Ocean FM News Reports
6,134 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingBroadcasting to Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal.
North West Business Park, Collooney, Ireland
102.5-105FM
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Ocean FM is a multi award winning local radio station that broadcasts to the Northwest of Ireland. The station covers the area of South County Donegal, North County Leitrim and County Sligo.
The current CEO of the station is Niall Delaney and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) lists their target audience as 'being all age, socio-economic and ethnic groups across the community'. The station currently employs 22 full-time and 30 part-time staff.
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Episodes
Litter issues persisting across Leitrim
April 08, 2024 08:39 - 2 minutes - 1.95 MBEfforts are being made to keep Leitrim clean - but litter and dumping continues to be an issue. Leitrim's annual Big Clean Up took place this weekend, with a significant number of volunteers turning out. Large amounts of litter have been found along the N16 in recent weeks, while what appeared to be seats from a minibus were found dumped just off the greenway in Glenfarne a number of weeks ago. Local Fine Gael Councillor, Sean McDermott, praised the efforts of the volunteers, but admits m...
Border county issues to be discussed at North South Ministerial Council meeting this morning
April 08, 2024 08:32 - 2 minutes - 2.43 MBIssues relating to border counties in the North West are set to be discussed at the North South Ministerial Council this morning. It's the first meeting of the council since power-sharing in Stormont was restored. Health and transport infrastructure are among key topics to be discussed, with the meeting getting underway at 10am this morning. Minister for Agriculture and Donegal TD, Charlie McConalogue, stressed the importance of these meetings.
Calls for better driver behaviour to ensure safer roads
April 08, 2024 08:11 - 2 minutes - 2.53 MBThere are currently sixteen Garda personnel attached to the roads policing unit at Sligo Garda station. This number includes the likes of Sergeants and Inspectors. Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken has confirmed that Gardai from other units are drafted in on a rotational basis to beef up the numbers. He also says the unit is adequately resourced in terms of fleet. The data been released in the wake of reports locally that the unit is not operating at full capacity. It’s ...
House prices fluctuating in the North West
April 08, 2024 06:25 - 1 minute - 1.72 MBLatest figures show mixed fortunes for the North West in relation to housing prices for the start of 2024. The new MyHome.ie Property Price Report shows property prices in Sligo have fallen by €4,000 in the first quarter of this year, while Leitrim prices remain steady, and Donegal prices have a marginal rise. Which means the median asking price for a property in Donegal is €209,975, in Sligo it dropped to €195,000, and in Leitrim it remains at €169,000. Joanne Geary, Managing Director of...
Speeding becoming a serious issue in Ballisodare
April 08, 2024 06:19 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBIt's estimated that around 85% of motorists are speeding on the approach road into Ballisodare. A recent survey, conducted by Sligo County Council also shows that a lot of the speeding vehicles are lorries and other HGVs. It has to major safety concerns among the local community. Local Sinn Fein Cllr Thomas Healy says while the TII is looking at introducing some safety measures in the area, Gardai need to be monitoring the situation too.
Road Safety Officer on the way for Sligo
April 07, 2024 12:31 - 1 minute - 1.24 MBSligo County Council does not currently have a Road Safety Officer in place, but the role is set to be filled in the coming weeks. The roles and responsibilities of the Road department are currently under review by the Council, and a Road Safety Officer will be instated once complete. Sligo Independent Councillor Marie Casserly followed up a query about the current situation, amid the rise in road fatalities this year. Cllr Casserly praised the news, and highlighted the importance of the ...
Donegal-based IMO president addresses health crisis
April 07, 2024 12:21 - 23 seconds - 367 KBThe new Donegal-based IMO president has described waiting lists at Irish hospitals as “frighteningly long”. Dr. Denis McCauley addressed colleagues at this weekend’s Irish Medical Organisation AGM in Killarney. Dr. McCauley referenced the chronic shortage of beds, consultants and GPs which have left thousands of people with the care they need. He feels not enough is being done about the crisis currently seen in healthcare:
Efforts continuing in to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Donegal
April 06, 2024 11:32 - 1 minute - 1.72 MBDonegal County Council are exploring options to allow people to recoup the cost of vacant and derelict property grants. The conditions of the grants mean that a full payment has to be made up front, before the cost can be recounted through the various schemes. It's understood that Donegal County Council are in discussions with Credit Unions around the county to provide bridging loans to people applying to do up their properties. Fine Gael councillor, Barry Sweeny, feels this is a...
Ciaran Mullooly outlines reasons for contesting European election
April 06, 2024 10:42 - 53 seconds - 836 KBThe latest candidate to enter their name into the hat for this year's European elections says he's looking forward to the campaign. On Friday night, it was confirmed that former RTÉ correspondent Ciaran Mullooly will be the newly-formed Independent Ireland party's candidate in the Midlands North West constituency. Formed last November, the Independent Ireland party currently comprises of three deputies, Roscommon-Galway Independent Michael Fitzmaurice, Michael Collins from Cork and L...
Sligo Drumcliffe Cllr welcomes €1million CCTV funding
April 05, 2024 15:45 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBThe Justice Minister has announced one million euro worth of additional funding for community CCTV schemes. Local Authorities can now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs. Sligo Drumcliffe Councillor Thomas Walsh has welcomed the news that the funds can be used for both new CCTVs, and upgrading older ones too. The Fine Gael councillor called it a step in the right direction and a key tool in the fight against illegal dumping.
Aontú Donegal candidate says government forget about disabilities
April 05, 2024 14:15 - 1 minute - 1.49 MBPeople with disabilities get forgotten about when it comes to the government. That's according to Aontú's new election candidate for the Donegal Municipal District, Patrick Brogan. It will be his first election, and he said his priorities are to represent people with autism and other disabilities. Mr Brogan is the father of four children with autism, and wants to be an advocate for those with similar conditions.
Almost 40 people caught drink/drug driving in Sligo this year
April 05, 2024 12:30 - 1 minute - 1.07 MBNew figures show that there have been 535 checkpoints conducted in County Sligo so far this year. The data shows that nearly 40 people have been caught either drink or drug driving in the county since January. In 2023, Gardai conducted over 1400 checkpoints in Sligo. Local Independent Cllr Marie Casserly had been questioning the level of such activity – she says it’s crucial that motorists are aware that there is a Garda presence on the roads:
'Will and desire' among Garda management for new station in Sligo
April 05, 2024 12:30 - 1 minute - 1.45 MBSligo's Chief Superintendent has stated that there is both a will and desire among Garda management for a new Garda station in Sligo. The current building on Pearse Road has long been flagged as not fit for purpose. Assessments of the existing building are nearing conclusion - it's expected that this will prove that it's no longer suitable. This assessment is set to be completed later this month with the documentation expected to be sent to the Justice Minister for consideration....
ATU Sligo and ATU St Angela’s announce open day
April 05, 2024 12:30 - 1 minute - 1.49 MBATU Sligo and ATU St Angela's will once again open their campuses to the public as they welcome prospective students and families to an Open Day on Saturday 20th April. Open days provide future students with the opportunity talk with current third level students and academic staff. Sean Kelly of Marketing, Communication, and Student Recruitment, at ATU St Angela's, highlighted the importance of this event. For more information and to register for the open day, visit atu.ie/sligoo...
Road safety measures for Ballincarrow to be progressed
April 05, 2024 12:20 - 2 minutes - 2.4 MBGardai in Sligo have confirmed that a number of safety measures are being progressed for Ballinacarrow. There’s major concern locally over the speed some motorists are travelling through the village, which is situated along the N17. Figures released today by chief superintendent Aidan Glackan show that a total of 123 Garda checkpoints have been conducted at Ballinacarrow since last year - 83 in 2023 and 41 so far this year. Gardai say that an application has been submitted to Go...
Road safety measures for Ballincarrow to be progressed
April 05, 2024 11:20 - 2 minutes - 1.9 MBGardai in Sligo have confirmed that a number of safety measures are being progressed for Ballinacarrow. There’s major concern locally over the speed some motorists are travelling through the village, which is situated along the N17. Figures released today by chief superintendent Aidan Glackan show that a total of 123 Garda checkpoints have been conducted at Ballinacarrow since last year - 83 in 2023 and 41 so far this year. Gardai say that an application has been submitted to...
Widening of Ballymote footpaths halted amid complaints
April 05, 2024 10:20 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBFunding set for widening footpaths in Ballymote is now on hold as a review is conducted. There were calls to reallocate the funds towards areas such as road repairs. Local Election Candidate for the Ballymote Tubbercurry municipal district, Keith Henry, raised the issue and requested a half to the proposed widening. Me Henry says the wording surrounding the propasal will be changed, but is unsure if this will be enough to prevent the wasting of funds.
Irish Water under fire over charging 'outrageous fees' in south Donegal
April 05, 2024 02:50 - 1 minute - 1.6 MBIrish Water has come under fire over charging what's been described as outrageous fees for water connections in south Donegal. It's been claimed that one local resident has been quoted 53 thousand euro for a connection to their home. People must apply to the utility for a connection once they have secured planning permission for a particular project. But Local Sinn Fein Cllr Michael McMahon says he will be investigating the matter:
Letters sent over high dereliction level in Manorhamilton
April 05, 2024 02:50 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBLetters have been sent to a number of relevant bodies over the high level of vacant and derelict buildings in Manorhamilton. There's said to be schools, churches, community centres and other HSE owned buildings in the area which are currently vacant. There's ongoing concern that they are falling into a state of disrepair and that they could be put to better use. Labour Local election candidate Bernie Linanne, wrote the letters, and has been outlining what she hopes to achieve:
Questions over number of Garda checkpoints in Sligo
April 05, 2024 02:50 - 4 minutes - 4.28 MBQuestions are being asked over checkpoints being carried out by Gardai in County Sligo. It comes as the number of personnel assigned to the Roads Policing Unit in the Sligo Leitrim Division has dropped dramatically over last few years. The issue is to be raised at the latest sitting of the Sligo JPC meeting this morning. Local Independent Cllr Marie Casserly is worried that there's currently not enough deterrents on local roads:
Lack of podiatry services in Leitrim 'appalling'
April 05, 2024 02:50 - 2 minutes - 2.02 MBThe lack of podiatry services for diabetic patients in Leitrim has been described as appalling. There's said to be numerous people across the county who currently can't access the service. The root of the problem is reportedly down low staffing levels and the ongoing HSE recruitment freeze. Sinn Fein Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny says these people need to be cared for locally and the service must be restored as a matter of urgency:
Plight of junior doctors under spotlight
April 05, 2024 02:50 - 14 seconds - 232 KBThe plight of junior doctors will be under the spotlight of the medical profession today. The Irish Medical Organisation is holding day two of its AGM in Killarney, County Kerry. New IMO President, Dr Denis McCauley says the contribution of doctors needs to be acknowledged:
Ballymote Tubbercurry Cllr hails new defibrillator signposts
April 04, 2024 15:50 - 1 minute - 1.73 MBSignposts have been erected in a Sligo area to direct people to the nearest available defibrillators. There are currently 12 defibrillators between Gurteen, Keash and Culfadda with public access. 34 road signs have been set up by local first responders with the assistance of sponsors from the community. Councillor Paul Taylor of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry municipal district, has praised the introduction of the signs, and highlighted the importance of them.
Donegal TD criticises insurance companies over huge profits
April 04, 2024 12:22 - 1 minute - 1.78 MBThe Insurance industry continues to rip off consumers and small businesses and pocket the savings. That’s according to Sinn Féin spokesperson on finance Pearse Doherty TD, who responded to a new report from the Central Bank. Public liability and employer Insurance premiums rose by 8 per cent in 2022, while profit margins for insurance companies increased by over 50 per cent. Deputy Doherty criticised the “bonanza profits” being made and said an end must be brought to it.
Met Éireann discusses turbulent forecast for North West
April 04, 2024 11:28 - 1 minute - 1 MBThe north west is set to bear the brunt of unsettled conditions over the next few days. Met Éireann is forecasting prolonged spells of rain, which much of it expected to fall at night. The forecaster is also warning of strong winds, particularly in coastal areas. Forecaster with Met Éireann, Liz Gavin has been telling Ocean FM news a bit more about what to expect.
Pringle not expecting call from Simon Harris
April 04, 2024 05:15 - 2 minutes - 1.88 MBAn Independent Donegal TD is not expecting a call from Simon Harris looking for his backing as Taoiseach. The Minister for Higher Education is gaining some support outside the coalition in Government from the likes of Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marc MacSharry and Donegal Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh. Independent TD Marian Harkin has already declared that she won't be backing the Fine Gael leader. Harris is expected to be voted as Taoiseach by the Dáil next Tuesday and is due to reac...
Questions over no new Garda cars for North West
April 04, 2024 05:15 - 1 minute - 1.67 MBQuestions are being asked over why the North West hasn't been allocated new Garda cars. Six Garda stations around the country are set to get new EV squad cars - but none in Sligo Leitrim or Donegal. There's ongoing concern over the condition of some of the vehicles Gardai currently have in this region, with many reaching end of life and taking time to replace. Sinn Feins Transport Spokesperson and Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny says Gardai here need to be properly resourced:
Donegal man to become President of Irish Medical Organisation today
April 04, 2024 05:15 - 20 seconds - 329 KBA Donegal man is set to become President of the Irish Medical Organisation today. Dr. Denis McCauley will give his first address later in the Europe Hotel, Killarney at the IMO’s annual general meeting. Improving conditions for public sector doctors will be a key focus for the AGM The Irish Medical Organisation says 20 per cent of all consultant positions within the HSE are currently vacant. Almost 90 per cent of junior doctors frequently work overtime and have no certainty o...
Donegal TD disputes findings in United Ireland study
April 04, 2024 05:15 - 2 minutes - 2.35 MBIt's thought that a United Ireland would benefit communities across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. This is despite a new report out today which suggests austerity-like tax hikes and spending cuts for those living south of the border if it were to come to pass. The Institute of International and European Affairs has done an evaluation of the costs associated with reunification. It found that spending would have to be slashed and taxes raised for workers to fund it. But speaking t...
New Donegal IHF Chair reacts to calls for spilt VAT rate
April 04, 2024 05:15 - 1 minute - 1.53 MBThe 9% VAT rate should be returned to the entire tourism and hospitality industry. That's according to the newly appointed Donegal Chair of the Irish Hotels Federation Aisling Arnold, who has been reacting to calls for a new 'split' VAT rate to be introduced to help struggling small businesses. It would be a two-tier VAT rate, one for larger firms and a lower 9% rate for SME's. Many, especially those in the retail and hospitality sectors, fear closure if they don't get some form ...
IFA Sligo Chair highlights wellbeing amid worsening weather
April 03, 2024 14:15 - 2 minutes - 2.04 MBAmid worsening weather conditions facing farmers, the effects this has to their mental health has been highlighted. Current ground conditions are very poor, which is preventing planting and the turning of livestock out of sheds. Sligo Chair of the IFA, Michael O’Dowd, has called for a financial package for fodder to be made available. Mr O’Dowd says the constant poor weather has had a negative impact on the wellbeing of farmers.
Passing of Donegal other and daughters killed in Mayo crash "shook with the hardest of sorrows"
April 03, 2024 11:54 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MBThe Funerals of Una Carlin-Bowden and her two daughters has heard their passing has left people "shook with the hardest of sorrows" Una, originally from Raphoe in county Donegal, suffered serious injuries alongside her daughters 14-year-old Ciara and 10-year-old Saoirse following a road traffic collision on the N17 in Mayo last Tuesday. The funeral masses are currently underway at St. Eunan's Church in Raphoe. During the homily, chief celebrant Very Reverand Eamon Kelly Parish Priest r...
Open space in centre of Ballisodare in 'appalling state'
April 03, 2024 05:46 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBAn open space in the centre of Ballisodare village is said to be in an appalling state. The area in question is adjacent to the Avena Complex and a number of businesses and according to Land Registry is undergoing transfer of ownership. As a result, the area has now fallen into a serious state of disrepair and the local Tidy Towns hands are tied as they're not allowed to carry out a clean-up operation. Local Fine Gael Cllr Thomas Walsh says Sligo County Council must intervene:
Further calls on Government to support to North West childcare sector
April 03, 2024 05:46 - 1 minute - 1.45 MBThere's further calls on the Government to step in and provide support the childcare sector in the North West. It comes following a new survey today which shows vast differences in the cost of creches in the region. Parents in certain parts of Donegal could be paying up to 780 euro more than those in Leitrim for full day childcare. Leitrim Sinn Fein Councillor Padraig Fallon says there's a lot of deep rooted issues that need urgently addressed:
Progress slow with derelict buildings on Sligo Street
April 03, 2024 05:46 - 2 minutes - 2.19 MBSerious safety concerns have been raised again over the state of some of the buildings on the most derelict street in Sligo. It's been claimed that some of the structures on High Street are on the brink of collapse despite strengthening works being carried out. While there are concrete bollards are in place outside of the buildings as a protective measure to the general public they're also causing problems by occupying valuable parking spaces. Local Cllr Declan Bree says its a co...
Defective blocks crisis can happen again - Pringle
April 03, 2024 05:46 - 1 minute - 1.66 MBFuture governments have been asked to ensure that action is taken so that the defective blocks crisis never happens again. The appeals were made following last week's launch of "The People's Document", which highlighted what exactly affected homeowners are looking for to ensure they get full redress. Independent Donegal TD, Thomas Pringle, has hit out at Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for allowing such a crisis to develop. He feels that governments need to stop pandering to the buildi...
Level of abuse at Rathcormac roadworks 'off the charts'
April 03, 2024 03:54 - 6 minutes - 6.12 MBThe level of verbal and racial abuse that staff at the Rathcormac roadworks have been subjected to has been described as 'off the charts'. The resurfacing works are set to finish tomorrow (Friday) but had resulted in huge tailbacks when they initially started, causing frustration among road users. It's been claimed that some have been venting their rage over the delays to the staff on the roadside with motorists said to be making racial slurs to one of the workers who has been trying...
"It feels right" - Keith Egan savours West of Ireland golf success
April 02, 2024 17:46 - 2 minutes - 2.2 MBThe new Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland golf champion, Keith Egan (Carton House), talks to Austin O'Callaghan about his win - and his Sligo connections.
Operation Enable underway in Ballyshannon
April 02, 2024 14:46 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBA clampdown of illegal parking in Ballyshannon has been deemed necessary. Operation Enable began in the town earlier week with people parking in the likes of disabled bays or not displaying appropriate permits being dealt with accordingly. The operation is in place until 8am on Monday April 8th. Fine Gael Cllr Barry Sweeney says there's a lot of issues locally and is hopeful that the initiative will teach some motorists a lesson.
Calls for teaching courses to be set up in North West
April 02, 2024 14:09 - 1 minute - 1.47 MBCalls have been made to the Department of Higher Education to open undergraduate degree courses for primary teaching in the North West of Ireland within the next three years. The motion was raised at the Irish National Teachers Organisation Annual Congress today, and the need for resources was highlighted. Tomás O’Reilly, of the Roscommon North Branch, says it’s about giving future teachers a chance without forcing them to travel far distances.
Local shop owner "devastated" after Good Friday break-in
April 02, 2024 11:09 - 2 minutes - 2.33 MBThe owner of a local shop that was burgled over the weekend has said he was devastated over the incident. Queenan's shop in Enniscrone was broken into in the early hours of Good Friday morning. A large quantity of cigarettes were taken during the course of the incident. Speaking to Ocean FM News, shop owner and local councillor, Joe Queenan, says it will take some time to recover from the shock.
Outgoing Sligo Leitrim party chairman reviews successes and failures
April 02, 2024 10:30 - 3 minutes - 2.98 MBThe outgoing Chairman of the Sligo-Leitrim Constituency Labour Party, Mr. Hugh MacConville, was presented with a long-service award at the party’s 73rd conference. Mr MacConville has been active in politics since the 1960s, and now feels like it is the right time to step aside. He spoke about the changes that occurred in Irish society over his years in service, such as the huge successes in social change, but also the failures, and in particular, the housing crisis.
North West at risk of falling into two-tier fuel economy
April 02, 2024 05:42 - 2 minutes - 2.16 MBNorth West counties in particular are at risk of falling into a two-tier fuel economy. That's the view of Independent Sligo Leitrim TD, Marian Harkin, after fuel excise hikes came into effect on Monday. The cost of petrol has jumped up by 4 cent per liter, while diesel increased by 3 cent and marked gas by 1.5 cent. It is the latest step by Government to restore excise rates after a temporary cut was introduced two years ago, with another rise in excise duties scheduled for Augus...
Feighan shocked as Simon Coveney to step aside from Cabinet
April 02, 2024 05:42 - 2 minutes - 2.35 MBA Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD has expressed his shock over news that Minister Simon Coveney is to step aside from Cabinet. The current Enterprise Minister says he spoke to Fine Gael leader Simon Harris last night to inform him he would not be making himself available to serve as a minister when the Dáil resumes next week. He says he'll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central. Simon Harris is expected to be elected as Taoiseach and form his new Cabinet next Tuesday. ...
Impact of Rathcormac roadworks may not be as severe this week
April 02, 2024 05:42 - 2 minutes - 2.07 MBIt's anticipated that the delays at Rathcormac may not be as severe this week. Tailbacks of up to an hour were reported at certain times on Thursday last due to ongoing roadworks. The works had stopped over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend however they have resumed today. Gardai are also reminding people to stay on the main road and not to use more minor routes in the area. Local Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy says the bulk of the works were done last week:
More Gardaí needed if road deaths are to be tackled - Kenny
April 02, 2024 05:42 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBMore Gardaí are needed on the roads if fatalities are going to decrease. Thats according to Sligo Leitrim TD and Sinn Fein Transport Spokesperson Martin Kenny, who was speaking after three more people lost their lives on the roads over the Easter bank holiday weekend. It brings the total number of such deaths to 58 this year, which is up over a quarter on the same period last year. Sinn Féin's Transport spokesperson, Martin Kenny, says more Gardai in the roads policing units shou...
Donegal households without water for most of Easter Bank Holiday
April 02, 2024 05:42 - 2 minutes - 2.29 MBIt's emerged that some households in Donegal were without water for most of the Easter bank Holiday weekend. There were a number of outages, particularly in west of the county, over the course of the weekend. Local Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig believes that poor infrastructure is to blame. He has hit out at both the Government and Uisce Eireann, saying that people deserve better:
Leitrim had joint-lowest no shows for driving tests last year
April 01, 2024 15:42 - 1 minute - 1.18 MBIt's been revealed that Leitrim had the lowest amount of no-shows for driving tests in 2023. Along with Monaghan, only 40 people failed to turn up for their test across the entire county. Nationally, 6,441 people did not appear for their tests after booking them all over Ireland last year, which equates to about 4%. 2,210 of those lost test slots were in Dublin, which is more than one-third of the entire national total. Manorhamilton Councillor, Sinn Féin's Padraig Fallon, says that alth...
West Sligo council estates "falling into disrepair"
April 01, 2024 12:08 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBThe condition of some council estates in West Sligo has been challenged by one local councillor. Councillor Michael Clarke raised the issue of five estates, saying that the council's obligation to the tenants is not being met. It's understood that the houses in the estates are beginning to fall into disrepair, while the perimeter fencing around the estates are also damaged. Councillor Clarke says that it is unfair on the people living in the houses in question.
Funding requested for Cliff Bath House renovation
April 01, 2024 08:25 - 43 seconds - 683 KBThe renovation of the Cliff Bath House is considered a game-changer for the tourism of Enniscrone. As previously reported, after having planning permission approved by the Sligo County Council, an application was sent to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for €9.2million in funding. Speaking after this month's meeting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District, Independent councillor Joe Queenan highlighted how the project has been in the works for a number of years.