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It's estimated that there around four thousand properties lying vacant in Sligo.
 
The high level of vacancy comes against the backdrop of what's been described as a major rental crisis in the town.
 
Local People before Profit Cllr Gino O'Boyle says efforts to date by both the Government and Sligo County Council have been found wanting.
 
He's urging the Council to do what's in their gift to make a number of Compulsory Orders:

The Dail has heard that vital funds for the North West Hospice in Sligo could be impacted if the Government presses ahead with a new Gambling Bill.
 
The proposed legislation may threaten on-air bingo games and advertising for certain fundraisers.
 
A proposed ban on betting advertising between 5.30am and 9pm means radio stations would be unable to run gambling adverts during their peak morning listening hours, but TV stations could broadcast them during prime time evening slots.
 
The Bill was being debated in the Dail last night with Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin highlighting how it could have a knock-on effect locally:
 

Leitrim County Council could be facing a six figure bill for legal costs after its failed High Court action to prevent the former Abbey Manor Hotel in Dromahair from being used to house international protection applicants.
 
It is expected that applicants, believed to be families, will move to the north Leitrim village shortly.
 
But it has led to major fears that the High Court's decision could ultimately have an impact on local projects and that a number of departments within the local authority such as housing and roads could be left out of pocket.
 
Local Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraig Fallon hopes this will not be the case:

There's outrage in south Sligo after a large section of the N17 was omitted from a speed safety camera rollout.
 
Gardai have confirmed that nine static speed safety cameras are to be installed on routes across the country with aim of them being fully operational by the end of this year.
 
The camera for the N17 is set to be located in Mayo, close to Claremorris.
 
Gardai say that the locations were selected based on fatal and serious injury collision data from the last seven years and speed data, as well as feedback from stakeholders.
 
Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulvey says its hugely disappointing, particularly for the likes of Ballinacarrow, which has been experiencing major speeding issues:

The IFA is holding a public meeting for farmers and the wider community to confront issues to candidates in the upcoming European elections in the Midlands North West constituency.

The meeting will take place on Thursday evening at The MacWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris at 8pm.

Among the items the IFA is looking to discuss include CAP, over-regulation, retaining nitrates derogation and environmental fairness.

IFA Connacht Chairperson Brendan Golden says the meeting provides an opportunity to farmers and members of the public to voice their concerns prior to the election.

Another candidate has put their name forward to contest June's local elections.
 
Seán Wynne, a native of Drumshanbo has announced his intention to contest the election as an Independent today.
 
Mr. Wynne unsuccessfully contested the 2019 local elections in both the Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballinamore electoral areas.
 
He will contest this year's in the Ballinamore municipal district solely.
 
He believes that he will be able to go some way to alleviating the issues currently faced by the county: