The Dáil has heard that many communities across the north west are still feeling effects of Storm Éowyn.

It was widely documented that the level of forestry that fell on powerlines in particular Sligo and Leitrim had a devastating impact.

There have been ongoing calls for such infrastructure to be better protected going forward.

With more storms an ever-increasing possibility, Sligo-Leitrim Fianna Fáil TD, Eamon Scanlon says the Government need to urgently look at supporting those on the ground.

A Donegal teacher has supported the showing of Netflix tv show Adolescence in schools, but that it must be backed with appropriate government legislation and resources.

This follows an announcement from the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday, that the hit series would be shown in UK schools.

The show focuses on how young males see the world due to an exposure of harmful online content.

Teacher and VP of the ASTI, Padraig Curley says there needs to be a whole-society approach to the problem:

Sinn Féin has objected to the new Dáil speaking arrangements ahead of a motion of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle.

Verona Murphy says the procedures followed last week are legitimate and stand as the new rules of the Dáil.

The opposition has brought a joint confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle, with the Government set to back her.

That hasn't stopped Sinn Féin Deputy and Donegal TD, Pádraig Mac Lochalainn objecting to the new speaking rules:

There is hope that the North West can withstand any potential impacts as a result of US trade tariffs.

Tomorrow it is expected that a 20% tariff will be placed on all goods and services coming from the European Union.

There are a number of companies in this region that depend heavily on the US market, such as distilleries.

Speaking to OceanFM News from Europe, North West MEP Maria Walsh highlighted how important the European market may be:

The North West is in for unseasonably high temperatures over the next week.

The dry spell is set continue for the foreseeable with temperatures set to hit the high teens on some days.

This will also increase the risk of gorse fires with people urged to be vigilant and to take extra care.

Kenneth Conlon from the Donegal Weather Channel says what's known as an omega blocking high pressure system is to develop across the region with plenty of sunshine also forecast:

Many companies across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are holding their breath ahead of Donald Trump's expected tariffs announcement tomorrow.

Cabinet Ministers are being briefed of the potential economic impact this afternoon.

Pharmaceutical exports from Ireland to America could half if the tariffs go ahead.

It's thought that a potential trans-Atlantic trade war could result in the immediate decline of this region.

Speaking to Ocean FM News this afternoon, Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan says amid the uncertainty, the mood at Leinster House today is one of major concern, until such time as the full details are revealed:

There are hopes for Donegal Tweed to receive a special protected status from the EU.

This would prevent other products from using the label across the world, as it could only be produced from within Donegal.

It would not be the first time such a measure has been sought in the North West, as in the last year Leitrim have wanted a protection in place for Boxty.

Patrick Temple, of Magee Weaving in Donegal Town, says anything called a Donegal Tweed should be made locally:

A Donegal TD doesn't foresee Verona Murphy winning back confidence from Opposition parties, even after she survives the confidence vote later.

The Dáil will vote on the motion in the Ceann Comhairle for the first time in its history today.

Opposition TDs have come together to submit the motion after the handling of last week's speaking time row.

When asked if she had any hope of building bridges once the dust settles on today's proceedings, Sinn Feins Chief Whip Padraig MacLochlainn had this to say:

The hospitality sector in Donegal was responsible for generating over 6.6 million euro in commercial rates in the county last year.

It's the second highest contribution in Donegal in 2024.

The figures come against the backdrop of numerous restaurant and café closures across the North West due to rising costs.

Donegal County Council is to write to the Government urgently requesting that the 9% VAT rate be reinstated as was promised in the Budget.

Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Naughton says many businesses need this support now:

A trans-Atlantic trade war could result in the immediate decline of the North West of Ireland.

That's the warning from Irish MEP Maria Walsh, who's been speaking at the European Parliament ahead of Donald Trump's expected tariffs announcement tomorrow.

The Midlands, North West representative says we've got to remain vigilant: