Emergency services have been praised for a mammoth response to the wildfire at Barnesmore Gap.

Multiple fire units, Gardai, a helicopter and members of the community worked through the night to combat the blaze.

It had been thought the fire was under control at a stage last night but it took hold once more in the early hours of this morning.

The fire service remain at the scene this lunchtime

Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD Cllr Noel Jordan says it could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for the work on the ground:

One of those who witnessed last night’s gorse fire has described the scene which engulfed Barnesmore.

Emergency services and local fire crews worked tirelessly overnight and into this morning to tackle the large wildfire in south Donegal.

Smoke from the fire was reported at Barnesmore Gap shortly before 6pm on Sunday.

Fire crews, Gardaí and a helicopter were among those who attempted to contain the fire and extinguish the blaze.

Senior Environmental Consultant and Ecologist, Fred Symmons happened to be in the area at the time.

He’s been speaking to Ocean FM news:

Applications for this year's Sligo Leitrim Garda Youth Awards are now open.

The annual awards aim to celebrate the outstanding young people across Sligo and Leitrim between the ages of 13 and 21 years in local communities.

Awards are given in the following categories: Individual, Group, Special Achievement and Community Safety.

The closing date for nominations is April 28th.

Garda Inspector Angela Cummins has been giving more information about the awards to Ocean FM news:

Country Singer Daniel O'Donnell has responded to false online claims that he was ill in Hospital.

 The Donegal singer has released a video to clarify the situation and to warn fans not to party with money to those behind the false claims.

 Mr O’ Donnell took to his own social media pages and released a video appealing to fans not to engage with the scammers.

Recently pictures claiming to be Daniel sick in hospital were circulated online.

It’s thought the scammers were attempting to take money from some unsuspecting fans.

Earlier Daniel sent the following message to his legion of fans:

The north west is set to continue to bask in sunshine over the next few days.

Dry, sunny spells have covered counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal with temperatures hitting the high teens in a number of areas.

According to Met Éireann, the weather will stay settled for the rest of the week with plenty of sunshine.

The rise in temperature does increase the risk of gorse fires, however, with the public urged to be vigilant and take extra care.

Forecaster, Brandon Creagh says the region will be in for some pleasant conditions as the high pressure continues.

Those hoping to engage in water-based activities in the north west are being urged to remain vigilant and heed advice.

Despite high temperatures, rivers, seas, and lakes still remain very cold.

The public are being urged to check conditions before swimming or boating - even when it's warm and sunny.

RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, Killian O'Kelly says its vital to plan and to check any equipment that's been lying idle for the last few months:

Farmers in Barnesmore are counting the cost after a major wildfire ravaged through the hillside.

A vast amount of land has been destroyed which was being used by a number of local sheep farmers.

Animals were moved off the land last night where necessary.

Donegal IFA Chairperson Joe Sweeney with lambing underway in earnest, this could have happened at a worse time.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, he described the fire as a disaster for those affected:

A bill has been passed through the Dáil to guarantee access to ATMs in rural areas.

The legislation would ensure banks provide a minimum number of cash machines per 100 thousand people.

The bill was passed by TDs and will now go before the Seanad.

Independent Ireland believe Storm Éowyn taught us valuable lessons about access to cash.

Ballymote-Tubbercurry Cllr, Michael Clarke says cash remains vital, particularly in rural areas:

A multi-agency operation in Donegal has been wound down in a battle against a major wildfire at Barnesmore Gap.

The fire has been brought under control.

The blaze broke out yesterday evening and has ravaged through the hillside.

There was initial concern for nearby homes for a time but a change in wind direction is said to have alleviated those fears.

A large number of fire units attended the scene with firefighters battling the blaze overnight.

A helicopter was also dispatched to assist in the operation by collecting water from a nearby lake and dispersing it onto the flames.

There are no reports of any injuries but a vast amount of land has been extensively damaged with serious concern for wildlife.

An investigation to determine the cause of the fire has been launched.

Local Councillor, Mick McMahon has praised the efforts of the fire personnel who responded to the blaze.

More than 9,000 patients had planned surgeries and appointments cancelled by north west hospitals last year.

As hospitals continue to struggle with overcrowding and other pressures, 9,726 patients at both Letterkenny and Sligo saw appointments cancelled by their hospital.

Figures provided to Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan, show 6,132 appointments were cancelled in Letterkenny University Hospital.

Sligo University Hospital had 3,594 appointments held back.

Local Councillor and member of the Regional Health Forum West, Felim Gurn says while the figures are not surprising, they do not paint the full picture: