Ireland's first ever national conference on alcohol-related brain injury is taking place in Sligo today.

Despite an overall decrease in alcohol consumption there's a growing number of people becoming dependent.

The past decade has seen a shift in patterns of consumption, with increases in binge drinking and drinking at home.

Paula Leonard, CEO of the Alcohol Forum Ireland, says it's a condition which impacts at least 75,000 people in Ireland.

A County Sligo Pharmacist is urging the next Government to prioritise significant opportunities to enhance pharmacy-based healthcare.

As part of its election manifesto, The Irish Pharmacy Union is warning of potential closures across the North West, unless the incoming Government increase the dispensing fee and adopt a more proactive approach to managing medicine shortages.

Elizabeth Lang is a pharmacist at Bretts Totalhealth Pharmacy in Tubbercurry and is also a member of the IPU Executive Committee.

Speaking to Ocean FM news, Ms. Lang says that the sector in Sligo delivers exceptional service, but it could be even better if the incoming Government supported them properly:

A fair and firm asylum process which respects everyone involved is needed.

That's according to Fianna Fail General Election Candidate Eamon Scanlon, who says immigration is one of the biggest issues being raised on the doors during this campaign.

It comes as Sinn Fein launched its immigration policy today, with the party proposing to introduce a new immigration management agency.

Eamon Scanlon believes Fianna Fail too have a plan in place to deal with the issue more effectively going forward:

Work has started on installing rock armour along the Coast Road in Easkey.

There have been ongoing fears that coastal erosion could result in the route being totally inaccessible.

Many areas are said to have become vulnerable due to erosion and it's hoped that the works will go in some way towards preventing it from happening further.

Independent Cllr Joe Queenan hopes that this is the first step in the right direction but that a lot more work is needed going forward:

There's a warning that increasing commercial rates in County Leitrim will put more pressure on local businesses.

Earlier this week, Leitrim County Council made the decision to increase rates for businesses by 5% in 2025.

There's been a mixed reaction to the move, but the majority of Cllr feel that the hike is needed in order for the local authority fund capital projects.

But Cllr Des Guckian, who is also an Independent General Election Candidate doesn't see it that way:

Sligo para-cyclist Martin Gordon has announced his retirement from the sport.

39-year-old Gordon enjoyed a hugely successful career in the saddle, competing in two Paralympics and numerous World and European championships.

He first represented Ireland at the Para-cycling World Championships in 2017.

Gordon, who works as a barrister in Dublin, finished fifth in the 2021 Tokyo games alongside his tandem racing partner Eamonn Byrne in the 1000m indoor time-trial.

While the Hazelwood native and Eoin Mullen’s fifth place finish set a new Irish record in the 1000m time trial in September's games in Paris.

He has been looking back on his career and discussing how he came to the decision with Ocean FM Sport’s Ronan Flanagan:

There are mixed opinions in Manorhamilton following Leitrim County Council’s recent decision to increase commercial rates by 5% in 2025.

It is understood that the rise in rates would help secure major funding for projects within the county over the next few years.

Speaking to OceanFM news, a number of local business owners shared their thoughts over the increase:

Childcare is being raised as a major issue by people in Donegal ahead of the general election.

It’s understood that some families are struggling to not only afford childcare places, but to find availability in the region.

An instance was highlighted where a family had to go to another county in order to source childcare.

Independent Candidate Thomas Pringle says childcare should be free and state-funded:

It's hoped that the Yeats County Hotel in Rosses Point will be returned to a 4 or even 5 star hotel.

It was revealed earlier today that the hotel has gone on the market with an asking price of 7M euro.

The premises has been housing Ukrainian refugees for around two years which ultimately had a major effect on tourist accommodation in the area.

With it being situated right beside County Sligo Golf Club and Rosses Point beach, General Manager of County Sligo Golf Club David O'Donovan believes that if the right buyer came around, this could be huge for not only Rosses Point but for the entire region:

Fine Gael's suggestions of reducing the VAT rate for the hospitality sector to 11% have been described locally as "half-baked".

Their proposals come after they recently rejected Sinn Fein's idea of a permanent reduction to 9%.

It's understood that over 600 local businesses have closed their doors due to struggling with rising running costs.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Donegal Sinn Fein councillor and General Election candidate, Noel Jordan, says it's an effort by Fine Gael to hoodwink the electorate.