Fire Service attend incident in Ballaghaderreen last night

Jul 24, 2019

59 on-the-spot fines issued to dog owners in Mayo last year

59 on the spot fines were issued last year to dog owners in Co Mayo. Of the fines issued by Mayo County Council, just 24 were paid 11 people were prosecuted, with 5 convictions. The dog warden in the county told Midwest News this morning that the majority of…

Jul 24, 2019

Mayo FG candidate concerned about drivers breaking the lights at Balla roadworks

Residents in Balla and commuters using the N60 are concerned about vehicles increasing speed and breaking the lights at the ongoing roadworks on the outskirts of Balla village. That's according to Fine Gael General Election candidate in Mayo Alan Dillon, who…

Jul 24, 2019

Sligo-based author Kevin Barry long-listed for the Booker Prize

Irish author Kevin Barry has been longlisted for the Booker Prize for his book "Night Boat to Tangier". The Limerick-born writer who now lives in Sligo has won numerous awards for his work including the Dublin International Literary Award, the Rooney Prize…

Jul 24, 2019

Psychiatric nurses begin overtime ban this evening which may impact on community-based services

6,000 psychiatric nurses across the country will begin industrial action this evening. The Psychiatric Nurses' Association says its members will work only their contracted hours because of health management's failure to address a recruitment and retention…

Jul 23, 2019

Up to 2,000 people attend concert in Castlebar tonight to mark Midwest Radio's 30th birthday

Up to 2,000 people will gather in Castlebar later this evening for Midwest Radio's "A Night With the Stars" concert. The event will mark the 30th anniversary of the radio station first going on air in July 1989. A number of Ireland's top musicians, singers…

Jul 23, 2019

Aran Islands RNLI comes to aid of sailor on yacht that got into difficulty

The Aran Islands RNLI volunteer crew was called out on Saturday evening last, to come to the aid of a sailor whose yacht got into difficulty. The all-weather lifeboat was launched at about 5.30pm Saturday evening, as a yacht with one person onboard…

Jul 23, 2019

Boris Johnson elected new leader of British Conservative Party

Boris Johnson has been elected as the new leader of the British Conservative Party. Mr Johnson defeated his rival Jeremy Hunt and will become the next British Prime Minister. The announcement was made in the last hour, after the counting of votes concluded.…

Jul 23, 2019

High Court approves €10.5 million settlement for boy who suffered brain injury when born at Sligo Hospital

The High Court has approved a 10.5 million euro settlement for a 12-year-old boy who suffered a severe brain injury at birth. Sam Forde was delivered by emergency C-section at Sligo General Hospital on August 20th 2006 and has since been diagnosed with…

Jul 23, 2019

Short story competition open for 2019 Castlebar based Wild Atlantic Words literary festival

A short story competition to be judged by award-winning writers, Thomas Morris and Wendy Erskine is part of this year’s Castlebar based Wild Atlantic Words literary festival. The closing date for entries is Friday, August 30th at 5pm. Entry forms, along with…

Jul 23, 2019

Planning application submitted to MCC for approval to carry out restoration works on Croagh Patrick

A planning application has been made to Mayo County Council for approval to carry out restoration works and a sustainable access at Croagh Patrick. The project, which is expected to take many years to complete, will address the issue of erosion on the…

Jul 23, 2019

6,000 psychiatric nurses will resume their ban on working overtime tomorrow

6,000 psychiatric nurses will resume their ban on working overtime tomorrow. It's after talks to resolve a dispute between the Psychiatric Nurses Association and the HSE broke down last night. The dispute centres on the recruitment and retention of mental…

Jul 23, 2019

Minister Canney is calling on the government to immediately allocate additional funding to cash strapped Galway county council

Minister Sean Canney is calling on the government to immediately allocate additional funding to cash strapped Galway county council. The Galway East based Independent Minister for Rural Affairs has called on the Minister for local Government John Paul Phelan…

Jul 22, 2019

Roscommon GAA warns businesses against unaffiliated sponsorship

Roscommon GAA is warning businesses against sponsoring posters not affiliated with the county team. It has received reports that businesses are getting calls to give €150 to show support to Roscommon GAA on a poster. However, the county PRO Hugh Lynn, is…

Jul 22, 2019

Recall of Whirlpool tumble dryers made before September 2015

Whirlpool is warning that some of its tumble dryers pose a fire risk and should be immediately unplugged. It says anyone who owns a dryer that was made before September 2015 should unplug it immediately and stop using it. The company is recalling the dryers…

Jul 22, 2019

News doors needed to replace the doors on the Church on the summit of Croagh Patrick

News doors are needed to replace the three doors on the Church on the summit of Croagh Patrick. Fund raising for the necessary renovation work is underway as preparations continue ahead of this Sunday – Reek Sunday, the annual pilgrimage climb. Large numbers…

Jul 22, 2019

Uncle of internationally acclaimed golfer Sean Lowry played Football for Mayo in the 80s

As the country celebrates the achievement of Offaly’s Shane Lowry, winning the148th Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush yesterday, people in Crossmolina and right across Mayo are remembering the football exploits of Shane’s uncle, Sean Lowry. Sean lived…

Jul 22, 2019

The marvel of "twin tubs" and "electric kettles" highlighted in new exhibition at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough

From the 1940s when homes across Ireland started to be electrified, it changed the lives of women dramatically, taking a lot of the drudgery from daily household chores. An exhibition entitled “Kitchen Power” examining the effect of rural electrification on…

Jul 22, 2019

Sheep farmers are demanding a worthwhile premium of 30 cent per kg for Quality Assurance meat.

Factories need to realise that a finished lamb needs to be securing a price of at least 100 euro for the farmer. That’s according to IFA Connaught Regional Chairman Padraig Joyce. Sheep farmers are demanding a worthwhile premium of 30 cent per kg for Quality…

Jul 22, 2019

Talks will take place at the Labour Court today to resolve a dispute involving 10,000 health service workers over the implementation of a job evaluation scheme

Talks will take place at the Labour Court today in an effort to resolve a dispute involving 10,000 health service workers over the implementation of a job evaluation scheme. The talks will be attended by SIPTU, the HSE, the Deptartment of Health and the…

Jul 22, 2019

No funding available for street sweeping in Ballina, according to councillor

Long serving Ballina councillor Annie Mae Reape says there is huge frustration among councillors in the Ballina Municipal District as they were told at this month’s meeting of the authority by council officials that the 2019 budget for public realm spending…

Jul 20, 2019

Spanish students sing The Green and Red of Mayo

A group of Spanish students perform The Green and Red of Mayo on flight from Knock to Barcelona-Girona airport. The students spontaneously broke into a rendition of The Saw Doctor's song on this morning’s flight to the Spanish city. Ireland West Airport…

Jul 19, 2019

Crash on the N17 causes delays

Midwest News understands a two-vehicle collision has taken place this evening on the N17 between Claremorris and Ballindine. The collision isn’t believed to be serious as the road remains open. However, there are some delays along this route.

Jul 19, 2019

No alcohol aboard and limited seats remain on Mayo vs Meath train

Iarnrod Éireann issues a statement to remind customers in Mayo that there will be no alcohol permitted on the Dublin bound services. It comes as Mayo prepare to make the journey to Croke Park to play Meath this Sunday afternoon in the Super 8’s. A…

Jul 19, 2019

500 ambulance workers go on strike

Ambulance workers from the Psychiatric Nurses Association say they've been left with no choice but to go on strike. 500 of them have begun a 24 hour walkout across the country as part of a dispute over union recognition. The workers will still deal with…

Jul 19, 2019

Do not drink notice issued for Cloonmore/Cloonlavish Water Group

A do not drink notice has been issued for the Cloonmore/Cloonlavish Group Water Scheme. Mayo County Council issued the warning today for the scheme, located west of Knock, as it emerged that the group’s water scheme is contaminated by oil. Following advice…

Jul 19, 2019

Mayo Road Safety Officer hits out at 'lane hoggers'

The Mayo Road Safety Office is tackling the danger of “lane hogging” as Mayo GAA fans head to Croke Park this Sunday. The local Road Safety Office hopes to change the habit of road users who stay in the overtake lane and in doing so make the roads safer. On…

Jul 19, 2019

Bower's Walk in Ballinrobe to be officially opened this morning at 11am

The Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring will officially open the newly enhanced Bower’s Walk in Ballinrobe at 11 o’clock this morning. The historical path is in place in the South Mayo town since the 1700s, and extensive restoration…

Jul 19, 2019

The price of new and used diesel cars could go up by as much as one thousand euro under plans to cut carbon emissions

The price of new and used diesel cars could go up by as much as one thousand euro under plans to cut carbon emissions. The Finance Minister is being advised to overhaul the motor tax system and help squeeze out second-hand imports, the Irish Independent…

Jul 19, 2019

PNA ambulance staff will strike from 2pm today in 24 hour action over union recognition

There could be a backlog at A&E departments across the country later today as ambulance workers from the Psychiatric Nurses Association go on strike from 2pm this afternoon. 500 ambulance staff, are staging a 24 hour walkout as part of a union recognition…

Jul 19, 2019

Status Yellow Rain Warning in place nationally today

Met Éireann has extended a Status Yellow warning for rainfall to all counties this morning. Thundery downpours could lead to accumulations of between 25 and 40mm, with the risk of localised flooding. The alert remains in place until 3 o'clock tomorrow…

Jul 19, 2019

Last family who lived in the now Deserted Village in Achill to hold a reunion on the island this weekend

Tomorrow (Saturday) a unique family reunion is taking place on Achill island. The last family to live in the Deserted Village in Achill , the Callaghans, are gathering for the occasion. Anthony Callaghan and his sister, Annie Ward, were both born and raised…

Jul 19, 2019

An exhibition examining the effect of rural electrification on women in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s will be launched by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson at the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, today

An exhibition examining the effect of rural electrification on women in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s will be launched by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, in Turlough Park, Castlebar, at noon today.…

Jul 18, 2019

IWA Belmullet shortlisted for Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2019

The Irish Wheelchair Association Belmullet has been shortlisted for the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2019. The Irish Healthcare Awards are Ireland's leading medical Awards and are hosted by Irish Medical Times and its publisher MPI Media, the Awards are now…

Jul 18, 2019

Ambulance personnel across the region, members of the PNA, will take part in nation 24 hour strike action tomorrow

Over 500 ambulance personnel members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA), including members in this region, will strike for 24 hours from 2 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, 19th July) in pursuit of their demand for the right to be represented by the PNA as the…

Jul 18, 2019

Minister has published Ireland's first ever Social Enterprise Policy

Ireland has published its first ever Social Enterprise Policy. It will help businesses whose main objective is to achieve an impact on their societies. 26 policy measures or actions are to be delivered over the next four years. The Minister for Rural and…

Jul 18, 2019

Green light for five new social housing units in Bonniconlon

The green light has been given for the development of five new social housing units in the village of Bonniconlon. At this week’s monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District councillors approved a Part 8 planning to allow the long awaited development to go…

Jul 18, 2019

The cervical cancer steering committee will meet later this morning, after a week of controversy which revealed 856 women experience delays in getting their HPV virus test results

The cervical cancer steering committee will meet later this morning, after a week of controversy which has dogged the national screening programme. Patient representatives will get an opportunity to question health officials over why 800 women experienced…

Jul 18, 2019

Galway based Fianna Fáil spokesperson on children Anne Rabbitte is expressing concern at the sharp decline in adoptions

There should be a review into the decline in adoptions in Ireland. That's according to Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on children, Galway based TD Anne Rabbitte. A new report shows adoptions in Ireland have fallen by 40 per cent over the past five years. In 2013,…

Jul 18, 2019

The board of the PNA meeting today to consider the progress of recent talks in its ongoing dispute with the HSE

The board of the Psychiatric Nurses Association is meeting today to consider the progress of recent talks in its ongoing dispute with the HSE. Both parties have held discussions over the past week, with a view to resolving recruitment and retention issues.…

Jul 18, 2019

Minister Michael Ring is accusing Eir of 'playing games' with the National Broadband Plan

A Cabinet Minister claims Eir is acting like 'a spoilt child' over the National Broadband Plan. The company pulled out of the tendering process, but claimed last month it could roll it out for only a billion euro. That's a third of the contract-price the…

Jul 17, 2019

Households using too much water could be charged up to €500 a year

Households which use too much water could be charged up to 500 euro a year. Irish Water has been given the go ahead to start charging customers who are wasting water. The utility is to write to households which are using over the set allowance. Homeowners…

Jul 17, 2019

No progress to date on TII application to upgrade N84 Galway to Headford road at Curraghline

One of the busiest stretches of roads in the region, the N84 Galway to Headford road at Curraghline has made no progress in its priority listing for road projects by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. A Galway county councillor claims that motorists using this…

Jul 17, 2019

Government report on rural transport policy to be launched this afternoon in county Leitrim

A new Oireachtas report is making several recommendations on how to improve transport in rural Ireland. The 'Regional and Rural Transport Policy' will be launched in Carrick-on-Shannon this afternoon. It's being published by Leinster House's committee on…

Jul 17, 2019

MEP insists the incoming President of the European Commission has not wavered one centimeter on the Brexit backstop

The incoming President of the European Commission has not wavered one centimeter on the Brexit backstop. That's the view of Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands Northwest Mairead McGuinness who was speaking after last night's vote in Strasbourg. Ursula von der…

Jul 17, 2019

An Taisce welcomes Minister's decision not to proceed with Regulations which would allow hedge cutting in August this year

An Taisce has welcomed the decision by Heritage Minister Josepha Madigan not to proceed with Regulations which would allow hedge cutting in August this year. The Heritage Act 2018 allowed the Minister the discretion of permitting hedge cutting on a trial…

Jul 17, 2019

Senator Frank Feighin has been added to the Fine Gael ticket to contest the next general election in the Sligo/ Leitrim constituency

Senator Frank Feighin has been added to the Fine Gael ticket to contest the next general election in the Sligo/ Leitrim constituency. The additional place on the party’s ticket arose after former TD, Leitrim based Gerry Reynolds pulled out of the race a few…

Jul 17, 2019

Thousands expected on Achill Island this Sunday for the Mayo International Kite Flying Festival-Pure Magic

Thousands of people flying a variety of kites are expected on Achill Island this Sunday for the annual Mayo International Kite Festival- Pure Magic. The event which is free of charge, is an opportunity for families and individuals to get out in the open air…

Jul 16, 2019

Mayo success today in Green Flag Awards 2019

The Jackie Clarke Heritage Garden in Ballina is just one of a number of Mayo locations that have today been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award for 2019 by An Taisce. The number of International Green Flag Award Sites has surged in Ireland this year. The…

Jul 16, 2019

Ten new jobs to be created in Sligo by Connolly Motor Group, main dealers for SEAT in Sligo

Ten new full-time jobs are to be created in Sligo by Connolly Motor Group, which has just been appointed as main dealers for SEAT in Sligo. Connolly’s SEAT will open in Collooney in October and the company will make a significant investment in a building that…

Jul 16, 2019

Archbishop Dr Michael Neary congratulates Fr Michael Duignan appointed Bishop of Clonfert

Athlone native, and the Chancellor and Diocesan Secretary in the diocese of Elphin, Fr Michael Duignan is to become the new Bishop of Clonfert. He will succeed Bishop John Kirby who is retiring. The Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary has extended a very warm…

Jul 16, 2019

Irish Water agrees to odour study and public consultation ahead of seeking planning for an expansion of its Belleek Treatment plant in Ballina

Irish water has again confirmed that it has no intention of developing a regional sludge hub at Belleek in Ballina, nonetheless it has plans to develop the site already there, as an expanded dewatering location. It has now agreed to undertake an odour study…

Jul 16, 2019

12 people have been killed in accidents on Irish farms so far this year

Farmers are being reminded to stop and think when working on a farm. According to the Heath and Safety Authority, 12 people have been killed so far this year in farming accidents. Accident support group, Embrace Farm, says it's vital they think about what…

Jul 16, 2019

Extensive gorse fires last night on the Arigna mountains and along the Connemara coast

People are being urged to be careful of wild-fires over the coming days. A spell of dry weather, with moderate winds, has increased the fire risk. There was a large gorse fire on the Arigna mountains on the Roscommon/Leitrim border last night, and a bog fire…

Jul 16, 2019

Funding of €82,300 for two, first responder organisations, in Mayo announced by Minister Michael Ring under Clar funding

Funding of €82,300 for two, first responder organisations, in Mayo has been announced this morning by Minister Michael Ring under the First Response Support Measure of CLÁR. The Mayo branch of the Irish Community Rapid Response is to receive 50,000 euro for…

Jul 15, 2019

Minister Kyne launched a new SIRO rollout to provide Galway city with access to the most powerful broadband service in Ireland

Minister Seán Kyne has this afternoon launched a new SIRO rollout to provide Galway city with access to the most powerful broadband service in Ireland. The first homes in the county were connected to the network in Oranmore last week. The Galway rollout will…

Jul 15, 2019

Community of Enniscrone to lodge an appeal to An Bord Pleanála over green light for 5G mast at ESB site

The community of Enniscrone is mounting a protest campaign in opposition to planning permission granted to the ESB by Sligo County Council last Monday to erect a 20 meter telecommunications mast at its sub-station site at Frankford, Enniscrone. The mast is to…

Jul 15, 2019

Pressure on the HSE and local politicians to secure budget to open new Castlebar Hospice as soon as possible

It's hoped the new 9.2 million euro Hospice Unit in Castlebar will open to patients later this year, however, it depends on when funding becomes available from the HSE to staff the facility. Local politicians and council officials were given a tour of the 14…

Jul 15, 2019

Councillor insists better infrastructure required at Blue Flag beaches

The need for better infrastructure to be provided by Mayo County Council on the access roads to Mayo blue flag beaches, and on the beaches themselves, was raised by Fine Gael Westport based councillor Peter Flynn at this month’s meeting of Mayo County…

Jul 15, 2019

291,000 announced for 6 Mayo voluntary groups to transport people for medical services

Minister Ring approves over €290,000 to support 6 Mayo voluntary groups to transport people for medical services The Minister for Rural and Community Development, has allocated €290,887.50 in funding to six community care organisations in Mayo which provide…

Jul 13, 2019

Mayo migrant integration organisations receive funding from CIF

Funding of over €11,000 has been allocated for three community organisations in Co Mayo, to assist the integration of migrants into the local communities. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring has announced grants of €4,950 for…

Jul 13, 2019

Arts Council rolls out three-year investment programme in Tuam

The Arts Council has selected Tuam for a 3-year pilot programme for investment in the arts. It's hoped the pilot programme, with funding of €150,000 per year, will encourage the local community to get involved in developing the arts in the town. A public…

Jul 13, 2019

Minister for Agriculture confirms sheep meat deal with Japan

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed access to the Japanese market for Irish sheep meat. Minister Michael Creed said the deal was ‘agreed in principle’ during a Trade Mission to Tokyo last month and that an export certificate as…

Jul 13, 2019

Green Leader wants Saoirse McHugh to run in Seanad by-election

Green party leader Eamonn Ryan wants Achill's Saoirse McHugh to contest the Seanad by-elections for the party. McHugh impressed for the Green’s in the European elections and missed out on a seat in the Midlands North-West constituency after votes were…

Jul 13, 2019

Nominations for Mayo Friendly Business Awards will close Tuesday

Next Tuesday 16th July is the closing date for nominations for the Mayo Friendly Business Awards. The awards are run annually by Junior Chamber International, to recognise businesses that excel in serving the needs of the local community and have a genuine…

Jul 13, 2019

Progress made in the recruitment of nurses

An overtime ban was suspended yesterday after talks between Psychiatric Nurses' Association and the HSE. Progress made in the recruitment of nurses, but the focus will turn to allowances in more discussions next week. The PNA's Peter Hughes says there remains…

Jul 13, 2019

RNLI & GAA team up to deliver water safety advice to young people about the risks of drowning

The RNLI and GAA are bringing a winning partnership to coastal communities around the country. They've signed up water safety ambassadors to deliver water safety advice to young GAA fans about the risks of drowning. The RNLI's Paddy McLaughlin says the…

Jul 12, 2019

Public representatives and council officials visit new Hospice Unit in Castlebar

Mayo public representatives and council officials were given a tour today of the new Hospice Unit in Castlebar. The new 14-bed in-patient Hospice Unit cost over €9 million - and has been paid for through monies collected in fundraising efforts over the past…

Jul 12, 2019

MEP Matt Carty welcomes Dail vote rejecting Mercosur deal

Yesterday's Dail vote rejecting the EU / Mercosur trade deal is very significant, as it sends a strong message to the Government that Ireland must reject this deal. That's according to Midlands-Northwest Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy. The Sinn Fein, calling for…

Jul 12, 2019

PNA says community mental health services in the West being impacted by nurses' overtime ban

For a second successive day, psychiatric nurses are refusing to work overtime in a dispute with the HSE over recruitment and retention of staff in mental health services. The action is impacting on community services across the West, according to the…

Jul 12, 2019

Wednesday next is the closing date for submissions re extension of the Western Rail Corridor

Iarnród Éireann is reminding the general public and interested organisations that the deadline to participate in a public consultation on proposals to extend the Western Rail Corridor is next Wednesday 17th July. Working to terms of reference specified by the…

Jul 12, 2019

Some women may have waited almost a year now for a result from their cervical check screening

Some women may have waited almost a year now for a result from their cervical check screening. That's according to Fianna Fáil's health spokesman, Stephen Donnelly. The HSE says 800 women haven't received the test-results because of an IT problem at a US…

Jul 12, 2019

Minister Ring blames county councils for failing to spend the 2018 Clar funding allocated by his department

The Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring warned his Cabinet colleagues not to treat his department as a “soft touch” for projects that come under their responsibility. He also accused local authorities of failing to spend the 2018 Clar…

Jul 12, 2019

2,000 people in county Mayo used the services provided by Mayo Cancer Support at Rock Rose House in 2018

More than 480 people in county Mayo alone are likely to be diagnosed this year with a new case of cancer. That’s according to the latest statistics in cancer research. Almost 2,000 people in the county availed of the services provided by Mayo Cancer Support…

Jul 11, 2019

Road cleared at the Moneen Roundabout in Castlebar following a collision this afternoon

There was disruption to traffic in Castlebar earlier this afternoon following a collision close to the Moneen roundabout on the N5. The incident occurred about 2.30pm on the Ballyvary side of the roundabout. Emergency services attended the scene. There are no…

Jul 11, 2019

Vote carried in the Dail today telling the government to scrap Mercosur deal

The Sinn Fein motion in the Dail this afternoon calling on the government to reject / scrap the Mercosur deal has been carried by 84 votes to 46. Fianna Fail deputies backed the Sinn Fein motion. Farmers are strongly opposed to the deal because of the amount…

Jul 11, 2019

Everyone invited to a lecture this evening in Ballintober on findings of an international archeological project at Ballintober Castle

There are 70 American students in the county Roscommon village of Ballintober at present, all taking part in an annual international archeological study programme entitled “Castles in Communities, the archeological project at Ballintober Castle”. This evening…

Jul 11, 2019

Govt must act to lessen impact of Mercosur deal on rural Ireland, says Roscommon-Galway TD

The Taoiseach and Agriculture Minister cannot ignore that protests that took place outside Dail Eireann yesterday by farmers over the Mercosur deal. That's according to Roscommon Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy, who asks - if the Government is serious about…

Jul 11, 2019

Ballinrobe company among winners at the World Steak Challenge

A Ballinrobe-based meat wholesale company has won awards at the World Steak Challenge, which was held in Ireland for the first time yesterday. 15 Irish producers won a total of 75 accolades at the awards, with entries from 25 countries. Dawn Meats, Liffey…

Jul 11, 2019

Comedian Brendan Grace dies following short battle with lung cancer

Legendary comedian Brendan Grace has died at the age of 68, following a short battle with lung cancer. A Dublin native, Brendan Grace began his career in entertainment as a singer, but later turned to comedy, becoming well-known for characters such as Bottler…

Jul 11, 2019

Roscommon FF TD says his party will support SF motion today on Mercosur deal

A Midlands-Northwest MEP insists it is possible for the Irish Government to scrap the Mercosur deal. Today, the Dáil will vote on Sinn Féin's motion calling for the trade agreement to be rejected. Farmers strongly oppose the deal because of the amount of beef…

Jul 11, 2019

Psychiatric nurses begin overtime ban in dispute over staffing shortages

6,000 members of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association will begin an overtime ban today in a dispute with the HSE. The union says it's in response to a lack of meaningful progress in talks at the Workplace Relations Commission over recruitment and retention…

Jul 11, 2019

Mayo TD calls for history to be reinstated as core subject in Junior Cert cycle

Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary is calling on the Government to reinstate history as a core subject in the Junior Cert cycle immediately, otherwise he says he risk a significant decline in the number of second-level students across Mayo studying the…

Jul 10, 2019

The 27th Annual Mayo People of the Year Awards will be officially launched this evening in Castlebar

The 27th Annual Mayo People of the Year Awards will be officially launched this evening in the Breaffy House Resort Hotel in Castlebar. Again this year the awards are sponsored by The Connaught Telegraph, Mayo Rehab and Mayo County Council. Any person or…

Jul 10, 2019

Roscommon teenager a finalist in Cadbury competition to invent a new bar

A Roscommon teenager is one of the finalists in a competition to create a new chocolate bar. 17-year old Callum Clogher from Dysart is one of three finalists in the Cadbury Inventor competition, which called on chocolate lovers in Ireland and the UK to create…

Jul 10, 2019

218 % mark up on price of a kilo a beef in supermarket compared to price paid to farmer, according to survey

Irish shoppers are paying high food prices yet farmers are not getting the benefit, according to a survey released today by Roscommon deputy Denis Naughten. The survey carried out this week, excluding special offers, shows that the farmer gets €3.76 for a…

Jul 10, 2019

435 electric & hybrid cars sold in Galway in first 6 months of this year - a 62% increase

435 Electric and Hybrid cars have been sold in Galway City in the first 6 months of this year - which is a 62% increase on the same period last year. The figures were released today by Done Deal, and show that, nationally, almost 10,000 new Electric and…

Jul 10, 2019

Sligo TD calls for reversal of decision to cut rehabilitative training allowance

It's been confirmed that hundreds of young school leavers with a disability who take up training programmes this autumn are to have a special allowance axed. The rehabilitative training (RT) allowance, worth €31.80 a week per student, will no longer be paid…

Jul 10, 2019

Hundreds of farmers from the West in Dublin for protest over Mercosur deal

Hundreds of farmers from Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Roscommon are in Dublin today to join a protest outside the Dail against the Mercosur deal. The trade deal would see up to 99-thousand tonnes of beef enter the EU from South America every year - leading to…

Jul 10, 2019

Minister Kyne confirms 18th April 2021 will be Ireland's next Census Day

Sunday 18th April 2021 will be Ireland's next Census Day. The census is held every five years, and Galway West TD and Minister of State Séan Kyne - who has responsibility for the Central Statistics Office- has confirmed that, taking into account a number of…

Jul 10, 2019

Former Taoiseach John Bruton confirmed as guest speaker at opening day of Knock Novena

Former Taoiseach John Bruton has been confirmed as the guest speaker at the opening day of this year's Knock Novena. The annual Novena attracts thousands of pilgrims each day for the 9 days of the event. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Apparition…

Jul 10, 2019

Heavy traffic expected in Ballina for Heritage Day

Ballina Gardai are advising people to expect very heavy traffic in the town today, as the annual Heritage Day takes place, along with the funeral of a popular Garda who died suddenly on Saturday evening. 50-year old Detective Garda Martin Mitchell of Killala…

Jul 10, 2019

Farmers to protest outside the Dáil today over Mercosur deal

More than 1,000 farmers will protest outside the Dáil today against the Mercosur deal. Bus loads of farmers are travelling from across the West for today's protest. The deal would see up to 99-thousand tonnes of beef enter the EU from South America every year…

Jul 10, 2019

Gardai search for teenager missing from his home in Sligo

Gardaí are seeking assistance from the public in finding a teenager missing from his home in Sligo. 16-year-old Kian Dwyer was last seen in Sligo town on Saturday, and it's believed he may have travelled to Tallaght in Dublin. Kian is described as 5-foot, 11,…

Jul 09, 2019

Power supplies restored on Achill Island and in Swinford following wildlife interference

Power supplies were restored earlier this afternoon on Achill Island. About 200 customers in Achill had been without electricity since about 9.30 this morning due to a fault, but supply was restored around lunchtime. About 1700 customers in the Swinford and…

Jul 09, 2019

Taoiseach nominates Phil Hogan for second term as EU Commissioner

Phil Hogan has been nominated for a second term as European Commissioner by the Taoiseach. Leo Varadkar said the nomination was an endorsement of the last five years Mr Hogan has spent in Europe. He's praised him as a skilled negotiator who's been good for…

Jul 09, 2019

Investigation ongoing following drugs seizure in Roscommon Town

Gardai are investigating a drugs seizure in Roscommon Town last Friday afternoon. Following a search of a house on Racecourse Road in Roscommon at about 4pm, Gardai recovered a quantity of cannabis and MDMA. A youth in his late teens was arrested and a file…

Jul 09, 2019

200 customers in Achill without power due to a fault

About 200 customers on Achill Island are without electricity since earlier this morning due to a fault. The fault was reported shortly before 9.30 am and ESB Networks are working to repair the fault, with an estimated restoration time of 1pm this lunchtime.

Jul 09, 2019

The IFA will be intensifying its campaign against the Mercosur trade deal this week

The IFA will be intensifying its campaign against the Mercosur trade deal this week. The farming organisation is holding a lobby session for all TDs and Senators today to build opposition to the deal. As part of the campaign, IFA is highlighting the…

Jul 09, 2019

Garda investigation underway into alleged fraud voting in a Sligo municipal district last May

A garda investigation is underway into allegations of fraud voting in a Sligo electoral area last May, following a complaint by Fine Gael General Secretary Tom Curran. Independent cllr Declan Bree told a meeting of Sligo county council yesterday that there…

Jul 09, 2019

IFA claims Mercosur is a bad deal for famers, the environment and consumers

The Government is being called on to do all it can to stop the new EU/South American trade deal going through. The Irish Farmers Association says the Mercosur deal is bad for farming communities, the environment and the consumer. The agreement will see…

Jul 09, 2019

People, especially elderly people, are afraid to walk down the main street of Castlebar, according to cllr

People, especially elderly people, are afraid to walk down the main street of Castlebar because of the intimidating/threatening behavior of individuals and groups of young people, taking over the streets of the county town. That’s according to Castlebar…

Jul 09, 2019

Judging in the Pride of Place competition takes place this morning in Straide

Judging in the Pride of Place competition takes place this morning in Straide from 9.30am to 12.30 pm. A 20 minute video presentation on the village has been compiled, together with a booklet created from the Straideprideofplace.ie website. Everyone in the…

Jul 08, 2019

Castlebar Restaurant served food closure order last month

Eleven food businesses were issued with closure orders from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in June – the highest number in any month so far this year. Four food businesses at Dublin's Moore Street Mall received closure orders because of mouse and…

Jul 08, 2019

Pride of Place Judges to visit Knock tomorrow

The community of Knock will be putting its best foot forward tomorrow afternoon when the judges in this year’s 2019 Pride of Place Awards will be visiting the Marian village. The Pride of Place Competition is an all-island competition, organised by…

Jul 08, 2019

Mayo teenager qualifies for the Junior Baking Competition finals

A Mayo teenager has qualified for the finals in the Aldi Foróige National Junior Baking Competition, taking one of the top two places in the Regional finals. Jessalyn Jennings, aged 13 from Brickens Foróige club in County Mayo impressed with her chocolate…

Jul 08, 2019

Portiuncula Hospital has higher than average death rate for heart attack patients

A patient's chance of dying after a heart attack or stroke can vary significantly depending on their hospital, a report by the National Healthcare Quality Reporting System has revealed. A number of hospitals across Ireland are ranked with much higher…

Jul 08, 2019

John Perry has warned Fine Gael it risks losing power at the general election if he is not on the party ticket in Sligo-Leitrim

Former junior minister,Sligo’s John Perry has warned Fine Gael it risks losing power at the general election if he is not on the party ticket in Sligo-Leitrim. Mr Perry told today’s Irish Independent, that if Fine Gael is not serious about winning two seats…

Jul 08, 2019

Ireland West Airport has announced a new partnership with Connacht Rugby and Ireland Outhalf Jack Carty

Ireland West Airport has announced a new partnership with Connacht Rugby and Ireland Outhalf Jack Carty. It’s part of a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the airport’s links with the community. Jack Carty, a Roscommon native, currently plays for…

Jul 08, 2019

Community shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Ballina based detective Garda Martin Mitchell

The sudden death on Saturday of a Ballina based detective garda has shocked and saddened the local community and his many colleagues within the garda force. Detective Garda Martin Mitchell, Killala Road, Ballina, investigated many cases of serious crime over…

Jul 07, 2019

Bishop says the Taoiseach needs to learn from the comments he made about Michéal Martin

The new Bishop of Cork and Ross says Leo Varadkar needs to learn from comments he made about Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin. During a Dáil debate this week, the Taoiseach said the opposition leader reminds him of a priest who preaches then sins behind the…

Jul 07, 2019

Warm weather for the week ahead according to Met Eireann

Good news on the weather front. If yesterday's gloomy conditions put you in a bad mood - you can start smiling again today. Met Eireann's John Eagleton says the national weather forecast for the next week shows the warm weather isn't going anywhere.

Jul 05, 2019

Former Solicitor Michael Lynn who is accused of multi-million euro thefts appeared in court today as part of preparations for his trial next year

Former solicitor Michael Lynn who is accused of multi-million euro thefts was in court today as part of preparations for his trial next year. Mr Lynn (50) with an address in St Alban's Park, Sandymount, Dublin, is facing 21 charges relating to the alleged…

Jul 05, 2019

No drink allowed on board the Westport & Galway services out of Dublin on Monday

Irish Rail is advising passengers that no drink will be allowed on board its Galway and Westport services out of Dublin on Monday morning and afternoon. The trains also won't be selling alcohol from the catering trolleys. The 5 services are expected to be…

Jul 05, 2019

US vice-president Pence's grandfather was born in Doocastle, according to MCC

Mayo County Council has today welcomed the news that US Vice President Mike Pence is considering a visit to Ireland later this year. In a statement to Midwest News it says that its records show that Vice President Pence’s grandfather Richard Michael Cawley,…

Jul 05, 2019

1300 runners to take part in the Achill Half Marathon and 10k races tomorrow

1300 competitors will take part tomorrow morning in the Achill Half Marathon and the 10km race. The annual event attracts huge numbers annually, and Achill today is already a buzz with visitors and competitors. The Half Marathon gets underway at 10.30am and…

Jul 05, 2019

Minister invites public views on Diaspora Policy at consultation meeting in Castlebar on Monday next

The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development Ciarán Cannon will host a public town hall consultation meeting at The T.F. Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar on Monday evening next, July 8th, from 6 to 8pm, to get the public’s view on…

Jul 05, 2019

Sentencing adjourned as two Galway brothers convicted of stealing 205,000 euro from a vulnerable pensioner

Two Galway brothers face sentence later this month for stealing over €205,000 from a vulnerable old age pensioner by carrying out bogus repairs to her home over a two-year period. According to today’s Irish Thomas Coen (46), with addresses at Corrib Park,…

Jul 05, 2019

The number of children being admitted to adult psychiatric units is a scandal, according to Roscommon Deputy

The number of children being admitted to adult psychiatric units is a scandal, according to Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy. 111 children have been admitted to adult mental-health facilities over the past 18 months - 84 last year and 27 so far in 2019. The HSE…

Jul 05, 2019

US vice-president with Sligo ancestry looks set to visit Ireland in September

The Department of Foreign Affairs says US vice-president Mike Pence has indicated his wish to visit Ireland this year. It says it has had contact with the US administration on the proposed visit, but that it remains unconfirmed. It's reported dates in early…

Jul 04, 2019

Mayo is Ireland's second luckiest county in the EuroMillions game since its launch in 2004

Mayo is Ireland's second luckiest county in the Euromillions game, according to the National Lottery. 23 EuroMillions top prize winners in Mayo have shared over €51 million in prizes since the game was launched in 2004. That translates into a top prize winner…

Jul 04, 2019

Roscommon farmer died while patching bales in the yard

Gardai and the Health & Safety Authority are investigating the sudden death of a man in his 50's on a farm in Co Roscommon. The farmer's body was discovered yesterday and reported to Gardai, but it's not clear when he died. Gardai attended the scene at a farm…

Jul 04, 2019

Mairead McGuinness re-elected First Vice-President of the European Parliament

Midlands-Northwest MEP Mairead McGuinness has been re-elected First Vice-President of the European Parliament. The Fine Gael MEP secured over 93% of the votes in the European Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday evening. Mairead McGuinness, who topped the poll…

Jul 04, 2019

Gardai investigate sudden death of man on Co Roscommon farm

Gardai are investigating the sudden death of a man in his 50's on a farm in Co Roscommon. The farmer's body was discovered yesterday and reported to Gardai, but it's not clear when he died. Gardai attended the scene at a farm in the Killeglan area of…

Jul 04, 2019

House extensively damaged in a blaze near Bohola in the early hours of this morning

The Mayo Fire Service were called to a house fire in the early hours of this morning near Bohola along the N5. The house was extensively damaged in the blaze. Smoke from the fire made driving conditions difficult earlier this morning along the N5 but it has…

Jul 04, 2019

GAA Supporters advised to stay safe on roads this Saturday as they make the journey to Limerick

Thousands of football fans from Mayo and Galway will be travelling to Limerick this Saturday for the round 4 All-Ireland football qualifier, and the replay of the Ladies Connacht final. Gardai and Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office are urging drivers to…

Jul 04, 2019

Paramedics to protest outside Leinster House later ahead of a planned 24 hour strike in two weeks time

Paramedics who are members of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association will protest at Leinster House later, demanding the HSE recognise their union. They plan to strike for 24 hours starting at 7am on the 19th of July in the eighth day of industrial action in…

Jul 03, 2019

Drone delivery of Solus light bulbs to Supervalu Westport today

SuperValu in Westport is the first ever retail store to have Solus light bulbs delivered by a drone. Solus piloted the drone delivery experiment in controlled conditions and is the first lighting company to use drone technology to carry out a retail delivery.…

Jul 03, 2019

PNA ambulance staff to take 24 hour strike action later this month

Ambulance members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) will protest at Leinster House, tomorrow (Thurs) from 12.30 pm. to 2.30 pm. in their continuing campaign for the right to join, and be represented by the PNA as the union of their choice. PNA has…

Jul 03, 2019

Ianrod Eireann advise customers of high demand this weekend for tickets

Ianrród Éireann is advising customers that services are expected to be extremely busy this Friday and Saturday with those attending Westlife at Croke Park and Longitude at Marlay Park. The majority of Intercity services from all locations, which depart in the…

Jul 03, 2019

Roscommon TD calls for immediate stay on transfer of patients from Rosalie Unit, pending independent inquiry

A Roscommon TD has called for an immediate stay to be put on the transfer of residents from the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, pending a full independent inquiry into the treatment of residents by senior management within the HSE. The issue was debated as part of…

Jul 03, 2019

New MEP, Mayo native Maria Walsh attends first plenary session in Strasbourg

Newly-elected MEP Maria Walsh is attending her first plenary session in Strasbourg this week. The Shrule native was elected to the European Parliament in May, alongside sitting MEPs Mairead McGuinness, Luke Ming Flanagan and Matt Carthy, to represent the 13…

Jul 03, 2019

Prison officers in Castlerea injured 11 times last year while trying to restrain an inmate

Prison officers were injured 137 times last year while trying to restrain an inmate. That's up from 91 similar incidents in 2017, according to the Irish Examiner. "Restraint intervention" cover situations where a prisoner is not complying - including when…

Jul 03, 2019

People working outdoors urged to be vigilant during Summer to reduce skin cancer risk

People working outdoors are urged to be extra vigilant during the Summer months, to reduce their risk of skin cancer. The Irish Cancer Society says almost one in four skin cancer deaths in Ireland are from the construction, outdoor and farming industries. In…

Jul 03, 2019

Contractors appointed for €10 million upgrade of Lough Talt water supply, says Sligo TD

Contractors have been appointed for the upgrade works on the Lough Talt water scheme in south Sligo, and work on the €10 million project is set to start in September. That's according to Sligo Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon. Over 12,000 consumers are currently…

Jul 03, 2019

Almost 8 in 10 septic tanks in Mayo failed inspection over past 2 years

Almost 8 in 10 septic tank systems in Mayo failed inspection in 2017 and 2018 - the highest failure rate in the country - posing a risk to human health and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency has published a review of over 2,000 inspections…

Jul 02, 2019

Irish Rail appointing Customer Service Officers on board Mayo trains following complaints of anti-social behaviour

The level of complains made in relation to anti-social behaviour on the Dublin-Westport railway line will be discussed at a meeting next week. Details released under the Freedom of Information Act show Irish Rail received 40 complaints of antisocial behaviour…

Jul 02, 2019

Four Mayo towns nominated for 2019 National Enterprise Town Awards

Four Mayo towns are in the running to be named Ireland's most enterprising town. Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar and Westport are among the nominees in the 2019 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards, which bring business and community groups together…

Jul 02, 2019

New car sales in Mayo in first half of 2019 down over 10%

New car sales in Mayo are down over 10% in the first half of 2019, compared to this time last year. That's according to figures published by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, as the 192 registration now begins from today - 1st July. In Mayo, 1344 new…

Jul 02, 2019

Minister Daly confirms there is no intention at present to reduce beds capacity at Belmullet District Hospital

There is no intention at present to reduce the bed capacity at Belmullet District Hospital. That was confirmed today by the Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly to Midwest Radio News. The Minister visited the District hospital yesterday and…

Jul 02, 2019

40 complaints of anti-social behaviour lodged with IE from passengers on the Dublin-Westport railway last year

Irish Rail has received several complaints of harassment and abuse towards passengers on the Dublin-Westport railway line. A schoolgirl claims she was threatened with 'sexual punishments' by drunk men. This is among 40 complaints of antisocial behaviour on…

Jul 02, 2019

Roscommon woman Mary Coyne, Ireland’s oldest person, died yesterday (Monday) at the age of 108

Castlerea woman Mary Coyne, Ireland’s oldest person, died yesterday (Monday) at the age of 108. She was a resident of the Aras Mathair Phoil Community Nursing Unit in Castlerea. Eight years ago she received the centenarian medal from President Michael D.…

Jul 02, 2019

ICSA protest outside Kepak, Athleague was called off yesterday with talks planned for Thursday

The ICSA protest outside Kepak in Athleague was called off yesterday evening following discussions with Kepak management. ICSA sheep chairman Sean McNamara who led the delegation said that there had been a robust exchange of views and that further talks were…

Jul 01, 2019

Over 2,400 women in Galway waiting for outpatient appointment to see gynaecologist

Over 2,400 women in Galway are waiting for an outpatient appointment to see a gynaecologist - while nationally at the end of May, there were 29,152 women waiting, a 4.4 percent increase compared to the same time last year. According to figures from the…

Jul 01, 2019

Natus Medical Incorporated opens new multi million euro distribution centre in Gort

Natus Medical Incorporated is a US-based firm that already employs almost 150 people in Gort, county Galway, and today opened a new multi million euro distribution centre in the town. The workforce, travelling to the south Galway town from across the region,…

Jul 01, 2019

Family of Ballina man who died in Malawi in April looking for answers over his death

The family of a Ballina man, who died in Malawi last April, are calling for answers, after it emerged that he died from poisoning - not from malaria which was the initial verdict. 71-year old Terry Martin Collins, known as Ted, from Bunree Road, Ballina was…

Jul 01, 2019

Sheep farmers protest at Kepak in Athleague over lamb prices

Sheep farmers are staging a protest at the Kepak factory in Athleague, Co Roscommon over the falling prices for lamb. The Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association says their members are protesting at the entrance to the Kepak factory since yesterday…

Jul 01, 2019

Minister Jim Daly to visit Belmullet District Hospital this afternoon

Ahead of this afternoon’s visit by the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly to Belmullet District hospital, Sinn Féin Senator Rose Conway-Walsh has said it is time for truth and transparency around the future of the facility. She…

Jul 01, 2019

CAO "Change of Mind" deadline is 5.15 this evening

There's a call on students to think about choosing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is making the call, ahead of the CAO Change of Mind deadline at 5.15 this evening. It says 81 percent…

Jul 01, 2019

Hundreds attended a memorial mass yesterday in Tourmakeady for couple who died a in road collision in New York in May

Hundreds of mourners attended a memorial mass celebrating the lives of JohnJohn Heneghan (33), from Tourmakeady and Caitlin Holtzman (32), from Pennsylvania, in Mr Heneghan’s native parish yesterday. The couple died after a suspected drunk driver collided…

Jul 01, 2019

Mercosur deal is "a disaster for Mayo" according to deputy Calleary

The agreement by the EU to allow for the importation of 100,000 tonnes of beef from South America through the Mercosur trade agreement is a disaster for farmers in this region. That’s the view of Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara Calleary. Irish beef farmers claim…

Jun 30, 2019

Mayo Mountain Rescue team tasked with two separate missions yesterday

The Mayo Mountain Rescue Team were tasked by An Garda Síochána shortly after 4pm yesterday to assist Coastguard helicopter Rescue 118 with evacuation of a male casualty who had sustained a leg injury after falling on the descent from Croagh Patrick. A first…

Jun 30, 2019

Sinn Féin calling on Government not to sign up to a draft trade deal between the EU and South American Countries

Sinn Fein's calling on the Government not to sign up to a draft trade deal between the EU and South American countries. The Mercosur agreement would allow them to export up to 99 thousand tonnes of beef into Europe. The party's agriculture spokesperson Martin…

Jun 30, 2019

Revenue Commissioners planning to crack down on cross-border coal smuggling

The taxman will crack down on cross-border coal smuggling ahead of a hike in the carbon tax. CPL Fuels, one of Ireland's largest coal merchants, estimates a fifth of the coal sold in the Republic was brought south without paying tax. The company told the…

Jun 29, 2019

Farmers furious over new free-trade deal with South America

Irish farmers are furious over a new free-trade deal with South America. The Mercosur agreement paves the way for imports of cheaper beef from South America across the EU. IFA President Joe Healy says it's bad news for Ireland, for consumers and for the…

Jun 29, 2019

Galway charity appealing to private property owners to help with the homeless problem

A Galway charity is appealing to private property owners to help with the homeless problem. A one-day census by COPE Galway has found 174 households from across the city and county living in emergency accommodation - which is a 20 percent increase on last…

Jun 29, 2019

Water Safety Ireland's warning that there are an average of five drownings every fortnight in Ireland

Water Safety Ireland's warning that there are an average of five drownings every fortnight in Ireland. As people flock to lakes and beaches during the warm weather - rescue chiefs are reminding people that while it may be hot - water temperatures are still a…

Jun 29, 2019

Army Bomb Disposal Unit called to deal with a suspected viable explosive device in Achill

The army bomb disposal unit were called to deal with a suspected viable explosive device on Dooagh beach in Achill last night. Gardaí were alerted when a walker spotted the suspicious device shortly after 9pm last night. The area was sealed off overnight by…

Jun 28, 2019

Straide Community encouraged to attend festivities on July 9th, as adjudicating in Pride of Place takes place

Straide are finalists in the national Pride of Place Awards 2019 and every effort is underway locally to ensure the village, the birthplace of the founder of the land league, Michael Davitt, will be at its best when the panel of adjudicators visit the village…

Jun 28, 2019

The health service won't be disrupted next week after 3 planned strikes by support staff have been deferred

The health service won't be disrupted next week after 3 planned strikes by support staff have been deferred. Staff at hospitals and other facilities were due to walk off the job next week as part of an ongoing pay dispute. But the Labour Court's asked for the…

Jun 28, 2019

Planning permission granted for new Hospice Unit in Roscommon

Planning permission has been granted for a new Hospice Unit in Roscommon Town. Mayo Roscommon Hospice has confirmed that Roscommon County Council has approved planning for an 8-bedroom palliative care centre on a site located adjacent to Roscommon University…

Jun 28, 2019

New maternity unit will be included in 5-storey building planned for UHG

A new maternity unit will be included in the new five-storey building proposed for University Hospital Galway. A new Emergency Department will occupy two floors of the new 5-storey block, along with a new maternity unit comprising delivery suites, theatres…

Jun 28, 2019

Another warm day in the West but heavy showers possible

The West of Ireland can expect another warm day, but temperatures not quite as high as yesterday, which is believed to have been the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures in the West rose to the high 20's - with 28 degrees recorded in Shannon and…

Jun 28, 2019

Gardai advise Mayo supporters to leave plenty of time for travelling to MacHale Park tomorrow evening

Gardai in Castlebar are reminding Mayo football supporters travelling to MacHale Park this Saturday evening for the All-Ireland senior football championship against Armagh to leave plenty of time for their journey - particularly if they're travelling on the…

Jun 28, 2019

HSE confirms 27 patients had surgery postponed due to faulty water pump at Mayo University Hospital

27 patients had surgical procedures postponed earlier this month at Mayo University Hospital, due to a faulty water pump in the hospital's sterile services department. This also meant that surgical implements had to be sent to other hospitals in Galway and…

Jun 28, 2019

Preliminary hearing this morning at Labour Court over health support workers' dispute

All sides involved in the health support workers' dispute will go to the Labour Court this morning. The HSE and SIPTU failed to reach an agreement yesterday in talks at the Workplace Relations Commission. 10-thousand health-support staff are involved in a row…

Jun 27, 2019

Roscommon TD claims 68,000 carers in Ireland suffer from depression - almost enough to fill Croke Park

More than 68,000 carers in Ireland suffer from depression - that's nearly enough people to fill every seat in Croke Park. That's according to Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten who told the Dáil last night that a large proportion of those carers suffer…

Jun 27, 2019

Mayo enjoys temperatures in the mid-twenties, with similar forecast for tomorrow

The West of Ireland is experiencing continental temperatures today, as a heatwave sweeps across Europe. A status yellow high temperature warning remains in place until 7 pm this evening for 6 counties - including Mayo and Galway. Figures from Met Eireann this…

Jun 27, 2019

Man fatally injured in single-vehicle collision near Loughrea, Co Galway

A man in his 30s has died in a road collision in Co Galway. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the collision which occured at about 6.30am this morning, when a car collided with a wall on the Loughrea to Ballyglass Road near Kylemore Village. The male…

Jun 27, 2019

Aran Islands RNLI assists two people on board a yacht that got tangled in lobster pots

The Aran Islands RNLI crew was launched this morning to come to the assistance of two people on board a yacht that had run into difficulties. The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 7.27am by the Irish Coast Guard. They…

Jun 27, 2019

Company that manages Ireland West Airport Knock fined for illegal use of green diesel

The company that manages Ireland West Airport Knock has been fined a total of €10,000 for the illegal use of green diesel. RTE reports that Connaught Airport Development Company Limited pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal use of green diesel in vehicles,…

Jun 27, 2019

1.5 million euro allocated to Gaeltacht Schools in Galway and Mayo under the Irish Language Assistants Scheme

The Minister for the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Galway deputy Sean Kyne has today allocated €1.5 million to Gaeltacht schools in Galway, Mayo and Meath under the Irish Language Assistants Scheme. The funding is part of a national allocation by the Minister of…

Jun 27, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for "more care for carers"

“More care needs to be taken of the carers”, that’s the view of Mayo Sinn Fein senator Rose Conway Walsh. She says that people caring for loved ones in their homes, save the state in excess of 10 billion euro a year, yet she says only a fraction of Home…

Jun 27, 2019

SIPTU to attend talks this morning at WRC in an attempt to resolve pay dispute for HSE support staff

More than 2,000 surgical and scope procedures and outpatient appointments nationally were cancelled yesterday as a result of a 24-hour strike by 10,000 health care workers in a dispute over pay. The HSE said the industrial action created a challenging…

Jun 27, 2019

A warm-weather warning will come into effect for this region later this afternoon

A warm-weather warning will come into effect for this region later this afternoon. Temperatures are set to hit in excess of 27 degrees in parts of the south and west, according to Met Eireann, who've issued a yellow level alert. It's in place for Mayo,…

Jun 27, 2019

Roscommon senator welcome new pilot programme allowing cannabis products for medicinal use

Roscommon Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed a 5 year pilot programme allowing access to cannabis-based products for medical use. The Medicinal Cannabis Access programme was launched yesterday by the Minister for Health, Simon Harris after signing legislation…

Jun 26, 2019

Clerical changes announced today in the diocese of Killala

Bishop John Fleming has announced the following clerical changes in Killala diocese: Fr Aidan O’Boyle to be Parish Priest of Kilmoremoy, Ballina. Fr Gerard O’Hora to be Co-Pastor. Kilglass, living in Enniscrone. Fr Edward Rogan on loan to St James Missionary…

Jun 26, 2019

Siptu to meet WRC tomorrow as 10,000 health support workers strike today

SIPTU Health representatives have accepted an invitation to attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tomorrow (Thursday, 27th June) at 10.30 am to discuss the dispute involving 10,000 health service workers over the implementation of a job…

Jun 26, 2019

A status yellow high temperature warning has been issued for Mayo and Galway tomorrow

A status yellow high temperature warning has been issued for a number of western and southern counties tomorrow. Met Eireann says it applies to counties Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. The warning is valid from 1 pm tomorrow (Thurs) afternoon…

Jun 26, 2019

Minister Harris cant understand why unions representing striking health support staff haven't gone to the Labour Court

The Health Minister says he can't understand why the union representing health support staff went ahead with a strike before going to the Labour Court. 10 thousand workers including cleaners, porters and catering staff have downed tools today in a pay…

Jun 26, 2019

New US Ambassador to Ireland, former Cleveland Mayo Society Person of the Year, set to be sworn into office today

The new US Ambassador to Ireland is set to be sworn into office today. Edward Crawford, a former Cleveland Mayo Society Person of the Year, was appointed to the position earlier this month, with the post vacant since Barack Obama's presidency ended. The 81…

Jun 26, 2019

Inland Fisheries Ireland is appealing to anglers and the general public to report the presence of any Pacific pink salmon in Irish rivers systems over coming months

Inland Fisheries Ireland is appealing to anglers and the general public to report the presence of any Pacific pink salmon in Irish rivers systems over the coming months. They're concerned that the presence of pink salmon in Irish rivers could negatively…

Jun 26, 2019

10-thousand health support staff are on strike at 38 hospitals across the country since 8am this morning

10-thousand health support staff are on strike at 38 hospitals across the country since 8am this morning. They're walking off the job for 24 hours as part of an ongoing pay dispute. Chefs, cleaners, porters and maternity care assistants are among the staff…

Jun 25, 2019

HSE outlines services likely to be impacted by tomorrow's industrial action planned by SIPTU health care workers

In a statement to Midwest News this afternoon, the HSE says it regrets that the industrial action planned by SIPTU tomorrow Wednesday, will affect patient services. The industrial action planned at Mayo, Sligo, Galway and Roscommon University hospitals among…

Jun 25, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for funding for major road scheme between Ballina and Castlebar

A Mayo Senator is calling on the Transport Minister Shane Ross to fund a major road scheme between Ballina and Castlebar. FG Senator Michelle Mulherin says €10 million has already been spent since in the last decade on seeking a solution to environmental…

Jun 25, 2019

Ten burglaries reported in Mayo since the start of June

Gardai say ten burglaries have been reported in the Mayo Garda division since the start of this month - 5 in the Claremorris area, 3 in Castlebar and two in Kilkelly. While the number of burglaries in Mayo to date this year is down over 50% on the same period…

Jun 25, 2019

Four Asian restaurants in the west have secured national titles in the first ever Irish Asian Food Awards

Four Asian restaurants in the west have secured national titles in the first ever Irish Asian Food Awards. The awards recognise the top Asian restaurants, takeaways and food establishments across Ireland and celebrates those who work their hardest to promote…

Jun 25, 2019

Works to start in Roscommon Town next month to provide a more reliable water supply

Works will get underway early next month in Roscommon Town, to provide a more reliable water supply for businesses. Irish Water, working with Roscommon County Council, is will replace sections of problematic water mains in the county town, to reduce the…

Jun 25, 2019

Two Mayo museums receive grants totalling €8,000

Two museums in Mayo will receive grants totalling €8,000 under the Regional Museum Exhibitions Scheme, which provides funding support for local and regional museums. Minister Michael Ring has announced that €4,500 has been allocated to the Michael Davitt…

Jun 25, 2019

Foxford man selected as Rose escort for 2019 Rose of Tralee Festival

A Foxford man has been selected to be one of the Rose Escorts at the 2019 Rose of Tralee International Festival in August. 25-year old Pearce Maloney, a primary school teacher from Foxford, took part in the annual Boot Camp earlier this month in Kerry, after…

Jun 25, 2019

Three jet skiers rescued by Clifden RNLI last night

The Clifden RNLI crew responded to a call last night to assist three jet skiers. Shortly after 9pm, the Clifden RNLI received reports of two jet skis broken down between Inishbofin and Cleggan, with three people on board. The inshore lifeboat was launched…

Jun 25, 2019

Some hospital procedures will be deferred as health support workers go on strike tomorrow

Tomorrow's strike by 10,000 health support workers will go ahead, in their pay-dispute with government. Talks between SIPTU, the HSE and Department of Public Expenditure ended last evening without agreement. It means healthcare assistants, chefs, porters,…

Jun 25, 2019

Report shows compliance rates for in-patient mental health units across Mayo are varied

Compliance rates for in-patient mental health units across Mayo are varied, according to the 2018 Annual Report of the Mental Health Commission. The Commission inspects in-patient mental health facilities that are registered with them at least once a year,…

Jun 24, 2019

Wednesday's strike by health support workers to go ahead

Hospital support staff will go ahead with their planned strike this Wednesday, after talks concluded this evening at the Workplace Relations Commission without an agreement. 10,000 support staff, who are members of SIPTU, will take part in a 24-hour strike…

Jun 24, 2019

Met Eireann forecasts dry, warm weather across the West from Wednesday

Met Eireann predicts that temperatures could reach the mid-20's across Connacht later this week - but we can expect heavy rain in parts of the country over the rest of today. A status yellow weather advisory is in place for Ireland, with a risk of heavy…

Jun 24, 2019

Woman fell between platform and train at Manulla Junction

A woman fell from the platform at Manulla Junction yesterday, while boarding the train for Ballina. Midwest News understands that the woman fell between the platform and train as she was attempting to board the 16.40 service to Ballina. Irish Rail staff and…

Jun 24, 2019

Mayo cyclists among group who completed 2,000 km challenge from Lourdes to Knock

Three Mayo men were among a group of five cyclists who completed a five day 2,000 km ultra cycling challenge from Lourdes to Knock over the weekend. Alan Heaney from Swinford, Jonathon Verry from Crossmolina and Gary Bigley from Kiltimagh were joined by…

Jun 24, 2019

Erris Senator claims HSE planning to close 5 beds at Belmullet District Hospital

The HSE is planning to reduce the number of beds at Belmullet District Hospital from 20 to 15. That's according to Erris-based Senator Rose Conway-Walsh, who has told Midwest News today that HSE senior officials informed unions on Friday that the number of…

Jun 24, 2019

Tuam's roundabouts require work to entice local business, according to Minister Canney

Tuam's new roundabouts off the motorway and by-pass do nothing to promote the town and are in a poor state, according to Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney. Minister Canney is calling upon Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Galway…

Jun 24, 2019

Price of three-bed semi in County Mayo rose by 1.6% to €160,000 in the past year, according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance

The price of the average three-bed semi in County Mayo rose by 1.6% to €160,000 in the past year, according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance. Mayo prices were static in the last three months, the REA Average House Price Survey found.…

Jun 24, 2019

A dozen reasons outlined by Mayo County Council to "get on your bike"

National Bike week is in full swing (June 22nd to June 30th )and Mayo County Council is setting a challenge to motorists to park the car for just one day this week or one trip and take the bike . With the country fully focused on Climate Change the local…

Jun 24, 2019

IFA protests at EU Commission offices in Dublin this morning over deal with Brazil

IFA President Joe Healy lead IFA National Officers and members of the IFA Livestock Committee in a protest at the EU Commission offices in Dublin this morning over what it says is “the double standards” of the Commission in its reckless pursuit of a ‘Sell…

Jun 23, 2019

A competitor has been killed in the Donegal International Rally this afternoon

A competitor has been killed in the Donegal International Rally this afternoon. It happened at 12:30pm on Super Stage 15 on the Fanad Head Loop. The first three stages have been cancelled. Gardai are at the scene.

Jun 23, 2019

Wild Atlantic Way was this week awash with influential media from across the globe

The Wild Atlantic Way is this week awash with influential media from across the globe, as they undertake a tailored itinerary to learn more about the Wild Atlantic Way and Mayo. The overseas media visit was designed, hosted and managed by Fáilte Ireland, in…

Jun 23, 2019

Almost €300,000 in LEADER funding announced for Mayo community projects

Almost €300,000 in LEADER Funding has been announced for five Mayo community projects. The largest amount has gone towards the Big Red Barn company based in Aghamore. €150,000 will go to expanding the existing factory to increase the manufacturing space by…

Jun 23, 2019

BAI will police video content on social media across the EU under new proposals before government

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will police video content on social media across the EU under new proposals before government. The Sunday Independent reports the BAI will be responsible for news rules for content on sites like Facebook, Twitter and…

Jun 22, 2019

National Bike Week gets underway this weekend

National Bike Week gets underway this weekend, and drivers are being urged to slow down and keep a safe distance when overtaking cyclists on both rural and urban roads. Motorists should also check for passing cyclists before opening a door to exit a vehicle.…

Jun 22, 2019

Mayo Senator urges Mayo County Council to apply for grant-aid to proceed with proposed Salmon Life Centre in Ballina

A Mayo Senator is urging Mayo County Council to apply for grant-aid to proceed with the proposed Salmon Life Centre in Ballina. Fáilte Ireland recently announced a new grant scheme for large-scale visitor attractions, with funding of up to €2.5 million…

Jun 22, 2019

Part 8 Planning for flood relief works at Carrowholly in Westport to be published next week

The long awaited flood relief works at Carrowholly in Westport, at last appear to be making progress with a Part 8 planning for the works to be published next week, with an opportunity for people to make submissions on the proposal before the end of August.…

Jun 22, 2019

Irish journalist meets with Bosnian war survivors expressing sadness over Ireland's Tuam Babies

An Irish journalist has met with Bosnian war survivors expressing sadness over Ireland's Tuam Babies. Women gathered for an international summit in Sarajevo expressed their solidarity with all those affected by the historic deaths of children in Irish…

Jun 22, 2019

10,000 health workers will go on strike on Wednesday if further talks on Monday aren't successful

10,000 health workers will go on strike on Wednesday if further talks on Monday aren't successful. Support-staff at various grades are involved in a row over pay and a jobs evaluation scheme with the HSE. Talks took place between both sides at the Workplace…

Jun 21, 2019

Delays on R312 Belmullet to Castlebar road as services deal with a bus which went off road earlier

There are some delays reported on the R312 Castlebar to Belmullet road this evening as services try to recover a bus which went off road earlier. The bus left the road North of Beltra school on the R312 Road from Castlebar to Belmullet. The road is not fully…

Jun 21, 2019

Met Eireann says temperatures are set to rise over the coming days

Temperatures are set to rise over the coming days. Met Eireann's predicting warmer and more humid weather into next week. However, there is a risk of thundery downpours. Met Eireann says we'll have a mixed weekend in store ahead of the warmer conditions.

Jun 21, 2019

Man has died following a farm accident in Roscommon

A man has died following a farm accident in Co Roscommon. The man, who passed away in hospital this morning, was injured following an incident last Saturday involving a tractor. The Health and Safety Authority has confirmed it is investigating the…

Jun 21, 2019

Galway fire services attend the scene of a fire in the city in the early hours of this morning

Galway Fire Services attended the scene of a fire in the city centre in the early hours of this morning The blaze broke out at a commercial premises at Middle Street around 1.45a.m. Two units of the city brigade attended the scene and brought the fire under…

Jun 21, 2019

Funding announced for Greenways in Mayo and Galway

3.2 million euro in funding has been announced for greenway developments in county Mayo. Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring says today’s funding from the department of transport will extend the Great Western Greenway between Westport…

Jun 21, 2019

Congregation asked to pray for the family of the Mother of three found dead in her Westport home last Friday at her funeral service in Cork yesterday

The brother of a woman found dead in her home in Westport last week, asked the congregation at her funeral service yesterday to pray for her family. According to today’s Irish Independent, David French told mourners that mother of three Valerie French-Kilroy…

Jun 21, 2019

Ballina has the third lowest level of income nationally, in towns with populations of 10,000 people or more

Ballina has the third lowest level of income nationally, in towns with populations of 10,000 people or more. That’s according to the latest report published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), while households in Malahide, Co Dublin, enjoy the highest…

Jun 20, 2019

IT solutions company Arkphire announces 15 new jobs in Castlebar

IT solutions company Arkphire has announced plans to create 15 new jobs in Mayo. The news follows Arkphire's acquisition last year of CloudStrong - a specialist cloud solution provider based in Castlebar. Having consolidated the CloudStrong business into a…

Jun 20, 2019

Funeral takes place in Cork of mother-of-three killed in Westport last week

The brother of Valerie French-Kilroy has told her funeral that her "three young sons are almost unaware of the catastrophe that has unfolded around them". Speaking at the service in Rosscarbery in Co. Cork, David French told the congregation they were here to…

Jun 20, 2019

Galway Gardai appeal for witnesses following two assaults in the city last weekend

Gardai in Galway are appealing for witnesses following two separate assaults in the city last weekend. In the early hours of Saturday morning - between 1.30 and 2.30am -a man in his 40's was seriously injured as he came the assistance of another man who was…

Jun 20, 2019

Talks to resume at WRC this afternoon over health support staff dispute

The HSE is contacting patients whose surgeries or appointments can now go ahead following the cancellation of today's strike. 10 thousand hospital support staff were due to walk off the job today in a row over pay rises - but the 24-hour strike was called off…

Jun 20, 2019

UHG most overcrowded hospital in the country with 46 patients on trolleys

University Hospital Galway is the most overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 46 patients waiting for a bed - according to the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation. There are 16 patients on trolleys at Mayo University Hospital, 11 at Sligo University…

Jun 20, 2019

Met Eireann launches first Podcast on weather tomorrow morning

Met Éireann will begin a new monthly podcast series, The Met Éireann Podcast,tomorrow (Friday). The series, co-presented by Met Éireann’s Liz Walsh and Noel Fitzpatrick, will cover a range of public interest topics on weather and climate with national and…

Jun 20, 2019

Mayo TD describes maternity facilities in some hospitals across the country as unacceptable

A Mayo TD has described maternity facilities in some hospitals across the country as unacceptable. Fianna Fail Deputy Lisa Chambers was speaking during a Private Members Motion in the Dail yesterday. She said that the difficulty in obtaining foetal anomaly…

Jun 20, 2019

Baby girl spent four nights in hospital after being exposed to cryptosporidium on Sligo water supply

A baby girl spent four nights in hospital after she was exposed to cryptosporidium according to this morning’s Irish Independent. A campaigner from the Lough Talt Water Warriors in Sligo, Kellie Cadman said she was given permission by the baby's family to…

Jun 20, 2019

Irish Water confirms to deputy that it has no plans to develop a regional sludge hub in county Mayo

Irish Water has confirmed to Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara Calleary that it has no plans to develop a regional sludge hub in the county. The response comes as residents living close to the waste water treatment plant located in the Belleek area of Ballina,…

Jun 20, 2019

There's expected to be disruption for patients in the health service today, despite strike action being called off

There's expected to be disruption for patients in the health service today - despite a strike by 10 thousand support staff being called off. They were due to stage a 24 hour walkout in a row over the implementation of pay rises. However, SIPTU's confirmed the…

Jun 19, 2019

Tomorrow's strike by health workers has been deferred to allow for talks at the Workplace Relations Commission

Tomorrow's strike by health workers has been deferred to allow for talks at the Workplace Relations Commission. Siptu representatives have confirmed that a 24 hour workplace stoppage at 38 hospitals and healthcare facilities has been postponed at the request…

Jun 19, 2019

Celebrations in Foxford this Friday to mark 242nd anniversary of the birth of Admiral Brown

To celebrate the 242nd anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown of Foxford, a model of his famous ship “Hercules” will go on exhibition in the town’s Admiral Brown Museum from Friday next. Admiral Brown, a native of Foxford, was the founder of the…

Jun 19, 2019

Gardai urge homeowners to secure their property during Summer months

Gardai are urging homeowners to secure their properties during the Summer months, as one in four burglars enter the property through an open door or window. This is part of a European burglary prevention initiative, with 12 countries co-ordinating burglary…

Jun 19, 2019

Residents of The Quay in Ballina oppose plans for sludge hub in Belleek

Residents in The Quay area of Ballina are highlighting their opposition to a proposed sludge hub for the Belleek area of the town. Irish Water has confirmed that the existing wastewater treatment plant in Belleek is one of five sites nationwide being examined…

Jun 19, 2019

Finance Minister urges both sides in health workers' dispute to continue trying to avoid tomorrow's strike

The Minister for Finance is urging both sides in the latest health workers dispute to continue with efforts to avoid tomorrow's planned strike. 10,000 health support staff who are members of the SIPTU trade union are due to stage industrial action from 8am…

Jun 19, 2019

Mayo TD calls on Ministers for Health & Finance to work with SIPTU to try and avoid strike by health support staff

A Mayo TD is calling on the Ministers for Health & Finance to work with SIPTU to try and avoid tomorrow' strike by health support staff. 10,000 hospital staff will take part in a 24-hour strike tomorrow, with further strikes planned for the coming weeks, in a…

Jun 19, 2019

€17,500 allocated for eight community-based festivals and Summer Schools in Mayo

Government funding totalling €17,500 has been allocated for eight community-based festivals and Summer Schools in Mayo. The scheme is designed to assit local cultural events, which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger-scale grants, such as…

Jun 18, 2019

Inland Fisheries Ireland is warning that a number of salmon are returning to Irish rivers with an unknown skin disease with reports of affected fish in the River Moy

Inland Fisheries Ireland is warning that a number of salmon are returning to Irish rivers with an unknown skin disease. The fish show signs of bleeding, ulceration and haemorrhaging mainly along the area on the belly and on the head and tail. There were…

Jun 18, 2019

HSE support staff at hospitals across the West to strike on Thursday

HSE support staff at Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Sligo University Hospitals, as well as Merlin Park and Portiuncla hospitals, are due to take strike action on Thursday in a row over pay. Across the country, 10,000 staff - represented by SIPTU - are set to…

Jun 18, 2019

Funeral of woman found dead at her home in Westport will take place in Cork on Thursday

The funeral will take place in Cork later this week of Valerie Kilroy, nee French, who was found dead at her home in Westport last Friday. The body of the 41-year old mother-of-three was discovered by Gardai at her home in Kilbree, Westport and her husband…

Jun 18, 2019

IFA says targets set out in Govt climate action plan are very demanding for agriculture

The targets set out in the Government's climate action plan are very demanding for agriculture- that's according to the IFA's Galway-based President Joe Healy. The plan, launched yesterday, aims to cut Ireland's carbon emissions on a sustained basis up to…

Jun 18, 2019

Number plates for Bikes - as part of Mayo's National Bike Week efforts

National Bike week in Ireland gets underway from Saturday next, and according to the Road Safety Officer for Mayo County Council Noel Gibbons, the explosion in bike usage in recent years is good news for the environment and should also help to ease congestion…

Jun 18, 2019

Christy Hyland elected Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District

The four Councillors elected last month for the Westport electoral area, and the three councillors elected in Belmullet must work together - regardless of their political persuasion - to further develop the towns and communities from Louisburg to Belmullet.…

Jun 18, 2019

Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has spoken of his deep shock at the death of Valerie French Kilroy in Westport , saying it is a time of "immense trauma" for her family

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has spoken of his deep shock at the death of Valerie French Kilroy in Westport , saying it is a time of "immense trauma" for her family. The mother-of-three was found dead at her home in Westport last…

Jun 18, 2019

Death has taken place of Pakistani-born businessman Sher Mohammed Rafique who started Halal Meats in Ballyhaunis

The death has taken place of Pakistani businessman Sher Mohammed Rafique, who ran a number of meat plants across Ireland, and first brought Muslim workers to Ballyhaunis. Mr Rafique opened Halal Meats in the 1970's, with its headquarters in Ballyhaunis. The…

Jun 18, 2019

10,000 health support workers set to strike for 24 hours on Thursday

Health services are to be severely disrupted this Thursday as ten thousand health support staff are set to take strike action. A variety of support-staff grades, including chefs, porters and healthcare assistants, are involved in a pay dispute with the HSE.…

Jun 18, 2019

Cabinet will this morning consider a bill to set up an alternative process for women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy

Cabinet Ministers will this morning consider a bill to set up an alternative process for women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy. Health Minister Simon Harris will bring the heads of the bill to cabinet. This bill would set up a tribunal for women to…

Jun 17, 2019

Minister Bruton publishes Govt plan on Climate Change

A focus on electric cars and home retrofits, and the elimination of non-recyclable plastics are among the key elements of the Government's plan for dealing with climate change, which was published this afternoon. Minister Richard Bruton's new plan will…

Jun 17, 2019

Mayo cyclists to undertake 2,000 km cycling challenge from Lourdes to Knock

Three Mayo men will undertake a 2,000 km ultra-cycling challenge this week from Lourdes to Knock. Alan Heaney from Swinford, Gary Bigley from Kiltimagh, Jonathon Verry from Crossmolina and Maurice Dore from Co Westmeath will cycle over 400km per day during…

Jun 17, 2019

Surgery resumes at Mayo University Hospital after failed water pump was replaced

Surgery has resumed today at Mayo University Hospital, following a problem with a water pump last week which resulted in the postponement of a number of procedures. The failed water pump in the Sterile Services Dept was replaced late last week, and the Saolta…

Jun 17, 2019

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny honoured at DCU Alumni Awards

Former Taoiseach and Mayo TD Enda Kenny received a DCU Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Mayo-based former Taoiseach was presented with the Leadership award at The Helix in DCU on Friday. Enda Kenny is the longest-serving public representative in…

Jun 17, 2019

Minister announces 270,000 euro for Order of Malta Ireland

€270,000 to support the work of the Order of Malta Ireland has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring. The funding will be provided under his Department’s Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and…

Jun 17, 2019

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is being made available again this year

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is being made available again this year. The Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty is issuing the reminder to families. The Minister is urging families who are not automatically entitled to the Back to…

Jun 17, 2019

A psychiatric evaluation has been sought for the man charged yesterday with the murder of his wife in Westport

A psychiatric evaluation has been sought for the man charged yesterday with the murder of his wife in Westport. 46-year-old James Kilroy, with an address at Kilbree Lower, Westport, was brought before Judge Fiona Lydon at a special sitting of Castlebar…

Jun 17, 2019

The Government will sign off on its Climate Action Plan at a special cabinet meeting this morning

The Government will sign off on its Climate Action Plan at a special cabinet meeting this morning. It contains targets across every Government department to reduce emissions and meet climate change commitments. Richard Bruton's new document is modeled on the…

Jun 16, 2019

46-year-old man appears in court this afternoon charged with murder of his wife in Mayo

A 46-year-old man appeared in court this afternoon (Sunday) charged with the murder of his wife. James Kilroy, with an address at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co. Mayo, was brought before Judge Fiona Lydon at a special sitting of Castlebar District Court. He has…

Jun 16, 2019

Man due to appear in court this afternoon charged in connection with the death of Valerie French Kilroy

A man in his 40s will appear in court this afternoon charged in connection with the death of Valerie French Kilroy in Kilbree, Westport. The man in his 40’s is due to appear before a special sitting of Castlebar District Court at 2pm this afternoon. A murder…

Jun 16, 2019

Iarnród Eireann invites members of the public and interested organisations to participate in public consultation on Western Rail Corridor

Iarnród Eireann has invited members of the public and interested organisations to participate in a public consultation as part of a financial and economic appraisal of proposals to extend the Western Rail Corridor. The purpose of the appraisal is to establish…

Jun 16, 2019

Green Party gaining ground after its strong result in local and European elections

The Green Party's gaining ground after its strong result in the local and European elections. The latest Sunday Times/ Behaviour & Attitudes June Poll out today, shows the Greens are up 6 points to 11 per cent. It's bad news for Fine Gael, which has seen its…

Jun 16, 2019

Father's Day event to take place in Galway today to raise awareness of men's mental health

A Father's Day event will get underway at midday in County Galway to raise awareness of men's mental health. People are encouraged to fly kites at South Park next to the River Corrib. All proceeds from the day will go towards local youth mental health…

Jun 16, 2019

Murder investigation launched by Gardai following death of woman in Kilbree, Westport

A murder investigation has been launched by Gardai following the death of a woman in Kilbree, Westport on Friday. A post-mortem examination was completed yesterday afternoon on the body of 41-year-old Valerie French Kilroy at Mayo University Hospital…

Jun 15, 2019

Gardai continue to question a man in connection with the death of a woman near Westport

Gardai are continuing to question a man in his forties in connection with the death of a woman in Co. Mayo. The woman has been named locally as Valerie Kilroy, a 41-year-old mother-of-three. Her body was found at a house in the Kilbree area of Westport…

Jun 15, 2019

Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office is asking people to consider buying the father a practical gift reminding him to stay safe on the roads

As Father's Day approaches this Sunday, Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office is asking people to consider buying the father a practical gift reminding him to stay safe on the roads. Instead of the usual gifts of socks or CDs, they're urging people to…

Jun 15, 2019

Historic twinning agreement has been signed in Co Galway this morning between Ireland and Canada

A historic twinning agreement has been signed in Co Galway this morning between Ireland and Canada. Minister of State Séan Kyne laid a wreath this morning at Derrygimlagh Bog near Clifden - the site where the first-ever non-stop translatlantic flight landed…

Jun 15, 2019

Protest planned in Galway today in support of ambulance staff

Hundreds of people will take to the streets across Ireland today to support ambulance staff. Paramedics have been on strike for several days since January, as they lobby the HSE to recognise their union, Nasra. The campaign continues today with protests in…

Jun 15, 2019

Sligo TD calls for transparency in An Garda Siochána

An Garda Siochána says there were 91 findings of 'neglect of duty' against Gardaí last year. Details released under the Freedom of Information show 118 officers were found to have committed breaches of discipline in 2018. There were 25 discreditable-conduct…

Jun 15, 2019

Plans for a multi-million euro housing development in Galway

There are plans for a multi-million-euro housing development in Galway. The proposals involve 335 apartments in Knocknacarra District Centre in Rahoon. They've been lodged with An Bord Pleanála, under the new fast-track mechanism for large developments.

Jun 15, 2019

Man arrested in connection with the death of a woman in Westport

Gardai are questioning a man in his forties after the death of a woman in County Mayo. Her body was discovered yesterday morning at a house in the Westport area. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out later today. Garda inquiries got under…

Jun 14, 2019

Mayo Co Co notice on private drinking water supplies

Mayo County Council Comhairle Contae Mhaigh Eo PRIVATE DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN WATER SUPPLY AND THIS SUPPLY SERVES THE PUBLIC OR A COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY, THEN THIS WATER SUPPLY IS A SMALL PRIVATE SUPPLY (SPS) AND YOU NEED TO REGISTER IT…

Jun 14, 2019

Production to start next month at Achill Island Distillery, with creation of up to 25 jobs

The operators of a new whiskey distillery in Achill are hoping to start production next month. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring visited Bunnacurry this afternoon to officially open the new Achill Island Distillery. The company hopes…

Jun 14, 2019

Mayo University Hospital hopes to resume full schedule of surgery next week

Mayo University Hospital says they hope to resume a full schedule of surgery next week, after a number of procedures were postponed at the hospital this week, due to a problem with a water pump. The failed water pump in the hospital's Sterile Services…

Jun 14, 2019

Surgery still being postponed at Mayo University Hospital due to problem with water pump

Surgical procedures are still being deferred at Mayo University Hospital, due to a problem with a water pump which has led to the postponement of a number of surgeries over the past week. On Tuesday, the Saolta Hospital group confirmed to Midwest News that…

Jun 14, 2019

MEP Luke Ming Flanagan seeks meeting with EU officials over €100 beef support scheme

Midlands-Northwest MEP Luke Ming Flanagan is seeking a meeting with EU Commission agriculture officials to clarify details of the €100 million support scheme for the Irish beef industry. €50 million is being provided by the EU, with matching funds from the…

Jun 14, 2019

Mayo Co Co receives complaints about smell of slurry spreading

Mayo County Council is one of a number of local authorities that have received complaints over the last two years about farmers spreading slurry. The Irish Farmers Journal reports that almost 250 complaints nationally have been made - with the complaints to…

Jun 14, 2019

Minister Ring has two official engagements in Mayo today

The official opening will take place this morning of new classrooms at Knockrooskey National School near Westport. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring will be at the school at 11am this morning (Friday) to open the extended and…

Jun 14, 2019

Department of Education now actively involved in trying to solve issue around lease for accommodation for Newtownwhite Educate Together NS

The Department of Education is now actively involved in trying to sort out an issue with a lease, which is preventing work from progressing on new accomodation approved for Newtownwhite Educate Together National School. That's according to Mayo-based FG…

Jun 14, 2019

Issue which affected Vodafone services is resolved

An issue that affected some Vodafone mobile and data services yesterday afternoon has been resolved. Vodafone Ireland confirmed in a tweet yesterday evening that the issue that had affected some mobile and data services had been identified and resolved as of…

Jun 14, 2019

Sinn Fein appealing to community in Co Leitrim to co-operate with Garda investigation into violent attacks

A Sinn Féin TD is appealing to a community in County Leitrim to co-operate with a Garda investigation into violent attacks. It follows a suspected petrol-bomb attack, an arson attack and a shooting in Mohill recently. It's understood the incidents may be…

Jun 13, 2019

Vodafone connection problems with both mobile and fixed line services

Vodafone customers are experiencing connection problems this afternoon with both mobile and fixed line services. On Twitter the company says it's investigating 'potential disruption' that is reported to be affecting number of locations across the country. A…

Jun 13, 2019

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne elected Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District

The first meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District was held this afternoon. Seven Councillors were elected in Castlebar in last month's local elections - with three seats for Fianna Fail, 3 Fine Gael and one Independent - Michael Kilcoyne. Councillor…

Jun 13, 2019

Councillor Tom Connolly elected Cathaoirleach of new Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District

Further developing Ireland West Airport Knock, and the strategic zone around the airport to attract new industry and jobs is a key priority for the new Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris / Swinford Municipal District. The first meeting of the new authority took…

Jun 13, 2019

Another medical evacuation for Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat crew

It's been a busy week for the Aran Islands RNLI as the volunteer crew were called out to help a tourist who fell on rocky ground yesterday evening. The crew were asked to launch the all-weather lifeboat at 6pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to…

Jun 13, 2019

CCTV cameras installed at roadworks on N60 near Balla

As roadworks continue on the N60 on the outskirts of Balla, Mayo County Council has installed two high-definition CCTV cameras in a bid to crack down on motorists breaking traffic lights and speeding through the road works site. Two CCTV cameras have now been…

Jun 13, 2019

Erris Senator says many questions remain unanswered around Belmullet District Hospital, despite assurances from Ministers Daly and Ring

An Erris Senator has responded to assurances given by Minister for Older People Jim Daly and Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring in relation to Belmullet District Hospital. Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly told the…

Jun 13, 2019

Roscommon TD raises concerns over cuts to home help services in the Dail

A Roscommon TD has called for immediate action to ensure that the money provided by Dáil Éireann for home help is used to increase hours available to support older people in their homes, not spent on administration. Independent TD Denis Naughten raised the…

Jun 13, 2019

New figures show that ambulance response time targets were only met in 52% of cases in the west this year

On two occasions this year, it took an ambulance over an hour to arrive at a life-threatening emergency. New figures also show that response-time targets aren't being met in up to 50 per cent of such cases across the country. HIQA says ambulances should…

Jun 13, 2019

Minister Ring welcomes Minister Daly's assurances on Belmullet District Hospital

Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly told the Dail yesterday evening that Belmullet District Hospital will not be downgraded under his watch. It came as concerns over the facility and Aras Deirbhle were raised by Fianna Fail Deputy Leader,…

Jun 13, 2019

Miss Selfridge in Galway is one of six Irish stores earmarked to close

It's hoped some of staff in the Irish Ardcadia stores that are to close will be redeployed. It was confirmed yesterday that 23 outlets across Britain and Ireland are to shut, as part of a restructuring arrangement. Up to 100 staff in six Irish stores,…

Jun 12, 2019

Minister Daly tells Deputy Dara Calleary there will be no downgrading of Belmullet District Hospital while he is in office

A Mayo TD today raised concerns over Belmullet District Hospital and Aras Deirbhle on a topical issue in the Dail with Minister for Older People Jim Daly. Minister Daly assured Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary that there is no threat to the future of the…

Jun 12, 2019

SIPTU Health representatives accept invitation to attend exploratory talks at WRC

SIPTU Health representatives have today accepted an invitation to attend exploratory talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tomorrow at 2.30pm to discuss the dispute on job evaluation. The dispute has led to the scheduled strike action of 10,000…

Jun 12, 2019

Galway man collects Lotto cheque for over €4 million

A Galway man has claimed last weekend's Lotto jackpot of over €4 million euro. The winner collected his cheque at National Lottery offices yesterday, after winning last Saturday night's draw. He found out at 1.30 am Sunday morning that he had won, after…

Jun 12, 2019

Roscommon TD welcomes changes to Fair Deal, but says details of scheme need to be clarified

The Cabinet's approval of changes to the Fair Deal scheme which will assist farmers and small business owners are welcome, but the details of the changes need to be clarified, according to Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice. The current system sees farm…

Jun 12, 2019

Public meeting in Ballycroy tonight to try and save local playschool

A public meeting will be held in Ballycroy tonight at 8.30 pm to try and save the local playschool in the north Mayo village. Due to falling numbers of children attending the Naonra and after-school club, the facility is at imminent risk of closure, according…

Jun 12, 2019

Roscommon TD secures Dail debate tonight on home-help cuts

Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten has secured a Dáil debate tonight to seek a reversal of the HSE's decision to cut the allocation of home help hours to older people. Deputy Naughten says he secured the debate with the support of the Ceann Comhairle due…

Jun 12, 2019

Mayo company included in Top 50 list of Irish construction contractors

Ireland's top construction companies increased their turnover by 25% last year to €8.39 billion euro. € 5.9 billion of this activity took place in Ireland, while and almost € 2.5 billion was generated from exported construction services. John Sisk & Son was…

Jun 12, 2019

Oil spill on N59 from Bangor Erris to Crossmolina

Motorists in north Mayo are being warned of a serious oil spill on the N59 from Bangor Erris to Bellacorrick and on into Crossmolina. Mayo County Council and Belmullet Gardai are urging motorists to drive slowly on this road this morning.

Jun 12, 2019

Mayo TD calls for ambulance base to be provided in Ballinrobe to serve south Mayo

A Mayo TD is calling on the Health Minister Simon Harris to provide an ambulance base in the Ballinrobe area. Fianna Fail Deputy Lisa Chambers says the South Mayo area was promised an ambulance base by the last Government, but people in the region are still…

Jun 12, 2019

Woman gives birth on Galway-Dublin train

There was an unexpected arrival on the 3.04pm rail service from Galway to Dublin yesterday. The woman went into labour shortly after the train left Galway. After the alarm was raised, the train stopped at Kildare Station at around 5pm and emergency services…

Jun 11, 2019

Man fatally injured in road collision near Williamstown, Co Galway

A man in his sixties has died in a road crash in east Galway. It followed a single-vehicle collision in the Croagh Hill area of Williamstown, at 8 o'clock last night. The driver of the vehicle, who was sole occupant of the car, was pronounced dead at the…

Jun 11, 2019

HSE approves Spinraza for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The HSE has today approved the drug Spinraza for children with SMA -Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Following a long campaign to have the drug approved, the HSE has given the green light this afternoon. Two children from the south Mayo region - Grace O'Malley and…

Jun 11, 2019

Mayo Co Co to host climate action information evenings across the county this week

Mayo County Council is to host climate action information evenings in three locations across the county this week, following the launch of the Public Consultation Process for the draft Climate Adaptation Strategy. The public are invited to make submissions on…

Jun 11, 2019

Surgical procedures postponed at Mayo University Hospital due to problem with water pump

A number of surgical procedures have been postponed over the last few days at Mayo University Hospital, due to a problem with a water pump. The Saolta Hospital Group has confirmed to Midwest News that a problem with a water pump in the Hospital Sterile…

Jun 11, 2019

Funding of over €5.7 Million confirmed for Ireland West Airport

Funding of over €5.7 million has been confirmed for Ireland West Airport Knock. The airport has been approved capital expenditure of over 4.7 million public policy remit-Capital funding of a little under one million euro. €4.7 million will go towards the…

Fire Service attend incident in Ballaghaderreen last night

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