Those sentiments were echoed by Independent Councillor, Felim Gurn, who was also disappointed with the setback.

It's emerged that brand new residential homes for those in vulnerable positions will now not be going ahead.

The state of the art homes delivered by Newgrove Housing Association were to provide round the clock support in Manorhamilton.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Padraig Fallon has previously been a strong advocate of the homes being provided.

He says he's hopeful a solution can be found sooner rather than later.

An end to the long running row over Garda rosters is in sight.

Members of the Garda Representative Association will now vote on proposals agreed by its national executive.

President of the GRA, Donegal's Brendan O'Connor, says the rosters are similar to the ones being operated on an interim basis at the moment.

Fishermen across the north west have outlined their disgust with a Dutch supertrawler currently fishing off the Donegal coast.

The vessel, operated by Dutch corporation PVP has the ability to catch and freeze as much as 250 tonnes of fish per day.

Donegal Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn has reiterated his call for super trawlers to be banned from fishing in Irish and EU waters.

Sinn Féin's Fisheries and Marine spokesperson says the industry is in serious trouble:

A redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes opens for applications today.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will provide financial and health supports to those who spent at least six months in a home.

The limit to those who can apply for the supports has been criticised by campaigners, who are calling for the scheme to be expanded.

People Before Profit Councillor, Gino O'Boyle, says that while the redress scheme is welcome, more still needs to be done to support survivors.

There are claims 'EU Militarisation' will have serious implications for Ireland.

A Dáil protest will take place today against any move towards a European Army.

The EU has set out proposals for a European Defence Industrial Strategy.

Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle believes there has been an intensification in efforts to militarise the block.

As part of Budget 2024, the Government has agreed a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business grant.

The funding is targeted towards small or medium-sized businesses to help counter the rising costs that they're facing.

The potential grant amount will depend on the value of the Commerical Rate bill received by the business for 2023.

Fine Gael Councillor, Thomas Walsh, has welcomed the news, encouraging local businesses to apply for the package online.

The issue of vacant properties and unfinished housing estates continues to impact the north Leitrim area.

It's estimated that there are hundreds of vacant homes and properties despite many still looking for a place to call home.

Local Labour Party election candidate Bernie Linnane says there a number of houses in the area lying idle for 20 years.

She feels that it's time for answers and steps must be taken to ensure much-needed social housing.

Progress has been made on a new fire station in Manorhamilton.

Currently, the station is said to be not fit for purpose and it’s thought with development and an increase in population there is never been a greater for upgrades to be made.

Councillor Frank Dolan says while money is not an obstacle, the issue has been rumbling on for a number of years.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Councillor Dolan the new facility will be of much value to the local area.

Sligo band Bluemoose had a surprise appearance from Sophie Ellis-Bextor at their St. Patrick's day gig in a Zurich bar.

The band were performing Ellis-Bextor's hit song Murder On The Dancefloor, when the singer made herself known and asked to join them on-stage.

Tony Ward, a member of the band, said that his concerns were eased the moment he heard her sing.