A Sligo Leitrim TD is warning that there are still many major challenges that need to be overcome before the North West Region has a ‘fit for purpose Health service’.

Deputy Martin Kenny was responding to the news that a new surgical hub will be located close to Sligo University Hospital, while a second Hub will also established at Letterkenny University Hospital.

The Sinn Fein TD says the creation of the Hubs is a step in the right direction.  However he warned that there are still many historical deficiencies in the health service that needs to be addressed

Dr. Mike Ryan has stepped down from the World Health Organisation.


The Sligo-born doctor - who most recently served as Deputy Director General and Director for Health Emergencies - has worked with the UN agency for almost 30 years.


He had planned to leave two years ago, but was asked to stay on - however, his role is now among those being cut following a significant drop in US funding.


Speaking at his final WHO press conference, Dr. Ryan had this parting message:

Donegal may have missed out on the Sam Maguire this year, but the spirit in Donegal Town was anything but defeated last night.

Crowds turned out in force to welcome the team home, showing unwavering support for the lads who gave it their all.

Speaking to Ocean Fm at the homecoming, Donegal PRO Sinéad Breen said pride in the panel remains stronger than ever.

They've brought the county together win or lose; this team has done us proud.

The Glens Centre in Manorhamilton has secured €55,000 in Arts Council funding for 2026, part of a €17.1 million national arts investment.

The centre is among 218 organisations to benefit, with funding increases reflecting strong growth and demand in the arts sector.

The Glens also reported a 9% audience increase and plans a busy season ahead, including a touring play and cross-border projects.

Speaking to Ocean FM news Director Brendan Murray says the boost is further recognition of The Glens' development and impact in a challenging time for the arts.

The Taoiseach says the sentences handed down to some of those convicted of the killing of Donegal soldier Seán Rooney are too lenient.

A man convicted of murdering Sean Rooney in the Lebanon in December 2022 has been sentenced to death.

Meanwhile, a number of co-accused have received lesser penalties.

Taoiseach Michéal Martin says his thoughts are with the soldier's family today:

The Government has appointed current Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly as the new Garda Commissioner.

He will replace Drew Harris when he retires on September 1st.

The role, with a salary of at least 314 thousand euro, will see Mr. Kelly appointed to a five-year term or until the retirement age of 62.

Former Garda Sergeant in Donegal, Christy Galligan says policing needs to change, and he hopes the new commissioner oversees that:

National media has come under fire over their coverage on the North West surgical hub developments.

Yesterday, the Health Minister revealed that two hubs are to be established in the region, one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny.

It's been regarded as one of the biggest achievements for healthcare in this region in recent years.

But local Fine Gael Cllr Michael Boyle is disappointed at what he has termed a lack of coverage nationally:

A surgical hub could be delivered for Sligo in just two years' time.

Yesterday it was revealed that two hubs have been in given the green light in the North West - one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny, ending months of controversy over the issue.

Now that the debacle has finally been resolved, attentions are now turning to how quickly shovels can get in the ground.

Member of the Regional Health Forum and Fianna Fail Cllr Edel MacSharry thinks the project could now progress at pace now that its over this initial hurdle:

Sligo Bay RNLI has been praised for their swift response to a number of incidents in recent days.

Over the weekend, a boat has suffered engine failure close to Sligo Town and the crew helped six people on board safely to shore.

While late last week, the lifeboat was launched after two people got caught in the rip current at Deadman's Point.

The pair were eventually able to swim to shore unaided to the slipway.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy has issued the following appeal to all water users:

Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan joined the Minister for Health when she made the announcement regarding the Surgical Hubs this morning

Deputy Feighan was delighted that two and a half years of work finally came through in the form of two new surgical hubs in the Northwest.

With the new facilities he's glad that Letterkenny was not excluded from receiving the new theatre and is happy that the people of the northwest shall receive proper medical facilities.

Deputy Frank Feighan speaks to Oceanfm about the work it took to get to this point and the significance of the new surgical hubs.