Sligo based Minister states the importance of St Patricks Day trips abroad to the Irish economy

Drumkeerin Family Resource Centre Secures €180,000 Funding

The new Family Resource Centre in Drumkeerin will be allocated an annual funding allocation of 180,000 euro towards its running costs. The news was confirmed earlier this morning by Sligo Deputy Eamon Scanlon. The Family Resource will be located in the former Garda Station in the village. Speaking to Ocean FM news Deputy Scanlon says the funding will help the Centre provide funding.

Sligo based Minister states the importance of St Patricks Day trips abroad to the Irish economy

A Sligo/ Leitrim TD and Junior Minister says overseas visits as part of St Patrick's Day events are far from junkets for Government representatives.   Minister of State Frank Feighan was responding to the news that no fewer than 50 cities around the world would be afforded visits from government officials during the St Patrick's Day celebrations.   His constituency colleague, Junior Minister Marian Harkin, will visit France and Monaco. While Donegal based Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue will travel to Thailand and Vietnam.     Minister Feighan will travel to Singapore and the Philippines.  He says these trade missions involve difficult and important work:

Leading North West Green Party Member endorses the selection of Hazel Chu as Deputy Leader

A leading member of the Green Party in the North West says the appointment of Dublin City Councillor, Hazel Chu, as deputy party leader is ‘a positive appointment’.   Dr Bláithín Gallagher speaking in a personal capacity Says the Dublin councillor received massive support from across the Country and she will help to drive the party onwards as they continue the rebuilding process following the 2024 general election where they lost all bar one of their Dáil seats.   Concern has been expressed by some grassroots members that the leadership of the party is too Dublin centred and lacks rural representation.   The Chairperson of the North West Greens says no rurally based candidate declared an in interest in contesting the contest.

Government invest €79 million for apprenticeships

Work-integrated learning remains a cornerstone of Ireland's tertiary education system, supporting both apprenticeships and traineeships.     Apprenticeships provide structured, hands-on routes into employment, while traineeships offer more flexible, shorter-term options.     Budget 2026 includes €79 million for apprenticeships, bringing total funding to over €410 million and expanding programmes nationwide.     Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Marian Harkin wants the Government to remain fully committed to investing in apprentices and trainees in the North West.

Donegal Senator urges government to consider Finner Camp as a base for new helicopter

A Donegal Senator is calling for one of four new government helicopters to be based in Finner Camp.     Senator Michael Boyle says a local air ambulance could cut response times across the county and save lives.     He highlighted Donegal’s size and rural challenges, urging the government to treat the county as a special case.     The Senator also praised the Defence Forces and Coast Guard for past lifesaving patient transfers across Donegal.