A Sligo Leitrim TD says careful consideration must be given to the imminent threats by the US President in relation to forcing US pharmaceutical companies out of Ireland and relocating in the United States.

Donal Trump has also placed hefty tariffs on European alcohol products entering into the US and with pharmaceutical companies such as Abbot a major employer in the North West it's feared that several jobs could be under threat in this region.

The Cabinet will discuss the upcoming impact of Donald Trump's tariffs this morning ahead of the full announcement tomorrow.

Sinn Fein Deputy Martin Kenny says placing counter tariffs on US goods by the European Union is not always the best response:

It remains to be seen when works on the R292 top road in Strandhill village will be completed.

Just over €130,000 in special contributions were previously to finance an upgrade, however, the main body of work is yet to be completed.

Cllr Arthur Gibbons has stressed the need for improvement works on the road, in which he feels brings people to the ‘jewel in Sligo’s crown'.

Cllr Gibbons says the public remain frustrated and annoyed with the lack of progress:

He's calling for greater powers to intervene:

A lack of parking is said to be becoming an increasing problem in Sligo town.

The town has expanded in a number of ways but car parking facilities have not and this is now reportedly causing huge issues for both businesses and residents.

The St. John's Terrace and Duck Street areas are thought to be particular problem areas.

With spaces at a premium, it's hoped a number of options can be explored.

Local Councillor Gino O'Boyle says a solution that meets the needs of everyone must be found:

A North West Group has thrown their support behind a number of protestors who were arrested outside Leinster House in Dublin this morning.

The Mothers Against Genocide protested overnight at the destruction seen in Gaza and wanted to see further government action.

Gardai have confirmed to OceanFM that as individuals continued to block the entrance to Dail Eireann after a dialogue, a number of them were arrested for offences contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1994.

Niamh O'Sullivan, of North West Mothers for Social Justice, was disappointed at the Gardai response:

There are calls in Sligo for funds and developments to be processed faster for the N17.

This follows another road traffic collision that occurred along the stretch outside of Tubbercurry in Achonry on Friday.

There were then major delays and road diversions in place for a number of hours for all motorists travelling the route.

Fianna Fail Cllr Barry Gallagher raised major concerns over the speeds cars move through the diverted routes after an accident:

Sligo and Leitrim will be granted a combined €5 million as part of a government social housing programme.

There was initial concern as the two counties were omitted from the funding announcement, but the situation has now been clarified.

The €3 million for Sligo and €2 million for Leitrim will also be joined with an additional €2 million for Donegal to help fight homelessness across the North West.

Fine Gael Deputy Frank Feighan says local housing concerns have been heard and will be addressed:

There's been a major increase in unfilled home care hours in Sligo and Leitrim.

This means that people locally were approved for home help but didn't always receive it.

As of 31st of December 2024, there was a total of 1,214 hours left unfilled in the area.

This was an increase from 545.5 hours in January 2024. The majority of the unfilled hours are in older person services.

Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny described the situation as shocking and very worrying for families:

Counties Sligo and Leitrim appear to have been left out of a major social housing announcement by the Government.

Minister James Browne has announced today he's set aside 436 million euro to meet social housing needs.

He's providing 111 million euro for 82 projects, which will deliver over 1 thousand 300 new homes between now and 2027.

There are housing approvals in a large number of locations across the country including Donegal and Mayo but none in Sligo and Leitrim.

Meanwhile Sinn Féin's Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin claims there is over 100 million euro LESS for social housing:

Fresh calls have been for the introduction of the tenant in situ scheme.

The scheme allows local authorities buy a house from a landlord that is occupied by a tenant who is on HAP or who would normally be entitled to a Council house.

With the ever-growing number of homelessness locally, it's felt the scheme would go some way to reducing that.

The latest figures, focusing on the week of the 17th - 23rd February, show that there was a total of 135 single adults accessing local authority managed accommodation in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal during this period.

Sligo Labour Councillor Ann Higgins feels the government needs to act.

There are major fears that the Cranmore co-op in Sligo could close.

It provides essential services like youth programs, community events, and support for disadvantaged groups in the area.

There are reports that their core funding under regeneration from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage is coming to an end which could ultimately result in a wind down of the service.

Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon is warning that leaving the community without such a vital resource will have a devastating impact: