The new programme for Government includes an ambition to build a surgical hub in Sligo.

The document was published today, and has a proposal to explore the provision of an additional hub for the north west.

This could potentially address some of the long-term calls for additional health infrastructure in the region.

Fine Gael Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the developments:

A Donegal publican has raised concerns over the latest price increases set for the industry.

From February 3rd, Diageo will increase the price of their draught products by six cent per pint, excluding VAT.

This includes products such as Guinness and Smithwick’s.

There are fears that this hike will only further the financial strain that many pubs and restaurants are currently facing.

Donegal Cllr Martin Harley says rural areas will be particularly impacted:

The news that Expressways will be implementing an improved timetable for its Route 30, Donegal to Dublin service has been welcomed.

The new timetable will come into effect later this month on the Route 30, Donegal to Dublin service which will see an increased service frequency for Belleek.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Jemma Dolan described the move as a vital development for the local region.

The Sinn Fein MLA says the enhanced service will provide greater connectivity and will provide more reliable access to education employment and travel opportunities such as Dublin airport.

More frustration has been expressed over the proposal to relocate the Donegal Education Centre to Letterkenny.

The building has been based in Donegal Town for 27 years, with many of the staff living locally.

It's understood that there was little to no consultation with the local council over the situation.

Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Jordan says that it sends a bad message to services considering setting up in the area:

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A Ballymote Tubbercurry Councillor is challenging the incoming government to honour pre-election promises and ease the restrictions when it comes to those living rurally building on their own property.

Cllr Michael Clarke has expressed concern that planning permission will not be given to those hoping to build on family lands in rural areas of Sligo.

The Independent Councillor says such regulations and the current high costs associated with buildings has prevented many from establishing homes locally.

Concerns have been raised over the changes to the policing model in Donegal.

The county has overseen drastic changes in recent months to its Garda division with affectively two divisions forming in one with services managed from Ballyshannon and Letterkenny.

It is feared, however, that the new plan that does not take into consideration the specific challenges that face Donegal from a policing point of view.

Donegal Sinn Féin Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn says further considerations must be taken:

A teen parent programme is to be evolved and expanded in Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan.

Funding has been secured to support parents under the age of 24 and will also remain engaged for the first 1,000 days of the child's life.

The programme has approximately supported 10,000 women and men, across ten counties since it was founded 25 years ago.

Mick Hedigan, local lead of the Young Parents Support Programme, says health and welfare checks are included in their services: