Michael Daly and Pauric McShea describe Sunday's dramatic finish to Donegal's Division 1 league game with holders Derry at Fr Tierney Park, on a poignant weekend for Ballyshannon following the passing of Aodh Ruadh GAA Club's long-standing President Owen Roe O'Neill. He's remembered by Donegal manager Jim McGuinness.…

A Sligo Cllr says something has to be done soon to combat the housing crisis. Recent homelessness figures show that there was an increase in people accessing emergency accommodation across the North West in January when compared to December. People Before Profit Cllr Gino O’Boyle suggested that there might have to be a mass protests in response to …

An act of vandalism has been carried out at a site in Sligo. A new public bench has been attacked and badly damaged in Cartron. Last year a walkway and benches had been developed in the area to accommodate the large footfall that passes through. Local Sinn Fein Cllr Arthur Gibbons has called for witnesses and says action must be taken against those…

A Sligo-Leitrim TD has highlighted the importance that every child with special educational needs has a school place in their locality. There is currently a huge demand on school places for children with additional needs across the North West. Instances have been highlighted where parents are having to travel up to 80km, where children in Cavan are…

Locals are mourning the deaths of two young people in a crash in County Donegal. A teenage driver died when their car crashed into the gable wall of a house at Baltoney at around half 9 on Friday night. They've been locally named as Jamie Diver and Shaun McClafferty. A back seat passenger in his 20s was also killed, while two other passengers in th…

An annual Potato Day will be held in Leitrim on Sunday. The Organic Centre in Rossinver is hosting the event, which is open from 12pm-4pm and is free to go into. There will be an onsite market of craft and food, and also demonstrations from crafters including willow weaving to hand spinning. Among just some of the activities are potato themed talks…

A Sligo Leitrim TD has called for an exemption to be granted to farmers and landowners to cut trees and hedges. This would apply in the instance where there is a threat posed to safety, the ESB network or communications network. Following the effects of Storm Eowyn, thousands across the North West were left without power due to trees falling into a…

The need for emergency accommodation at a Sligo school has been raised on the floor of the Seanad. An extension for Grange Post Primary School has been sought since 2021, and it has been confirmed an application is progressing as student numbers increase. Sligo Senator Nessa Cosgrove was seeking a response from the Minister of Education, and direct…

The amount of motorists' detected speeding on the N17 has been described as alarming. It comes as more than 1,800 fixed charge notices issued to drivers caught speeding in County Mayo are being revoked. It's after the camera on the N17 in County Mayo was found to not be certified. GoSafe has given reissuances that they have implemented enhanced saf…

A Sligo Leitrim TD says the evidence provided by reports that confirm the numbers of tourists visiting Ireland is on the decline should be justification alone for politicians using the St Patrick’s Day celebrations to promote the country internationally. Figures from the Central Statistics Office show the number of tourists visiting Ireland fell sh…

One condition of the land sold to ATU Sligo is that a portion of it be dedicated to student accommodation. 16 acres of land has been purchased from Sligo County Council and is situated near the campus in Ballinode. It’s understood that depending on the development, there is the potential for 300, 600 or 900 beds. Sligo Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh s…

A Sligo based member of the Forsa Union’s National Executive says their union will be closely monitoring Monday’s Workplace Relations Commission hearing in relation to concerns being raised by Healthcare workers in Section 39 organisations before deciding on whether to take Industrial action Members of SIPTU, have voted overwhelmingly for strike ac…

Calls have been made for a feasibility study into the Claremorris to Sligo rail link by a North West MEP. This comes as the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development visited Connacht to see projects seeking funding. In terms of the Western Rail Corridor, there is support to extend the line from Athenry into Claremorris, although more …

The HSE is under fire over the lengthy delay in recruiting two consultants to Sligo's Chronic Pain Clinic. The service at Sligo University Hospital was thrown into disarray in June of last year, after the two consultants both moved to new roles in other hospitals. The latest update from the HSE this week is that recruitment is actively ongoing. Cat…

Serious concern has been raised once again over the level of notices to quit being issued across the North West. In one local case, a mother with four young children was handed the notice in recent weeks. While the local authority is willing to buy the property, but a scheme previously allowing that to happen was pulled by the Government some time …

There's major concern that the budget for mental health services across Sligo and Leitrim is too low. New figures show that the 2024 allocation to Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services was almost €32 million. But Independent Manorhamilton Cllr Felim Gurn says while that sounds good on paper, he believes that that falls far short of what's really nee…

Tanaiste Simon Harris has been labelled “disingenuous” by a Leitrim Cllr in relation to his comments on LNG terminals. Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, the Tanaiste says the Government is considering LNG as an “insurance policy”, as the country is heavily dependent on the United Kingdom for the resource. However Independent Manorhamilton Cllr E…

The Sinn Fein Chip has accused the Taoiseach and Tánaiste of engaging in Donal Trump style politics by forcing through moves which will secure extra Dáil speaking time for the Regional Independents. Opposition leaders will meet today to decide a collective response to the government's latest attempts to secure extra Dáil speaking time for the Regio…

It's been confirmed that ATU Sligo is set to purchase an additional 16 acres of land. The substantial land bank is located close to the campus in Ballinode and is currently owned by Sligo County Council. It's not yet known what the land will be used for, although it's anticipated that it could be a mix of an extension of the campus itself along wit…

Living in Donegal shouldn't be the health risk that it currently is. That's according to 100% Redress Party and Donegal TD Charles Ward, who was speaking following revelations this week that Letterkenny University Hospital has the worst cancer treatment wait times in the west and north west. Only 31 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients at Let…

The Breast screening mobile unit is set to return to Sligo Town later this year. The unit has not been situated in Sligo since March 2023 but had been operating in Tubbercurry and Carrick-On-Shannon since then. The HSE has confirmed that plans are afoot to move the unit to Sligo town during the second half of 2025. Fianna Fail Cllr Edel MacSharry s…

A former local election candidate in Leitrim has questioned the rationale and logic behind moves to reduce the payment for homeowners who provide accommodation to people fleeing the Ukraine. It's thought that there are just over 15,000 hosts providing housing to around 36,000 Ukrainians. Those supplying accommodation are receiving monthly payments …

The Governments response to the aftermath of Storm Eowyn in the North West has been described as a shambles. For over a month now, there's been heavy criticism over what's been described as major shortcomings to the overall supports that were offered by Government in the weeks following the storm. Speaking in the Seanad, Labour Senator Nessa Cosgro…

There are now two Community Paramedics in Sligo serving the Sligo/Leitrim area. It means there are five personnel in total covering Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. These paramedics aim to bridge primary care and emergency care by assessing each patient and treating them in their home. Ultimately, it could have a positive impact on the long wait times i…

A North Leitrim takeaway has won The Champion Chip Award for Connacht. Harvey’s Diner in Manorhamilton received the accolade at the recent Irish Takeaway Awards that took place in Sligo. This is the takeaway’s second award in its two years in business, having won the bronze award for Milkshake of the Year previously. Caroline Harvey, Manager of Hav…

The Tánaiste has acknowledged that the State has to be better prepared for future adverse weather events. Many homes in the North West were left without power for weeks following Storm Eowyn, The Dail has heard this afternoon that the Governments response to the storm may have been greater, had the full impact been felt in the east of the country. …

County Leitrim recorded the lowest number of Approved Housing Body tenancies and private tenancies in the country Quarter 4 of 2024. According to new figures published by the Residential Tenancies Board show that there were 127 AHB tenancies in the county in Q4 while just under 1,200 private tenancies were recorded. The county also saw the highest …

The Taoiseach's been accused of behaving like a child in the Dail. It's after Micheal Martin clashed with Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty in the chamber. Rowdy scenes prompted Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy to intervene:

The planned protest against the relocation of the Donegal Education Centre has been put on hold until further discussions with the Minister of Education take place. Following a meeting with local representatives last week, Minister Helen McEntee has asked for some time to address the situation on the centre being moved to Letterkenny. The Save Done…

A North West based Minister say's it's important that the row over speaking time in the Dáil is resolved today. The Dáil reform committee will meet later for a showdown between Opposition and Government on how independents deemed to be supporting the government will get speaking time. Minister of State for Further Education Marian Harkin says the c…

A lack of available driving testers has been earmarked as just one of the reasons behind the large number waiting to sit a driving test in the north west. Figures published by the RSA show that over 1 thousand 700 people are currently waiting for a test across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. There are 803 waiting at the Sligo test centre, 493 are waiti…

A Sligo Leitrim TD has raised in the Dáil, how the continued loss of communications infrastructure following storm Eowyn is impacting parts of the North West. Fine Gael Deputy Frank Feighan told the Taoiseach that many people still have no phone, mobile phone coverage or broadband. The Sligo based Deputy requested that Eir speed up their repairs, a…

A Sligo Leitrim TD has highlighted the importance of retaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation for farmers. The project has huge economic and environmental significance for the agricultural sector, as it can markedly improve Ireland’s water quality. It will enable North West farmers to maximise the advantage of a unique grass-based dairy system. Spea…

A delegation from Donegal County Council is set to meet with their counterparts in Sligo. The meeting is to be scheduled for April and will focus on a number of key issues facing the North West region. Infrastructural deficits across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are expected to dominate proceedings. Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh…

It's claimed that learner drivers in Sligo are waiting up to seven months for a test. In Leitrim, waiting times are up to six months. It has sparked major concern over a potential increase in learners driving unaccompanied, especially in rural areas. Former Transport Spokesperson for Sinn Fein, Deputy Martin Kenny spoke in Dail last night as part o…

There's significant challenges over a proposal to expand Gurteen Health Centre. That's according to the HSE, who have been facing ongoing pressure to look at improving facilities there. The footprint of the building itself is said to be biggest stumbling block. The HSE has further stated that there's no easy solution to facilitating the extra space…

A spokesperson for the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association has expressed his confidence in the Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD to help the industry develop over the next number of years. Brendan Byrne, chief executive of the group made the comments after Minster Dooley held a meeting yesterday with r…

There are calls for a dedicated surf rescue team at Strandhill. It comes as applications are now being sought for a beach warden ahead of the upcoming 2025 bathing season. Water safety is ongoing concern at Strandhill, and while there are no swimming byelaws in place there, they need to be strictly enforced as a small minority continue to disobey t…

It's emerged that the North West and West have some of the worst wait times for cancer treatment in the country. New figures show that patients at Letterkenny University hospital face an average wait time of 22 days for their first chemotherapy appointment. HSE guidelines recommend treatment of patients within 15 working days. 31% of patients are t…

The Taoiseach says that momentum needs to be kept behind getting mica homes rebuilt in Donegal. Michael Martin was reacting to comments made in the Dail by 100% Redress Party and Donegal TD Charles Ward, who further reiterated the scheme is not working. Deputy Ward claimed that only 69 house have been repaired or rebuilt. Responding, the Taoiseach …

There are local concerns over the Government using special powers to rezone land in attempt to build more houses. According to a report in the Irish Independent, the Government could overrule decisions made be councillors in the county development plan. Although it’s understood that the Government are only considering Dublin with these measures, it…

The date has been announced for the election of a New Honorary Mayor of Donegal Town. People are now being asked to make their submissions for the next Mayor to the Donegal Town Community Chamber, with voting to take place in The St. John Bosco Centre in Donegal Town between 10.00 am and 7.00pm on Friday 28th March. Pauric Kennedy will be stepping …

A Donegal TD says the Opposition simply will not stand for plans to change the rules in Leinster House. The proposal, put forward by the Government last week, would give speaking time to Michael Lowry's regional independents. They want to create another type of TD who sits somewhere in the middle, but has speaking time with the opposition. The row …

Recent adverse weather conditions have severely impacted both young and the elderly. The north Leitrim area in particular bore the brunt of destructive gusts of over 130 kilometres an hour causing several trees and power lines to collapse. It's felt more of a balance can be struck between landowners, state bodies and the government to prevent futur…

It's emerged that many residents in north Leitrim have been hit with persistent power outages regardless of recent storms. Monday night's public meeting in Killargue heard stories of persistent power cuts, particularly in the Kiltyclogher. One of those in attendance, Declan Sweeney spoke on behalf of 14 houses who have been affected by outages in t…

There are renewed calls for heavy duty generators to be imported into the North West and elsewhere. It's thought that the Government was found wanting in terms of being prepared for weather events, following the aftermath of Storm Eowyn. It's further claimed the Ireland previously had a big supply of generators but gave them away to other countries…

New figures from road safety group PARC has shown a further decline in Gardaí assigned to road policing units in the north west. Data published in the Irish Independent shows that in Donegal, there has been a drop of 13 personnel since 2009. There were 34 Gardaí attached to the Donegal roads policing unit then, with the figure now standing at 21. I…

It's feared that many farmers across, Sligo, Leitirm and Donegal are facing an uncertain future due to a major delay with ACRES payments. A number of farmers inspected and cleared as part of the ACRES environmental scheme, are still waiting for a payment. Farmers were previously met with claims that a glitch on the IT system resulted in many unsure…

A large crowd attended a public meeting in Killargue last night to discuss the impact of recent power and water outages following Storm Éowyn. The meeting explored what can be done to prevent prolonged future outages, response efforts and people's general views on the topics. Representatives from ESB, Coillte and Leitrim County Council were all inv…

Junior Minister Marian Harkin and Sligo TD, Eamon Scanlon have given a public commitment to lobby the new Transport Minister on getting the N15 included in the revised National Development Plan. About 200 people, made up of residents and business owners who live and work along the Sligo to Bundoran Road, attended a Public Meeting in Rathcormac's Sc…