Uisce Eireann has been branded a total disaster with claims that several people across Sligo and Leitrim are being denied a basic service.

It comes as the Government has confirmed that there no plans to introduce a conservation charge for water contained in the new programme for government.

Speaking in the Dail, Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny says there are many instances locally where water quality and wastewater are not up to scratch.

He described the situation as outrageous:

The level of fly tipping in south Donegal is said to have skyrocketed.

Several beauty spots have been impacted in recent weeks.

In one case, a local clean up group was unable to remove the high volume of items dumped at a scenic location.

In another incident, a forestry close to a Caravan Park was also badly hit with illegal dumping.

Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD, Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Jordan has hit out at those responsible:

Just over €23 million has been announced for County Sligo under the HSE's Capital Plan for 2025.

The funding will progress and deliver a range of community and acute projects across the region.

Among the local highlights include direct investment in extra bed capacity at Sligo University Hospital, investment in the North West Hospice, Nazareth House and Tubbercurry Primary Care Centre.

Donegal is receiving €35 million while Leitrim is getting €8 million.

Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says while the investment is hugely positive, the lengthy process to get these projects through the various stages remains a concern:

Tourism figures for Slieve League have been brought into question.

The latest data for 2024 shows that number visiting the cliffs is down dramatically, but it's thought locally that that's incorrect.

Cathaorileach of Donegal County Council Cllr Niamh Kennedy feels that the amount of people travelling through airports in the region is in sharp contrast to the tourism statistics.

Cllr Kennedy believes that a further investigation is needed:

Gardaí will be out in force today across the North West for the second 'National Slow Down Day' of the year.

A 24-hour speed enforcement operation is underway nationwide, until midnight tonight. (Wednesday)

The Garda National Roads Policing Bureau says it's aimed at getting people to talk about their driving behaviour

Sarah O’Connor from the Road Safety Authority says they're asking people to have a conversation.

No catering or shorter journey times for Sligo to Dublin rail line planned for the immediate future.

It was hoped that catering services would be back on the route before the end of last year, however a contract is yet to be awarded.

While no funding has been made available for the double-tracking of the Maynooth to Mullingar line, which would significantly cut travelling time for passengers.

Local Independent Cllr Marie Casserly says there needs to be more equality across Ireland over these basic services:

The high number of gorse fires in south Donegal in recent days has led to further calls for the retention of both Bundoran and Ballyshannon fire stations.

The future of both fire stations and their viability combined has been an issue for over 40 years.

It had been thought in recent months that a decision was imminent but there’s been no confirmation from Donegal County Council has of yet over whether one station will close.

Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan believes that now more than ever, that shouldn’t happen:

There's major concern over the low level of septic tank grants being paid out in Donegal.

It comes as just fourteen such grants have been distributed in the Donegal MD since 2014.

Meanwhile it's claimed that there are several high-risk situations in the south Donegal area, with several requests for an inspection yet to be processed.

The Government is being urged to remove the need for a national inspection so that more homeowners can access the grant.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Naughton isn't happy with progress so far:

A Donegal TD has reiterated his claims that it’s the government’s fault that Oireachtas committees are yet to be set up.

The main function of most committees, the likes of Justice, Finance and other sectoral committees, is to scrutinise legislation.

However it's understood that has now been delayed for another month until May 5th.

Speaking at the Dail Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn says this is all down to the Michael Lowry deal:

A Donegal woman has been selected to the IFA's national 'Ready to Lead 2025' programme.

The initiative aims to develop the next generation of leaders within the farming community, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and influence policy for the agricultural sector.

Among those selected is Shannon Porter, from Carrigans who opened Donegal's first milk vending machine for bottled pasteurised milk in 2021.

Shannon, who's also part of the association's farm business committee, says she's looking forward to encouraging more young people into the sector: