Those working locally in the North West tourism sector will watching with great interest the talks between the Irish Hotels Federation and government Minister next week.

The Hotels Federation will be looking to restore the 9 per cent VAT rate.

It's to meet Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers to safeguard the hospitality sector.

It wants the VAT rate reduced from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent for the food industry.

Calls have been made this week by local elected representatives in Sligo for the lower VAT also be extended to accommodation as well as hospitality.

IHF National President Michael Magner says the upcoming Budget must protect jobs:

It’s a big day for students across the northwest today as Leaving Cert results are released.

Mental health charity Turn2Me is encouraging students to remember that exam results do not define their worth.

The organisation has shared six key tips to help students and parents prepare, including talking about your feelings, limiting social media use, and prioritising self-care.

Turn2Me CEO Fiona O’Malley says there are always multiple paths to success and support is always available.

With the warm spell set to continue this weekend, people in the North West are being urged to keep beauty spots clean.

It emerged earlier this week that campers left all sorts of rubbish behind them on Coney Island, including tents, dirty nappies and BBQs.

It's said to be latest in the string of similar incidents across the region this summer.

Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says its unacceptable for a small cohort to create such a mess and consequently spoil it for others:

A former Sligo Leitrim TD thinks it's unlikely that former Taoiseach Bertie will run for the Aras

So far Fianna Fáil have so far nominated no candidate to contest the election.

Reports today claim that the majority of Fianna Fail TDs and Senators would support Bertie Ahern to run for President.

The former Taoiseach resigned from the political party in 2012, following the publication of the Mahon Tribunal.

Fianna Fail accepted Mr Ahern's membership application to re-join in 2023.

Former Leitrim Fianna Fáil TD and Senator John Ellis he wold be surprised if his former party leader would risk running in a campaign where he past would be subjected under serious serenity.

In recent days Sean Kelly and the former Minster for Rural Development Heather Humphreys have both thrown their hats in the ring to contest the election for Fine Gael.

With Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael currently in government together there has been speculation that both Parties could support a single candidate.

Former Leitrim Fianna Fáil TD and Senator John Ellis says asking Party members to endorse a Fine Gael candidate would not be popular:

Extra Garda resources will be on the streets of Sligo later for Leaving Cert results night.

Thousands of young people across the North West are set to get their results this morning, with many planning to mark the occasion by socialising in local pubs and nightclubs.

Gardai are also warning that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

Sergeant Terry McMahon of Sligo Garda Station has this advice for anyone planning on heading out:

Whereas the trade deal agreed between the EU and US is being broadly welcomed the morning, representatives from the drinks industry have expressed disappointment with the content of the agreement.

A joint statement yesterday puts a cap of 15 per cent tariffs on the pharma and semiconductor sectors.

It's after the agreement was made late last month.

However, the Drinks industry which represents many local distilleries in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal say that they are disappointed over the failure to return zero-for-zero tariffs for alcohol.

Irish Whiskey Association Director Eoin Ó Catháin says it's a blow to spirits' companies:

The 2025 Warriors Run, a 10-mile run from the cannon at Strandhill's beachfront to the top of Knocknarea mountain - and back - takes place this Saturday afternoon (Aug 23rd) at 2:30pm.

Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan chats with Warriors PRO Micki Murray.

New bins have arrived to Strandhill.

The new solar powered big belly bins are able to take over five times more waste, with three of them now installed in the area.

The old ones were said to be constantly full, with birds regularly making a mess by picking at the overloaded rubbish.

Local Fine Gael Cllr Fergal Nealon says it's a much cleaner, efficient alternative and should result in a better upkeep of Strandhill:

A major boost for active travel is coming to south Donegal, with work on a new 5km route set to begin next month.

The Bundoran to Ballyshannon project will create a safer, dedicated path for walkers and cyclists along the Finner Road.

Designed for all ages and abilities, the scheme aims to make active travel a more accessible daily choice.

Speaking to Ocean Fm News, Cllr Michael McMahon welcomed the project, saying it will boost physical activity for all the community  

Minister of State Sean Canney has officially launched the Coast Guard's new aviation service.

The new aviation service, operated by Bristow Ireland under a 10-year contract and includes six purpose-built AW189 helicopters based at Sligo, Waterford, Dublin, and Shannon.

The Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft, also based at Shannon.

Bristow Ireland commenced SAR helicopter operations from Shannon in December 2024. Last month, the Dublin-based service commenced operations from Weston Airport

It's expected that the bases in Waterford and Sligo will transition over the coming months.

Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan says it's vital that a base was situated in Sligo.