It's emerged that the Tánaiste Simon Harris has held a key meeting with fishing representatives in Killybegs.

The meeting, which took place yesterday, involved the Tánaiste getting a first-hand experience on-board one of the vessels at the port.

Local Fine Gael Cllr Michael Boyle says a number of issues concerning the industry were relayed to Simon Harris.

He described the meeting as worthwhile:

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced over €1.3 million in funding for 33 outdoor recreation projects across Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal.

Minister Calleary made the announcement at the Warren Way Trail near Enniscrone, County Sligo earlier today.

 The Fianna Fail Minister announced a nationwide package of €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

In Sligo, seven projects have been allocated a total of €295,000.

In Leitrim, funding of €316,648 will be provided for seven projects.

While Donegal will benefit from €706,041 for 18 projects across the county.

In Sligo the project will include €50,000 for Phase 2 of the Gibraltar Rocks swimming pool restoration and €45,000 for study and design work to upgrade and expand facilities at Lough Gara.

The remaining five projects, each receiving €40,000, will improve summit access at Muckelty Hill, upgrade trailhead facilities and parking at the Queen Maeve Trailhead at Knocknarea, enhance the Sligowalks.ie website, resurface sections of the Warren Way, and carry out maintenance work on recreation sites along the Yeats Trail.

In Leitrim, €45,000 has been allocated for a feasibility study on a new walking trail at Dromore, Dromahair, and another €45,000 for exploring the development of a trail from Spencer Harbour to Drumkeerin.

A further €50,000 will go towards planning and assessments for the upgrading of amenities at Lough Melvin.

Two projects, Acres Lake (Drumshabo) biodiversity landscaping and the upgrading of the Lough Yugan amenity site, will each receive €40,000.

The Sheemore Walkway will be upgraded with €38,970 in funding, while €39,960 has been granted for pathway improvements on the Leitrim Way at Barr of Farrow.

In Donegal €36,000 wiil be provided to access potential sites for disabled anglers and €40,000 to design and install information and signage boards at trailheads across the county.

The remainder of the funding will support improvements to trails and walking amenities throughout Donegal.

A new study has revealed Petrol Stations are the most in-demand businesses and service in Leitrim.

The research, carried out by business utility consultants Procure.ie, analysed search interest for 25 common local services alongside the number of suppliers currently listed in each county, showing where demand outstrips supply.

The findings show that Petrol stations are the most sought-after local business type in Leitrim, with strong search interest but relatively few providers.

The research suggests that there is clear space for new operators to launch or expand in this area.

Currently there is no petrol station open in Drumshanbo.

Local Councillor Enda McGloin says there are a number of reasons why business people are reluctant to reopen closed filling stations.

A Sligo Leitrim TD has warned that recently published figures show the true scale of the government's failure to tackle energy prices and give families the support that they need.

Deputy Martin Kenny stressed that the government cannot continue to stand idly by while so many households are struggling and reiterated the need for energy credits as part of a cost-of-living package in this year's budget.

The number of people in energy arrears had hit a new record of 301,379.

Of the 300,000 in arrears, over 176,449 have been in arrears for over 90 days, which is another record high with the total value of the arrears was at €466.46, up 49.8% since January 2022.

The Leitrim based elected representative has called the government to bring down costs for households, and introduce energy credits or any other cost-of-living supports as part of the upcoming budget.

Deputy Kenny has accused the government of abandoning pre- election promises they made on this issue just over twelve months ago.

A Leitrim Publican is attributing the reduced amount of spending in Irish pubs over the past month to a lack of tourism accommodation in the Country.

AIB in it’s latest Spend Trend noticed the tourism industry suffering a hit over the past month.

The research detected a 9 per cent decrease in spending in pubs in July.

Manorhamilton County Councillor and Publican, Felim Gurn says the hospitality sector is facing the perfect storm with the cost of living crisis hitting punters pockets coupled with drastically reduced tourism accommodation

It's emerged that a number of portable toilets in south Donegal were in a deplorable state in recent days.

Killybegs in particurlar was said to be a major problem area.

It has been confirmed that they have been cleaned since.

But Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan feels that they should not be left so long.

He says it's unacceptable, particularly during the current warm spell that the facilities are not being tended to more frequently:

The volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI is inviting the public to their annual Emergency Services Open Day, taking place on Sunday, August 24th, from 1 to 4pm at Bundoran Pier.

This free family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to meet local emergency service teams, learn more about the vital work they do, and get up close to lifesaving equipment.

The event plays a key role in promoting community safety and helping people understand how emergency services operate during critical situations.

Speaking to Ocean FM News, event organiser Shane Smyth says everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy an afternoon filled with demonstrations, activities, and important safety awareness.

Sligo Councillor says she is hopeful that the student accommodation in Sligo in 2025 will not be as severe as previous years.

It was expected that the return of accommodation to the student market would help to ease the pressure ton third level students attending the ATU campus in Sligo year.

Sligo Drumcliff councillor Edel McSharry says that it's although too early to say for certain that securing lodgings will be easier compared to previous years she feels that signs are promising.

The Fianna Fail Councillor says schemes like private homeowners renting a room to students is still a crucial asset to cater for the ever increasing enrolment at ATU, however the provision of more purpose build accommodation for students is vital

Serious safety concerns have been raised over a route known locally as the old N4 in County Sligo.

When a crash happens on the new N4, the old road is used instead, yet it's said that it hasn't been upgraded in some time.

The speed limit has also been reduced to 60km along the old route - a move deemed unnecessary with many motorists said to be receiving penalty points.

Fine Gael Cllr Gerard Mullaney says the TII need to urgently invest money into it so it is able to cope with the traffic.

He also wants the speed limit increased:

A publican in Charlestown is hopeful that Liam and Noel Gallagher may call in to their local in the coming days.

The Gallagher brothers will play Croke Park on Saturday and Sunday, their first Irish shows since 2009.

The Gallagher brothers have socialised in well-known pub JJ Finans in the past, with Liam even playing a few impromptu tunes.

JJ has been speaking to Ocean FM ahead of this weekend's gigs: