Here is a list of schools that have announced closures for the day:

• Sligo Area:
  • Summerhill College
  • St. Celica’s Special School
  • St. Joseph’s Special School, Ballytivnan
  • Scoil Ursula, Strandhill Road
  • Ballinode College
  • Rockfield National School
  • Rathcormac National School
  • St. John’s NS, Temple Street
  • Carraroe NS
• Donegal Area:
  • Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala, Donegal Town
  • Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town
  • St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs
  • Choláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon
  • Creevy National School
  • Holy Family NS, Ballyshannon
• Leitrim Area:
  • Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran
  • St. Clare’s Comprehensive, Manorhamilton
  • Drumshanbo Vocational School
  • Masterson NS, Manorhamilton
  • Drumlease NS
• Sligo and Surrounding Areas:
  • High Park NS, Dromard
  • Scoil Chriost Ri NS, Enniscrone
  • Ballinlig NS, Beltra
  • St. Joseph’s NS, Killenummery
  • Keash NS
  • St. Patrick’s NS, Maugherow
  • Carbury NS

Some schools have announced delayed openings:

• St. Mary’s College, Ballisodare, will open at 11:15 AM for those who can safely travel.

Transport services are also affected:

• Finnegan Buses: Services from Collooney to Sligo have been canceled this morning to ensure passenger safety.
• Sheerins Buses: All routes serving schools in Sligo, Donegal, and Kinlough are suspended this morning. Afternoon services are being planned, depending on weather conditions.

Parents and guardians are advised to monitor local updates for further information. Authorities emphasize prioritizing safety for all during these challenging weather conditions.

The alert was raised shortly after 6:20 PM when authorities were informed about the presence of the suspected weapon. It was clarified that the individual did not make any threats towards fellow passengers.

A large-scale Garda response was initiated, including the deployment of several Armed Response Units from Dublin City. Following swift action, the suspect was apprehended at the scene and is currently being held at a Garda station in the Dublin region for further questioning.

The suspected firearm has been secured, and Gardaí have confirmed that a full technical examination will be conducted to verify its classification under Irish firearms legislation.

For safety precautions, Connolly Station was temporarily evacuated while authorities carried out a thorough security sweep of both the station and the train in question. Rail services have since resumed, but residual delays of up to 50 minutes are still being reported by Irish Rail.

In a statement, Gardaí reassured the public that there are no ongoing safety concerns and that Connolly Station has fully reopened.

Authorities have also addressed the spread of misinformation regarding the incident on social media platforms. The Garda spokesperson urged the public to verify information independently before sharing it online or via messaging apps.

Anyone with relevant information about the incident is encouraged to contact Store Garda Station at 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

The cold snap may also impact public transport services in affected regions. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check updates from their service providers before setting out to avoid disruptions or delays.

In addition to travel concerns, local authorities are calling on residents to check in on elderly, vulnerable, and isolated neighbors, ensuring they are safe and well during this period of challenging weather conditions.

Motorists, pedestrians, and all residents are reminded to stay informed and take necessary precautions until the weather warning lifts later this evening.

In a statement released today, the Health Service Executive (HSE) urged the public to cooperate with infection control measures and visiting restrictions to help contain the spread of the virus.

All visitors and patients attending the ED must wear face masks throughout their stay, with masks readily available within hospital premises. The HSE further recommends that visitors in all other hospital areas and residential facilities also wear masks to protect themselves, patients, and healthcare staff.

Additionally, hospitals in the North West have implemented temporary visiting restrictions to reduce the risk of infection. These measures are subject to change based on daily hospital activity levels, and the public is advised to check HSE.ie for the latest updates.

Flu Symptoms and Advice:
Common flu symptoms include a high temperature, body aches, headache, sore throat, and cough. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to postpone hospital visits until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared to prevent spreading the virus to vulnerable patients.

For non-urgent illnesses, the HSE advises consulting local out-of-hours GP services or pharmacists for treatment and advice. Emergency Departments should only be used for severe cases such as breathing difficulties or chest pain. In life-threatening situations, the public is reminded to call 112 or 999 immediately.

Preventative Measures:
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness caused by flu and COVID-19. The HSE encourages everyone eligible, including healthcare workers, to get vaccinated promptly. Vaccines are available through participating GPs, pharmacies, or by contacting HSELive on 1800 700 700.

For more health advice on managing flu symptoms and other common illnesses, visit HSE.ie.

Despite regulations stating that Jobseeker’s Allowance recipients must reside in Ireland and remain available for work, the court heard testimony from the Coolaney Post Office postmaster, who indicated that it was permissible for the two men to nominate a third party to collect their payments.

The woman in question, Deirdre Wheeler (50), residing at Horseshoe Crescent, Coolaney, faced 40 charges of stealing Jobseeker’s Allowance in the names of Reece and Francois De Poix. Additionally, she was charged with money laundering related to financial transactions conducted between September 2020 and February 2022 at an AIB branch on Stephen Street, Sligo.

Reece De Poix (26), listed as living at The Mill Centre, Main Street, Coolaney, also faced 20 counts of stealing Jobseeker’s Allowance under his own name during the same period.

While the investigation highlighted irregularities in how the payments were handled, the court ultimately cleared Deirdre Wheeler of serious charges. The case underscores ongoing concerns about social welfare fraud and the systems in place to prevent misuse of state funds.

One of the drivers has been transported to Sligo University Hospital for medical treatment. The extent of their injuries remains undisclosed at this time.

Authorities have closed Lower High Street until further notice as investigations and cleanup operations continue. Local motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible.

Drivers throughout Sligo Town are urged to exercise extra caution on the roads, particularly in areas surrounding the incident site. Updates regarding the road’s reopening are expected to follow later today.

Stay tuned for further information as this story develops.

The alert follows earlier concerns raised about similar activity in northern parts of County Sligo. Now, reports suggest these individuals are actively operating in the Sligo Town area, going door-to-door attempting to sell items such as runners, perfumes, and carpets.

Eyewitnesses describe the traders as traveling in a white Citroën van, adding to concerns about their activities.

Residents are strongly advised not to engage with these individuals under any circumstances and to exercise caution when approached.

If anyone encounters suspicious behavior or feels unsafe, they are urged to contact the local Gardaí immediately at 071-9650510.

Authorities emphasize the importance of community vigilance to prevent potential scams and ensure public safety.

John Fitzmaurice, HSE Health Manager for Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, and West Cavan, highlighted the mounting pressure on hospitals and community care settings due to respiratory illnesses. Over the past week, more than 600 people nationwide were hospitalized due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Combined with the usual demand for healthcare services, this is creating considerable challenges for both the public and healthcare workers.

“We ask our local communities to consider all healthcare options if they or their family members become unwell,” said Fitzmaurice. He emphasized the importance of knowing where to seek treatment for quicker care and to reduce pressure on Emergency Departments (EDs).

Fitzmaurice also reminded the public that Roscommon Injury Unit remains operational throughout the holiday season, including Christmas Day, to handle minor injuries such as fractures, sprains, and burns.

Dr. Áine Mc Namara, HSE West North West Director of Public Health, echoed these concerns, revealing that nearly 2,000 cases of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza were reported nationwide in the past week. Emergency Departments across Ireland have seen a significant rise in visits due to these illnesses, and this trend is expected to continue.

Dr. Mc Namara urged everyone in the Sligo-Leitrim region to receive their winter vaccines as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones from severe illness. “It’s vital to protect vulnerable individuals,” she added, advising against visiting healthcare facilities if experiencing any symptoms of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or cold symptoms.

Expert Advice from HSE:

• Visit the HSE Website: Access advice on managing common illnesses like colds, coughs, and sore throats.
• Consult Your Pharmacist: Pharmacists can provide expert advice on minor health issues.
• Contact Your GP: Schedule an appointment for necessary medical consultations.
• Utilize GP Out-of-Hours Services: For urgent care, this service ensures high-quality clinical assistance with prior appointments.

As the holiday season approaches, the HSE reminds residents to prioritize their health and take proactive measures to ease the strain on healthcare services.

Ms. Charlin-Foy, a Galway-based IT engineer originally from Sanxenxo in northern Spain, collapsed unexpectedly at her home on Friday. She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where doctors successfully delivered her baby. Sadly, prolonged resuscitation efforts to save her life were unsuccessful.

Teresa leaves behind her heartbroken husband, Stephen Foy, and their newborn daughter, Claudia. A funeral service will take place in Renmore, Galway, on Wednesday, after which Teresa will be laid to rest in her native Spain.

A spokeswoman for University Hospital Galway confirmed the maternal death and extended the hospital’s deepest condolences to the grieving family.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases, a maternal death is a notifiable incident under the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023,” the spokeswoman stated. “As is standard procedure, a full systems analysis review will be conducted in line with the HSE Incident Management Framework.”

The tragic loss has left Teresa’s family and friends devastated, with her funeral notice describing her husband Stephen as “heartbroken.”

Bishop of Sligo Kevin Doran will be the chief guest. This time the festival is waiting for the guests with many innovations along with the usual ingredients. The association has also decided to support the Sligo Cancer Support Centre through this event.  

The association’s 2025 Year Planner will also be unveiled.

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