Ocean FM News Reports

The second public consultation on the Barnesmore Gap Greenway is taking place today. It's phase three of the preferred route consultation. It follows what's been described as a well-attended event in Donegal Town yesterday. Donegal County Council, with the support of the TII, is progressing the development of the proposed provision of a Greenway between the towns of Donegal Town and Ballybofey/Stranorlar. The second one is getting underway in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey today. Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan if anyone locally has concerns surrounding the project, now is the time to speak out:

A Sligo Senator has raised in the Seanad the case of an asylum seeker currently living in the  Abbey Hotel in Dromahair.     Olesgun Ifade,is due to be relocated to Athlone tomorrow.   It's understood that local elected representatives have been lobbying to stall the move so as his son can complete the current school year in the local national school.   Speaking in the Seanad Senator Cosgrove called for common sense to prevail and for the Nigerian national to be allowed to remain in Dromahair where she claims he has made a valuable contribution to the local community.

The Health Minister is due to meet with Donegal GPS and consultants next week as the North West surgical hub debacle continues.     It comes as a key meeting between Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill and Donegal TDs took place last night, where the case was put to the Minister that a standalone hub for Letterkenny is crucial.   Sligo has been identified as the preferred location as a part of a HSE business case.   Meanwhile in a statement today, a spokesperson for the consultants say they are looking forward to next week’s engagement with the Minister, where data pleading the Donegal case will be presented to her.     Donegal Fianna Fail TD Pat the Cope Gallagher is hopeful that further meetings may results in a second hub for the region:

A Sligo Leitrim TD says the Health Minister is receiving representation from elected representatives locally in relation to where a new surgical hub will be located in the North West.   A major campaign is taking place in Donegal to have the centre situated in Letterkenny.   Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will meet with a delegation of Donegal Healthcare workers next week to discuss the issue.   She has also held meeting with Donegal TDs.   Last month, it was confirmed that Sligo University Hospital was being nominated as the preferred location for the facility. However concern is being expressed in Sligo that the decision could be changed due to the pressure being applied on the Minister and here officials   Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan says ‘it’s unfortunate that one of the local hospitals will miss out on a Surgical Hub.   He says Sligo would be a more central location for the facility

The government have been accused of letting the people of Sligo down after the building of 63 social homes has been put on hold.   The Department of Housing are halting the development in Finisklin, due to the rising costs associated with the project.   However, it is still hoped that other avenues can be explored, as planning permission has already been secured for the site.   Local People Before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle says the loss of these homes cannot be afforded: