A former election candidate in the north west is warning that ageing electrical infrastructure is leaving the counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal in a vulnerable position should the demand for electricity increase along expected levels in the near future.

The Green Party Local Area Representative for Sligo-Leitrim Bláithín Gallagher has issued the waning after predictions were published this week that the Country's electricity network will struggle to meet increased demand.

EirGrid say that demand for electricity will increase by 45 per cent between 2023 and 2034.

Bláithín Gallagher says parts of the local region have seen first- hand the results of ageing infrastructure with many homes and businesses being left without power for long periods.

The north Leitrim based green party member who was left without power herself at various time over the past year says the ESB have a duty of care to provide suitable and adequate infrastructure to all customers.

She says this has to be a higher priority for the company instead of chasing record profits

Eligible students in Sligo are being encouraged to apply for SUSI grants.

The portal for applications opened yesterday and there's now increased eligibility with more families set to qualify for the supports.

The special rate of grant has also increased from €26,200 to €27,400, in line with rises in social welfare rates.

Sligo Drumcliffe Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says while a lot of work has been done, more can always be done to improve access to education:

The US tariffs have sparked fear in the North West for jobs, short-term working and a dip in economic growth.

That's according to Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan, who says its been a nervous week for many exporters in the region.

The Government says it's still unclear exactly how jobs would be hit, but the Finance Minister wants a negotiated settlement to the US tariffs.

Deputy Feighan says we have come through a lot over the last 10 years and it's important to remain hopeful that the impact will be minimal:

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed to Leitrim Councillors that he will visit the County to witness the damage caused in the county by recent storms.

The Minister of state with responsibility for forestry met with a delegation of Leitrim Councillors and Sligo Leitrim TD's in Leinster House in recent days. 

Many elected representatives had expressed frustration with the Minister over his perceived lack of action in the aftermath of the storm in where fallen trees had resulted in several homes, farms and businesses being left without power and running water.

Ballinamore MD Councillor, Gary prior was one of Minister Healy Rae's strongest critics during this time.

The Fianna Fáil Councillor was part of the delegation to meet with the Minister.

He says they held a constructive meeting with the Junior Minister who has given a commitment he will visit Leitrim to inspect the damage caused by Story Eowyn: 

It's thought that further discussions are needed in relation to a proposed Government crackdown on air bnbs.

The potential new rules could would see owners of Airbnb style accommodation prevented from renting out the properties for more than 90 days a year.

It would impact homes in areas where there is a population of more than 10 thousand.

The measure is designed to free-up more homes for the residential rental market, with reports the proposed new laws could be brought forward within weeks.

Independent Cllr Michael Cholm MacEasbuig says a well thought out policy needs to be implemented:

There are calls for the Government to take note of a CPSE project undertaken by students from the Ursuline College in Sligo.

The second year students, who were interviewed on North West Today earlier this week, highlighted the discrimination being experienced by those who are visually impaired.

The work undertaken, in particular with visually impaired local woman Jackie McBrearty, revealed that challenges and discrimination are being faced on the daily in Sligo Town.

The issue has since been raised in the Seanad by Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove who called for a clampdown on those who are not abiding by the legislation:

The issue of how GAEC-2 will impact North West farm owners has been highlighted in the Dail.

Under new rules, any land that is recorded as being over 50% peatland, will be considered as 100% peatland.

This has caused confusion over how people can legally farm their land, due to particular restrictions around peatland.

Sligo-Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny raised these concerns to the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD:

There are concerns that some Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal businesses will be harmed by higher US tariffs than faced by neighbouring counties across the border.

US President Donald Trump announced last night that all EU countries would face a 20% tariff on all goods and services entering the country.

This will see prices rise in the American markets and harm the output of companies in this region.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly says the current situation facing local people is very unfair:

It’s emerged a number of locals in Leitrim have concerns over the use of electric cars.

The latest report from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry showed that Leitrim was the county with the lowest amount of new electric cars registered so far in 2025.

There were 22 registered in the first 3 months of this year, compared to 84 in Sligo and 144 in Donegal.

Manorhamilton Sinn Fein Cllr Padraig Fallon says he wasn’t surprised by the figures:

A Donegal GP has issued advice to anyone that may have been exposed to measles on Irish Rail recently.

Passengers who spent more than 15 minutes in Carriage D on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo train last Friday may have contracted the infection.

Anyone vaccinated against measles would be unlikely to catch it, although anyone who has a temperature after sitting in the carriage is encouraged to seek medical advice.

President of the IMO, Dr Denis McCauley, highlighted what the symptoms may be: