Met Eireann is warning of very cold conditions throughout the country from Friday.


An artic airmass is expected, with the possibility of snow along with freezing fog.


Flurries and heavier showers of sleet and snow are expected in parts of Ulster and Connaught with widespread sharp to severe frost at night.


Forecaster with Met Eireann Matthew Martin, tells us what to expect.

As the new year comes closer, councillors across County Sligo are switching focus to 2026.

Multiple projects are set to commence in the county next year, including initiatives surrounding the Spanish Armada.

Councillor Marie Casserly, Cathaoirleach of the Sligo-Drumcliffe MD assumed the role over the summer.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, she reflected on the past year and looked ahead to what 2026 has to offer.

A number of projects in the North West are set to benefit from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

It comes as more than €5m in funding is to be awarded for disability supports, NGB equality, diversity & inclusion, and volunteer supports.

It has a particular focus on inclusion for those experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities, while also helping to boost participation in sport and physical activity.

Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says it'll have a really positive impact:

Local TD hopes for better 2026 following Connolly election win

Calls have been made to the Local Authority in Leitrim to ensure that routes to schools are salted and gritted in the weeks and months ahead.

Drumkeerin Councillor Padraig Fallon raised the issue at the December meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

The Sinn Féin Councillor says in the past, some rural schools have been forced to close due to roads being too dangerous for students and teachers to travel on.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging anyone planning a Christmas or winter sea dip to put safety first as water temperatures drop.

They're reminding swimmers to check conditions, go in slowly, wear visible gear and never swim alone, while coastal walkers are advised to stay well back from stormy seas.

Cold water shock, hypothermia and unpredictable waves remain key risks at this time of year.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Seamus O'Neill says people should go in nice and easy, don't stay in too long, and never go swimming on your own.

While it has been a productive 2025 for Sligo County Council, its councillors are looking ahead to next year.

In the year the council has shelved the Sligo Greenway project in favour of the Collooney to Claremorris rail line.

It also chose not to raise commercial rates in their latest budget, a move praised by business owners.

Caothaoirleach of Sligo County Council Donal Gilroy says there's more to be done:

Santa Claus is officially on the move, having begun delivering Christmas presents to children across the globe.

His sleigh took off earlier today, already passing over Australia and New Zealand, before he and his reindeer make their way toward Ireland.

Across the country, stockings are being hung, while carrots and festive treats have been left out in anticipation of his arrival.

Santa's journey can be tracked live on the Santa Tracker below 

https://santatracker.google.com/

Met Éireann is predicting clear skies as he travels over the northwest tonight.

Meanwhile, Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather says overall conditions look favourable for Christmas Day, though a touch of frost is possible overnight.

The December meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District of Leitrim County Council heard how frustration is building among local residents over the lack of bus shelters in the area.

It's proposed to build shelters at Our Lady's Hospital and St Clare's National School in Manorhamilton.

While another bus shelter is scheduled to be constructed at Clancy's in Glenfarne.

Manorhamilton Councillor Felim Gurn says having people standing out in cold and rain is unacceptable.

Irish farmers have been given the green light to vaccinate cattle and sheep against bluetongue from 2026, following confirmed outbreaks of the BTV3 strain in Northern Ireland.

Three EU-approved vaccines are available, with farmers required to apply for a licence from the Department, and details expected to be published shortly.

The Minister says vaccination could be a key tool ahead of the high-risk summer period in 2026, particularly to protect sheep, with farmers advised to consult their vets.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Leitrim farmer and Sinn Féin Cllr Brendan Barry says the move is welcome, describing the vaccination as an important tool to limit the impact and spread of bluetongue, while stressing the need for clarity on costs and availability for farmers.