The funeral will take place in Athens on Wednesday of a Greek woman, married to an Irishman, who died following a botulism outbreak in France earlier this month. Maria (Marie) Grypioti was married to Cathal Meehan from Castlebar Co. Mayo. The couple lived in…

Dr Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam will unveil a memorial plaque to the late John Cardinal D’Alton at the Dalton Inn Claremorris next Thursday September 28. This has been erected by Claremorris Historical Society and is one in a series of memorial plaques…

Following consultation with the HSE, Uisce Éireann have issued a Boil Water Notice to protect consumers served by the Castlerea Public Water Supply with immediate effect. The Boil Water Notice has been put in place due to disinfection issues at Longford…

A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. This comes into play from 11:00am tomorrow morning, Sunday September 24. Outbreaks of heavy rain will push northwards with highest accumulations over hills and mountains.…

A public meeting will take place in Lahardane on Monday evening next over the current lack of a doctor in the area. The meeting will be hosted by the Rural Ireland Organisation while local representatives and the HSE have been invited to attend. Gerry Loftus…

EU regulations are needed to ensure public bodies cannot block the use of cash to pay for goods and services. That’s the view of Sligo Independent Councillor Marie Casserly. It comes after the operator of the NCT car testing service was forced to U-turn their…

The HSE and Childrens Health Ireland have acknowledged distress experienced by children with spina bifida and scoliosis, and their families. It follows a review of care at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin. In a statement issued last night they also apologise…

Sligo University Hospital are currently dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 and have released the following statement: Sligo University Hospital is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak which is affecting two wards. Visiting restrictions are in place in these…

The Data Protection Commission has found that Galway County Council breached data protection rules in relation to its use of CCTV cameras. That’s according to RTÉ News. The DPC’s investigation looked at if the council was processing persona data in compliance…

Funeral details have been announced for a woman who died in France due to complications of botulism. Maria (Marie) Grypioti of Paris France, and formerly of Palaio Faliro in Athens Greece, was the wife of Cathal Meehan, a native of Castlebar County Mayo. The…

A third of the fatal road deaths that have occurred in this garda division since the start of the year involved people not wearing seatbelts. Garda Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon of the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Garda Division told today’s Mayo Joint Policing…

A Sligo/Leitrim TD has called on the Government to provide a fund worth €190 million to help keep the doors open in private and voluntary nursing homes. Deputy Marian Harkin says that HSE run nursing homes receive an additional €600 more per patient per week,…

A Roscommon councillor has urged people in the greater Castlerea area to conserve water over the next 24 hours due to water shortage. Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice says there had been an issue at the Longford Springs plant in Castlerea. They have began…

A Lamborgini driver allegedly caught driving at 217 km per hour on a stretch of the N17 in Co. Mayo told the garda who arrested him "I am sorry. I got caught up in the moment". James Wall, with an address at Sullom New Road, Little London, Talley, U.K.…

Gardaí attended the scene of a road traffic collision in the Ballinacarrow area of County Sligo this morning. Three vehicles were involved in the collision. No injuries have been reported and the road is now open to traffic.

The Local Transport Plan for Ballina is expected to be at Part 4 planning stage within weeks, and is due before the public for submissions by mid November. The entire process is under the guidance and approval of the NTA (National Transport Authority) and is…

A woman in her 50s has died in a road crash in Co Leitrim. The two-car collision happened on the R280 at Lisnabrack, Carrick on Shannon shortly before 6 o'clock yesterday evening. The road remains closed this morning and local diversions are in place. Gardaí…

In light of the relentless bad weather and excessive rain, a Roscommon TD is urgently calling upon the Minister for Agriculture to extend the slurry spreading deadline to the middle of October. Recent images from the ploughing championships on prime land…

State funded IVF will be introduced for the first time next Monday. The 10 million euro scheme will take about 3,000 couples a year. There will be eligibility criteria including around weight. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says it's a milestone moment.

The Garda Representative Association will meet with the Garda Commissioner again this morning after what was described as a brief and direct engagement with Drew Harris yesterday. The Commissioner's offered to enter negotiations with Garda Associations on…

Today's industrial action at local authorities has been called off. The action, which would have led to a 24 hour email ban since midnight, has been deferred by the Fórsa trade union, due to talks at the WRC. Both sides will meet at the Workplace Relations…

A Mayo woman has been crowned the winner of this year's Brown Bread Baking competition at the National Ploughing Championships. Loretta McGuire from Barnatra near Belmullet came out on top in a two-day bakeoff involving eight participants. The winner will…

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a single-vehicle road traffic collision that occurred near Bangor Erris this afternoon. The incident occurred on the Bangor to Bellacorrick road at around 3:30pm. The road remains open to traffic and there…

The country's largest teacher union is calling for an all-island teaching council to be established. The INTO says there should be a forum on the future of education formed as part of the Shared Island Unit within the Department of Taoiseach. The call was…

A solicitor, representing children impacted by the spinal surgeries scandal at Temple Street Hospital says trust needs to be rebuilt. An external review was ordered by the HSE after details of incidents affecting 19 children emerged earlier this week.…

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has branded aggressive protests outside the Dail yesterday as "disgraceful". She says what happened has "no place in our democracy" and she has spoken to the Garda Commissioner. 13 people were arrested and security at Government…

New quad bike regulations are to come into effect in Ireland from November next, which will see helmets become compulsory and training completed for all operators. The regulations are the first of their kind in the EU. It comes as farming continues to be one…

The Saolta University Health Care Group and Galway University Hospitals welcome the progress in developing a new surgical hub in the city. The hub, on the grounds of Merlin Park University Hospital will provide a significant uplift in surgical capacity for…

The late Attymass born priest, Fr Patrick Peyton, known internationally as the “Rosary Priest”, because of his worldwide campaign to promote the Family Rosary, continues to influence people internationally. Fr Peyton was a Holy Cross priest, based in the US,…

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council is less than satisfied with the latest glossy publication by Failte Ireland entitled “Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023-2027. The document was presented to Mayo councillors and…

Up to 30 care homes could face criminal investigation depending on results of a Garda inquiry into the death of a woman in a residential home during the Covid19 pandemic in 2021. That’s according to today’s Irish Times. Gardaí are examining the care received…

A new 6 part TV series penned by Castlebar-based writer Ray Lawlor, “Obituary” premieres on RTÉ One on Tuesday night next (September 26) at 10.15 pm. It’s is a dark comedy crime drama in which the newspaper Elvira Clancy works for falls into hard times and…

The final furrow will be made at the Ploughing today. The last day of the annual event kicks off this morning in Ratheniska, County Laois. It will see the senior test ploughing matches get underway, while the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin releases the…

43 per cent of Irish people think the TV license is "dated". While more than six in 10 want the fee scrapped, according to a new survey by Taxback. Licence renewals have plummeted since the RTÉ payments scandal began, pushing calls for a media levy to be…

The Taoiseach has said the security at Leinster House needs to be reviewed after aggressive protests yesterday. Demonstrators brought a gallows with pictures of several politicians on it and heckled TDs as they came and went from the building. Leo Varadkar…

Many small to medium size nursing homes in the Sligo and Leitrim are ‘hanging on by a thread’, according to Independent deputy Marian Harkin. The deputy has been highlighting the plight of private and voluntary facilities who currently receive 600 hundred…

Work is now underway on removing a particularly dangerous bend along the Quay Road in Ballina, at Farangarode. The bend, along the busy Wild Atlantic Way route, has been the scene of numerous road accidents and a fatality, and it is with great relief,…

Young people in modified cars gathering, racing and revving in car parks and along the main roads outside Ballina are causing havoc, according to the Cathaoirleach of Ballina. Independent councillor Seamus Weir made a heartfelt plea for a solution to the…

Long hours, staff shortages and a lack of affordable housing is pushing more and more workers out of the health service. The INMO is warning of a mass exodus of nurses and midwives if working conditions in Ireland are not improved. It reports 68 per cent of…

The Road Safety Authority has told an Oireachtas Committee that learner drivers waiting 30 weeks for a driving test is "unsatisfactory". The RSA says the current backlog is due to an "unprecedented" level of applications combined with staffing issues.…

Galway University Hospitals is delighted to announce that work is underway on the new Adult Cystic Out Patient Department. Once complete, the Adult CF OPD will have sufficient capacity, design features and specification to allow for best practices in Cystic…

A man charged with the murder of an 83-year-old Co. Mayo man and setting fire to his home was served with the Book of Evidence today. Kevin McHale (63), Annagh, Castlebar was served with the portfolio of evidence against him at Castlebar District Court before…

Mayo County Council has proposed that the county’s new €250 million dual carriageway should close again next month. The new road between Westport and Turlough was closed for five nights for ‘essential works’ at the end of July. Now Mayo County Counci has…

Tributes are being paid following the death of Monsignor Dermot Moloney, Bishop Street, Tuam, Co Galway/Claremorris, Co Mayo, formerly of Crossboyne Parish and St Jarlath’s College, Tuam. Monsignor Moloney passed away peacefully yesterday at the Galway…

Westport House will welcome 30 students through its doors from New York’s prestigious Iona University, as it announces a new campus pilot for Co. Mayo, with classes set to begin in the historic house next Summer. Iona University’s legacy in Ireland dates back…

Today’s monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District was adjourned for ten minutes at the start of proceedings as a mark of respect to the late councillor Geraldine Bourke. Geraldine was co-opted on to the local council following the death of her husband…

The Irish Farmers' Association says President Michael D. Higgins shouldn't be telling people what to eat. Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships yesterday, President Higgins said there's "no doubt" people will have to change their diets to help…

The Education Minister is suspending plans to have parts of the Leaving Cert assessed by teachers. Norma Foley says it's because of the growth in AI. Teacher-based assessment was to be introduced as part of major reforms for the Leaving Cert. But this is now…

A local councillor says Ballina is an ideal town to host the All-Ireland Fleadh. Fine Gael councillor John O'Hara says the success of the Connacht Fleadh in the town was acknowledged by Dr. Labhras O'Murchu who says it ticked all the boxes to host the…

A status Yellow wind warning is in place across Mayo today with Met Éireann forecasting very strong and gusty southwesterly winds. A wind warning for Mayo and Donegal came into place at 6am and will remain in place until 3pm. Met Éireann says that there is a…

The current backlog of NCT and driving test appointments has been described as deeply concerning by Fine Gael. Alan Dillon is part of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, which is meeting with representatives from the Road Safety Authority and…

The second day of the National Ploughing Championships will see wellies flying through the air and plenty of muck. Macra na Feirme's wellie throwing Guinness World Record attempt is among the many unusual items on the agenda for Day two. Rubber boots are…

The new Irish Language and Gaeltacht Growth Plan aims to create 9 thousand jobs by the end of the decade. Over 130 Irish Language organisations have backed An Plean Fais which is being launched at the Mansion House today. Conradh na Gaeilge are one of those…

Dentists are asking the public to become aware of the symptoms of oral cancer as 300 cases are expected to be diagnosed here this year. Today is Mouth Cancer Awareness Day while a further 400 people will be diagnosed with cancers of the neck and head by…

New data shows existing tenants are paying less than new tenants. An ESRI study, funded by the Residential Tenancies Board, found the average rent for new tenancies was 214 euro, or 16 point 4 per cent, more than existing ones. The largest gaps were found in…

A Ballina native has been selected to be the Grand Marshal at the 2024 New York City St Patrick's Day parade. Maggie Timoney is the first female President and CEO of Heineken USA, and the first woman to serve as chief executive of a major beer company in the…

Local authorities in the west are being discriminated against in comparison with local authorities along the east coast, because the government will only provide 75% funding for Capital Projects. That’s the strong view of Charlestown based Sinn Féin…

Over 1700 customers are currently without power in the Glenamaddy area of County Galway. The ESB are reporting that the power is expected to come back at around 17:30 this evening. ESB have apologized to the 1,748 customers affected by the loss of supply.…

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Midwest Radio Broadcast Centre on Clare St Ballyhaunis. The official opening was performed on Friday September 19th 2003 by Mayo native Mary Davis, who was CEO of Special Olympics Ireland at the time. It…

Wind and rain warnings will be in place for the west and south of the country from five o'clock. A status yellow wind warning for West Galway and Kerry expires at five o'clock tomorrow morning. A rain alert for Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick,…

A Sligo councillor has called on the government to provide answers on the roll out of solar panels for schools. In September 2022, it was announced that every school in the country would be provided with free solar panels that would be funded under the…

An animal welfare officer position needs to be created in the county in light of many recent incidents. That's the view of local Independent councillor Mark Duffy. Currently there are 9 animal welfare officers employed in the country, with none of them along…

People heading to the National Ploughing Championships are likely to be in for a mucky day. Thousands are expected to head to the first day of the annual gathering of rural Ireland in Ratheniska, County Laois. Those who plan on going are being advised to…

Farmers are being encouraged to get prepared for upcoming changes to the rules around driving a quad bike on a farm. In November, Ireland will become the first country in the world to introduce regulations around quad bikes, including compulsory…

Three more men have appeared at Galway District Court charged in relation to a significant public disorder incident in Galway City. Nineteen people have now been arrested over a highly publicised brawl that happened on the evening of Sunday, September 10th.…

A motorist in Mayo has been caught driving more than 100 kilometres per hour over speed limit. An image shared on social media by Gardaí shows an apparent supercar being recorded driving 217 kilometres per hour on the N17. Gardaí say the driver was arrested…

The first Eco-Powered defibrillator cabinet was installed in Achill over the weekend. On Saturday, the new service was launched on the Achill Greenway by creator Darren Forde, as well Karen Duggan of the Achill Defib committee and representatives from Achill…

New rates valuations will be arriving in the post this week for business owners across the county. Westport based Councillor Peter Flynn has urged businesses to act on this accordingly before the deadline comes next month. This comes as good news for some 70%…

The construction of a new hospital in Belmullet will be of great benefit to the people of Erris. That’s according to local Councillor Sean Carey, who has welcomed the announcement of the construction. Last week, the HSE gave the green light for a project…

A status yellow rain warning has been issued for the western half of the country from tonight. It will apply for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Donegal and Connacht from midnight. Met Eireann is forecasting heavy and persistent rain which could…

A new learning resource is being launched today to assist Ukrainian children attending schools in Gaeltacht areas. The specially designed Irish / Ukrainian colouring book for primary level features translations of words and phrases, to help those fleeing the…

A County Mayo fundraiser has raised over €14,000 for the Western Care Association. Almost 100 people took part in this summer’s Clare Island Walk, and the event organisers presented Western Care representatives with a €14,298 cheque at a special event. This…

The traffic system in Ballinrobe at the moment is an absolute health and safety issue. That’s the view of local Councillor Damien Ryan, who believes that no other town in the county has traffic statistics on the same level. An 'Operation Free Flow', he says,…

A significant step has been taken in the creation of a agency dedicated to dealing with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The Justice Minister has secured approval to publish a bill, which would provide for the statutory body. It would be central…

The government is being called on to invest €5 million to combat loneliness in Ireland. The Loneliness Taskforce, a coalition of charitable organisations, says Ireland is now the loneliest country in Europe, according to EU research. It's seen an increase in…

The 9th Irish Hair and Beauty Awards took place last night in the Clayton Hotel in Galway. There were a number of award winners from across the region in chapter 3 of this year’s event. Two winners head back to Ballina with their national recognition with…

Three men are due in court today, charged after an alleged public order incident in Galway City over a week ago. Four more arrests were made last night. Two people were injured in an alleged row between two groups, on the Headford Road in Galway City shortly…

Gardaí arrested four more people in connection with their ongoing investigation into a public order and endangerment incident which occurred today in Galway City. This brings the total number of people arrested as part of this investigation to nineteen (19).…

The Minister for the Environment needs to intervene if Irish Water continues to ignore a request by Mayo County Councillors for representatives of the utility company to attend a monthly meeting of the authority and answer questions that elected Councillors…

An Bord Pleanála have given the green light to the restoration and adaption of the former convent school in Ballyhaunis into a new community hub. The proposal includes internal modificaitions to the building layout, a two storey extension at the building…

A major storm is developing in the Atlantic which could bring seriously bad weather to Ireland next week. What used to be known as 'Tropical Depression Fifteen' has gained enough strength to earn the name 'Tropical Storm Nigel'. Nigel is the fourteenth named…

Motorists are being advised to take extra care on the roads in heavy rainfall. Heavy downpours overnight will clear eastwards today but the Road Safety Authority says drivers should avoid driving through surface flood water. They say motorists should slow…

The Government's considering taking steps in the budget to help mortgage-holders deal with rising costs. It's considering short-term financial support to help relieve them from the latest ECB interest rate rise. The Irish Independent reports it would be like…

Long hospital trolley wait times, are increasing the likelihood of unnecessary deaths That's according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation which says patients spending more than 6 hours on a trolley also take longer to recover from illness. 5,210…

Up to one thousand people are currently without power in the Ballyhaunis area this evening. Residents and businesses have been without power since around 5:15pm. ESB crews are currently working to repair the fault and hope to have power restored by 9pm.

Despite allocations of funding for the completion of mobility plans for both Castlebar and Ballina in 2021, the plans have yet to be published. That's according to local Councillor Mark Duffy. The Independent Councillor says in 2021, €350,000 was allocated to…

Clarity is needed on the role of local authority members in setting speed limits. That's according to Ballinrobe based councillor Michael Burke. It comes as Minister Jack Chambers has presented a speed limit review to cabinet, with the intention of reducing…

Small Irish businesses are being encouraged to apply for a new grant programme. The application deadline for Three Ireland's 'Grants for Small Businesses' scheme is October 2nd. A one hundred thousand euro bursary will be split between 10 chosen businesses…

An investigation into preliminary manslaughter has been opened by the Bordeaux public prosecutor’s office following the death of the wife of a Mayo man. This comes following an outbreak of botulism at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeaux. A 32 year old Greek…

The Cannonball run continues today as the group of cars head out of Ballina this morning. Cars have been congregating at the Quay since 9.30am to assemble for departure. The convoy will depart from the Quay towards town at approximately 10.30am via Quay Road…

Farmers need Government and Europe working with them not against them on the nitrates derogation. That's the view of Mayo TD Michael Ring over the Taoiseach's decision to invite the EU Commissioner for Agriculture to Ireland. He's 'delighted' Leo Varadkar's…

President Michael D Higgins will lay a wreath this afternoon to remember Garda who died in service. The ceremony in Dublin's Phoenix Park will honour over 1,800 Gardai who lost their lives over the past 101 years. It's taking place at 3.30pm, in front of the…

12 new beds are to open in Portiuncula University Hospital next week. These additional beds, scheduled to open on Monday, will significantly increase the hospital's capacity, ensuring that more patients across the region can receive the care they need. The…

A Do Not Consume Notice has been imposed on the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme due to elevated levels of manganese. The notice applies to approximately 156 customers supplied by the scheme. Consumers are advised that it is especially important that…

Met Éireann says 42 millimetres of rain fell at Cork Airport between midday yesterday and the same time today. Provisional figures show there were similar levels of precipitation at Roches Point. While, during the same timescale, there was no rain in parts…

Castlebar Tidy Towns will hold an SEAI Energy Information Evening and Energy Master Plan update on Tuesday evening next, Sept 19th, from 6-8pm. The event will take place at Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre in Castlebar and everyone is invited to attend. It’s an…

Mayo is now down a fifth of the visitor bed nights that had been available in the past, as the government has awarded contracts to hotels and others to accommodate asylum seekers and refugees. This figure was revealed today by representatives of Failte…

Gardaí have made three further arrests as part of ongoing investigations. Three males, one in his 40s one in his 30s and a third in his 20s, were arrested in the course of an operation this morning, Friday 15th September 2023, in the Galway area. They are…

A new political party has been formed run by Mica redress campaigners. The 100% Redress Party has been approved by the Electoral Commission and will be allowed to contest the next general and local elections. Political Correspondent Seán Defoe says single…

Entry Route this evening: Cannonball will arrive via Abbey St into Ballina at approx 5.30pm and heading down Emmet St towards the Quay to arrive at the Quay from 6pm. There will be public parking available at the Quay NS and Ballina Rugby Club on Creggs Road.…

Gardaí in Westport investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man following an incident in Westport, County Mayo, on the 9th of September are renewing their appeal for information. At approximately 1.20am, on Saturday the 9th of…

Following the successful campaign led by a young Achill woman, Catherine Gallagher, in 2021, new regulations were signed into law (Catherine’s Law) that ensure that scholarship awards for PhD students are excluded from the means test for Disability Allowance.…

An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, has formally announced Mohammad Naeem as a United Nations Youth Delegate. 18 year old Mohammad is from Claremorris and has just completed his Leaving Certificate at St.…

A Castlebar based local election independent contender is calling on all elected representatives in the county who welcomed the 11 million euro funding announced for the Military Barracks in Castlebar, two and a half years ago , to make statements outlining…

Cannonball the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet including Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren along with Porsche and Maserati will be arriving at Ballina Quay this evening (Friday) at 6pm This year the official…

A Mayo man remains in intensive care in Paris following an outbreak of botulism contracted in Bordeaux, while his wife has died after contracting the illness. A 32-year-old woman has died after contracting botulism in Bordeaux Her Mayo husband remains in…

One of the largest reductions in gas and electricity prices has been announced by Flogas. Customers will benefit from a 30 per cent reduction in electricity and natural Gas unit rates, and standing charges. It says it will translate to a 895 euro fall on the…

The HSE have given the green light for a project brief to begin which will see the construction of a brand new hospital in Belmullet. The plans would see the current facility demolished to make way for a state of the art building. Minister Dara Calleary says…

A new study has found that Knock in County Mayo has has the oldest population of any town in Ireland. Analysis of Census data by inteligence company Gamma also found that Saggart in Dublin and Cork's Watergrasshill has the youngest. Gamma took a look at the…

Minister Charlie McConologue will appear before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee this morning to face questions on the nitrates derogation. The derogation determines the amount of manure that is spread per hectare on land. Ireland currently has a…

Peter McDermott was recalled at his funeral today as an extraordinarily hardworking, religious minded man who found his “little piece of heaven on earth” overlooking the sea at Murrisk, Westport. The 60-year-old, a native of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim,…

The woman who has died in France due to complications of botulism is married to an Irishman from the west of Ireland, it has been confirmed locally. The woman’s husband is in intensive care in a hospital near Paris. Some of his family have travelled to France…

The three individuals arrested in the course of an operation this morning in Galway have now been charged in connection with this incident. They are expected to appear before a sitting of Galway District court this afternoon. The investigation is ongoing and…

Despite a long awaited increase in the salary limit for people applying for local authority housing ,the limit remains too low. That's the strong view of Westport councillor Christy Hyland. The Independent councillor had been raising the need to increase the…

Gardaí have made three further arrests as part of ongoing investigations into a public order and endangerment incident which occurred last Sunday in Galway City. Three males, one in his 40s and two in their 20s, were arrested in the course of an operation…

Patients presenting at hospital emergency departments across the region today are experiencing delays. There are 35 patients waiting on trolleys at Sligo University Hospital, the third most overcrowded in the country today. There are 31 patients on trolleys…

The Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar invite young people to apply for one of eight spaces in their Young Playwrights Programme, which will culminate in a rehearsed reading of their writing by professional actors and directors this November. This opportunity…

Gardaí are investigating a burglary of a premises on the Main Street in Grange, Sligo which happened on Sunday. The incident occurred at approximately 7pm. A sum of cash was taken and damage to a door of the property was caused. No arrests have been made.…

Head of Policy at the advocacy group Friends of the Earth, Gerry McEvilly, addressed yesterday’s Economic and Enterprise Special Policy Committee (SPC) of Mayo County Council to outline the risks of the expansion of the Corrib Field off the north Mayo…

Today Hope House in Foxford, an addiction centre, is celebrating thirty years in existence. Since established in 1993, Hope House has a track record of successfully treating alcohol, drugs, gambling and other dependencies in a therapeutic and welcoming…

Kiltimagh-based Genfitt looks set to expand. European company Kramp purchased the business recently and are planning to develop a new facility and grow their employee numbers. Local councillor Adrian Forkan told this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County…

An Irish person, understood to be from this region, is receiving emergency treatment in the Bordeaux region of France after an outbreak of Botulism. The individual is one of 12 people who became ill after eating sardines at a restaurant. The city hosted…

The European Central Bank meets today to consider another increase in interest rates. There is an expectation that if the ECB gives the green light, rates will go up by a quarter of one per cent. Those on tracker mortgages will be first to feel the pain,…

France has ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12, saying it emits too much radiation. The French watchdog which governs radio frequencies says the model recently failed tests for electromagnetic waves capable of being absorbed by the body. The company…

Bank of Ireland is warning customers about a new spike in fraudsters accessing customers' PCs and online banking. The fraudsters are mainly targeting business banking customers duping them into allowing remote access to their computers and bank accounts. They…

Gardaí charged two men yesterday, aged 19 and 24, following a public order and endangerment incident which occurred on Sunday last in Galway City. Both were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a station in the Western region…

Two route options for the Belclare to Murrisk Greenway outside Westport were presented by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to the public at an information event held in the Tavern in Murrisk yesterday (Wed). In summary, option 1 is a 4.5 km stretch…

A junior minister has appealed for special schools to be used to provide respite care in the evenings and on Saturdays. Tuam based, Anne Rabbitte says she pleaded with Education Minister Norma Foley for permission to use them, at the Fianna Fáil think-in…

RTÉ's Director General says the sale of the Donnybrook site and voluntary redundancies may have to be considered in future. Kevin Bakhurst has told an Oireachtas committee that the very future of RTÉ is in doubt if long term funding isn't addressed. He says a…

It looks like a new evening train will run from Dublin to Mayo by the end of this year. The news is very welcome by many interested groups in county Mayo, keen to secure this additional service that is proposed to serve both the Westport and Ballina lines. A…

An Independent TD has expressed his vehement opposition to a petition seeking to implement 100% plant-based catering at the University of Galway, and universities around the country and world. Roscommon Galway Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice believes the petition…

Gardaí in Galway have made a further arrest in connection with a public order and endangerment incident that occurred on Sunday in Galway City. A man in his late teens was arrested in Galway yesterday evening and is currently being held at a Garda Station in…

RTÉ has introduced an immediate recruitment freeze and paused all discretionary expenditure while it deals with its financial position. Director General Kevin Bakhurst informed staff of the move in an email and will update the Oireachtas Media Committee…

Mayo county council is asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to impose a fine on Irish Water daily, as Irish Water continues to discharge untreated sewerage into the Bay at Newport. It follows a motion proposed and adopted at this week’s monthly…

The decision by Swinford businessman Tom Lavin not to contest the forthcoming local election came as a shock to the local Fine Gael organisation. It had been expected that Mr. Lavin would be in the field given his strong showing in the 2019 local election…

The high price of infant formula is putting the health and nutrition of babies at risk. That's according to a doctor and new mother who says the Government should intervene and pressure manufacturers - many of whom are based in Ireland - to introduce a price…

Irish Water need to allocate money for the upgrade of water mains pipes in the Lowberry/Cloonfad area as a matter of urgency. That's according to local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice. The Fianna Fail councillor says for the second time since August, the water…

Cabinet will be given a copy of the new road speed limit review this morning. Minister Jack Chambers will give his colleagues details of a task force to be set up to introduce the changes from 2025. They will involve speed limits on many roads reducing by 20…

An overwhelming number of Gardai are expected to carry a vote of no confidence in the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris this morning. A result is expected to be known at around 11:30. It's the first time in the 100-year history of the organisation that a such a…

14 weather stations broke September temperature records during last week's hot spell. Met Éireann says there were heatwave conditions between last Monday and Friday at four stations in Roscommon, Carlow, Tipperary and Clare. While 24 Met Éireann weather…

The Justice Minister is due to meet the Mayor of Galway later this week, following recent violence in the city. It follows a meeting between Mayor Eddie Hoare and local Superintendent Gerry Roche this morning to discuss the Garda response. A car was driven…

Two candidates are vying to become the next President of the Irish Farmers' Association. The deadline for nominations to replace Tim Cullinan closed at midday. Francie Gorman from Laois and Martin Stapleton from Limerick both received the required number of…

Ireland is experiencing a taxi shortage across the country with running costs making participating in the occupation a challenge for many would-be taxi drivers. That’s according to insurance experts at Insuremytaxi.ie. They say that National Transport…

A Strokestown based Senator has expressed his support for Agricultural Minister Charlie McConalogue as he comes under fire from the Irish Farmer’s Association. The IFA are protesting this week at the Fianna Fáil annual think-in meeting being held at the Horse…

The Geodirectory Commercial Building Report for the second quarter of 2023 has been released with particular interest for three Mayo towns. The commercial vacancy rate for County Mayo is up on 17.3% in the year up to the end of Q3, an increase of 0.4% on the…

A Public Consultation Event will take place tomorrow with regards to the Belclare to Murrisk Greenway. The meeting takes place tomorrow to outline the proposed route options with drawings of the route on display. This will take place at the Town Bar and…

Irish Water has been called to come before the October meeting of Mayo County Council. The request comes from Ballinrobe based Councillor Damien Ryan. Speaking at yesterday’s monthly council meeting, Cllr Ryan said that there are a number of issues around the…

An Garda Síochána and emergency services attended at the scene of an incident involving a train and a vehicle which occurred on the train line near Claremorris Co. Mayo shortly before 3:30pm on Saturday 9th September 2023. The vehicle and Irish Rail, Dublin…

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has condemned the scenes of recent violence in Galway City. According to RTÉ, the Minister said that such displays of violence were completely unacceptable and those involved would be pursued and brought to justice by Gardaí.…

The Department of Foreign Affairs says its aware of reports that an Irish rugby supporter was raped in Bordeaux at the start of the World Cup. The Department says it stands ready to provide consular assistance. French prosecutors are continuing their…

The IFA is warning that farmers risk losing up to 15% of their livestock under proposed EU nitrate rules. Farmers continue to protest in Tipperary outside the Fianna Fail think-in as they feel politicians are not providing the solutions that will save their…

€1.5 billion in funding will be required in Budget 2024 to provide quality care for older people and people with disabilities. The Home Care Coalition is calling for a clear commitment to increase both the number of hours of support, and funding for the…

Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators will begin day two of their annual think-in this morning as farmers continue to protest outside. Housing and the Future of the Media feature on the agenda. The IFA has kept up its protest outside the Horse and Jockey Hotel as…

A well known Sligo comedian will bring his debut solo tour to Mayo this week. John Colleary will perform in Westport Town Hall Theatre on Friday September 15 and again the night after in Ballina Arts Centre as part of his tour ‘Loud & Colleary’. The…

There are currently over 3,500 vacant council houses across the country. That’s according to information received by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín under the Freedom of Information Act. There are a staggering 98,171 people on local authority housing waiting…

Saolta have released the following statement regarding the current waiting time at the Emergency Department at Portiuncula University Hospital: The Emergency Department at Portiuncula University Hospital is extremely busy today and the hospital is advising…

A start date needs to be given for the refurbishment of Tesco's store in Ballina. That's according to Local councillor Mark Duffy. The Independent councillor says news of monies for the upgrade of Tesco in Swinford, one of the counties most recently opened…

The implementation for largest increase for free GP care in the history of the state kicks in today with 215 thousand newly eligible people. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced in August free GP care was being allocated to 78 thousand children aged…

The Junior Cert results will be released on the 18th of October. Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed the news this morning after speaking with the State Exams Commission. She revealed the news ahead of the Fianna Fáil think-in in County Tipperary...

Gardaí are investigating criminal damage that occurred at an educational premises in Belmullet on Thursday night/early hours of Friday. Investigations are ongoing. No further details are available at this time.

Gardaí in Galway are investigating a serious public order incident that occurred on the Headford Road in Galway yesterday evening at approximately 6.10pm. A large number of people were involved in an altercation in a car park on the Headford Road. Two men…

The Irish Farmers' Association is expected to protest outside a pre-Dáil meeting of Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators today. The party is meeting in Co Tipperary this morning to kick off party conference season. The budget and next year's elections loom large over…

Road safety classes may soon be on the curriculum for Leaving Cert students. The Education Minister is considering the move after the recent spate of road deaths involving young people, including the summer tragedies in Monaghan and Clonmel. According to the…

Local authority staff are engaging in industrial action, indefinitely from today. Employees, who are represented by the Forsa trade union, are refusing to carry out engagements with politicians. The union is calling for better pay and conditions for staff who…

A man who's died after an assault in County Mayo has been named as Peter McDermott. He passed away at Mayo University Hospital yesterday evening after an assault on High Street in Westport in the early hours of Saturday. A post mortem examination is to be…

Nine out of ten people want to invest in their future by learning a new skill according to a new survey by Amarach Research. The study has been welcomed by the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education…

An extra 215 thousand people are able to access free GP care from today. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced the opening of applications for the GP visit cards for newly eligible people. It's the first of two phases to provide free care by GPs…

A man who was critically injured in a street altercation in Westport, Co. Mayo, in the early hours of yesterday (Saturday) passed away this afternoon (Sunday) in hospital. The victim, named locally as Peter McDermott, (60), who lived at Murrisk, Westport, had…

IFA will be protesting at the Fianna Fáil ‘think-in’ in the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Tipperary tomorrow morning (Mon) starting at 9.30am. They will also be protesting at the Fine Gael ‘think-in’ in Limerick. The protests follow this week’s picket of a…

This October, Focus Ireland, proudly supported by Bord Gáis Energy, will host Shine a Light sleep out and is encouraging everyone to sleep outside their homes, workplaces or communities to raise funds for the charity. This year's goal is to raise a total of…

Morocco has been hit by another aftershock, following the powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday night. Today's tremor measured 3.9, according to the US Geological Survey. More than two thousand people have already been confirmed dead - and it's unclear…

Mayo County Council awarded a Civic Reception to Mr. Gerry Quinn, as part of events marking the 20th anniversary of the twinning agreement between Mayo County Council, Achill and Cleveland this weekend. The Civic Reception, hosted by the Cathaoirleach of Mayo…

Two people have died in a house fire in County Cavan. Emergency services were alerted early this morning. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted at around 2am to a house fire in the Ballyjamesduff area. Units of Cavan County Fire Service extinguished the…

A man in his 20s that was being held for questioning in connection with an assault on a man in Westport in the early hours of yesterday (Saturday) morning has been released by gardai. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).…

Uisce Eireann and Mayo county council are today advising householders and businesses on Clare Island that there is a loss of water supply due to a burst water main. They say that they "expect to have the repair completed and the water restored as soon as…

Following Friday night's eathquake in Morocco, Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travel Agency Association (ITAA) says the association is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and devastation this has caused and has extended deepest sympathies all…

Gardaí are continuing to investigate an assault that occurred in Westport, the early hours of yesterday morning,(Saturday). At approximately 1.20am, two men were involved in an altercation on High Street in the town. One man (aged in his 60s) was seriously…

People are spending an average of over 14 euro more on their weekly shopping this year compared to 2022. Research by HelloFresh has found that the average weekly grocery spend has increased by 13 percent year-on-year. The research also found that the average…

Weather warnings have been issued by Met Éireann as the Indian summer across the country comes to an end. 12 counties in the East and South are under the advisory from 6am this morning, with most of the rest of the country joining from midday - including…

The Moroccan death toll has exceeded 2,000 people, with around 2,000 injured, some in critical condition, following Friday night's earthquake Irish people in affected areas are advised to follow 'local safety instructions' and listen to local media. The…

The Westport to Dublin rail-line closed after a train hit a car yesterday afternoon, has re-opened. Irish Rail says full services are operating today between Westport and Dublin. Two people are in 'stable condition' at Galway University Hospital after the…

An Garda Síochána and emergency services remain at the scene of an incident involving a train and a vehicle which occurred on the train line near Claremorris Co. Mayo shortly before 3:30pm this afternoon, Saturday 9th September 2023. The vehicle and Irish…

Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident involving a train and a vehicle which occurred on the train line near Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo at approximately 3:15pm this afternoon. An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide…

Homeowners in Ireland now pay the highest electricity costs in Europe. That's according to Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh. Irish households are paying an average of €1000 more a year than most EU countries. The Erris based Deputy has called on the government…

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a public order incident that occurred on Williamsgate Street, Galway yesterday afternoon, Friday 8th September 2023. At approximately 3.20pm, Gardaí responded to reports of an altercation involving a number of…

Sligo Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan believes that progress has been made this week on the topic of a new Garda Headquarters Station in Sligo. Recently, the decision was made by management not to amalgamate the Sligo Leitrim Garda division with Donegal. In light…

Gardaí are investigating an assault that occurred in Westport, Co. Mayo in the early hours of Saturday morning, 9th September 2023. At approximately 1.20am this morning, two men were involved in an altercation on High Street in Westport. One man (aged in his…

The heatwave of recent days looks set to end today. After peaks of 28 degrees - temperatures are expected to fall in to the low 20s today - with heavy downpours forecast for a number of areas. Emer Flood of Met Eireann says Sunday will bring torrential rain…

An Garda Síochána will host a ‘Meet & Greet’ today (Saturday September 8) in Ballyhaunis. Following on from last weekend’s National Service Day celebrations across the country and locally in Strokestown, Gardaí in the Ballyhaunis area are also inviting…

A Castlebar teacher has been jailed for a second time in breach of a High Court order to stay away from the school where he worked. Last night, Enoch Burke was taken from the Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin for transfer to Mountjoy Prison. According to RTÉ,…

Four sets of twins have started school together in County Sligo. Grange Post-Primary has welcomed the eight students to it first year intake. They've been split up between the year's class groups. Principal Eimear Harte says it's important for the twins to…

A Spanish family has started life in the Gaeltacht region along the Galway Mayo border. Earlier this year, the Gaeltacht community in An Chloch Bhreac asked for applications for families to move into a home in the area rent free for a year in a bid to save…

All four search and rescue bases have been returned to service after a temporary 'Safety Stand Down' over two hours. CHC Ireland, which currently operates the bases, says this was to facilitate meetings about the transfer of the contract. Two weeks ago, the…

This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the Achill Cleveland twinning. Celebrations get underway today with a civic reception hosted by Mayo County Council. A group has travelled from Cleveland, Ohio for the event which culminates in Achill Sound on Sunday…

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has announced that the pre-cast concrete products are to be exempt from the concrete levy. The levy will still apply to ready mix and concrete blocks. IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh says that while it's good…

Gardaí and emergency services this morning attended the scene of a road traffic collision at Ballinderry on the N61, Rathmore, Co. Roscommon. The collision, involving two cars, took place in the early hours of this morning. Two people received hospital…

All childcare providers nationwide are planning to close their doors for three days this month. A protest is due to be held in Dublin between 26th and 28th September. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers says many small and medium creches are running…

Gardai are currently at the scene of an accident on the N61 Tulsk to Roscommon road. The road is currently closed and will remain closed for at least another hour. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible and diversions are in place.

Details have emerged of the new vacant homes tax. It'll be charged at almost three times the rate of Local Property Tax, and will apply to almost 60 thousand empty residential properties across the country from November. A briefing document from Revenue seen…

The thermometer could hit record highs today. A status yellow high temperature warning is in place for the country this morning. Met Eireann says there'll be very warm and humid weather of over 27 degrees until 8am tomorrow.

Despite promises that a new Emergency Department with additional bed capacity will be in place “soon” at Mayo University Hospital, there is no planning application submitted for the development and the drawings for the extension are not completed, according…

The Irish Farmer's Association refused to meet with the Agriculture Minister today for a discussion about the impact of nitrogen limits. Instead, members opted to protest outside the meeting that was scheduled to take place at the Department of Agriculture,…

Gerry Loftus of the Rural Ireland Organisation insists that tomorrow evening’s meeting in Lahardane over the future of a GP service in the local area, is not a public but rather is a community meeting. He says the meeting organised by the Rural Ireland…

A public meeting will be held tomorrow evening (Fri) in Lahardane as concern intensifies over the future of a GP service in the area. The meeting takes place at Lahardane Community centRE tomorrow evening at 8.30pm Despite the HSE attempts to secure a GP for…

A record 102,000 passengers passed through Ireland West Airport during the month of August, making it the busiest month in the airports 38-year history. The passenger numbers represented a 7 percent increase on the same period in August 2019, pre-pandemic.…

A teenager who died following an incident involving a tractor last week has been named locally. 16 year old Adam Higgins from Caherlistrane died after he fell from a tractor on Wednesday last, the 30th of August outside Tuam. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital…

The 27th annual Baboró Festival has been officially launched earlier this week. Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is Ireland’s flagship festival devoted exclusively to children and families and takes place throughout the month of October Every…

Three Ballyhaunis ladies are set to run the Dublin City Marathon this year to raise funds for the Ballyhaunis Defibrillator Group. Currently out of the 12 defibs in the locality, 7 of those will need to be upgraded by the New Year. Siobhan Conlon, Alma…

The IFA says it will not attend the meeting for farm organisations called by the Minister for Agriculture this morning. It was due to be held to discuss new EU nitrogen limits which could see cuts to dairy herds, instead the Irish Farmers Association says it…

A Westport councillor is advising the public to think twice before giving money to anyone begging on a street in the county. Independent councillor Christy Hyland claims that a person begging on the street in Westport in recent days, secured a hundred euro in…

The Agriculture Minister will meet with farming leaders today after the EU announced new nitrogen limits. The decision announced by the European Commission yesterday is set to affect around 3,000 Irish dairy farmers from the new year. It could see them either…

Ireland set new record highs for wind generation in August. A new report from Wind Energy Ireland shows the amount of electricity generated by wind last month was up 71 per cent on the previous August. It means Irish wind farms provided 32 per cent of the…

A status yellow temperature warning comes into effect at 8 o'clock this morning. It will expire on Saturday morning with highs in excess of 27 degrees expected. Met Eireann is warning of the possibility for uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress.

A teenager has died today following a road traffic incident in the Tuam area a week ago today. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses this evening following the incident which occurred at Sylane in Tuam, Co. Galway on Wednesday evening last, 30th August 2023. At…

RTE posted a budget deficit of just under 2.8 million euro in it's annual report for last year. The broadcaster has published the report after it was brought before a meeting of Cabinet ministers this afternoon. RTE earned 195.6 million euro from TV licence…

The EU's climate change body says global temperatures in August were 1.5 degrees above the pre-industrial era. Science agrees that its the limit of global warming before more adverse and severe weather can be expected. The figures also show July and August…

The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has seen a big increase in the amount of applications from the Central Applications Office (CAO). Since its establishment, the ATU has combined third level education in the west and north west from Letterkenny to…

More than 40 students have been left without a school bus service for this year in the Caherlistrane area. That's according to local councillor Andrew Reddington. The bus service, ran by Bus Eireann, hasn't resumed this year as there is no driver available…

An Garda Síochána has today launched a public competition to hire up to 400 Clerical Officers across locations nationwide. The roles are available in a range of areas such as HR, IT, finance and procurement, internal audit, communications, research and…

Met Eireann have issued a status yellow high temperature warning for the entire country. It will come into effect at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning until 8 o'clock on Saturday. Met Eireann are warning of very warm and humid weather on Thursday and Friday. Daytime…

The next Covid-like pandemic could come sooner than people think, according to the Health Minister. Stephen Donnelly says he's been advised by the World Health Organisation the next such outbreak won't be a once in a hundred years event. He's brought a memo…

The Department of Education has to show more flexibility if it serious about tackling the teacher recruitment and retention crisis. That's according to the TUI which says the upcoming budget has to include provisions to make more assistant principal roles…

University of Galway has launched a new multi-sensory room with aim of making the campus more inclusive. The room in the Arts Millenium building is equipped with interactive and integrated lighting, along with visual, vibroacoustic and sound effects to create…

Retained fire fighters have voted to accept proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission to resolve their industrial dispute. It follows intensive consultations last week and a secret ballot. SIPTU has welcomed the news, but warned that while the vote…

Speed limits are to be cut in an effort to curb the recent increase in road deaths. The move will affect national, arterial and local roads. 127 people have died on Irish roads already this year - 23 more than by this date last year. After a series of recent…

Ireland West Airport have become the first airport in Ireland to become members of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. The Sunflower was first introduced in London’s Gatwick Airport in 2016, and since then is now recognised in over 220 international…

A fresh application has been brought before the High Court that could see former teacher Enoch Burke sent back to prison. It's over his alleged refusal to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath. An order was handed down earlier this year…

Aidan Horkan, a brother of deceased Detective Garda Colm Horkan, was fondly recalled at his funeral Mass in Charlestown, Co. Mayo, this afternoon (Tuesday) as a good friend to many whose family, especially his son Oran, meant the world to him. Speaking at…

A recent survey found that 6 out of 10 Defibrillators would not function effectively if deployed. That’s according to a Mayo based Community First Responder Darren Forde. The Hollymount native says that six simple steps will ensure that all defibrillators can…

Billionaire Glenamaddy brothers, Luke and Brian Comer, are said to have placed a bid for extensive lands at Dublin Airport. According to the Irish Independent, Dublin Airport Authority is also interested in the land – but not at the price level being touted.…

A Castlebar based Councillor walked out of a council meeting on Friday last in outrage. Councillor Michael Kilcoyne described himself feeling exasperated at the lack of progress by the council on affordable housing in the area. While applications are being…

Retained fire fighters have voted to accept proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission to resolve their industrial dispute. It follows intensive consultations last week and a secret ballot. SIPTU has welcomed the news, but warned that while today's…

Mayo’s national schools are the fourth least crowded in the country according to a report from the Irish Independent. The report shows that children in rural counties being in an overcrowded classroom are twice as likely as those in counties with bigger…

The Minister for Education is being called on to complete a long overdue review into school bus services around the country. Hundreds of children are without a school bus place this term, after Bus Éireann said 'difficulties had arisen' with some routes. The…

Children with disabilities are being forced to stay in hospitals, residential centres and special schools because there aren't supports to care for them at home. A report from the Ombudsman for Children's Office shows children are being left in emergency…

More Gardai in the Roads Policing Unit are on way to tackle the increased number of deaths on Irish roads. That's according to the Justice Minister Helen McEntee as the latest National Slow Down Day campaign came to an end this morning. By 9pm last night,…

Fianna Fáil Senator for Mayo Lisa Chambers has issued a warning to the public to take extra care on social media. This comes after her Facebook account was hacked. The Seanad leader noticed the scam sponsored posts were being run on both Facebook and…

Over 850 academics have signed an open letter calling for 100 per cent plant-based catering in Irish universities. It will also be distributed to universities around the world as part of the global Plant-Based Universities campaign. 60 signatures came from…

A Galway West TD has spoke out against the Virgin Media TV series Confessions of a Crime Boss, that gets underway tonight. Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy Hildegarde Naughton has expressed “grave concerns” about…

A total of five Mayo-based charities and community organisations have become the latest beneficiaries of ALDI’s Community Grants programme, with each charity receiving a grant from the ALDI store teams in County Mayo. Receiving €500 grants are Cancer fund for…

An increase of CAO offers and no additional student accommodation in Sligo may see many students choose a different college or even decide to not progress third level education. That's the view of former President of the ATU Sligo student union, Daire Martin.…

Almost 200,000 adults across the country are actively living with symptoms of Long Covid. That's according to new data from a survey commissioned by Independent TD Denis Naughten. 192,000 people are living with self reported symptoms of long Covid, with 76%…

Gardai have detected 50 vehicles breaking the speed limit in the first 2 hours of a major clampdown this morning. Over 15,700 vehicles have been checked as part of National Slow Down Day, which runs until 7 o'clock tomorrow morning. Among those speeding was a…

SIPTU is to return to the Labour Court today to address the pay disputes for childcare workers. The union has reported a significant number of childcare staff are leaving their jobs, with over one-third actively seeking employment outside of the profession…

HSE daycare services are soon to be restored in the Easkey and Enniscrone areas. This has been confirmed by Sligo based Fine Gael Councillor Dara Mulvey. The issue of a lack of daycare services in the West Sligo area was initially raised at a meeting of Sligo…

A Fine Gael Senator is calling on the Government to reward primary schools that ban smartphones. Mary Seery-Kearney says children need to be able to play and socially interact without having their heads stuck in a mobile phone. The call comes after a primary…

The Junior Minister Jack Chambers is to meet the Justice Minister this week over the recent spike in road deaths. 127 people have been killed in crashes so far this year, as National Slow Down Day kicks in from 7 o'clock this morning until 7am tomorrow. The…

Green ribbon farm walks are set to return this September. The initiative is run by the IFA in partnership with See Change, Coillte and Mental Health Ireland. The campaign aims to spread awareness about mental health difficulties and help end stigma…

With the winter period fast approaching, we do not want to see a repeat of the record breaking trolley numbers in Mayo University Hospital. That’s the view of Castlebar based Local Election Candidate Harry Barrett who is calling on the HSE Forum West to give…

Social Media's warning people driving home from Electric Picnic to focus on road safety. The Road Safety Authority is launching campaigns on TikTok and Instagram to try and reach the 70 thousand fans attending the three-day event which wraps up tonight. Alex…

A 3-year old boy and his grandparents will be laid to rest in Cashel in County Tipperary today. It follows nine days of tragedy on the roads for the county. 45 year old Thomas O'Reilly, his wife Bridget aged 46 and their grandson Tom, died when the car they…

Sinn Fein is still the most popular party in the country. A new Sunday Independent/ Ireland Thinks poll shows Mary Lou McDonald's party is on 33 but has seen its support drop by 1. Fine Gael is on 21 up 2, Fianna Fail is unchanged on 18 and the Social…

The Taoiseach says the recent spike in road-deaths is 'not a blip' and needs to be addressed. Leo Varadkar says he's deeply concerned about the matter, and has written to the Garda Commissioner about greater enforcement. He's also asking for a meeting of the…

Mayo Day is the annual celebration of all things Mayo and Mayo County Council has announced its milestone tenth-anniversary celebration will be taking place in May 2024. To mark this historic occasion, Mayo County Council are proud to present a fantastic…

The tax hikes being introduced by Government are both ill-timed and damaging to families. That's the view of Mayo based Aontu member Paul Lawless. Mr. Lawless says the public need no reminder of the difficult cost of living crisis we find ourselves in. The…

The Government is facing pressure from one of its own senators to provide more electricity credits in the Budget. Last year saw every household receive 600 euro worth of credit, to help with rising costs. Fine Gael's Maria Byrne is calling for at least three…

There's been a sharp increase in the smuggling of cannabis by post into the country this year. Figures obtained by The Irish Times show authorities have seized 799 postal packages containing cannabis. The packages were worth just under 5 million euro. In…

Gardaí are investigating a theft from a property in Ballaghaderren, Co. Roscommon that occurred between the 28th and the 29th of August 2023. A piece of farming equipment was stolen from the property. Investigations are ongoing.

Funeral mass will get underway shortly for Zoey Coffey, one of 4 young people killed in last week's horrific Clonmel car crash. A huge attendance is expected for today's service at St. Peter and Paul's Church in the town, followed by burial to St.Patrick's…

Ahead of his hosting duties on the Late Late Show, movie-goers will see Patrick Kielty on the big screen today. He's starring in the Irish film Ballywalter, which debuts for one day only, for National Cinema Day. Movie theatres nationwide are offering 4 euro…

An Garda Síochána are celebrating National Service Day today. The aim of today’s events is to recognize all those that work and volunteer in Frontline, Emergency and Security Services all across Ireland. Events are being held all around the country, with…

A Mayo woman recently won the bread baking section at the Tullamore Agricultural Show. Claudia Healy from Goola, Glenamoy, Ballina, won the Irish Farmhouse Brown Bread competition, beating off rivals from all over the country. Claudia works at Kelly’s Kitchen…

Energia has become the first major energy company to drop its residential prices. From October 3rd there will be a 15 percent drop in its electricity prices, and 20 percent to gas. Last year there were major increases in prices from the company.

The increase in VAT for the hospitality sector will see many businesses who are only making a marginal profit close their doors. That's the view of Restaurateur John Nevin from Nevin's Newfield Inn. From midnight, the vat rate in the hospitality sector across…

Contraception is now available free of charge to women in the 17 to 30-year age group. The scheme was previously only available to those aged 17-25, before it began to include those aged 26 last January. Those aged 27-30 can now also avail of it from today.…

Another bank is bowing to political pressure and hiking its interest rates for savers. AIB has become the latest financial institution to raise its savings rates on certain products, as well as EBS saving accounts. The Finance Minister and opposition…

406 people are waiting for beds in hospitals around the country this morning. INMO figures show 293 are in emergency departments, while 113 are in wards. University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected by overcrowding, with 103 patients on trolleys. That's…

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers will officially open the extension of the Greenway on Achill Island this morning. This will see a new 5km section of the Great Western Greenway open to the public from Achill Sound to Cashel. The…

12 new social housing units have been approved for Ballinrobe, according to a local Councillor. Fianna Fail Councillor Damien Ryan says the 12 units are approved under 4 separate schemes in different areas of the town. Part 8 planning will now be submitted…

Details of the 29th annual Mayo People of the Year Awards were announced in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, last night (Thursday) by the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Martin McLoughlin. The event, which is organised by RehabCare, Mayo…

The second of the funerals following last week's crash in Clonmel will take place today. Four young people died in the collision on Leaving Cert results night. The funeral of 24-year-old Luke McSweeney and his 18-year-old sister Grace will take place in St…

Motorists have had to fork out more for fuel since midnight last night. The price of petrol has gone up by 7 cent a litre and diesel has risen by 5 cent. Farmers are also being hit, with the cost of agri-diesel increasing by one cent per litre. Sinn Fein…

The safer nightlife programme is being embraced at the Electric Picnic this weekend. Revellers are being encouraged to surrender drugs anonymously to drug bins provided on site. The programme aims to reduce the risks associated with drug use at concerts and…

Newly elected Chairman of the Mayo Association in Dublin Mr Noel Howley has responded to the news that Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann is earmarking the 2027 All-Ireland Fleadh for Ballina and has called on all Mayo Associations and Mayo business people worldwide…

Irish Water crews are currently carrying out repairs to a burst water main in Ballyhaunis. This may cause supply disruptions to Hazel Hill Downs, Ballyhaunis and surrounding areas. Works are scheduled to take place until 4:30pm this evening. Irish Water…

The Road Safety Authority is calling for increased penalty points for dangerous driving after it was revealed that the death toll on Irish roads is up 45%, on the same period in 2019. The call comes as three year old girl in Portlaoise became the second…

Summer 2023 has put a stop to sporadic water mains bursts in Granlahan with an Uisce Éireann project completed in the Roscommon village. An 850m stretch of pipework from Granlahan Community Centre towards the townland of Barrinagh was decades old so replacing…

Mayo County Council is seeking applications from artists to enhance three areas of Westport with community murals/street art. The aim is to provide an attractive new look for each site and inspire community respect. Project sites are Westport skate park, the…

Some young people who are suicidal have been waiting up to 50 days to be seen by mental health professionals, despite seeking help. New reports published by the Mental Health Commission found 'issues of concern' at Child and Adult Mental Health Services…

There were 37 percent fewer overseas visitors to Ireland during the Summer according to the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation. While the North American market has remained strong, the number of people from Britain and Germany coming here is significantly…

The battle lines have been drawn for the general election, according to a Government Minister. Yesterday the Electoral Commission released the re-drawing of Dáil constituency boundaries - creating 14 new TDs as a result. The redraw points to only one likely…

Galway and Sligo University Hospital are among the top five most overcrowded hospitals nationally this month. The INMO has published its August 2023 trolley figures which show that it has been the worst August for hospital overcrowding nationally since it…

The word of advice to students is you don't have to accept your offer straight away, and have until next week to decide whether or not they want to accept the offer they receive. Adette Ring is the Careers Officer at ATU in Sligo. She says that while many…

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Michael Loftus, is continuing to highlight the need for a reduction in the size of the Mayo/ Roscommon/ Longford Garda Division. The Crossmolina based Fianna Fail councillor insists that Mayo needs it’s own Chief…

Gardaí seized over €90,000 found hidden inside a vehicle during a search operation related to a drugs investigations in county Galway earlier week. Gardaí searched a residence in Ballinasloe and during the course of the operation they came across €90,500…

 People in rural Ireland will disproportionately suffer because of the further increase of excise duty on petrol and diesel. That's according to Independent, Galway East TD Sean Canney. Excise duty was cut in March 2022 as part of a range of measures to help…

SIPTU is urging the Government to allocate 142 million euro towards improving pay and conditions for early years educators. This request is being made through their Big Start campaign in their pre-budget submissions. To ensure that workers stay in the sector,…

The death toll on Irish roads this year has risen to 125 - up 45 per cent on the same time in 2019. A three year old girl died after she was hit by a car in Portlaoise yesterday afternoon - in what was already a tragic week on our roads. A three year old boy…

We'll be paying more for petrol and diesel from tonight. The latest increase in excise duty on fuel comes into effect and is expected to add around 7 cent per litre of petrol, diesel by 5 cent a litre and agri-diesel by one cent. It's also the final day of…

Boys who smoke in their early teens could risk passing on damaged genes to their future children and scientists fear vaping could have the same effect. A study of 875 people found changes in genes associated with asthma and obesity in those whose fathers had…

Mayo and Galway are two of a number of counties being targeted at present in a crackdown on TV ‘dodgy boxes’. According to today’s Irish Independent, legal warnings against their use are being sent out in seven counties. The action comes after authorities’…

The new 5 seater constituency for county Mayo, according to pundits, looks good for both Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail candidates in the next general election. Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers had told Midwest News a number of months ago that she was…

Raw sewage continues to flow into the Bay at Newport, eight years after the late journalist Neil O’Neill and local councilor Brendan Mulroy highlighted the issue and provided proof of the same to Irish Water and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).…

Patients presenting at hospital emergency departments across the region today are experiencing delays. There are 47 patients waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Galway, the third most overcrowded in the country today. There are 35 patients on trolleys…

Almost €15,500 has been allocated for Parent and Toddler groups across the county today under the Parent and Toddler Grant Initiative. That's according to Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers. This year, the emphasis of the Parent and Toddler Grant Initiative is…

There will be 14 extra TDs in the next Dáil with the Electoral Commission publishing its report this morning. The number of constituencies will increase from 39 to 43. The constituency of Mayo is to become a 5-seater again, as the section of South Mayo that…

VHI has announced its to increase its prices by an average of 7 percent from the beginning of October. The company says the increase is driven by a "significant increase in demand" for healthcare. It follows another increase by the company back in March. VHI…

Ballaghaderreen is set to benefit from a proposed €4.5 million investment project on the regeneration of the town centre. The aim of this work is to make the town a more attractive and welcoming area to residents , traders and visitors. The project site…

The first of this year’s CAO offers will be made later this afternoon. They'll be available from 2 o'clock, with the deadline for students to accept their college offer set at 3 o'clock next Wednesday afternoon. Grade inflation in the Leaving Cert is…

Changes to Dáil constituencies will be announced this morning along with the creation of up to 21 new TDs. The Electoral Commission will deliver its report at 8am in one of the most significant redrawings of election areas in the history of the State. All the…