The Government here is trying to establish all the facts surrounding the release of the man suspected of firing the shot that killed Donegal man Private Sean Rooney.

According to military court official, the suspect had spent almost a year in detention but was released on bail pending a trial.

23 year old Private Rooney, from Newtowncunningham in Donegal was killed in December last year after a convoy of Irish soldiers came under fire in south Lebanon.

The Tanaiste Michael Martin told the Dail this week that the trial is due to resume next month:

Serious concern has been raised over a lack of maintenance and upkeep in a number of social housing estates in Sligo.

Some of the houses are said to be deteriorating at a rapid rate while general maintenance like fencing and roadways are being neglected.

Independent Cllr Michael Clarke is calling for funding to be provided in the budget to address the shortcomings.

He says with a rise in inflation and a limit on rental charges, it's a vicious circle but it's something that needs to be urgently tackled:

A Kiltyclogher man has announced his intention to run in the upcoming local elections in the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

25-year-old Oisín Keaney hopes to secure one of two seats within Fine Gael at their convention on November 26th.

Two seats have become available in Leitrim County Council, following the retirement of Councillors Seán McDermott and Frank Dolan.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Mr Keaney has been outlining what he hopes to bring to the table ahead of the convention.

A Donegal TD swore heavily on the floor of the Dail last night.

Deputy Thomas Pringle launched into the outburst after being interrupted by Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae during statements on the International Security Policy Report.

Deputy Pringle took umbrage with comments previously made by Deputy Healy Rae and wanted to be disassociated with them.

When Deputy Pringle began speaking, Deputy Healy Rae shouted over him, resulting in the colourful exchange:

A speed survey is to take place to take place on road outside a primary school in north Leitrim.

Despite it being located on a regional road, a number of motorists exceed the speed limit in the area around St. Brigid's National School in Drumkeerin.

This led to parents highlighting the dangers when dropping off their children.

The issue was raised in this month's meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Mary Bohan says this will improve safety in the area.

A row has erupted in the Dail between the Taoiseach and a Donegal TD over what the pension age should be.

The Government has signed off on a plan to increase PRSI over five years to replenish the Social Insurance Fund.

This decision will see hikes in PRSI rates for employers, employees and the self-employed.

These increases will support the retention of the State Pension Age at 66.

However Sinn Fein's Finance Spokesperson, Pearse Doherty, says if his party gets into Government, it'll allow people to retire earlier:

The time it takes to travel to and from Sligo from Dublin by rail has been brought before the Dáil.

Currently, it takes over 3 hours in both directions, with trains having to come to a halt three times on the route due to one single track between Sligo and Maynooth.

The Sligo-Dublin, meanwhile was excluded from a new published timetable.

Irish Rail published new timetables in the commuter belt between Dublin and Portlaoise and Dublin and Drogheda.

Deputy Frank Feighan says a number of good work has been done, however attention is needed on the line.

Ahead of the Health Minister's visit to Letterkenny University Hospital, he has been urged to pay close attention to the information he's told at the facility.

Stephen Donnelly has previously come under fire for the lack of funding and support given to the hospital.

During his visit, Stephen Donnelly is expected to meet with both GPs and consultants at facility after they flagged major issues of concern at the Emergency Department and other areas in the hospital.

Sinn Féin last night tabled motion calling for the lift of the HSE's health recruitment embargo.

Donegal Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn says there has been 'systematic underfunding' of Letterkenny University Hospital:

There's said to be widespread concern over this week's armed robbery in Sligo.

An investigation is continuing into the incident, where two men wearing balaclavas, one armed with a knife entered the Adelaide Casino in the early hours of Monday morning.

Both men threatened a staff member and subsequently made off with a sum of cash.

No arrests have yet been made.

Gardai believe that a small white commercial van with a yellow coloured licensed plate was used in the operation.

It was found on fire on the N16 at Doonally later that morning.

People Before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle says it was a shocking incident for the staff to experience and says it has caused fear among the local community:

It's been claimed that there are a number of people living in their cars in Enniscrone.

It comes as there's said to be a major housing crisis in the seaside village and while there are plans for social housing there, it could be years before they are built.

All the while, there's a large number of holiday homes in the area but no long term rentals available.

Local Independent Cllr Joe Queenan says the situation is a total nightmare but there is light at the end of the tunnel: