The government is being urged to take the European Parliament's recommendations on board when it comes to dealing with defective blocks.

This week, MEPs published a report calling on the State to improve the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme and provide 100 per cent redress for those affected by the Mica scandal.

Campaigners say the current offering of renumeration up to 420 thousand euro is inadequate and needs to go.

Mica activist Paddy Diver hopes the external pressure will force the government to do what's right.

The local authority in Sligo is being urged to explore avenues for funding to build a wastewater treatment plant in Rathcormac.

It's thought that the lack of such is holding up the development of new houses in the area.

However, it has come to light that funding could be available to develop a wastewater treatment plant and sewerage system if the council decides to apply for it.

Local Independent Councillor, Marie Casserly, says its something the council should consider.

Sligo County Council are being urged to write to Transport for Ireland to establish a bus route from Ballymote to Tubbercurry.

Currently, there is no link between the two towns, both of which are two of the most populated areas outside of Sligo Town.

Local Fine Gael Councillor, Dara Mulvey, has urged the public to reach out to the TFI to highlight the demand for the service.

Councillor Mulvey also says that the service would benefit other areas, not just Ballymote and Tubbercurry.

Leitrim manager Andy Moran was encouraged by what his side produced in Wednesday night's 2-16 to 0-13 loss to Galway in their opening group match of this year's Connacht U20 football championship. He spoke to Ocean FM Sport's John Lynch after the game in Ballinasloe.

Kilcar GAA Club in Donegal officially launched its Centenary celebrations with a special night of chat and nostalgia at the Áislann on March 15th. Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan was part of a full house for this special event.

Listen back as Onóir join Seamie Mac on Ocean Drive.

The European Parliament's report on the defective blocks crisis has recommended that the Government insure a 100 per cent redress for those affected.

Currently the scheme from the Government covers remediation work up to a maximum of 420 thousand euro.

The new report calls for redress of the financial burden of all the costs, including new foundations, provisional accommodation and rental costs.

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says they want to go even further than financial compensation:

News of Leo Varadkar's resignation has been met with some surprise by an Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle

Deputy Pringle has long been critical of Leo Varadkar and the current government and feels the announcement was a sort of "damp spuib” and is merely a tactic by the Fine Gael party.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, he says he believes a general election is the only answer following today's announcement:

Leo Varadkar's decision to step down has been described as a complete surprise.

His party colleague, and Sligo Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has been reacting to the Taoiseach's announcement with Ocean FM News this afternoon.

Leo Varadkar has confirmed that he is to step down as Taoiseach and leader of the Fine Gael party.

He assumed the office of Taoiseach in June of 2017.

He has been a Fine Gael TD for the Dublin West constituency since 2007.

Mr Varadkar was confirmed as Taoiseach for the second time in December 2022 following a special sitting of the Dáil.

He previously held the role from June 2017 to June 2020 before handing the reigns over to Micheál Martin as part of the coalition.

Leo Varadkar confirmed his decision to step away as Taoiseach and party leader in an emotional speech outside Government buildings this afternoon.