A new cancer transport service will begin next week, connecting Sligo University Hospital and University Hospital Galway.

The upgraded bus will provide wheelchair access and on-board toilet facilities, ensuring a more comfortable journey for patients.

Operating five days a week, this service follows a year of campaigning after the old bus was no longer fit for purpose.

Speaking to Ocean Fm News Cllr Marie Casserley says,  it’s a huge step forward for cancer patients, and it's fantastic to see the service finally up and running.

Concerns have been raised over the future of PeacePlus funding beyond 2028, with fears that vital EU support for cross-border projects could be withdrawn.

Sinn Féin's Cllr Jack Murray says Donegal and other border counties have benefited enormously from the fund, which has transformed communities across the region.

He warns that any move to shift full funding responsibility to the Irish and British governments would leave a massive financial shortfall.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, Cllr Jack Murray says he will continue to press the issue in Brussels to protect this vital funding for the Northwest.

Sligo Abbey is hosting Halloween celebrations this week.

It's one of many events in OPW locations around the country.

The site has been open for themed tours in the past few days and will continue to do so until Friday.

Patricia O'Loughlin is a guide and information officer at the Abbey, she says that there's plenty in store on Halloween night.

A Sligo Cllr believes that Fianna Fail needs 'new energy'.

It comes as party members in Sligo are set to air their grievances at a key meeting later.

The main topic on the agenda will be Fianna Fails disastrous Presidential election campaign and the Taoiseach's roll in it.

Meanwhile, Michael Martin says he's had constructive meetings with Fianna Fail backbenchers this week over criticism of his leadership.

Cllr Edel MacSharry feels that a lot of issues need to be looked at:

There are over 500 new build social homes in the pipeline in County Sligo.

That's according to statistics released by the Department of Housing today.

Nationally the delivery of new build social homes is up 54% from the first half of last year.

Speaking to Ocean FM News Sligo Councillor Ann Higgins says that the government must do more to protect workers who need social housing.

Leitrim councillor Brendan Barry has called on the local authority to explore setting up a “Library of Things” within the county’s library service.

The proposal would allow people to borrow sensory and educational toys, jigsaws, puzzles and even musical instruments, reducing costs for families and encouraging community sharing.

He believes the scheme would help reduce costs for households while encouraging sharing and community connection.

Speaking to Ocean Fm Cllr Barry says similar initiatives in other parts of Ireland and abroad have proven successful in promoting sustainability and inclusion.

A new Fáilte Ireland survey shows 43% of tourism businesses reported a fall in summer income, with restaurants and B&Bs hit hardest.

Energy and payroll costs remain the main concerns, while international visitor numbers from North America and Europe also fell.

Despite challenges, the Northwest, and Sligo in particular, continues to offer strong value for money and scenic attractions.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, former Restaurants Association president and Sligo restaurateur Anthony Gray says: "Sligo is punching above its weight, but government action on rising costs is urgently needed."

The Taoiseach and those around him need to answer serious questions about Fianna Fails botched presidential campaign.

That's according to local Fianna Fail Cllr Mary Bohan, who has described the party's campaign as an absolute disaster from start to finish.

Last month in Leitrim, Fianna Fáil Councillors Cllr Mary Bohan and Cllr Justin Warnock along with Independent Cllr Irene Guckian Rabbitte proposed Maria Steen to be nominated as a presidential candidate.

The proposal was subsequently defeated.

Reflecting on how matters progressed since then, Cllr Bohan believes that a few shake ups are needed:

Fianna Fail party members in Sligo are set to hold a key meeting this week as the fallout of the Presidential Election Campaign continues.

It comes as Micheal Martin is under growing pressure to step down as leader of Fianna Fail following the Jim Gavin debacle.

The meeting due to take place in Sligo on Thursday is to hear the views of party members over what happened with members to let their feelings be known to Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy says a lack of consultation on selecting a candidate is a key concern:

Fine Gael are said to be still reflecting on the party's result in the Presidential Election over the weekend.

It was a landslide victory for Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, with support for Heather Humphreys in Cavan and Monaghan not reflected in other parts of the North West.

Meanwhile over 200,000 spoiled their votes as the electorate expressed their anger at the choice of candidates.

Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan believes that despite the outcome and controversies, it wasn't a bad election: