The outcome of the surgical hub debacle is proof that standing together as a team gets results.

That's according to Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn, who has been reacting todays developments that two surgical hubs are to be established in the North West - one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny.

It puts an end to months of controversy that only one such hub was to be allocated to the region.

Deputy MacLochlainn says this should be a start in reversing years of neglect in the North West:

A Sligo Leitrim TD says the confirmation of two new surgical Hubs being created in Sligo and Letterkenny is a vital part of delivering commitments made in the programme for Government to the people of this region.

Deputy Eamon Scanlon says that with a similar design being used for such facilities in the country there should be no delays during the planning and construction phases

Confirmation that two new hubs would be constructed in the North West, one in Sligo and one in Letterkenny was confirmed earlier this morning by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

In Sligo a new stand-alone, two-theatre surgical hub will be situated close to Sligo University Hospital.

It’s expected that the facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region.

Meanwhile Letterkenny University Hospital will see the development of a new two-theatre surgical hub beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs.

Deputy Eamon Scanlon says with the same design being used for all new surgical hubs in the Country the planning and construction phases should be a relatively straight forward process.  

The Government have given the green light for significant new investments in healthcare infrastructure for the North-West region.

A new surgical hub will be located close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services.

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, says the Programme for Government committed to exploring the provision of a surgical hub for the North-West and that patients in this region should have access to sufficient and timely surgical capacity.

The HSE will now begin progressing the proposals, which include in Sligo a new stand-alone, two-theatre surgical hub

It's expected that the facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region.

Meanwhile Letterkenny University Hospital will see the development of a new two-theatre surgical hub beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs.

There has been a mass welcoming of this monring's announcement.

Sligo TD and Junior Minister Marian Harkin found herself at the centre of the saga after claims that situating a hub in Sligo was part of her terms and conditions for offering her support for the government.

Minister Harkin says it's a real step forward for medical care in the north west to have surgical hubs in the north west.

Donegal Fianna Fail TD Pat the Cope Gallagher has also welcomed the announcement.

Deputy Gallagher says due to the geographical make up of the North West one Hub in either Sligo or Letterkenny was never going to be enough to service the medical needs of the people in the region.

A Donegal TD has expressed his dissatisfaction with no letters of assurance being issued to any defective block homeowner in Donegal.

The letters were due to be issued by the Local Authority in Donegal as part of a 40-year guarantee for homeowners whose properties were remediated under the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme.

It's understood that the Council have encounter some issues with the process, but say an update is expected shortly.

Commenting on the situation Donegal 100 Redress member, Deputy Charles Ward says the situation is worrying for homeowners

A Donegal County Councillor says the Bundoran area is in shock after lost his life after getting into difficulty while swimming on Saturday afternoon.

The man was aged in his 70’s.

Emergency services were called to the ‘Diving Boards’ area near Bundoran on Saturday afternoon, where a man was rescued from the water.

He was taken to Sligo University Hospital, but has since passed away.

It's understood he was a Donegal native, who worked as a musician in London.

Local Councillor Mick McMahon says the events of the weekend has shocked Bundoran

Paddy McGill, Manus Boyle and Austin O'Callaghan reflect on Donegal's All-Ireland final disappointment against a classy Kerry side at Croke Park.

We hear Jim McGuinness' postmatch assessment too.

Calls on government to prioritise homelessness crisis

Paddy McGill's concluding pre-All-Ireland final podcast brings together Alan Foley (Donegal Democrat) and Owenie McGarvey, to get their final thoughts on Sunday's Donegal v Kerry decider.

A Donegal Publican and member of the Vintners Association says if the Government decided to delay reducing the VAT Hospitality Rate it will spell the end for many businesses that are currently struggling in the sector.

Ballybofey Publican, Martin Harley, says it's vital that the reductions are afforded to all businesses in hospitality and accommodation.

Speaking to Ocean FM news he says delaying the reductions until next year will lead to more pub closures and more jobs being lost in the hospitality sector:

Meanwhile the Irish Hotels Federation is criticising reports that reducing the 9% VAT for hospitality businesses would cost the Exchequer €1 billion euro a year.

The reduced rate is due to expire again in October and the Cabinet will have to decide whether to roll over the reduction for another year.

During the Covid pandemic VAT on hospitality was reduced from 13% to 9% .