up a semi-final meeting with Down next Sunday.

Paddy McGill digests the game in the company of Peter Campbell, Fergal Monaghan, Dessie Mone, Jim McGuinness, Mark McHugh and Alan Foley.

A new bill is calling for Irish citizens north of the border to be allowed to vote in presidential elections.


It's been submitted to the Dáil's bills office by Aontú, ahead of the upcoming election in October.


Over 600 thousand people in Northern Ireland claim Irish citizenship - party leader Peadar Tóibín says it's only fair they should have a say:

A commemoration in honour of IRA volunteer Martin Savage from Ballisodare will be held this afternoon.

Martin Savage participated in the 1916 Easter rising and was the first volunteer to be killed in action in the War of Independence on 19th December 1919.

This year's commemoration takes place at St Feichin's Cemetery in Ballisodare at 12 noon with Sligo-Leitrim Sinn Féin TD, Martin Kenny the main speaker.

Local Councillor Thomas Healy says all are welcome to attend:

There are fears over the impact the absence of Strandhill Market will have on future local SMEs.

As it stands, the market is not set to reopen until December at the earliest, knocked back from the planned opening in March last month.

It's thought that many businesses depend on the income provided from the market, while others depend on the feedback it provides.

Lani Gregory, painter and one of the local traders, so it is so much more than just a market:

Payment delays under both the SCEP and ACRES schemes remain reals issues for farmers right across the north west.

Progress was previously made with around 1,000 payments per week.

However, some who have met all requirements under the scheme are still waiting on payments owed to them.

Former IFA Sheep Committee Chairperson, Kevin Comiskey says once again, farmers are being let down:

Gardai in the North West are continuing an extensive Roads Safety Operation throughout the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.

The operation began yesterday, and will run right through the extended weekend period.

This weekend is one of the busiest of the year on Irish roads, and many motorists take to the roads for the break.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Sergeant Aoife Hayes, of the Sligo Roads Policing Unit, has encouraged people to take their time when driving:

The coming days are expected to be the busiest Easter break in Ireland West Airport’s history.

40,000 passengers are expected to be travelling through the airport with an increased number of flights passing through.

People are being reminded to arrive at the airport in plenty of time due to the large number of passengers being processed.

Donal Healy, Head of Marketing at Ireland West Airport Knock, says it’s going to be extremely busy:

The HSE has issued the usual set of guidelines to the general public entering into the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The Health Service Executive is asking people to consider all care options before presenting to a hospital emergency department this weekend.

Bank Holiday weekends can be extremely busy in some Emergency Departments as a result patients with non-urgent injuries are being warned that they could face longer waiting times if A&Es become busy or overcrowded.

The response by the HSE criticised by local elected representatives in the past.

Manorhamilton based  Councillor and member of the Regional Health Forum West, Felim Gurn in the past accused the HSE of failing to adequately plan for dealing with an emergency at any of the local events which will be running from Easter onwards

The HSE are offering assurances that plans are in place at all hospitals to support high attendances over the bank holiday.

National Director of HSE Access and Integration, Grace Rothwell, says there may be more suitable options for some patients:

A Leitrim Councillor is warning that the new rules around short-term lets could negatively impact the local tourism economy in the North West.

Under the legislation online platforms could be hit with hefty fines if they fail to comply with the changes.

Under the regulations,  Fáilte Ireland will manage a new register, from May 2026. Anyone offering accommodation for periods of up to and including 21 nights will have to be registered.  it's expected that the changes could  free up more housing for long term renting.

Leitrim Councillor Enda McGloin says that already there is  a lack of Hotel accommodation in parts of the local region, he fears that a reduction in Air B and B’s will discourage people from visiting counties such as Leitrim.