Serious concern has been raised over the wastewater treatment plant in Carrick in Donegal.

The system is said to be currently operating at overcapacity and this has led to fears that it'll put a halt to potential development and future growth in the area.

It has led to urgent calls for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out.

Local Cllr Jimmy Brogan believes that the thorough investigation and the appropriate action are urgently needed: 

Serious concern has been raised over the wastewater treatment plant in Carrick in Donegal.

The system is said to be currently operating at overcapacity and this has led to fears that it'll put a halt to potential development and future growth in the area.

It has led to urgent calls for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out.

Local Cllr Jimmy Brogan believes that the thorough investigation and the appropriate action are urgently needed: 

It's claimed that residents in the Caltragh area of Sligo feel forgotten about.

There's said to be inadequate facilities, amenities and infrastructure in the area to cater to the vast amount of people living there.

While an Active Travel project is the pipeline which is set to make some improvements, there's concern that it could some time before it gets underway.

Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon says its important all planned works for Caltragh to fast tracked as much as possible:

An action plan released for the promotion of the Irish language is said to not be enough for Gaeltacht residents in Donegal.

The report was published on Tuesday afternoon by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and pledged holistic, measurable and practical approach to issues in Gaeltacht areas.

However there are concerns that more is needed on the action plan.

Glenties MD Cllr Micheal Choilm Mac Golla Easbuig says change is needed:

A Sligo Leitrim TD has welcomed the news that the Mercosur trade deal will be referred to the European Court of Justice.

MEPs voted for the move in the European Parliament today.

The move could delay the deal by ⁠two years and potentially derail ⁠it.

MEPs voted 334 to 324 in favour of asking the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to determine whether the deal is compatible with the bloc's policy.

Ireland was one of five countries, including France, Austria, Hungary and Poland, to vote against the agreement.

Separately the Sinn Finn Spokesperson on Agriculture of Agriculture, has also called on the Bord Bia Chairperson to Resign.

The calls from Deputy Martin Kenny were made after Dawn Farms confirmed that Brazilian beef accounted for 1 per cent of its overall beef supply in 2025.

The CEO of Dawn meats is Larry Murrin who also holds the position of Chairman of Bord Bia - the group tasked with the marketing and promotion of Irish food and drink.

Speaking to Ocean FM News Deputy Kenny says Mr Murrin has to step down from his role with Bord Bia

The Government has further reiterated that there will be no greenway on the disused rail line between Claremorris and Collooney.

In November, it was confirmed that funding for the Western Rail Corridor line from Athenry to Claremorris was to be made available and that works on the line will commence within the next 18 months.

A commitment was also given then that following the completion of those works, attentions would turn to phase three, linking Claremorris to Collooney.

However, there are still doubts locally over whether a greenway will still be placed on the line in the interim.

The issue was raised in the Seanad by Sligo Senator Nessa Cosgrove who pressed for a firm commitment for no greenway on the existing line.

Speaking on behalf of the Transport Minister, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer says the Government is firmly committed to the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor:

Local Government TDs have been accused of being an obstacle to delivering the Western Rail Corridor.

It comes as funding for the Sligo Greenway was announced this week.

The project faced a setback before Christmas after the local authority said it was suspending any further works as the preferred route is no longer available and a suggested alternative option was not viable.

Irish Rail had previously indicated that it couldn't support the preferred route at this time, but it indicated support for an alternative "alongside" option, running parallel to the railway.

But local Cllr Michael Clarke believes that there's not enough of a focus on reopening of the rail line from the Claremorris to Collooney and has questioned the silence from the three Sligo Leitrim TDs:

A Leitrim GAA official is supporting the stance taken by Dublin football and hurling players in protesting over the GAA's decision to keep Allianz as the sponsor of its national league.

Several GAA County Boards are calling on the Association to cut its ties with the insurance brand, after its parent company was listed in a UN report on the occupied Palestinian territories.

Some Dublin players are now refusing to be photographed alongside Allianz branding.

Leitrim GAA has previously called on GAA to end its sponsorship agreements with Allianz over the conflict in Palestine.

The Sean O’ Heslins Ballinamore Club tabled a motion calling for the partnership to be severed at December's convention.

Club official Sean O Suilleabhain says the General public should also boycott Allianz in opposition to their connections Palestinian territories.

A serious incident of fly-tipping saw nearly 35 bags of rubbish dumped along roadsides in Hazelwood over the weekend, close to the entrance to Half Moon Bay.

The waste, which included household rubbish, ash and garden waste, was reported by local residents and cleared quickly by council staff and litter wardens.

Council officials are now reviewing CCTV footage as fly-tipping is illegal, environmentally damaging and places an unnecessary cost on taxpayers.

Cllr Marie Casserly says the dumping is completely unacceptable, particularly in such a beautiful area, and she's urging anyone with information to contact the council or gardaí.

A Midlands North West MEP says Ireland should a leading light in Europe when it comes to tackling non-consensual AI generated images.

Maria Walsh says Ireland holds more power on this issue than we realise:

Her comments come as Grainne Seoige will address the Oireachtas Media Committee on the dangers of deepfakes today.

Fake explicit images of the broadcaster were shared online during her general election campaign for Fianna Fail last year.

Maria Walsh says Ireland should drive change