Ocean FM News Reports

The challenges facing coastal communities in the North West have been raised once again in Brussels. Irish representatives this week pressed the EU for fairness in fishing quotas. Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle says there are new opportunities out there for fishermen and its about trying to maximise that at EU level. Speaking to Ocean FM new, Senator Boyle says the talks were worthwhile and is hopeful that EU Commissioner will take those local concerns on board:

Duración:00:01:44

Feighan hopes for resolution to school secretary & caretaker strike

One of two local Government TDs who have expressed support to school secretaries and caretakers hopes for a resolution soon. It comes as FORSA says they'd welcome a Labour Court intervention in the School Secretary and Caretaker strike - if the Government agreed to abide by it's findings: They also say they have had strong support from 40 Government representatives so far, with Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan and Fianna Fail TD Pat the Cope Gallagher included on the list. The pickets have moved back to the school gates across the North West this morning. It's after members locally marched outside Frank Feighans office yesterday. Deputy Feighan has been speaking to Ocean FM news:

Duración:00:02:02

Staff at Sligo nightclubs, pubs and festivals to get new safety training

Staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals in Sligo are to get new safety traning. It aims to tackle sexual harassment, violence against women and girls, and drink spiking at night. This training will be available free for 12 months in Sligo and the right other Night-Time Economy Pilot areas. It's part of the Governments 'Safe & Sound' campaign aims to make Ireland's nightlife safer for customers and staff. Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says believes that it will be hugely beneficial:

Duración:00:01:49

SVP sees 3,500 calls over school costs, urges more support in Budget 2026.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has received nearly 3,500 calls this year for help with back-to-school costs. Despite the expansion of the free books scheme, many families are still struggling with expenses like uniforms and exam fees. SVP says more government action is needed in Budget 2026 to make education truly free and inclusive. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Niamh Dalziel from SVP said parents are cutting back on essentials just to send their children to school.

Duración:00:02:07

Urgent clarity sought over low level of speeding fines in Sligo

Urgent clarity is being sought over speeding fines collected in County Sligo. It comes as speed vans in Sligo collected the lowest amount of fines in the North West over a 30 month period. The amount for the entire County at just over €261,000 is less than fines collected in the Ballyshannon Garda District at 300,000. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú who collated the data, believes serious questions need to be answered:

Duración:00:03:32

Fears Glenveagh Castle could close for good

There are genuine fears that Glenveagh Castle could close for good. While Glenveagh National Park is open to the public every day, staffing problems at the castle itself is said to be an ongoing problem. It has led to the popular amenity being frequently closed, leaving many tourists disappointed over the summer months. Independent Cllr Michael Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig says the Government need to sort it out once and for all:

Duración:00:02:42

Large turnout for Hope not Hate protest in Sligo

There was a significant turnout for a Hope not Hate protest in Sligo at the weekend. It was organised in response to an anti-immigration protest which also took place in the town yesterday afternoon. The Hope not Hate movement aims to promote inclusion and equality. A number of local representatives were in attendance. Cllr Declan Bree has been explaining why the demonstration was arranged:

Duración:00:01:26

Leitrim Councillor supports calls to allow drivers over 70 transport school children

A Leitrim Councillor is supporting calls to allow drivers over 70 to transport school children. The Junior Transport Minister has asked Bus Éireann to review its policy, which currently bars drivers over that age. The rule is based on RSA advice, which highlights increased collision risks for large vehicle drivers over 65. Bus Éireann says it's engaging with the Departments of Education and Transport on the issue. Drumkeerin based Councillor Mary Bohan believes a driver's ability to work safely should be based on medical assessments rather than age.

Duración:00:02:54

School secretaries & caretakers in Sligo ready to escalate strike action

School secretaries and caretakers in Sligo say they’re ready to escalate strike action in their fight for fair pensions and entitlements. A large protest took place in the town centre last Friday, echoing wider action outside Leinster House earlier in the week. Staff warn that disruptions will intensify as schools reopen, urging the government to return to talks. They returned to the picket lines today, as a third day of strike action continues. Speaking to Ocean FM News, Richy Carrothers from Fórsa says workers want fairness, not picket lines.

Duración:00:01:33

Arrow Harps pride at Johnny Kenny's Ireland senior call-up

Johnny Kenny's call-up to the Republic of Ireland international squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia has been warmly welcomed by the Riverstown man's home club - Arrow Harps FC, where Johnny cut his soccer teeth back in the day. Brendan Tuohy coached Johnny at underage level, alongside the player's dad Johnny Kenny senior. Brendan's been talking to Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan about those formative years for Kenny the younger....

Duración:00:01:54

Sligo clothing banks overflow again

Many Sligo clothing banks were overflowing again over the weekend. In one incident, a suitcase along with numerous black bin liners were dumped beside one of the banks. It has led to further calls on the culprits to bring their items home if the banks to capacity. Sinn Fein Cllr Arthur Gibbon believes that Sligo County Council should start prosecuting those responsible:

Duración:00:02:32

Christmas Market should be long term plan for Sligo - MacSharry

A Christmas market in Sligo is not financially feasible this year. That's according to Fianna Fail Cllr Tom MacSharry believes that the prospect of a market at Queen Maeve Square is something to work towards in the long term. It has been estimated that he cost of setting up such a market in the area could be up to 50k. Cllr MacSharry also says the closure of the Strandhill Market was a devastating blow to the local community and that efforts should be incorporate those vendors into any potential Christmas plans:

Duración:00:02:29

Renewed calls for extra funding to local post office network

There are renewed calls for extra funding to be provided to the post office network. Over 30 post offices closed in the North West over the last 10 years, 19 of them Donegal, eight in Sligo and four closures in Leitrim. This is despite post offices being regarded as key drivers of economic renewal, with the Network processing approximately 84 million transactions each year, amounting to a total value of €14 billion. In many communities in the region, Post Offices are the only providers of essential Government services. Cathaoirleach of the Sligo Drumcliff MD Cllr Marie Casserly says the service will be lost unless there is urgent intervention:

Duración:00:02:30

School secretaries & caretakers to strike outside North West schools

School secretaries and caretakers are to strike outside schools across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal today. They're disappointed over a lack of Government engagement over the weekend as they continue their action for a third day. Their union wants them to get equal treatment and pension inclusion in schools. Fórsa Head of Education Andy Pike says the state hasn't made any effort to talk to them:

Duración:00:00:18

Relay for Life Sligo podcast 31/08/2025 - Shane Filan