Donegal TD addresses lack of infrastructure on Donegal road

Bundoran RNLI urges public to check the weather before swimming in sea

Gardaí are warning road users across the North West to drive safe over the bank holiday weekend.

A higher volume of traffic than usual is expected on roads across the region over the weekend.

The main risk factors are drink and drug driving, as well as distracted driving and speeding.

Inspector Sean McDaid, who has responsibility for roads policing in Donegal, is urging people to slow down this weekend.

A new ESRI report has highlighted significant economic and social inequalities between the north and south of Ireland.

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan says people in the north have around 10 per cent less disposable income and shorter life expectancy than those in the south.

She described the findings as deeply concerning for border communities, calling it a “postcode lottery” that affects income and even how long people live.

Speaking to Ocean Fm News Jemma says the report strengthens the case for greater fiscal powers and expanded all-island cooperation, particularly in health and public services.

The Sligo Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards have officially launched for 2025.

Winners across five categories will be revealed at the annual Sligo Chamber Gala Dinner on Friday, March 6th, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Co. Sligo.

Reporter Dervla Carr, takes a closer look at what this year’s event has to offer. For more information, visit sligochamber.ie.

A local county councillor and teacher says the amount of time that some children are missing from schools could well be a lingering effect of the Covid-19 era

One in three children in disadvantaged schools are missing more than four weeks of school per year, according to a new report.

Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute found 'chronic' school absenteeism is showing little signs of improvement.

When a student misses more than 20 days in a school year Tusla are notified.

Leitrim Councillor James Gilmartin says that children are less miss to attend time if they are attending smaller primary schools.

The Independent Councillor says the number of day being missed by some students are concerning.

A Sligo Councillor has claimed there needs to be a roundabout for traffic from Ballymote entering the N17.

Barry Gallagher raised a motion on the matter at the latest sitting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry MD.

The N17 has seen a large number of road traffic accidents in the last space of time prompting calls for an upgrade to the route.

The Fianna Fail Councillor says the roundabout would be near any potential N17 upgrade:

Ahead of a busy weekend for shops across the North West a Sligo Councillor is urging shoopers to treat staff in the retail sector with respect and kindness.

Many stores in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are bracing themselves for a busy period over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Earlier this week it was reported that Up to 70% of retail workers have experienced abusive language or behaviour from customers, according to new research released as part of Kindness Week.

The survey of 500 retail workers found verbal abuse is the most common issue, with one in three saying it happens at least once a week.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Fianna Fáil Councillor Cllr Dara Mulvey says it costs nothing to be kind and respectful to retail staff.

A Sligo Councillor has called to front load funding for SEAI grants so that elderly and vulnerable people can address heating issues in many homes across the North West.

A new package of SEAI grants announced by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien this week

The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 introduced a suite of enhanced supports designed to make home energy upgrades more affordable and accessible.

It's thought that the funding could help the Country meet it's climate emission targets.

Sligo Councillor Tom McSharry says the cost of living and heating homes is a primary concern for many people at present.

He says it's vital financial barriers that have prevented many from making their homes warmer are remove without delay.

A Leitrim Councillor is calling on Local Authority to address the serious safety concerns on the approach to road to Ballinaglera from the Dora side.

Cllr Enda McGloin tabled a motion on the issue at the January meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District of Leitrim County Council.

The Fine Gael elected representative is looking for assessment be conducted on the hedging and drain along the road close to St Hugh's Park.

Speaking to Ocean FM news Cllr Mc Gloin believes there is a real and present danger that vehicles could easily overturn at this location if the drive too close to the verge.