Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre has spoken about the importance of World Animal Day, which takes place today. The day is used to put the spotlight on animal centres and highlight the supports that are needed for the service. Charity group MADRA completed a study where they stressed that all animal centres are working at capacity. Megan Gaffney, of Le…

The National Surf Centre Strandhill are hosting free celebratory events on this Saturday, October 5th. The centre are honouring their first year of operation, and are kicking off the festivities from 11:30am, until 7:30pm. People are asked to book in advance to avail of free surf lessons, fun experiences, tastings, and raffle prizes. Rebecca Steven…

Budget 2025 has left many people behind and many promises broken. That’s according to Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle, following the publication of the Government’s financial plans for the forthcoming years. It was argued that there are a number of one-off payments included in the budget, in lieu of long-term funding. Deputy Pringle says the …

Tourism in the north west is set to benefit from a new weekly charter service announced by Ireland West Airport in Knock. The service will operate from Gronigen in the Netherlands for the summer of 2025. Operated by Emerald Airlines and the Netherlands-based BBI Travel the service will run between June and August 2025. Donal Healy, Head of Marketin…

Tributes have been paid to a Donegal man who died in an accident in Australia this week. Barry Breslin, a native of Straleel, Kilcar sustained serious head injuries when a piece of equipment reportedly fell and was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital, where he died a short time later. The late Mr Breslin, who was in his thirties is survived …

People can vote for the status quo in the upcoming general election, or they can vote for change. That’s according to Chris McManus, who was chosen last night to represent Sinn Fein in the election in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency. The party are aiming to take two seats in the area, as Mr McManus will be running alongside current Sinn Fein Deputy …

Leitrim County Council hosted the Leitrim Intermediate LGFA team to a special civic reception to celebrate their recent All-Ireland Championship success on Thursday evening. A civic reception is the highest honour the local authority can give and was bestowed upon the players and management for their hard work and commitment. The team defeated Tyro…

'The Final Whistle' this week came live from EJ Menswear, Sligo, ahead of the new men's basketball Superleague season. Austin O'Callaghan is joined by head coach Shane O'Meara, a selection of the All-Stars players and club chairperson Lisa Gillen, on the eve of the 2024/25 campaign.

The effects of the increase on fuel tax is expected to be most felt around the North West. As was announced in the Budget, the increase on carbon tax will add around €1.50 to a fill of diesel, and around €1.30 to a fill of petrol. Fears were raised in advance of the budget, that border counties will be heavily hit as motorists will go into Northern…

A Donegal teacher has questioned the Government’s decision to allocated €9 million towards mobile phone storage for second-level students in the Budget. Phones would be taken off students and placed in pouches, which could not be opened until the end of the day. It is hoped that this will help limit distractions for students, while also taking pres…

Pressure is being put on Sligo County Council to intervene on a dangerous stretch of road in Ballygawley. The road in question, the R290 at Dunamurray has seen a number of crashes and near misses and crashes in recent times. Sligo County Council were allocated just €264,000, to be spread between 15 projects, for road safety measures in 2024. But lo…

The Health Minister has confirmed that the HSE is actively scoping out options with the view towards refurbishing Gurteen Health Centre. The building is not suitable for an extension. This review is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, which will pave the way for a funding application to be made for works to take place. The facility in its…

The North West has potential, if the correct investment is put into it. That's according to Sinn Feins Martin Kenny, who has been reacting to Budget 2025, raising concern that the measures for farmers won't go far enough. More than €2 billion will be allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine next year. That will include €30m for a…

The Government has come under fire over the apparent lack of support for the N17 in the Budget. The issue was raised by Independent Sligo Leitrim TD, Marian Harkin, who said that more needed to be done to upgrade road infrastructure in the North West. 1.36bn euro has been made available in the Budget for for national and local road networks and roa…

It's felt locally that the Government have missed their chance to support the hospitality industry. There has been widespread disappointment following the Budget earlier this week, that the VAT rate for the sector is to remain at 13.5%. It's understood that a reduced rate of 11% that was suggested before the Budget was rejected at the eleventh hour…

Strike action is not off the table for retained firefighters in Sligo, following another setback in their discussions with the Workplace Relations Committee over a new pay deal. A vote was taken this week, with SIPTU members rejecting the new proposals by 55%. Retained firefighters went on strike nationwide last year, with the hopes of securing bet…

Negotiations are underway for a proposed community centre for Grange in North Sligo. Sligo County Council have stated that they intend to liaise with the community in order to find a potential site for the development. Funding is now available for the development of community buildings, but the projects need to be shovel-ready before that funding c…

As the fallout from Budget 2025 continues, one general election candidate has dismissed claims of it being a comeplete "giveaway budget". Yesterday's announcement saw a number of one-off benefits included, such as €300 boosts in fuel allowance, and €400 to those in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension and the Carer's S…

A free vaccine to protect against chickenpox will be offered to 12 month old babies from next year. The jab - known as the varicella vaccine - will be available for babies born after the 1st of October this year. Up until now, parents wishing to get their baby vaccinated against chickenpox had to pay between 100 and 200 euro. President of the Irish…

The current staffing levels in the HSE are affecting the availability of vital services nationwide. That's according to INMO representatives, as it addresses the Oireachtas Health Committee today. It's calling for an immediate end to all recruitment caps and the urgent implementation of the government’s safe staffing framework, to help manage the c…

There's a further warning of more closures across the hospitality sector in Sligo and elsewhere due to Budget 2025. It comes as yesterday's announcement offered no reduction in the VAT rate, with the sector anxiously anticipating some form of supports for the year ahead. Many businesses across the North West have already shut for good due to rising…

There's concern that the Government hasn't thought about the level of childcare available in the likes of Sligo and elsewhere as part of the Budget. The budget for The National Childcare Scheme is set to increase by 44% which will lead to full-time childcare costs reducing by an average of €1,100 a year. All the while, six providers in County Sligo…

Management at Sligo University Hospital has come under fire for not accepting cash payments. It’s emerged that a sign has appeared at the reception in recent days, stating that cash payments were no longer being accepted. Independent Cllr Michael Clarke believes that this is just another step to take cash out of society, a move he feels is totally …

It's thought that some of the measures announced in yesterday's budget will still help the local hospitality industry. Many in the sector have been venting their frustration today that, after despite a major campaign over the last few months, the VAT rate is to remain unchanged. There have been several restaurant and café closures across the North …

Sligo Chamber has given a cautious welcome to Budget 2025 but it has urged the Government to now focus on delivery. The Chamber has stressed that infrastructure funding will only have an impact when it is delivered. Businesses in Sligo and across the region are said to urgently need essential infrastructure to be developed without delay to safeguar…

Connor Malley has signed a contract extension with Sligo Rovers for the 2025 season. Confirmation of the deal was announced by Rovers on Tuesday afternoon. The 24-year-old central midfielder will line out for his second season with the Bit O’Red following his arrival from Dundalk in December 2023. Malley has featured in all but one of Rovers league…

Tributes have been paid to the man who died following a two-vehicle collision on the N4 on Monday afternoon. Tom Mulhern, who was in his 70s died following the collision between a jeep and a car when at Ardcarne, outside Boyle at around twenty-past one. The late Mr. Mulhern was a former employee of An Post and was well-known for his love of horses.…

It's felt locally that a ban on XL Bully dogs won't do much to improve public safety. The first phase of banning of the breed starts today. The new law bans buying, breeding or importing the dogs - the second phase will kick in on February 1st, when rehoming the dogs will be banned. The government has issued a guide to identify XL Bully type dogs. …

The relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes are coming to Sligo today. It's part of their historic tour around Ireland and they will be in the Cathedral for the next two days. A welcoming ceremony taking place at 2 o'clock this afternoon while several Masses and processions will take place over the next couple of days before the relics make their way t…

Farmers across the north west have outlined their hopes for adequate support in this year’s budget. The reduction of farm incomes, high input costs and increased red tape are just some of the issues farmers are looking to see fixed in today’s announcement. While farmers also believe increased demand over environmental schemes in comparison to finan…

It's felt locally that a ban on XL Bully dogs won't do much to improve public safety. The first phase of banning of the breed starts today. The new law bans buying, breeding or importing the dogs - the second phase will kick in on February 1st, when rehoming the dogs will be banned. The government has issued a guide to identify XL Bully type dogs. …

A Donegal TD has heavily criticised Budget 2025, despite it being the biggest in the history of the State. It includes 8.3 billion euro in extra spending and tax cuts. School books have been made free, vapes will be taxed for the first time and Ministers cut the USC. But speaking in the Dail, Sinn Feins Finance Spokesperson and Donegal TD Pearse Do…

It's emerged that scientific evidence has recommended cutting mackerel stocks in Ireland and the north west by a further 22 per cent. The revelation comes as a meeting is to take place today between Irish fishing leaders and elected representatives to support the industry. The group, the Seafood Ireland alliance say 2024 is set to be the worst year…

There are renewed appeals for a guitar owned by Rory Gallagher to be purchased and remain in Ireland. The famous Fender Stratocaster owned by the Ballyshannon musician will be up for auction in London later this month with an estimated value of €1.1 million. Speaking in Cork this week, US rocker Joe Bonamassa urged Irish entrepreneurs to purchase t…

As Finance Minister Jack Chambers is about to take to his feet in Leinster House this lunchtime to announce one of the biggest Budgets in the history of the State, one Donegal TD feels that there will be no real surprises. A social welfare package of 2.7 billion euro is set to be revealed that includes 1.5 billion euro in one off payments. Families…

There are calls for a bigger clampdown on those who are illegally parking in disabled bays in Sligo. Last week, Gardaí in Leitrim issued a number of fixed charged penalty notices to drivers who parked their vehicles in bays without displaying a blue badge. While over 4 thousand fines were issued in Sligo to motorists in 2023 as the local authority …

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has said the Cost of Living package included in today's Budget will be a massive help to people in the North West. Budget 2025 will be launched by the Government this afternoon. A social welfare package of around 2.7bn is expected to be included in today's announcement, as well as core social welfare rates will rising b…

Objections raised locally over a housing development in Strandhill were rejected at the county development plan meeting. An amendment was raised by local Cllr Fergal Nealon based on safety issues the development would bring to the area. The area of Strandhill in question is close to Strandhill National School, which is currently at capacity due to …

It's been clamied that local authorities are not being properly supported financially by Government. The comments were made by Independent Donegal Councillor, Declan Meehan, who was speaking after Donegal County Council voted not to change the Local Property Tax rate in Donegal. A motion to lower the rate by 15% was defeated. Speaking to Ocean FM N…

The Sligo Community Archaeology Project is officially underway. The project, which is being run by Sligo County Council and The Heritage Council, will run until the end of November. A number of archaeology experts will be hosting special lectures throughout the duration of the project, with more information available on the Sligo Community Archaeol…

The amount of developments being prevented in Sligo due to being on a flood plain has been called “scandalous”. The comments were made by Cllr Paul Taylor who highlighted that it’s an issue occurring across the country. It’s understood that a farmer was unable to build on his own land due to it being a flood risk. Cllr Taylor says the chance of flo…

Members of the public in the north west are being advised to get vaccinated early. The calls come as the HSE's annual free Winter Vaccination Programme for at-risk groups starts today. Those aged over 60, healthcare workers, pregnant women, anyone with a long-term health condition, and children aged between two and 17 are eligible for a free vaccin…

There has been a sense of confusion at the Sligo County Development Plan meeting, with high levels of bureaucracy within the plan highlighted by cllrs. The meeting has been underway since this morning, with the council laying out plans for the next six years. The wording of certain amendments have raised questions and concerns among representatives…

It's hoped that tomorrow's Budget will result in extra beds at Sligo University Hospital. It comes as the Department of Health is to receive funding for 350 new beds in acute hospitals and 160 in community facilities. It's not yet known how that will benefit the likes of Sligo and Letterkenny University Hospitals. There will also be funding for two…

It's been claimed that recent figures for the likes of housing and homeless for County Sligo have been miscalculated. The issue was raised this afternoon at what's been described as a tense meeting to finalise Sligo's County Development Plan. It has led to further concern over the amount of land being zoned for future development. Cllr Fine Gael Th…

Family Resource Centres in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal have renewed calls for adequate funding ahead of Budget 2025. They are seeking a long-term sustainable funding model for FRCs, which is a minimum of €240,000 in supports granted per centre. Fergal Landy, CEO of the Family Resources Centre National Forum, highlighted the impact they have on local…

Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal saw some of highest increases in house prices in the third quarter of 2024. The latest Daft.ie report shows that prices in Donegal were 12.4% higher than a year previously, with the average house price in the county now standing at €239,000. Leitrim also recorded double figures in terms of increases with 11.7% recorded th…

Councils in the likes of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal could stop cars and raid houses under plans for fresh crackdown on smoky fuel sales. The measures are contained in a draft Air Pollution Bill which is currently being finalised. Tighter controls on imported fuels would also be introduced, stiffer penalties would apply and on-the-spot fines would b…

Frustration has been expressed over the increased number of dog fouling incidents at a north west rugby club's facilities. In post on social media, Donegal Town Rugby Club has appealed to dog owners to clean up after their pets. The club say the problem has started to impact their games and say a full sweep of the pitch took place to remove a large…

Councillors are set to make the final adjustments to the Sligo County Development Plan later today. The plan sets out various developments for the county between now and 2030. A number of amendments are to be voted on by local representatives today. Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh has reiterated his belief that as much land as is possible must be zoned…