Ocean FM News Reports
6,134 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingBroadcasting to Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal.
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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
Childcare crisis needs to be addressed at a local and national level
March 11, 2024 12:13 - 1 minute - 1.21 MBThis month’s meeting of Leitrim County Council in Kinlough heard calls on the government to tackle the current Childcare Crisis experienced by many families, locally and nationally. The issue was raised by Councillor Paddy Farrell. The Fianna Fail Councillor says there is a lack of facilities available to care for young babies when maternity leave has ended. Councillor Farrell says it’s a matter that needs to be addressed urgently.
Calls for old Town Council offices in Bundoran to be occupied full time
March 11, 2024 12:10 - 1 minute - 1.43 MBThere are calls for a building in Bundoran, which formerly housed Town Council meetings, to be occupied on full time. The state of the art building on the Station Road has been lying idle most of the time for the best part of a decade. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the abolition of the town councils. The community centre is currently using the premises on temporarily while works are ongoing at their centre. Former Bundoran town councillor Diarmaid Doherty who is also run...
Green Party candidate highlights scheme to aid childcare
March 11, 2024 12:10 - 29 seconds - 464 KBA recent funding opportunity has been highlighted amid calls for an increase in childcare resources. The Green Party's Johnny Gogan spoke about the new scheme that has made €18 million available to combat capacity issues. The Sligo-Strandhill candidate hopes the new funds will help meet the demand that was raised in concern by a local Councillor.
Jimmy Brogan to run as Independent Candidate in south Donegal
March 11, 2024 09:52 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBMountcharles native, Jimmy Brogan is to stand as an Independent candidate in the upcoming local elections for the Donegal Municipal District. Mr.Brogan has worked for Independent TD Thomas Pringle for the last 10 years as an administrative assistant. Mr. Brogan says his role has allowed him see first-hand the issues that affect the people of South Donegal. Speaking to Ocean FM News, he says he's looking forward to contesting June's elections:
Abbey VS All-Ireland colleges final - The Commentary 09/03/2024
March 11, 2024 09:10 - 2 hours - 98.6 MBListen back to the All-Ireland senior 'B' colleges football final between AVS Donegal & Ashbourne CS (Meath) from Clones, as described by Ocean FM Sport's Conor Breslin & Joyce McMullin.
"Such a proud day to be from Abbey Vocational School" - AVS Donegal's All-Ireland celebrations
March 11, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBListen back to the postmatch celebrations and interviews on Ocean FM Sport from last Saturday's All-Ireland senior 'B' colleges football final success for Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, following their 1-15 to 0-9 victory over Ashbourne CS (Meath).
Major confusion at Bundoran polling station on voting day
March 11, 2024 06:12 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MBThere was said to be a lot of confusion at the Bundoran polling station last Friday as people cast their vote in the referendums. Donegal, recorded the highest percentage ‘No’ vote in both referendums nationally. 80.2% voted against the proposed changes in the Family Amendment in Donegal, with just 19.8% voting ‘Yes’. 78.11% voted ‘No’ in Sligo- Leitrim. In the Care Amendment, 83.97% of voters rejected the proposals in Donegal. While in Sligo- Leitrim, 76.52% selected ‘N...
Government needs re-evaluate following referendum defeat - Markey
March 11, 2024 06:12 - 22 seconds - 360 KBThe government needs to reconnect with the public and reflect on the referendum defeats at the weekend - according to one of its own MEPs. Fine Gael's Colm Markey says the coalition must take collective responsibility, claiming it was not the fault of one individual. The Midlands North West MEP says the government needs re-evaluate ahead of the local and European election in the coming months:
Outrage as many in North West unable to vote in referendums
March 11, 2024 06:12 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MBIt's emerged that a large number of people across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal were unable to cast their vote in the referendums for various reasons. It's reported that some people were removed from the electoral register as they moved house while is also been claimed there were general inaccuracies with the register. A number of people also didn't receive a polling card in the first place. But Donegal Independent Cllr Michael McClafferty believes that the issue may run deeper and ...
"We should've won" - Sligo Rovers boss John Russell on 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers
March 10, 2024 09:12 - 7 minutes - 6.89 MBSligo Rovers manager John Russell and winger Will Fitzgerald give their assessments of Saturday night's 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds.
Calls for extension to Help to Buy Scheme
March 09, 2024 14:12 - 2 minutes - 2.38 MBThis month's meeting of Leitrim County Council has heard calls for the extension of the Help to Buy Scheme which has assisted 124 individuals and families to date in county Leitrim. The scheme provides those that avail of it with up to €30,000 of their taxes back from the previous four years, towards a deposit to either build or purchase their first home. Councillor Enda McGloin is supporting the governments extension of the scheme to the end of 2025 and has called for the scheme to be ex...
Local man cycling to Australia for charity
March 08, 2024 14:14 - 15 seconds - 249 KBA nurse based at Sligo University Hospital will be putting the pedal to the metal this month, as he aims to cycle 23 thousand kilometres from the North west to Australia. The 11-month trek will see Fergal Guihen cross into 25 countries. The 'Rossie to Aussie' challenge is all in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and North West Stop suicide prevention. The Arigna native says he will be travelling light on his adventure:
HSE to be contacted over Leitrim home help hours
March 08, 2024 14:00 - 1 minute - 321 KBLeitrim County Council are to contact the HSE in relation to them immediately increasing Home Help hours. The issued was raised at this week’s meeting in Kinlough by Fianna Fail Councillor Mary Bohan. The Drumkeerin based elected representative says current provision is not adequate to cater for the numbers requiring the service and is causing delays in hospital discharges.
Joe Shannon remembered for his charitable work
March 08, 2024 12:20 - 1 minute - 1.12 MBThe former chef, and media personality Joe Shannon is being remembered as somebody that worked tirelessly for charitable organisations. The funeral mass of our colleague and friend here at Ocean FM took place earlier in Saint Colmcille's Church, in Rathcormac. The chief celebrant of today's funeral mass Cannon Tom Hever spoke of Joe's extensive work when it came to raising funds for different charitable groups throughout the county. Cannon Hever also told the congregation how Joe's fait...
Apprentices may look to emigrate due to long delays
March 08, 2024 10:10 - 1 minute - 1.25 MBWith just under 9,000 currently waiting for off-the-job training, apprentices are said to be considering emigrating due to the delays. Almost 4,000 have been waiting for six months to progress. Local Sinn Féin councillor Arthur Gibbons has been contacted by many affected by the issue in recent weeks. He says with a shortage of skilled workers already in Ireland, the country cannot afford to lose countless others due to the delays:
Local Cllr requests improved resources for childcare sector
March 08, 2024 09:45 - 3 minutes - 808 KBThe March meeting of Leitrim heard calls call for the local Authority to urge the Minister for Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman to adequately fund and increase capacity in the early childcare sector. Sinn Fein Councillor Padraig Fallon says there is a shocking shortage of spaces, availability, and overall resources for this vital sector. The Drumkeerin Councillor says the issue is impacting many people at present and many cant wait until there is a change of government:
Local election candidate says bogus waste collectors must be brought to justice
March 08, 2024 08:46 - 2 minutes - 2.18 MBIt's been claimed that there are a number of bogus waste collectors operating in North Leitrim. The fraudsters are reportedly advertising waste collection services on social media, with many local residents taking them up on their offer, not knowing that they're illicit. The illegal operators call to the homeowner, collect the waste and are said to be disposing it in an unauthorised location. Local Labour Election Candidate, Bernie Linnane says it’s a serious issue and that Leitr...
Measles vaccine catch-up programme to be rolled out
March 08, 2024 08:14 - 20 seconds - 318 KBA measles' vaccine catch-up programme will be rolled out following a second confirmed case here. On Wednesday, the HSE was notified that a person in the West of Ireland had contracted the disease. They are now finalising plans for the broader rollout of the MMR vaccine in response to the rise in the UK and Europe. Monaghan GP Ilona Duffy says the new confirmed case makes vaccination even more important:
Feighan calls for clarity on when funding will be available under large scale sports infrastructure initiative.
March 08, 2024 07:25 - 2 minutes - 2 MBA Sligo Leitrim TD has sought clarity in the Dáil on when applications will be available for projects to draw down funding under the large scale Sports Infrastructure fund. Deputy Frank Feighan raised the matter under a topical Issues debate in the Dáil. He discussed Rovers plans which include a large-scale development plan to develop their facilities in Sligo. The Fine Gael TD says when the stadium is completed it could host international games as well as Rugby matches and will...
The Final Whistle podcast 07/03/2024
March 07, 2024 21:00 - 45 minutes - 36.5 MBFive months out from the Paris Olympics, Sligo boxer Dean Clancy - and his dad & coach Jason -sit down to chat with Ocean FM Sport about the fighter's preparations and aspirations.
Donegal TD slams lack of public access to new drugs
March 07, 2024 15:20 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBThe issue of new drugs being available to patients was raised in the Dáil today. Donegal Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty highlighted that even though life-saving drugs are being produced in Ireland, Irish patients are among the last to get access to them in Europe. Deputy Doherty also noted how Irish healthcare is in a “two-tier system”, with private patients having such drugs available to them before non-private.
Government urged to help local struggling businesses
March 07, 2024 12:40 - 1 minute - 1.35 MBThere's pressure on the Department of Finance to do more for struggling businesses in the North West. It's estimated that local businesses have been experiencing a 30% rise in running costs with claims that some are using their personal savings just to keep the doors open. The hospitality sector in particular is said to be suffering, due to the VAT rate being raised back up to 13.5% last year. Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and Fine Gael Cllr Martin Harley feels that the...
Investigation continuing into overnight burglary in Ballisodare
March 07, 2024 12:03 - 1 minute - 1.33 MBAn investigation is continuing into an overnight burglary at a housing development which is currently under construction in Ballisodare. Thieves broke into the site in the early hours of this morning and made off with mass amounts of equipment, a tipper truck, tools and electrical goods. Anyone with information is being urged to contact Sligo Garda Station. Local Fine Gael Thomas Walsh says there's outrage among the local community over the incident:
Donegal fishing braced for record lows
March 07, 2024 12:03 - 2 minutes - 2.47 MB2024 is set to be the worst year on record for the pelagic processing sector in Ireland according to one leading Donegal fishing official. The claims come as the sector recorded the lowest levels of fishing landings in quarter one of this year. This in turn, has serious knock-on consequences for coastal communities such as Killybegs, who depend on the factories for seasonal employment. Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association says the industry has hit “roc...
More calls for action over concern of Sligo commercial vacancies
March 07, 2024 11:10 - 1 minute - 1.67 MBThere have been further calls made in the Seanad for the regional economic imbalance to be addressed. This is in light of a recent report which stated that Sligo has the highest commercial vacancy rate of any county in Ireland, at 20.5% at the end of 2023. It is a growing concern in the West, as Galway, Roscommon, Mayo and Donegal are also among the highest vacancies. Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers has urged for more resources to be provided before the problems worsen.
Concern over impact of HSE recruitment moratorium on Sligo University Hospital
March 07, 2024 09:11 - 2 minutes - 2.12 MBSerious concern has been raised over the impact the HSE moratorium on recruitment is having on Sligo University Hospital. It comes as the INMO has called for an end to the moratorium, with a warning that Nurses and Midwives are now bearing the brunt of public disappointment for the state of the health service. They're also said to be working in extremely challenging environments which in turn is having an extremely damaging impact on patient safety and staff morale. Fianna Fail C...
Calls for further investment into border counties
March 06, 2024 15:17 - 17 seconds - 277 KBThe Minister of State for Enterprise says now is the time to make up for lost investment in border counties such as Donegal and Leitrim. Speaking at the Cross-Border Trade and Economic Conference yesterday, Neale Richmond urged politicians to focus on rebuilding an all-island economy. Minister Richmond claimed at today's event that when companies look to Northern Ireland for investment, they are not solely availing of what the North has to offer, but rather the entire island. Fianna Fáil ...
Agri Week podcast 07/03/2024
March 06, 2024 15:11 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBThis week, Ronan Flanagan is out of the warm studio and attends the Sligo branch IFA's "Enough is Enough" protest outside the offices of Sligo County Council. While John Lynch is in Kinlough to talk to farmers in north Leitrim as they signal their discontent at the local authority's monthly meeting there. The ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign centres around the fact that farmers are angry with ‘increased regulation, reduced supports, and falling incomes’. Met by local representatives, ...
New water infrastructure on the way for troublesome line
March 06, 2024 15:02 - 1 minute - 1.72 MBIt's been confirmed that a much-needed pipeline in Sligo is set to be replaced by the end of April. The line from Carraroe to Ballisodare including Jinks' Cross stretches five kilometres and has been prone to numerous bursts. The scheme has now been completed and Irish Water have confirmed, the new pipeline will be installed this year. Councillor Thomas Healy says that there's been an ongoing issue over the last number of years and the new development will be of much relief to the local c...
Manorhamilton election candidate raises concern over local suicide numbers
March 06, 2024 10:42 - 6 minutes - 6.02 MBA local election candidate in Leitrim has expressed concern with the number of suicides that have been recorded recently the north of the county. Fine Gael local Election Caitriona Bergin says seven people have died by suicide in her local electoral area in recent months. She is proposing a Collaborative Effort to Address Suicide Crisis in North Leitrim and South Donegal. Ms Bergin fuelled by her personal experiences, is rallying local government agencies, NGOs, and community org...
Government told to wake up and smell the coffee over lack of affordable housing in North West
March 06, 2024 10:40 - 2 minutes - 2.03 MBThe Government has been told to wake up and smell the coffee when it comes to a lack of affordable housing in the North West. Its estimated that a person or couple living in the likes of Donegal would have to earn a combined €87,000 per year to afford a new 3 bed room semi-detached home in the county. It has resulted in many people effectively locked out of the market. Speaking in the Dail, Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn says there's a profound crisis in the region an...
Calls for Sligo road policing increase amid rise in motor deaths
March 06, 2024 10:40 - 33 seconds - 528 KBThere have been calls to increase numbers in the road policing unit. It's believed the number of Gardaí assigned to the roads policing unit in Sligo has decreased in the last number of years, with little progress made to address the issue. 38 people have been killed in crashes so far this year, an increase of 4 on this time last year. Independent Sligo Councillor Marie Casserly says its vital laws are implemented and has called for it to be addressed.
Fine Gael TD highlights need for new sewerage schemes
March 06, 2024 10:30 - 34 seconds - 538 KBThere are many households across Sligo and Leitrim that are affected by 'decommissioned' septic tanks. That's according to Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan, who says many people in rural parts of the region have been effectively cut off due to a lack of grant funding available. Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Feighan says while these people have funding applications ready to apply for grants for new group sewerage schemes, there are currently no avenues open to them. While Minister of Sta...
Fine Gael candidate concerned over local suicide rate
March 06, 2024 10:05 - 44 seconds - 703 KBA local election candidate in Leitrim has expressed concern with the number of suicides that have been recorded recently the north of the county. Fine Gael local Election Caitriona Bergin says 7 people have died by suicide in her local electoral area in recent months. The first time local election candidate is proposing a Collaborative Effort to Address Suicide Crisis in North Leitrim and South Donegal. Ms Bergin fuelled by her personal experiences, is rallying local government a...
North west junior cycle students to benefit from free book scheme
March 05, 2024 16:11 - 1 minute - 979 KBJunior cycle students are to get free school books from September. The Education Minister announced the measure this afternoon, which includes free materials like calculators and copies. 68 million euro is being provided which will benefit 212-thousand pupils. It remains whether or not this will be extended further in the next budget. Local election candidate and teacher Keith Henry says this will go someway to alleviating the costs faced by parents and guardians ...
Coola PPS are All-Ireland soccer champions
March 05, 2024 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.11 MBCoola Post Primary School in Sligo are celebrating an All-Ireland soccer title following Friday's 1-0 win over Coláiste Mhuire from Askeaton (Limerick) in the FAI Schoolgirls Junior 'B' National Cup final in Athlone. Aoibhin Doherty, who's a first-year student, scored the match-winning goal in the opening half. Coola PPS team coach Eamonn Bruen spoke to Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan following Friday's historic win.
Reopening of hydrotherapy pool still on ice
March 05, 2024 14:38 - 2 minutes - 2.39 MBIt remains to be seen whether or not the hydrotherapy pool at Cregg House will reopen. The facility has been closed since the pandemic and had been widely used by people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities. While there is a hydrotherapy pool in Manorhamilton, it's said to be fully booked. Local Fine Gael Councillor Thomas Walsh says the issue is having a serious impact on those affected:
Donegal TD puts pressure Minister over latest developments in RTE crisis
March 05, 2024 10:38 - 43 seconds - 681 KBA Donegal TD has exerted pressure on the Media Minister to make herself available for questioning over the latest developments in the crisis at RTE. There are ongoing calls for Minister Catherine Martin to address the Dáil over claims by the former chair that she took a "hands off approach." Siún Ní Raghallaigh claimed the minister "enforced" her departure from the board and tried to damage her reputation. Speaking in the Dail this afternoon, Sinn Feins Padraig MacLochlainn says ...
Proposed increased water charges to impact rural areas
March 05, 2024 09:21 - 2 minutes - 2.33 MBUisce Éireann have been called on to halt their planned extraordinary hike in water charges, reputed to be in the region of 29 percent, Leitrim Councillor Paddy O’ Rourke says that along with an equally extraordinary hike in standing charges, the impact will fall heavy on farmers with multiple connections. The Fianna Fáil Councillor says farmers are making great efforts to do their bit in the improvement of water quality by excluding livestock from using rivers and lakes for dr...
Calls for greater supports for children and young people
March 05, 2024 09:04 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBThe mental health of children and young people is said to be at “breaking point.” That's according to one Sligo Councillor who is calling on the government to tackle ever-increasing waiting lists for services such as CAMHS. It's understood that parents in the north west have been waiting for a first appointment with CAMHS for a number of months. Sinn Féin Councillor Arthur Gibbons says the government must work with families on the matter:
New school building at Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí to open this September
March 05, 2024 09:04 - 1 minute - 1.39 MBIt' been confirmed that the long-awaited school building at the Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí in Donegal Town will be up and running for the upcoming school year. Work on the new building finally got underway less than a year ago following a few false dawns. Pupils and staff had been operating out of deteriorating prefabs for 24 years. An open day is taking place on Friday the 15th of March from 8am until 6pm. Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy says staff at the school and ...
"A real top performance" - Sligo Rovers boss John Russell on 5-0 win in Dundalk
March 04, 2024 22:00 - 4 minutes - 3.77 MBSligo Rovers manager John Russell with Jessica Farry after Monday night's 5-0 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park.
"It was just a super performance - they never let up" Mercy College manager Lisa Casey on Connacht LGFA title
March 04, 2024 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.64 MBMercy College Sligo won the Connacht LGFA Post Primary Schools 'D' football title on Monday with an impressive 5-11 to 1-5 win over Colaiste na Coiribe (Galway) in Swinford. Team manager Lisa Casey spoke to Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan after the game.
Hopes Council will work to resolve planning issues at Ringfort Inn
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.91 MBIt’s hoped that Donegal County Council will do all it can to ensure all planning issues are resolved at the Ringfort Inn in Bruckless. A letter from the Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman's office was circulated last week, which outlines that the Department will not enter into contract with the owner until such matters are addressed. The south Donegal hotel had been earmarked to house a number of asylum seekers but it has been lying vacant since 2012. It had been claimed that ...
Local farmers begin next phase of IFA's 'Enough is Enough' campaign
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.37 MBLocal farmers have began the next phase of the IFA's 'Enough is Enough' campaign with a protest at the meeting of Sligo County Council this morning. Met by local representatives, members highlighted farmer's complaints about over-regulations and payment delays. Chairperson of the Sligo Dairy Committee, Padraig Mulligan was just one of those who took to the picket line. He outlined his frustrations with the current situation and feels it has left farmers in a precarious position:
Sligo IFA Chair hopeful members Council taken on farmers concerns
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 2 minutes - 1.96 MBThe Sligo chairperson the IFA says he is hopeful members of the local authority have taken on farmers concerns. Members of Sligo IFA gathered outside the offices of Sligo County Council this morning as part of their "Enough is enough" campaign. Michael O'Dowd says farmers came from all corners of the county to take part in the protest. He says it's important that councillors do as much as they can to help those affected:
Importance of cash payments highlighted at Council meeting
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.26 MBThis month's meeting of Sligo County Council has heard calls for a continuation of cash payments. Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom MacSharry put forward a motion urging the Government to recognise the importance of cash as a means of payment. He says notes and coins are crucial to prevent the exclusion of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly. Councillor MacSharry says Ireland shouldn’t be at the mercy of the banks which he claims are forcing us to be a cashless society:
Ocean FM mourns passing of presenter Joe Shannon
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 29 seconds - 463 KBThe death has taken place this morning of popular celebrity chef, Joe Shannon. Joe had presented the Joe and Georgie Unplugged Show here on Ocean FM since last summer. He passed away after a short illness. His outgoing nature and involvement in many organisations made him one of the best known personalities in the North West region and he was a tireless campaigner for cancer charities and other charities since his diagnosis with cancer some years ago. In a statement today, ma...
Farmers are losing grip of their land - Davitt
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 2 minutes - 2.39 MBA former chair of the Sligo branch of the IFA says farmers are losing grip of their land. Farmers in Sligo and Leitrim staging protests this morning as part of The 'Enough is Enough' campaign, which centres around the fact that farmers are angry with 'increased regulation, reduced supports, and falling incomes'. The demonstrations are taking place outside the offices of Sligo County Council and the Kinlough Community centre, where the meeting of Leitrim County Council is due to be he...
IFA representatives address meeting of Leitrim Co Council
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 3 minutes - 881 KBIFA representatives addressed this morning’s meeting of Leitrim Co Council in Kinlough. They highlighted the ongoing challenges and rising costs associated with farming and pleaded for greater support and high prices for their produce. Prior to this morning’s meeting getting under way John Lynch spoke to these farmers that were protesting outside the community Centre in Kinlough, the venue for the meeting: