MedTech company announces 30 new jobs in Galway

Oct 13, 2019

Sligo Councillors calls for Bicycle database to prevent bike theft

A Sligo Councillor is calling for all bicycles sold in Sligo to be registered on a central database, to help prevent theft, and to reunite owners with bikes that have been recovered. Ballymote-Tubbercurry FG Councillor Dara Mulvey says such a bike database…

Oct 13, 2019

Connacht-Ulster Alliance receive investment to become a Technological University

The Presidents of GMIT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT (Connacht-Ulster Alliance) welcomed the announcement this week by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, of an increase of over €153 million for tertiary education including a…

Oct 13, 2019

Crossmolina Enterprise Centre to host several big events in the town

The new Enterprise Centre in Crossmolina is a credit to the town. That’s the view of local Fianna Fail Cllr. Michael Loftus who says the building is in the town since the 1800’s and over the years has had many uses. In 2014, a group in the town came together…

Oct 13, 2019

Mayo TD has criticised the lack of progress on upgrading the N26

A Mayo Fianna Fail TD has criticised the lack of progress of upgrading the N26 Ballina to Foxford road. Dara Calleary says his Government done a section of the road back in 2010 and says it needs to be made a priority in the wake of 2 road crashes on the…

Oct 13, 2019

An Elphin priest will be ordained the Bishop of Clonfert this afternoon

A priest from Elphin, Roscommon will be ordained as the Bishop of Clonfert this afternoon. The celebration of Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Father Michael Duignan as the new Bishop of Clonfert will take place at 3.00pm today in the Cathedral of Saint…

Oct 13, 2019

Roscomm district and Galway have the highest CAB investigations in the West

Roscommon/Longford has the highest number of targets under investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau in the highest figure in the west. That’s according to new figures from the Sunday Independent, which show the Galway has 21, Mayo has 7 targets under…

Oct 12, 2019

IFA Sheep Chairman calling for meeting with factories to discuss price cuts

IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy has called for a meeting between the IFA and factories to discuss price cuts on sheep of up to €11 per head compared with last year. A price reduction of up to 7.5 per head, cuts of 50c/kg on heavy lambs €1.27 per head…

Oct 12, 2019

Launch of the WITH Project in Castlebar first of it's kind in the country

Mayo has developed the country’s first online information resource for young people whose parents experience mental health distress. The WITH project (Wellbeing In The Home), a young person’s guide to parental mental health, was launched in Castlebar…

Oct 12, 2019

Green leader says his comments on car-sharing were 'misrepresented'

Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan, says his comments about car-sharing in rural Ireland have been misrepresented. In a TV show appearance, he said he was in favour of small towns or villages pooling their transport needs. However, critics say rural communities…

Oct 12, 2019

Castlebar Gardai to crackdown on illegal fireworks this Halloween

As Halloween approaches, the Gardai in Castlebar are advising young people and their parents of the danger of fireworks and of the fact that it’s illegal to buy fireworks. Community Garda Mick Toland and his team are visiting second level schools in the…

Oct 12, 2019

Foxford residents asked to conserve water following a burst pipe

A major water leak has developed in Foxford on the Swinford Road. Mayo County Council personnel are in attendance at the scene of the leak. Due to the size of the pipe & its depth, water service will be disrupted for a number of hours in the Foxford area.…

Oct 11, 2019

Teenage boy rescues a middle-aged man from the river in Boyle

A man in his 40's has been taken to hospital after a dramatic river rescue in Boyle, in Co Roscommon this afternoon. It's understood the alarm was raised at around lunchtime when the man is believed to have entered the water near the town centre. Efforts were…

Oct 11, 2019

Family in Strokestown eviction case ordered to leave their home

The Roscommon family which was involved in a high-profile eviction last year has been told it has a month to leave it's home. The High Court has ordered the McGanns to vacate their Strokestown property by November 12th, after an action taken by KBC Bank. They…

Oct 11, 2019

Sligo Councillor calls for the organisation of a mattress disposal amnesty day

A Sligo Councillor is calling on the local authority to arrange an amnesty day, where people can dispose of old mattresses, free of charge, and sites across Co Sligo. 439 old mattresses were collected for disposal during such an event last year, and…

Oct 11, 2019

Mayo Autism project wins €5,000 at the People's Choice Award

Manulla FC & Mayo Autism Youth Project project has received €5,000 funding after winning the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund People’s Choice Award. The Mayo-based project was announced as one of the People’s Choice Award winners after the Irish public selected the…

Oct 11, 2019

€10 Million to be spent on Galway City Museum Redevelopment

Galway is set to receive Fáilte Ireland's biggest ever tourism investment. A new three-storey Atlantic Museum is expected to transform the Spanish Arch district of the city. The total cost of the project will be 10.2 million euro, and it is set to open in…

Oct 11, 2019

Mayo Fianna Fail TD hits out at Green Party Leader for suggesting that people in Rural Ireland should Car Pool to work

A Mayo Fianna Fail TD has hit out at the Green Party Leader for comments he made suggesting that people in rural Ireland should Car Pool. Eamon Ryan has suggested that a village of 300 people needs just 30 cars to operate. He believes the Government should…

Oct 11, 2019

Senator Mulherin found to have made an ineligible PRA claim of 2000 euro - she disputes the finding

Six TDs and senators were found to have made ineligible claims totalling almost €10,000 in 2017 after the audit of 22 Oireachtas members by accountancy firm Mazars. Mayo Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin was among this group According to today’s Irish…

Oct 11, 2019

Pedestrian taken to hospital following collision with a car in Westport

A man has been taken to Mayo University Hospital following an incident with a vehicle shortly after 9am this morning on Bridge Street, Westport. Emergency services attended the scene and the pedestrian has been removed to hospital with what has been described…

Oct 11, 2019

Four Car Collision on N26 near Foxford this morning

A four car collision has occurred this morning on the N26 Foxford to Ballina road. The collision occurred three miles the Ballina side of Foxford and efforts are now underway to clear the scene. It’s understood no one has been injured but material damage has…

Oct 11, 2019

"Beep Beep Day" in creches across the region today organised by the RSA

Créches and Montessori schools across the region are today holding Beep Beep Day, an initiative by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) aimed at educating the most vulnerable road users on the importance of safety on the roads, whether they are out walking,…

Oct 11, 2019

Minister Boxer Moran due in Crossmolina this noon time

The Minister with Responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Boxer Moran is in due in Crossmolina this noon time (Friday) to meet with representatives from the local Flood Group The community has become frustrated with the delays that have persisted…

Oct 11, 2019

Castlebar has been shortlisted for a national award in the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards

Castlebar has been shortlisted for a national award- A Rising Star Award, in the 2019 Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards. The Awards recognise towns and communities working together making their areas a better place to be. A panel of adjudicators visited…

Oct 10, 2019

UK licence holders in the region urged to exchange it within the next number of days, ahead of Brexit

Anyone living in Ireland with a UK/Northern Ireland driving licence is being urged to submit their applications to exchange it now as time is running out. As it can take up to 10 days to process an exchange, the National Driver Licensing Service says it…

Oct 10, 2019

Time running out to submit entries for 2019 Mayo People of the Year

Tomorrow (Friday) is the closing date for receipt of nominations for the 2019 Mayo People of the Year awards. The awards are organised annually by the Connaught Telegraph, RehabCare and Mayo County Council to honour Mayo people or organisations who have made…

Oct 10, 2019

Road closed due to a collision close to Crinnaune Bridge Ballaghaderreen

The Ballaghaderreen to Ballyhaunis road ( R293) is closed to traffic at present in the townland of Kiltimaine, close to Crinnaune bridge.A two car collision has occurred.The emergency services are at the scene.Motorists are advised to avoid the area if…

Oct 10, 2019

Woman injured in 2-vehicle collision on Foxford-Ballina road

A woman was taken to hospital this morning following a collision on the N26 Foxford to Ballina road. The two-vehicle collision occurred near Mount Falcon shortly after 9am. Emergency services attended the scene, and traffic was reduced to a stop / go system…

Oct 10, 2019

E-commerce company Overstock opens new base in Sligo

E-commerce company Overstock has officially opened its new European base in Sligo. This time last year, the company announced 100 new technology jobs for Sligo. Overstock now has more than 80 technologists working from its base in Sligo, and is on target to…

Oct 10, 2019

Searches continuing for a missing person in Enniscrone

Searches are continuing today for a missing person in Enniscrone. Gardai and the Irish Coast Guard have been conducting searches since reports of a person entering the water at Enniscrone Beach on Tuesday evening. Gardai say land searches are continuing today…

Oct 10, 2019

100 new jobs being created at medical lab company in Galway City & Rosmuc

A medical laboratory company is to create 100 new jobs at its facilities in Galway City and Rosmuc. Complete Laboratory Solutions provides sampling and analysis for clients in the food, environmental, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. CLS already…

Oct 10, 2019

Galway TD says funding must be in place to combat illegal dumping

Additional funding must be secured to ensure that enforcement officers in every local authority have the resources needed to combat fly tipping and illegal dumping. That’s the view of Galway based Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton. The deputy is the…

Oct 10, 2019

Mayo based Minister has dismissed claims the Carbon Tax is a surcharge on rural Ireland

The Rural Development Minister has dismissed claims the Carbon Tax is a surcharge on rural Ireland. In the Budget it was announced it's increasing by six euro - meaning a rise in the cost of diesel and petrol and also an increase in heating fuels from next…

Oct 10, 2019

Urgent need for additional lane to assist traffic in and out of McHale's Farm Machinery in Ballinrobe

There is an urgent need for an additional lane, on the N84 road, out of Ballinrobe, to assist traffic entering and exiting McHales, one of the county’s largest exporters. According to local Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke, the company paid development…

Oct 09, 2019

Pyrite remediation scheme for Mayo homeowners to open "within weeks" says Senator Mulherin

The remediation scheme for homeowners in Mayo whose properties have been damaged by pyrite should open for applications within a matter of weeks. That's according to Mayo FG Senator Michelle Mulherin, who says €40 million euro for the scheme was signed-off by…

Oct 09, 2019

Hollywood stars begin shooting new film in north Mayo

Film stars Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan are currently shooting a new film in north Mayo. "Wild Mountain Thyme" is the title of the movie, based on an adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's play "Outside Mullingar". Jamie Dornan, who shot to fame in the Fifty…

Oct 09, 2019

Delays of up to an hour on all train services into and out of Heuston Station this morning

Irish Rail is warning of delays of up to an hour this morning on all services into and out of Heuston Station. This is due to overnight vandalism of signalling equipment between Newbridge and Kildare. All trains are delayed by between 45 and 60 minutes. Irish…

Oct 09, 2019

Government accused of reneging on commitment to build 50-bed unit at Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon

A Roscommon TD is accusing the Government of reneging on its commitment to a multi-million euro development at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon Town. Prior to the 2016 general election, the €10 million project for a replacement 50-bed unit at the Sacred…

Oct 09, 2019

Motorists urged to check their tyres, as today is Tyre Safety Day

As Road Safety week continues, today has been designated "Tyre Safety Day", when all road users are urged to check their tyres. Defective tyres are a contributing factor in an average of 14 road deaths per year. Every month, 8 and a half thousand vehicles are…

Oct 08, 2019

Mayo Minister says Budget had to focus on possibility of no-deal Brexit

Mayo-based Minister Michael Ring has been looking at the highlights of Budget 2020. Speaking with Midwest News this evening, he said that - as this is the last Budget from the current Government, it could have been a giveaway Budget, but instead they had to…

Oct 08, 2019

Highlights of Budget 2020 as announced by Minister Donohue

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has announced a budget with extra spending of almost three billion euro. It includes an increase in the carbon tax which will see petrol and diesel getting more expensive from midnight tonight. Other fuel increases - including…

Oct 08, 2019

Two Galway restaurants retain their coveted Michelin Star status

Two Galway restaurants are included in the latest list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland. The 2020 edition of the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland was launched in London yesterday evening, with coveted Michelin Stars for 21 restaurants on…

Oct 08, 2019

The location of the town centre pedestrian crossing in Ballinrobe is dangerous, according to councillor

It’s difficult to understand how anyone designed the pedestrian crossing in Ballinrobe town centre, located where three roads meet. That was the view expressed by local Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke at the monthly Claremorris/ Swinford Municipal District…

Oct 08, 2019

ICSA says Beef Taskforce must deliver real results for farmers

The Beef Market Taskforce is due to meet next week, but it must deliver real results for farmers and not just end up as a talking shop. That's according to the President of the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association Edmond Phelan. It's just over two weeks…

Oct 08, 2019

50% drop in home burglaries in Winter months over past 4 years

The number of home burglaries during the winter months has fallen by 50 per cent in the last 4 years. Gardaí say it's as a result of the Winter Phase of Operation Thor, which has just been launched for its fifth year. Statistics show home burglaries at a…

Oct 08, 2019

2 million euro investment in upgrade works for wastewater treatment plant in Monksland

Irish Water, working with Roscommon County Council, is investing €2 million euro to complete essential upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant at Monksland, Co Roscommon. The works, once complete will increase capacity, and provide a platform for growth…

Oct 08, 2019

Investigation underway into the death of a woman discovered in her parked car in Castlebar yesterday

An investigation is underway, but gardai do not believe that there was anything suspicious, about the death of a woman discovered in her parked car in Castlebar yesterday afternoon. The woman was found dead in her car, parked on Market Square in the town, at…

Oct 08, 2019

Footpath urgently required between the National School and the community pitch in Glencorrib

For safety reasons it is vital that Mayo county council provides a footpath in the south Mayo village of Glencorrib between the local national school and the community pitch. That’s the strong view of local Fine Gael councillor Patsy O’Brien. He raised the…

Oct 08, 2019

2020 budget details to be announced this afternoon

Paschal Donohoe will announce the government's plans for next year as he reveals Budget 2020 this afternoon. It's expected to be a conservative budget with a big focus on a potential no-deal Brexit. This budget is limited by Brexit so what money it does have…

Oct 07, 2019

New FraudSMART clinic will be held in Sligo Town tomorrow

The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) will be bringing its new FraudSMART Clinic to Sligo tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock. The clinic is a fraud awareness initiative which aims to inform citizens about the latest financial fraud activity and trends.…

Oct 07, 2019

Mayo Fire Service urges householders to check smoke alarms regularly

The Mayo Fire Service is urging householders to test their smoke alarms regularly, and to have an escape plan in place should a fire occur. Today is the start of National Fire Safety Week, which encourages people to check their smoke alarms regularly, and to…

Oct 07, 2019

IBTS urging more young blood donors to come forward

The number of blood donations in Ireland decreased by almost 1,000 last year, with Storm Emma and the Beast from the East being blamed for the drop, as the storms results in the cancellation of clinics. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service collected almost…

Oct 07, 2019

The Lodge at Ashford Castle included in Ireland's Top 10 Hotels

Two hotels in the West of Ireland have been named on the list of Ireland's Top 10 Hotels, as voted by the readers of Conde Nast travel magazine. The Conde Nast Traveller Awards 2019 have been published, with the Westbury in Dublin listed as Ireland's Top…

Oct 07, 2019

Only 27% of motorists caught on phone while driving in Mayo have been convicted

Only 27% of motorists in Mayo, who were charged with using a mobile phone while driving, have been convicted of the offence over the past two and a half years. After Co Clare, Mayo had the lowest conviction rate at 27.1% - compared to a conviction rate of…

Oct 07, 2019

Civic reception next week for Castlebar native Prof Brian Dolan

A civic reception will be held next week for Castlebar native Professor Brian Dolan, who recently received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth. Professor Dolan, originally from Riverdale Court in Castlebar, was awarded an OBE for services to nursing and emergency…

Oct 07, 2019

Senator calls on HSE to explain failure to provide permanent contract to graduate nurses at MUH

The permanent contracts promised to graduate nurses at Mayo University Hospital, must be honoured, according to Mayo Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin. The Senator raised the issue in the Seanad saying that it was the HSE that made the commitment to…

Oct 07, 2019

Hike in carbon tax in tomorrow's budget would be unfair to rural population

An increase in carbon tax in tomorrow's budget could have a disproportionate impact on rural Ireland. That's the view of former Environment Minister, Roscommon Independent deputy Denis Naughten, who has raised concerns over the potential hike. An increase in…

Oct 07, 2019

Memorial service at UHG this Sunday to mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day

In recognition of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, University Hospital Galway will hold a candle lighting memorial ceremony on Sunday next, (October 13) at 3.30pm in the hospital canteen in the nurse’s home at University Hospital Galway (UHG).…

Oct 07, 2019

New 54 space car park under construction in Ballymote

Work is underway on a new 54 space car park, located at Lord Edward street in Ballymote. According to local councillor Dara Mulvey, the new car park located in the town centre will help businesses in the town and relieve traffic congestion on the main streets…

Oct 07, 2019

EY announces major national expansion with new jobs for Galway city

EY is creating 600 jobs on the island of Ireland. It's hiring people in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Waterford and Belfast. 366 of the roles will be based in its two Dublin offices, while 234 roles will be spread across the firms offices in the other…

Oct 07, 2019

Cllr demands urgent upgrade of Lisloughery Junction, Cong

The junction at Lisloughery in Cong, close to the main entrance of Ashford Castle, is in urgent need of upgrading according to local Fianna Fail councillor Damien Ryan. He described the busy junction as “lethal” and called on Mayo County Council to prioritise…

Oct 07, 2019

Some householders in Swinford are being denied home insurance because they live beside a stream

Some householders in the Swinford area have been denied home insurance by insurance companies who are basing their refusals on inappropriate C-FRAM, government maps. As a result some home owners have been unable to sell their properties in the area, as the…

Oct 06, 2019

SVP wants Budget 2020 to tackle energy poverty before introducing carbon tax

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has reiterated its call for Budget 2020 to include measures that will favour investment in tackling energy poverty in advance of any carbon tax increase. SVP says that it is fully supportive of efforts to reduce carbon…

Oct 06, 2019

Minister Ring shortlisted for European Innovation Award after abolishing library fines

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has been selected as a finalist in the European Innovation in Politics Awards for abolishing library fines and increasing of library opening hours in many libraries. The Innovation in Politics Awards…

Oct 06, 2019

Boris Johnson's blueprint on an EU deal offers 'practical compromises'

Boris Johnson says the UK will be "walking out" of the EU in 25 days without a deal if Brussels does not compromise. He's urged European politicians to "grasp the opportunity" his new Brexit proposal provides. But the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel…

Oct 06, 2019

Mayo TD wants a start date for the pyrite compensation scheme

A Mayo TD is calling on the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy to give a start date for the compensation scheme for those whose homes are affected by pyrite. €20 million was set aside in last year's Budget for a Mica and pyrite redress scheme, but it has not…

Oct 06, 2019

Vatican discuss whether to allow the ordination of married men

A conference of Catholic bishops in Rome is set to discuss whether to allow married men to be ordained. The three-week conference in the Vatican is working on how to develop the faith in the Amazon -- and will discuss whether it's time to loosen the doctrine…

Oct 05, 2019

Ballycroy National Park host free events tomorrow and throughout October

Ballycroy National Park are holding two free events tomorrow for those with an interest in photography and moon-gazing. There is a three hour photography workshop in the National Park’s centre starting at 1 o’clock. That’s followed by a moon-gazing in Mayo…

Oct 05, 2019

Mysterious bright UFO visible across the West is believed to be a satellite

Across the country people have been reporting sightings of a large 'fireball' in the night sky last night. Galway City Cllr Owen Hanley managed to take a video of the UFO which was visible above the Claddagh in Galway. According to the Limerick Astronomy…

Oct 05, 2019

Taoiseach pledges support to SDZ being developed at Ireland West Airport Knock

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged his support to the Strategic Development Zone being developed at Ireland West Airport Knock, and will ensure the assistance of State agencies to help attract investment and jobs to the region. That's according to the…

Oct 05, 2019

€50 Million needed in Budget to clear backlog of people waiting for homecare packages in Ireland

It would take €50 million euro in the Budget to clear the backlog of people waiting for homecare packages in Ireland. That's according to Home Instead, a founder member of Home and Community Care Ireland which represents companies providing homecare across…

Oct 05, 2019

Government predicting an exchequer surplus of €609 million euro in 2019

The government is predicting an exchequer surplus of 609 million euro in 2019. The figure is revealed in its pre-budget White Paper, which sets out expected returns up to the end of this year. However, threats of a no-deal Brexit and hundreds of million in…

Oct 04, 2019

London to Ballaghaderreen charity cycle smashes €100k target by €50k and counting

The London to Ballaghadereen charity cycle in aid of Motor Neuron Disease and the Alzheimer's Society has smashed their goal of raising €100,000 by €50,000. The charity cycle is well on the way across the midlands with dates in Athlone, Roscommon and finally…

Oct 04, 2019

400 people in Mayo waiting for Home Care Packages at present

There are almost 400 people in Mayo at present awaiting a Home Care Package from the HSE west. 329 of these people have been assessed and have qualified for a package, but the HSE say it has no monies to fund them, while a further 60 are awaiting assessment.…

Oct 04, 2019

Cllr believes flooding fears in south Mayo could have been relieved had the OPW carried out essential drainage works

The failure of the OPW to carry out essential drainage works in south Mayo is adding to flooding concerns this winter. That’s according to Ballinrobe based Fianna Fail councillor Damien Ryan. The councillor believes the OPW should come under the…

Oct 04, 2019

1700 students in Mayo to receive their Junior Cert results today

As thousands of teenagers throughout the country get set to celebrate their Junior Cert results later today, Gardaí are urging students and their parents to be mindful about the dangers of drinking and taking drugs. 1700 students in county Mayo will get their…

Oct 04, 2019

7,500 homes and businesses without electricity after storm Lorenzo - mostly in Mayo, Roscommon and Galway

Around 7,500 homes and businesses are without power this morning as a result of Storm Lorenzo. ESB crews are working to restore power across the country - with Mayo, Roscommon and Galway the worst affected areas. Met Eireann meanwhile has issued a new status…

Oct 04, 2019

No significant damage caused overnight by storm Lorenzo, according to MCC

A Status Yellow wind warning for 6 Counties, including Mayo, was issued earlier this morning and is valid until 11am. Head of Communications at Mayo County Council, Martina Hughes, confirmed to Midwest News this morning that the effects of storm Lorenzo…

Oct 04, 2019

Yellow Wind warning in place until 11am for counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon

Met Eireann has issued a yellow wing warning for counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon until 11am this morning. Generally there are no reports of any major road disruption this morning due to Storm Lorenzo overnight. However, motorists are being warned of…

Oct 03, 2019

Status orange wind warning extended to 6am tomorrow morning

Winds are picking up in strength as Storm Lorenzo hits the West coast, with the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group warning that the storm may pose a threat to life and safety in some parts of the country. A status yellow wind warning is in place since…

Oct 03, 2019

Aran Islands RNLI carries out medical evacuation during Storm Lorenzo

The Aran Islands RNLI carried out a medical evacuation this morning during Storm Lorenzo. The volunteer crew were asked to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat at 9.51am today at the request of the Irish Coast Guard. A woman on Inis Meain had…

Oct 03, 2019

Councillor invites Portwest to build their new offices in Castlebar

A Fianna Fail Councillor is inviting Portwest to build their offices in Castlebar. Martin McLoughlin says we don’t want to lose these jobs in the region and with the new ring road coming on stream connecting Castlebar and Westport it’s only a ten minute…

Oct 03, 2019

Tuam-based Minister hopeful of breakthrough on school secretary dispute

Tuam-based Minister of State Sean Caney says he's hopeful that long-running dispute over wages and conditions for school secretaries can be resolved shortly, following a u-turn by Education Minister Joe McHugh. The Department of Education had been refusing to…

Oct 03, 2019

Knock-Gatwick flights cancelled this evening, due to storm warning

As a result of the storm warning, this evening's Aer Lingus flights between Ireland West Airport Knock and Gatwick Airport in London have been cancelled. The inbound and outbound flights have both been cancelled, and passengers can contact Aer Lingus to…

Oct 03, 2019

Coastal areas - including Achill, Belmullet, Newport & Westport - at most risk of flooding during Storm Lorenzo

Storm Lorenzo is now making its way across the west of the country, with heavy rain and high winds expected between now and tomorrow morning. A status yellow wind and rain warning is in place for the entire country since 9am this morning, while from six…

Oct 03, 2019

South Mayo Councillor raises concerns about the height of water in Lough Corrib and Lough Mask

A South Mayo Councillor has again raised his concerns about the height of the water in Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. Patsy O’Brien says the lakes are a metre higher than they should be at this time of year. Cllr. O’Brien says with the heavy rain forecast over…

Oct 03, 2019

The West is bracing itself for high winds and heavy rainfall as Storm Lorenzo approaches

Storm Lorenzo is expected to bring winds of up to 130 kilometres an hour to some western coastal counties later. A yellow warning for wind and rain will take effect nationally from nine this morning, while an orange wind alert for western counties will begin…

Oct 03, 2019

Mayo TD says new Brexit offer fall short of what people have been promised

The European Parliament is expected to issue a full response to Boris Johnson's new Brexit offer later, after he urged Brussels to "compromise." The British Prime Minister wants to get rid of the backstop - which aims to prevent a hard border. The DUP's…

Oct 02, 2019

Mayo Co Co urges householders to store away garden furniture and wheelie bins, ahead of Storm Lorenzo

As Storm Lorenzo approaches Ireland, counties along the West and Southern coasts will be the worst affected. The effects of Storm Lorenzo will begin to be felt across Ireland from midday tomorrow, peaking tomorrow night and easing Friday morning - it's…

Oct 02, 2019

Justice Minister says no-one is forced into direct provision

The Justice Minister says nobody is forced into direct provision. Minister Charlie Flanagan was responding to criticism about his Department's handling of plans for a direct provision centre in Oughterard, Co. Galway. The developer of the hotel, which was to…

Oct 02, 2019

USI student rally planned for Dublin tomorrow cancelled due to weather

A students union rally due to be held in Dublin tomorrow has been cancelled, due to the weather conditions expected as Storm Lorenzo makes landfall in Ireland. The Union of Students in Ireland had called on third-level students from around the country to join…

Oct 02, 2019

Faller's Jewellers Galway makes the Top30 Best Stores in Ireland list

Faller's Jewellers, Williamsgate Street, Galway is among the Top30 Best Stores in Ireland. The Top30 have been selected from the Top100 stores shortlisted last month. Retail Excellence, the largest retail industry representative organization in Ireland, will…

Oct 02, 2019

John Perry says he's astonished at the procrastination of FG in selecting a replacement for candidate in his constituency

Former Fine Gael Minister and Dail deputy for Sligo, John Perry, says he is astonished at the procrastination of Fine Gael in selecting a second replacement candidate on the party ticket in the Sligo Leitrim constituency. Over the summer, Gerry Reynolds who…

Oct 02, 2019

Cathaoirleach of MCC says it's a "bad news day for Westport" as Portwest development rejected by ABP

An Bord Pleanala’s decision not to allow Portwest to build a new global headquarters own its own site at the Quays in Westport is a bad news day for Westport, according to the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Westport based Brendan Mulroy. The Board has…

Oct 02, 2019

Events taking place today at Michael Davitt Museum, Straide to mark 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birth

Events are taking place today at the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. who led the campaign for India's independence from British rule. Members of the Children's Land League branch from Straide…

Oct 02, 2019

Orange wind warning issued for Mayo & Galway from 6pm tomorrow evening

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for Ireland. The warning is valid from 9am tomorrow morning until 6am on Friday morning. And a more severe level orange wind warning is in place for counties Mayo, Galway, Clare Cork, Kerry and Limerick. The…

Oct 02, 2019

Western & southern counties expected to be worst-hit by Storm Lorenzo

The National Emergency Co-Ordination Group will meet again this morning in Dublin to discuss nationwide preparations for the expected arrival of Storm Lorenzo tomorrow evening. The Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government Eoghan Murphy said he is…

Oct 02, 2019

An Bord Pleanala refuses permission for Portwest global hedquarters at The Quay in Westport

Planning permission has been refused for Portwest to construct their new global headquarters in Westport. An Bord Plenala has upheld an appeal lodged against the decision of Mayo County Council to grant permission for the office building and café at Roman…

Oct 01, 2019

Austrian airline announces flights from Knock to Palma Majorca

Austrian based airline Lauda, a subsidiary of Ryanair Holdings, has announced a new service to Palma Majorca from the Ireland West airport Knock. The new Majorca service will commence on March 31st 2020 and operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays…

Oct 01, 2019

National Emergency Co-operation Group meeting over Hurricane Lorenzo

The National Emergency Co-Ordination Group is meeting this afternoon as Hurricane Lorenzo approaches. There's an increasing possibility that the storm will pass close to or over Ireland during Thursday and Thursday night. The ESB, Gardaí, public transport…

Oct 01, 2019

Mayo Senator welcomes decision to make history compulsory for Junior Cert students

A Mayo Senator is welcoming plans by the Education Minister Joe McHugh to make history a mandatory subject on the Junior Certificate curriculum. At present, English, Irish and Maths are the only mandatory subjects for the Junior Cycle, and Minister McHugh had…

Oct 01, 2019

Drivers putting lives of roadworkers in danger by jumping traffic lights at roadworks in Balla

Mayo County Council says it's unacceptable that some drivers are putting the lives of road workers in danger, by breaking traffic lights and speeding through roadworks. Representatives of An Garda Siochana, Mayo County Council and Transport Infrastructure…

Oct 01, 2019

Plans for direct provision centre in Oughterard have been shelved

Plans for a Direct Provision centre in Oughterard in Co Galway have been shelved. The controversial plan will not now go ahead after the applicant withdrew from the tender process. Locals have been staging a round-the-clock protest outside the former…

Oct 01, 2019

884 people on trolleys at University Hospital Galway last month

September was the worst month of 2019 for trolley figures at Irish hospitals, with over 10,600 patients on trolleys across the country last month. It was also the worst September on record for overcrowding, according to the INMO. Figures released today show…

Oct 01, 2019

Deputy calls for a rule change on the Fair Deal Scheme to free up thousands of empty houses for homeless families

Almost 4,000 homeless children are currently living in emergency accmomodation, while some 9,000 family homes are locked out of the housing market as a result of the Fair Deal nursing home scheme. That's according to Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten,…

Oct 01, 2019

Public discussion in Murrisk this evening on the future of Bertra beach

The long-term future of Mayo's Bertra Strand will be discussed at a meeting in Murrisk this evening (Tuesday) at 7pm. Located on the southern shore of Clew Bay, Bertra Strand and its dunes are in a precarious state, having been pounded by a series of storms…

Sep 30, 2019

Sligo TD wants to know if taxpayer money was used for Delaney's settlement

Member of the Public accounts committee and Sligo/Leitrim TD Marc MacSharry, believes the public need to know if John Delaney's settlement deal came from tax payer money. The news was announced late on Saturday night of Delaney’s resignation from the FAI just…

Sep 30, 2019

Ballinrobe-Tuam road closed at Kilconly following 3-car collision

Emergency services are attending the scene of a 3-car collision at Kilconly near Tuam. The road traffic collision has occurred at Castlegrove on the Tuam to Ballinrobe Road. Gardai have confirmed that the road is closed from Kilconly GAA pitch to the old…

Sep 30, 2019

Local community urged to attend Ballina Salmon Festival AGM this evening

The community of Ballina is being urged to attend tonight's AGM of the Ballina Salmon Festival, which gets underway at 8pm in the Ballina Manor Hotel. Last May, it was announced that this Summer's festival was being postponed for several reasons, and the…

Sep 30, 2019

Information meeting in Roscommon tonight on new Irish Beef Producers Group

The Beef Plan movement is holding an information meeting in Roscommon Town tonight in relation to the new Irish Beef Producers group. Following on from the recent protests outside meat factories, the producers organisation has been set up recently to…

Sep 30, 2019

Westport named Ireland's Tidiest Large Town at the 2019 National Tidy Towns awards

Westport has been named Ireland's Tidiest Large town at the 2019 National Tidy Towns awards, for the third year in a row, while Glaslough in Co Monaghan has won the overall award for Ireland's Tidiest Town. Over 800 entries were received from across the…

Sep 30, 2019

Spate of stolen road signs south of Castlebar town to be replaced

A spate of road signs were stolen /removed over a short period of time from rural areas, south of Castlebar town, and as a result many tourists have gone astray in the area this Summer. That’s according to local Fianna Fail councillor Al McDonnell. The signs,…

Sep 30, 2019

Today marks 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II visit to Knock

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the visit of Pope John Paul II to Knock Shrine. On 30th September 1979, the Papal helicopter touched down in Knock shortly after 3.30pm, after the Pope had addressed hundreds of thousands of young people at Ballybrit…

Sep 30, 2019

Mayo house prices remain unchanged over past year, according to REA survey

The price of the average three-bed semi-detached house in Co Mayo has remained unchanged over the past year - according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance. Mayo prices were static at an average of €160,000. The REA Average House Price…

Sep 30, 2019

Tidy Towns winners being announced today

Local committees from towns and villages across the region are travelling to Dublin this morning for the announcement of the National Tidy Towns winners. Over 800 entries were received from across the country in the 61st year of the competition. Last year,…

Sep 30, 2019

Macnas to hit Galway Streets again this year for Halloween celebrations

Macnas will bring their storytelling to the streets of Galway on Sunday 27th October with the acclaimed annual Macnas Halloween Parade – the largest free event for Halloween with over 70,000 people in attendance last year. The 2019 event – titled ‘Danse…

Sep 30, 2019

National title for Peter Maguire of The Hearing Company Castlebar

Peter Maguire of The Hearing Company in Castlebar has been awarded the national title of Audiologist of the Year 2019, for the Republic of Ireland. He will now compete with audiologists from across Europe for the coveted title of European Audiologist of the…

Sep 30, 2019

More than 3,000 patients are waiting more than a year to see a consultant at MUH

You would get an appointment with the Pope faster than some patients are waiting to see a consultant at Mayo University Hospital. That the view of the Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, Michael Kilcoyne. More than 3,000 patients are waiting more…

Sep 30, 2019

Ballyglass Lifeboat launched yesterday afternoon to rescue a swimmer in Broadhaven Bay

Ballyglass Inshore Lifeboat was tasked yesterday afternoon at 1.55pm by Malin Head Coastguard to a swimmer thought to be in difficulty near Muings in Broadhaven Bay. The lifeboat, with three volunteer crew on board, was immediately launched to rescue the…

Sep 30, 2019

Cosy Joe's Pub in Westport named Best Late Night Pub in the Connaught region in the national Irish Pub Awards

Cosy Joe’s Pub in Westport has won a regional award in the Irish Pub of the Year Awards 2019. The Award is for the Best Late Night Pub in the Connaught Region sponsored by Irish Distillers- Pernod Ricard. Cosy Joe’s now joins Mellett’s Emporium in Swinford…

Sep 29, 2019

SARRA call on the HSE to announce a date for the provision of abortion in Sligo

County Sligo remains one of two counties in Ireland that still has no abortion services over one year on from the referendum to repeal the 8th amendment to the Constitution. Nine months after abortion services have been made available nationally Sligo and…

Sep 29, 2019

Meat factories discontinue High Court action against farmers after protests ended

High Court actions taken by a number of meat factories against protesting beef farmers have been discontinued, court documents lodged last week show. Other factories are expected to end their pursuit of legal remedies in the coming days and weeks. The Irish…

Sep 29, 2019

Bishop of Galway calls for an end to current Direct Provision system

The Bishop of Galway has called for an end to the current system of direct provision. In a statement from the Catholic Communications Office Bishop Brendan Kelly said the Direct Provision system strips people of their independence, their cultural identity,…

Sep 29, 2019

Mulranny win Silver in Austria

Mulranny was awarded a silver medal at the Entente Florale Awards in Austria yesterday evening. The village also received a special certificate and awarded for the environmental approach of Mulranny's Green Plan team and the Old Irish Goat Project picking up…

Sep 29, 2019

Well-Known musician Dessie O'Halloran has died aged 79

Well known traditional musician Dessie O’Halloran has died aged 79. The Inishbofin native passed away yesterday following a short illness. He recorded his first album “The Men of the Island” in 1975 with two of his brothers, but became better known in recent…

Sep 29, 2019

Campaigners continuing 24-hour presence outside proposed Direct Provision Centre in Oughterard

Campaigners are continuing a '24-hour' presence outside a proposed Direct Provision Centre in Oughterard in County Galway. It's after 3,000 people joined a silent protest yesterday at a former hotel outside the town. Local Independent Councillor Thomas Welby…

Sep 28, 2019

Tuam based web company to introduce new e-signature process which could help charities receive millions of euro in additional income

A Tuam based web company has become the first company in Ireland to get permission from the Revenue Commissioners to introduce a new e-signature process which could help charities receive millions of euro in additional income. iDonate, which is part of…

Sep 28, 2019

Order of Malta launch their new ambulance at Knock Shrine

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring officially launched the new Order of Malta ambulance at Knock Shrine this afternoon. The Order of Malta received funding for the new emergency service vehicle from the LEADER programme as part of…

Sep 28, 2019

Swinford section of N5 reopens following two-vehicle collision near Applegreen

Emergency services have reopened the road at the scene of a two-vehicle collision on the N5 near the Applegreen filling station in Swinford. Traffic was being diverted into Swinford for the past two hours. 3 people were taken to hospital one from one vehicle…

Sep 28, 2019

Irish Red Cross launch their new national fleet in Claremorris

The Irish Red Cross launched their new ambulances for the Mayo, Tipperary and Laois divisions today at the Claremorris centre, alongside a rescue boat for the Corrib/Mask Search and Rescue unit. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring…

Sep 28, 2019

Failure to clean out many of the gullies in Castlebar is leading to flooding concerns

The failure of Mayo County Council to clean out many of the gullies in Castlebar town is leading to flooding concerns. According to the Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Michael Kilcoyne, you could get a cock of hay off the vegetation growing out…

Sep 28, 2019

Roscommon TD urging Government to prevent major job losses at Bord na Mona

The government's being urged to provide immediate funding to prevent major job losses at Bord na Móna in the midlands. Unions claim all 2,000 jobs in the company are under threat because of a financial crisis. It's due to peat-harvesting being phased out, and…

Sep 28, 2019

Speed Van Operators staging 24-hour work stoppage

Speed camera van operators working for GoSafe are staging a 24-hour work stoppage in a dispute over working conditions and union recognition. The industrial action began at 6am this morning and will continue until 6am tomorrow morning. Operators of the…

Sep 28, 2019

Minister Ring has a number of official engagements in Mayo today

Minister Michael Ring will today participate in a number of events in Mayo. At 11am, Minister Ring will officially launch new ambulance vehicles at the Red Cross in Claremorris. At 12.30pm, Minister Ring will officially launch a new ambulance for the Order of…

Sep 27, 2019

One lane remains open on the Foxford/Ballina road following two-vehicle collision

Gardai are at the scene of a two-vehicle car collision on the Foxford/Ballina road. The incident occurred at around 4:30 this afternoon. There are reports of long delays on approach from both sides. The road remains open to the public and currently has one…

Sep 27, 2019

Three Mayo businesses benefit from Government's Online Retail Scheme

Three businesses in Mayo have been awarded funding to help strengthen their online business and reach more customers, Fine Gael general election candidate Alan Dillon has revealed. Vaughan Shoes Castlebar, Stauntons Pharmacy Castlebar and Cordar Pharmacy…

Sep 27, 2019

€183m spent on hospitality in the North west last year according to AIB

Consumers spent an estimated €183m in restaurants and pubs in the North West of Ireland last year, according to the AIB Hospitality and Tourism Outlook for 2019. According to the Outlook, consumers spent in the region of €96m in restaurants last year, while…

Sep 27, 2019

€100,000 worth of drugs seized following search of Roscommon house

Drugs worth over 100-thousand euro have been seized following the search of a house in County Roscommon. A woman in her 30s has been arrested by gardai investigating the discovery. 40 cannabis plants, cannabis herb and a small amount of cocaine were found…

Sep 27, 2019

EU's chief Brexit negotiator wants a hard border avoided and Good Friday Agreement protected

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator has said that a hard border must be avoided and the Good Friday Agreement protected. Michel Barnier has met Tánaiste Simon Coveney in Brussels this lunchtime. Michel Barnier has tweeted to say that a legally operative solution…

Sep 27, 2019

Protestors in Oughterard defend their 24 hour demonstrations against a possible Direct Provision centre

Protestors in Oughterard, Co. Galway are defending their demonstration about a possible Direct Provision centre in the town. A 24 hour protest is continuing at the proposed site of a former hotel. Earlier this week, the Minister for Justice appealed to…

Sep 27, 2019

HSE confirms that the ED at UHG is in "full capacity protocol" every day - with 44 patients on trolleys today

Every day at University Hospital Galway, the emergency dept is in what’s termed in “full capacity Protocol” - that is, it is coping with far in excess of the acceptable number of patients waiting on trolleys for beds in the hospital. This was confirmed to…

Sep 27, 2019

Three men in court this morning charged in connection with a number of recent burglaries in the Mayo area

Three men are due before Harristown court in Castlerea Prison this morning charged in connection with a number of recent burglaries in the Mayo region. At a special sitting of the district court in Castlebar on Sunday last, 4 men were charged in connection…

Sep 27, 2019

Millionaire Tim O'Leary believes "certain people" are out to discredit him in row with Mayo County Board

Millionaire businessman Tim O’Leary claims certain people are out to discredit him after his foundation withheld €250,000 in funding from Mayo GAA's county board in a row over governance. That’s according to today’s Irish Independent. The UK-based trader hit…

Sep 27, 2019

Action not a report now need on state of the former Imperial Hotel in Castlebar, according to councillor

Another report by Mayo County Council into the state of the former Imperial Hotel on the Mall in Castlebar is not acceptable. Action on restoring the historic building is what is required immediately. That’s the view of Fine Gael Councillor Ger Deere. The…

Sep 27, 2019

Parents across this region are faced with increasing costs for childcare according to the latest government figures

Parents across this region are faced with increasing costs for childcare according to the latest government figures. There’s been an 8 percent rise in childcare nationally this year. Data collected from 4,000 centres across the country show average full-time…

Sep 26, 2019

Controversy continues as Mayo GAA International Supporters Foundation continues to withhold 250,000 euro it had raised for Mayo GAA

Mayo County Board appears to have failed to respond to Mayo GAA International Supporters Foundation after the foundation had sent two emails in July and April of this year to the board. The foundation is now withholding 250,000 of money it had fundraised for…

Sep 26, 2019

1100 euro a month to rent a house in Breaffy, Castlebar, according to local councillor

No private developer can afford to build houses in Castlebar town, if Mayo County Council continues to insist on a density rate of 8 homes per acre. That’s the view of Castlebar Fine Gael councillor Cyril Burke. The councillor raised his concerns about the…

Sep 26, 2019

Aramark at MUH named Ireland’s Healthcare Caterer at the 2019 Gold Medal Awards,

Ronan Fox, Head Chef at Mayo University Hospital, picked up his Aramark’s team Gold medal award in Kilkenny earlier this week. Aramark at Mayo University Hospital scooped the title of Ireland’s Healthcare Caterer at the 2019 Gold Medal Awards, the leading…

Sep 26, 2019

300,000 government funding allocated to new Mayo Roscommon Hospice facility in Castlebar

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring, has today confirmed that the Government has allocated €300,000 to support the opening of the new Mayo Roscommon Hospice in Castlebar. Minister for Health Simon Harris has allocated the monies through…

Sep 26, 2019

Tenders are now ready to be issued in relation to a new 50 bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinalsoe

Tenders are now ready to be issued in relation to a new 50 bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. This news was announced by Minister Simon Harris at a special Oireachtas briefing organised by Galway County Council in Leinster House yesterday.…

Sep 26, 2019

Gardai advising of counterfeit €50 notes circulating in Mayo

Gardai are advising that counterfeit 50 Euro notes have been found in Claremorris, Ballina and Balla over the past few weeks. Some of the notes have 'Movie Money' written on them. Gardai are urging all retail outlets to be on the alert for these notes. Use…

Sep 25, 2019

Castlebar announced as Headquarters for the new Mayo/Roscommon/Longford policing division

An Garda Síochána has today announced the locations of the new Regional and Divisional Headquarters as part of the restructuring programme under the new Operating Model. The Regions will reduce from six to four and the Garda Divisions from 28 to 19. A wide…

Sep 25, 2019

Galway's city traffic problem discussed in Leinster House today

Galway Chamber is raising the urgency of Galway city’s traffic problem with TDs in Leinster House today and is calling on all members to get behind the Chamber’s campaign to “get Galway moving”. The event, organised by Galway Chamber and attended by…

Sep 25, 2019

Fire to a commercial premises in Galway overnight

An apartment block in Galway was evacuated overnight after a fire broke out in an adjoining building. Residents of the Cúirt na hAbhiann apartments in the Liosban Industrial Estate were told to leave their properties shortly before 9pm. Units from Athenry,…

Sep 25, 2019

Midwest Radio launch TY Media Week!

If you are considering a future career in media, you're welcome to apply for this amazing opportunity to spend a week working hands-on as a journalist helping to prepare a radio programme. Midwest Radio, in association with Learning Waves and the Broadcasting…

Sep 25, 2019

Mayo establishments take 4 national titles at the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards last night

Ashford Castle in Cong took two national awards last night at the annual Gold Medal Awards. While Breaffy House Hotel and Resort in Castlebar won Ireland’s Family Friendly Award, and Aramark at Mayo University Hospital scooped the title of Ireland’s…

Sep 25, 2019

Second silent walk against "Inhumane Direct Provision systems in Ireland" to take place in Oughterard

A silent peaceful demonstration against Inhumane Direct Provision systems in Ireland will take place again this Saturday morning in Oughterard. The local community is organising the demonstration that will get underway from the Station Road in the town at…

Sep 25, 2019

There are 65 vacant posts at MUH at present, almost half in nursing

There are 65 vacant posts at present in Mayo University Hospital, including 29 vacant nursing posts. These figures were confirmed to the Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne by HSE management yesterday. The…

Sep 24, 2019

Father of Mayo New York Times reporter wasn't aware his son avoided arrest in Egypt

The father of award winning New York Times reporter and Ballina native Declan Walsh wasn’t aware of his son avoiding arrest in Egypt two years ago. A US official believed told the New York times that the Trump administration was refusing to intervene - so the…

Sep 24, 2019

London-based Mayo Barrister believes the British PM may yet suspend parliament

Boris Johnson hadn’t sufficient reasons to convince the High Court he was justified to suspend Parliament, that’s the view of Mayo Barrister John Walsh. The UK's highest court ruled Boris Johnson broke the law by deciding to suspend Parliament for five weeks.…

Sep 24, 2019

Deputy says Supreme Court ruling in the UK on Boris Johnson's decision to suspended parliament, puts pressure on him to resign

The UK's highest court has ruled Boris Johnson broke the law by deciding to suspend Parliament for five weeks. The Supreme Court in London says there was "no justification" for the shutdown. House of Commons speaker John Bercow says Parliament should now be…

Sep 24, 2019

Woman in Westport has her bank account cleared this morning by a phone scammer

A woman in Westport this morning lost thousands of euro and had her bank account cleared out, after she fell for a telephone scam. Across this region there have been a number of victims to these scams in recent weeks, and gardai are again advising the public…

Sep 24, 2019

New York Times sought Irish help to save Mayo reporter from arrest in Egypt

Award winning New York Times reporter and Ballina native Declan Walsh has made international headlines today. Around two years ago a US government official warned the Times of the imminent arrest of Declan Walsh in Egypt. The official believed the Trump…

Sep 24, 2019

Councillor calls on MCC to act on the state of the former Imperial Hotel in Castlebar, now in its ownership

A Castlebar councillor is calling for the redevelopment of the former Imperial Hotel in Castlebar, eight years on from the county council purchasing the building. Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere will be raising the matter at tomorrow’s onthly meeting of…

Sep 24, 2019

Minister Canney encourages students to come up with One Good Idea about energy saving and make a film about it

Primary and post primary students are being encouraged to come up with One Good Idea about energy saving and climate action and then to make a short film about it. Galway East TD and Minister of State for Climate Action and the Environment Seán Canney is…

Sep 24, 2019

Green light for new water supply for Murrisk

Up to 350 households in the Murrisk area are to benefit from an announcement this week by government that the Murrisk water supply scheme is to be included in the multi annual Rural Water Programme. That was confirmed this morning by the Minister for Rural…

Sep 23, 2019

Galway has 8 of the top 20 most dangerous roads in the country

The most dangerous road in Ireland is a section of the N59 in Co Galway, according to Gamma Location Intelligence. The second spot is by Abbey Square Roundabout in Enniscorthy Co Wexford, while the third is at the New Street junction in Longford town. Galway…

Sep 23, 2019

Castlebar student receives prestigious €20,000 college scholarship

Castlebar student Dara Ludden was awarded a Naughton Foundation scholarship worth €20,000 at a ceremony in Trinity Business School in Dublin last Saturday. The award gives third level scholarships to students studying in the areas of engineering, science and…

Sep 23, 2019

Mellet's Emporium Swinford takes regional title in the 2019 Irish Pub Awards

Mellett’s Emporium of Swinford is celebrating this week after winning a regional award in the Irish Pub Awards 2019. Mellett’s Emporium was selected as the Best Local Pub in the Connaught Region and will now go forward to compete at the National Awards Final…

Sep 23, 2019

Despite national headlines, the Bishop of Killala has not agreed to ordain women priests

Bishop John Fleming, the Bishop of Killala, has not agreed to ordain woman to the priesthood, despite a front page story in today's Irish Examiner. That was confirmed today by a founding member of the Association of Catholic Priests, Killala based priest Fr…

Sep 23, 2019

All beef pickets nationally now stood down since last night

The Beef Plan Movement wants Meat Industry Ireland to implement the beef deal. It says the eight cent bonus for farmers agreed should be paid to them with immediate effect. It's after all pickets across the country ended last night, when blockades at…

Sep 23, 2019

Highest number of blackspots nationally in county Galway

County Galway has the highest number of accident black spots in the country, according to new analysis released today. Dublin company Gamma Location Intelligence has released data on the top 20 worst accident blackspots in the country, with a stretch of the…

Sep 23, 2019

80 new jobs to be created at Fort Wayne Metals Castlebar

The official opening of Fort Wayne Metals new manufacturing facility which will lead to the creation of up to 80 new jobs over the next five years, took place on Friday last by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Castlebar. The project is supported by IDA Ireland.…

Sep 23, 2019

Man pleads guilty to drink driving in crash that killed Tourmakeady man and his wife in the US last May

A man in New York has pleaded guilty to drink driving and causing a crash that claimed the lives of Tourmakeady man John Heneghan and his wife, last May. 33 years old John Heneghan, along with his wife, Caitlyn Holtzman (aged 32) were travelling to a wedding…

Sep 22, 2019

Mayo Councillor seeks funding for footpath in Kiltimagh

A Mayo Councillor is seeking funding for a footpath from Kiltimagh out to Kilkinure Cemetery. FG Councillor Neil Cruise says a new footpath should run to the cemetery and onto Oxford Cross on the Balla Road, which would open up a number of looped walks in the…

Sep 22, 2019

Knock-based Dunmore teacher shortlisted for Teachers Inspire Ireland Award

A teacher living in Knock is one of five teachers in Connacht named on the shortlist for the inaugural Teachers Inspire Ireland award. The initiative was launched by Dublin City University earlier this year to highlight the contribution made by teachers in…

Sep 22, 2019

New Interdepartmental Committee on Island Development to hold first meeting

A new Interdepartmental Committee on Island Development will hold its first meeting next Tuesday, 24th September. Minister of State for the Islands, Galway-based Séan Kyne says he knows the significance of the islands to our heritage and language, and knows…

Sep 22, 2019

Five arrested in connection with Claremorris burglary under Operation Thor

Four men are due in court in Castlebar in Co.Mayo later. The four were arrested as part of Operation Thor, a Garda initiative tackling burglaries nationwide. The four men in their 20's were arrested alongside a teenage boy aged 15 at a property in Ballinrobe…

Sep 21, 2019

Structure of Audit Committee at Mayo County Council remains unchanged

An attempt to shake up the structure of the Audit committee on Mayo county council failed to get enough support from councillors, at this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council. Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn had sought to make a number of changes to…

Sep 21, 2019

Garda ban on overtime came into effect overnight

A Garda ban on overtime came into effect overnight. In a directive from Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, all overtime spending will be cut until the new year due to budgetary constraints. The ban covers all non-essential duties, except matter such as court…

Sep 21, 2019

Farmers protest has ended in Ballyhaunis

Farmer pickets were removed from a number of meat plants gates around the country overnight. Protests at factories in Ballyhaunis, Cork, and Kilkenny are the latest to end after last weekend’s agreement in the beef price row. Last night, pickets outside Dawn…

Sep 21, 2019

Funeral of man who was shot near Aghamore will take place today

Brendan Kilduff, who was shot dead in Aghamore near Ballyhaunis on Tuesday, will be buried this afternoon. Mr Kilduff had been checking on an elderly neighbour when he was killed. Gardaí believe he was mistaken for an intruder. A man in his 80s who was…

Sep 20, 2019

Musgrave's announce 17 jobs under their 2020 graduate programme

Irish food retailer Musgrave has today announced it is accepting applications for 17 roles in its' Graduate Programme. Successful applicants will get the opportunity to build a career with Musgrave, who operates Irish brands like SuperValu, Centra and…

Sep 20, 2019

Emergency Services dealing with a fire to a business premises in Ballina

Emergency services are dealing with a fire to a business premises in Ballina. The blaze occurred just above McKane’s pharmacy on O’Rahilly Street. The fire occurred shortly after 1pm and emergency services are at the scene. Buildings either side of McKane’s…

Sep 20, 2019

Road collision in Achill this morning

A two vehicle collision occurred this morning at Cashel, Achill. Two people picked up minor injuries in the collision and were taken to hospital. The road was closed for a time but has since reopened.

Sep 20, 2019

SIPTU urges protesting farmers to reconsider their stance at meat factories

SIPTU organiser Terry Bryan is calling on protesters, the farm organisations and their members to fully consider the proposals concluded by their representatives at the talks that took place last Sunday. He told Midwest News today that meat plants need to get…

Sep 20, 2019

FF deputy calls for a 200 euro subsidy per cow if farmers are to survive in the north west

A proper subsidy of 200 euro per cow is the only way that farmers are going to survive in the north west according to Sligo based Fianna Fail deputy Eamon Scanlon. He says his party is calling for this level of subsidy per cow and in addition he says the REPS…

Sep 20, 2019

Taoiseach to officially open newly resurfaced runway at IWAK today

A newly-resurfaced runway is opening at Ireland West Airport in Knock today.The Government has invested 11 million euro into the upgrade. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar will perform the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the facility around lunchtime, to mark…

Sep 20, 2019

Protest continues outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis

Farmers are continuing to protest outside Dawn meats in Ballyhaunis this morning (Friday). Midwest News understands that Dawn Meats resumed the slaughter of sheep yesterday at the Ballyhaunis plant. The protesters are holding out for what they consider to be…

Sep 20, 2019

Removal takes place this evening of man shot dead on Tuesday at Coogue, Aghamore

The removal takes place this evening of the man who was shot and died outside a house at Coogue, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis on Tuesday night last. 67 year old Brendan Kilduff of Sallyhernane, Knock appears to have been visiting a friend when he was mistaken by the…

Sep 20, 2019

Galway's Eyre Square among ten venues nationally today to host Climate rally

Galway’s Eyre Square is one of ten locations nationally where large rallies are being held across the country today, as part of the global day of action to counter climate disruption. Student organisers and campaigners supporting the School Strikes for…

Sep 20, 2019

School secretaries across this region, are set to join their colleagues nationally today in a one-hour work stoppage

School secretaries across this region, are set to join their colleagues nationally today in a one-hour work stoppage in protest over “precarious” working conditions. Pupils and parents are unlikely to be affected, as teaching unions do not have a mandate to…

Sep 19, 2019

Roscommon Gardai appeal for witnesses to attempted Lidl break-in

Roscommon Gardaí are investigating an attempted break-in at Lidl on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon town in the early hours of last Sunday morning. Considerable damage was done to the store’s alarm system and it’s likely that those involved were disturbed by…

Sep 19, 2019

Climate Change Global Day of Action to be marked in Westport tomorrow at lunchtime

To mark the 2019 Climate Change Global Day of Action there will be a gathering at the Octagon in Westport tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, and everyone is invited to attend between 1.30 and 2pm. Local woman Pauline Garavan is organising the Westport event and…

Sep 19, 2019

Taoiseach to attend Culture Night events in Shrule tomorrow evening

Taoiseach Leo Varadker has added Shrule to his itinerary for his visit to Mayo tomorrow. Mr Varadker will first visit Ireland West Airport Knock to officially open the newly-overlaid runway, before travelling onto Castlebar where he will officially open a…

Sep 19, 2019

Ballina Gardai seek witnesses to alleged hit & run last Friday

Gardai in Ballina are investigating an alleged hit & run traffic collision last Friday morning. An elderly man was knocked down on Bury Street in the town between 9.40 and 9.50am on Friday morning last, 13th Sept. Gardai say the incident occurred at a busy…

Sep 19, 2019

Two men in court today on charges connected to robberies in Ballaghaderreen earlier this month

Two men, both in their twenties, are due to appear at Loughrea District Court today on charges related to robberies in Ballaghaderreen earlier this month. A youth was arrested yesterday in connection with the same incidents, that occurred on the 11th of…

Sep 19, 2019

Protesting farmers at Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis extend sympathy to colleague shot dead in an incident in Aughamore on Tuesday night

Protesters, members of Beef Plan, outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis say they would stand down if between now and Brexit, the factories would increase their base price per kilo to 3 euro 60 cents, and the government subsidised an additional 57 cents per kilo,…

Sep 19, 2019

Warmest temperature recorded yesterday at Newport in Mayo

Co Mayo enjoyed the warmest temperatures in the country yesterday, as Ireland welcomes the Autumnal sunshine. A temperature of 20.7 degrees was recorded at Furnace, Newport - the highest temperature recorded by Met Eireann yesterday. Claremorris enjoyed 20.1…

Sep 19, 2019

Galway 2020 Capital of Culture programme launched in Eyre Square

Several thousand people gathered in Galway's Eyre Square yesterday evening for the launch of the 2020 Capital of Culture Programme. The year-long event gets underway in February, and will involve more than 1,900 events across 154 projects, 170 partnerships…

Sep 19, 2019

Final day of National Ploughing Championships

Organisers of the National Ploughing Championships hope overall attendance figures could exceed 300-thousand. The three day event in Carlow comes to an end this evening. Temperatures could hit 22 degrees this afternoon The winners of the actual ploughing…

Sep 19, 2019

Elderly man arrested following Mayo shooting has been released without charge

A man in his 80s arrested after a shooting at Coogue, Aughamore, Ballyhaunis has been released without charge. A farmer in his 60s was shot dead in the incident shortly before midnight on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination was completed yesterday evening, but…

Sep 19, 2019

2nd beef blockade lifted, but protestors remain at Dawn Meats, Ballyhaunis

A second beef blockade has been lifted, this time at the ABP factory at Ferrybank in Waterford. The decision comes after those picketing outside a Dawn Meats factory in Slane, Co. Meath ceased their protest yesterday. The Irish Farmers Association is…

Sep 18, 2019

Post-mortem underway on body of man shot near Ballyhaunis

A post-mortem examination is underway at Mayo University Hospital on the body of a man in his 60's who was shot dead near Ballyhaunis last night. A pathologist from the State Pathologist's office carried out a preliminary investigation earlier this afternoon…

Sep 18, 2019

Tanáiste appeals to protesting beef farmers to end blockades

The Tánaiste is appealing to protesting beef farmers to end their blockades of beef factories across the country. Minister Simon Coveney says the demonstrations could cause irreversible damage to the beef sector "within days". It comes as fresh legal threats…

Sep 18, 2019

School secretaries to engage in one-hour work stoppage on Friday morning

School secretaries across the region will take industrial action this Friday, in a row with the Department of Education over pay. A meeting between department officials and the Forsa trade union ended this morning without agreement. Forsa says most…

Sep 18, 2019

State Pathologist due this afternoon at scene of fatal shooting in Coogue

The State Pathologist is due to arrive shortly at the scene of a fatal shooting near Ballyhaunis last night. A man in his 60's was shot dead at a house in Coogue, and a man in his 80's has been arrested.The fatal shooting occurred shortly before midnight. It…

Sep 18, 2019

Dawn Meats considering legal action against Chairman of Beef Plan Movement

As protests continue at a number of meat processing plants, including Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis, Dawn Meats is considering legal action against the Chairman of the Beef Plan Movement Hugh Doyle. In a statement to Midwest News, Dawn Meats said this follows…

Sep 18, 2019

Restaurants warning beef could be off the menu next week, as protests continue

Restaurants are warning that beef could be off the menu on half of Irish restaurants from next week, as a result of the ongoing dispute between farmers and factories. Beef processors - including Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis - have laid off hundreds of staff as a…

Sep 18, 2019

Man shot dead in Aghamore, Ballyhaunis last night

A man in his 60's was shot dead near Ballyhaunis last night. Gardai say the fatal shooting occured in Aghamore just before midnight. A man in his 60's was pronounced dead at the scene, which is being preserved for technical examination. A man in his 80's has…

Sep 17, 2019

Taoiseach to visit Mayo on Friday

Taoiseach Leo Varadker will visit Co Mayo this Friday, taking in Ballina, Castlebar and Ireland West Airport Knock. The Taoiseach will visit Ireland West Airport Knock at lunchtime on Friday to officially open the €11.2 million newly-overlaid runway before…

Sep 17, 2019

IFA and INHFA say farmers should lift pickets at factory gates to give new beef deal a chance

Two farming organisations - the IFA and the INHFA - are today calling on farmers to lift the pickets at factory gates, and give a chance to the deal hammered out over the weekend. Up to 300 farmers attended a rally outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis last…

Sep 17, 2019

New Digital Hub in Ballina must benefit local contractors, says Mayo TD

The development of a Digital Hub at the former Military Barracks in Ballina is a very welcome development for the town, but the project must be designed in such a way that local contractors can tender, and local people can get jobs during the construction…

Sep 17, 2019

Sligo TD says farmers can get permit to bury dead animals on their land, as knackeries remain closed

As knackeries remain closed around the country, due to an ongoing dispute with the Department of Agriculture, a Sligo TD says an interim solution has been agreed for farmers with fallen animals. Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon says farmers can apply to their…

Sep 17, 2019

Man in his 70's dies in Co Roscommon crash

A man in his 70s has died in a single-vehicle road collision in Co Roscommon. Shortly before five o'clock this morning, the man's car hit a wall at Ballyforan. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene and the man - who is in his 70s - was brought to…

Sep 17, 2019

Dawn Meats says beef protests preventing sheep farmers from selling their animals

The ongoing blockade of the Dawn Meats facility in Ballyhaunis is continuing to prevent local sheep farmers from being able to sell their animals - according to the company. Dawn Meats claims the protestors are preventing vehicles from delivering sheep…

Sep 17, 2019

Up to 300 farmers attend beef rally in Ballyhaunis

Up to 300 farmers attended a rally in Ballyhaunis last night to discuss the weekend beef agreement. Representatives from the Beef Plan movement and the INHFA addressed the rally, along with independent farmers. The general consensus was that local farmers…

Sep 17, 2019

Minister Creed writes open letter asking beef farmers to stop protesting at meat factories

The Minister for Agriculture has written an open letter to protesting beef farmers asking them to stop their blockades of meat factories. It comes after farming organisations widely supported recommendations made at the weekend following talks between all…

Sep 17, 2019

GP vacancies in Glenamoy & Bangor to be advertised next week

The GP vacancies in both Glenamoy and Bangor are to be advertised next week. Mayo-based Minister Michael Ring says he has been informed by the HSE that the GP who's currently covering Glenamoy and Bangor will take up an appointment elsewhere, and the twp GP…

Sep 16, 2019

Farmers protesting in Ballyhaunis look likely to reject beef agreement

Farmers protesting outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis look likely to reject the agreement which was hammered out a lengthy beef talks over the weekend. They will meet in Ballyhaunis at 9pm tonight to vote on whether to accept or reject the deal, but it appears…

Sep 16, 2019

Traffic from the West to Ploughing Championships should follow the Green Route

Over 200,000 people- as well as exhibitors, buyer and visitors from more than a dozen countries - will descend on Co Carlow this week for the National Ploughing Championships - probably the biggest event of the year in rural Ireland. The championships take…

Sep 16, 2019

Boyle actor Chris O'Dowd wins Emmy award

Co Roscommon-born actor Chris O'Dowd is being congratulated on his latest Emmy award achievement. The Boyle native won the Emmy award in the short-form comedy or drama category for his role as Tom in the comedy TV series "State of the Union". This is not the…

Sep 16, 2019

The Lodge at Ashford Castle among winners of 2020 Georgina Campbell awards

The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong is among the winners of the 2020 Georgina Campbell awards. The Lodge at Ashford was named Best Pet-Friendly Destination of the Year. Two Galway businesses were also among the winners - Tartare Restaurant on Lower Dominick…

Sep 16, 2019

Roscommon TD says the elderly are being hit three times - for renting out their family home under the Fair Deal scheme

It's emerged the elderly are being hit three times - for renting out their family home under the Fair Deal scheme. It means thousands of homes are lying vacant because of fears it could affect their means-test when going into a nursing home. Independent…

Sep 16, 2019

Balla to Claremorris closed following road collision

Three people have been taken to hospital following a two car collision near Claremorris this morning. The N60 Balla to Claremorris road at Mossbrook remains closed to traffic. The collision between a car and a van occurred at around 6.30am this morning.…

Sep 16, 2019

Protests continuing outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis this morning despite reports saying agreement had been reached over the weekend

Protests are continuing outside 14 factories today despite reports saying a consensus had been reached over the weekend. The Independent Farmers of Ireland (IFI) issued a statement last night saying they neither accepted nor rejected the proposals meant to…

Sep 15, 2019

Mayo Roscommon Hospice awaits confirmation of funding for multimillion euro Castlebar facility

Mayo Roscommon Hospice is now awaiting written confirmation from the HSE that full funding will be in place to open the new multimillion euro new Castlebar Hospice facility before the end of this year. Thursday next, is national Hospice Coffee morning, and…

Sep 15, 2019

National Broadband Plan delayed as TD's review how contract was awarded

The rollout of the National Broadband Plan will be delayed again as TDs look at reviewing how the contract was awarded. The government hoped to sign a contract with the preferred bidder, Granahan McCourt, in time for an announcement at this week's National…

Sep 15, 2019

Agreement reached in the beef dispute on the condition farmers end blockade

Agreement's been reached between Meat Industry Ireland representatives and Farm Organisations in the beef dispute. In a statement, the Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed says the talks have ended this afternoon. They've agreed on a two strand agreement for…

Sep 15, 2019

Drainage works to start on Ballina estate tomorrow to relieve flooding problems

There's some good news for residents of the Childers Heights estate in Ballina, as drainage works will start tomorrow to relieve flooding problems in the area. That's according to FG Councillor John O''Hara who says there are ongoing flooding problems in the…

Sep 15, 2019

Roscommon Councillor says the closure of local knackeries will leave a major environmental impact

The dispute between the Department of Agriculture and local Knackeries, which has seen knackeries across the country close their gates this week, will have major environmental and public health impacts, as well as causing extra stress for the local farming…

Sep 15, 2019

New Opinion Poll shows just one point separating Fine Gael and Fianna Fail

With the Taoiseach talking of a General Election early next year - a new opinion poll shows it's all to play for. The latest Sunday Business Post/Red C Poll shows just one point dividing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, on 28 and 29 percent respectively.

Sep 15, 2019

Talks continuing this morning in the ongoing beef dispute

There is pessimism today that a resolution will be found to resolve the ongoing beef dispute. After almost 24 hours of talks, a meeting of all farm organisations chaired by IFA president Joe Healy is now taking place. It includes all farm organisations…

Sep 14, 2019

Mayo Senator welcomes Ballina Digital Hub moving to the detailed design stage

The Ballina Digital Hub in the former Military Barrracks is expected to create over 200 jobs in the town centre. The Hub is a €7m project with €3.2m already allocated towards the delivery of Phase 1 of the project and Part 8 planning permission has already…

Sep 14, 2019

Gardaí seize an estimated €1,100 worth of drugs in Claremorris Town yesterday

Gardai seized an estimated €1100 worth of drugs at four addresses in Claremorris town in search operations yesterday evening. These intelligence led searches resulted in the recovery of quantities of drugs believed to be cocaine, speed, and cannabis at two of…

Sep 14, 2019

Gardai advise motorist's to avoid Boyle/Gurteen road after articulated truck overturns

The Boyle/Gurteen Rd (R294) is currently closed between Cloonloo and Boyle due to an incident, diversions are in place. An arctic truck has overturned on the road after driving too close to the edge. Gardai are currently unloading the cargo of the truck and…

Sep 14, 2019

Supermarkets and Butchers across Roscommon discuss if 30-month rule could be dropped

One of the demands from farmers in the current beef dispute is that the 30-month rule for cattle be dropped. Farmers bringing animals over the 30-months to processing factories are currently penalised - and these penalties cost Irish farmers over €33 million…

Sep 14, 2019

Memorial run gets underway for Captain Fitzpatrick of Rescue 116

The Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run got underway at Waterford Airport at 10am. People are getting ready to run 5 kilometres in honour of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick who died in the Rescue 116 tragedy 2 years ago off the Mayo coast. The money raised will go towards…

Sep 14, 2019

Taoiseach calls on deputy Grealish to withdraw his comments about asylum seekers

Galway West TD Noel Grealish is coming under increased pressure withdraw his comments about asylum seekers. It's after footage emerged of the independent TD addressing a public meeting in Oughterard earlier this week in relation to possible plans for a direct…

Sep 14, 2019

Beef Plan Movement calls on Agriculture Minister to use 'all resources available' at beef talks

There's a call on the Agriculture Minister to use all resources available at today's talks to resolve the beef dispute. The Beef Plan Movement is making the call as it prepares to enter face to face negotiations with Meat Industry Ireland. Many factories have…

Sep 13, 2019

Former Sligo minister appeals to Fine Gael to give him Dail candidacy ticket

Former Sligo Minister John Perry wants Fine Gael to add him to the ticket in the absence of outgoing candidate Councillor Sinead Maguire. Councillor Maguire took the ticket following the resignation of Gerry Reynolds in July and has now stepped down from the…

Sep 13, 2019

Beef dispute talks take place tomorrow in the Department of Agriculture

Beef slaughtering operations remain suspended at major meat plants this evening, ahead of talks tomorrow aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute with farmers. Meat Industry Ireland, which pulled out of planned discussions last Monday, says it WILL attend the…

Sep 13, 2019

Man due in court today in Wales charged with the murder of a county Mayo native

A man is due to appear in a court in Wales today charged in connection with the murder of a 76 year old county Mayo native. An elderly man, originally from Achill, was found dead at a house in Cwmbran on Tuesday morning last. He has been named as Thomas…

Sep 13, 2019

Two people due in court today in Ballaghaderreen charged in connection with a number of robberies and attempted burglaries in the area

Two people were arrested and a car seized in connection with a number of robberies and attempted burglaries in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week. Both are due to appear in Ballaghaderreen District court today. Gardai have appealed for information after a…

Sep 13, 2019

More than 700 elderly to secure the Fair Deal Scheme that they are entitled to

750 older people are to be offered a nursing home place under the Fair Deal scheme. The boost in numbers follows months of restrictions by the HSE, which had been putting a limit on the number of places allocated weekly. It is expected that top-up funding…

Sep 13, 2019

Taoiseach calls on deputy Grealish to clarify alleged comments made by him at Oughterard meeting on Wednesday

The Taoiseach has called on Galway West deputy Noel Grealish to clarify comments he allegedly made about migrants. The Independent TD is alleged to have made the derogatory comments about asylum seekers at a meeting in Oughterard on Wednesday night last.…

Sep 13, 2019

Problem with water, public toilets and bus parking at Croagh Patrick highlighted by councillor

Despite promises, another Summer has gone by with an inadequate water supply at the national pilgrimage site of Croagh Patrick, and residents of Murrisk, Lecanvey and out as far as Louisburgh are left with a discoloured supply, often not fit for human…

Sep 13, 2019

SIPTU calls on government for support for workers laid off due to beef dispute, as Aldi says Irish beef stock on shelves is running low

SIPTU has called on the Government to provide additional income supports for the thousands of workers now laid-off in factories due to the ongoing beef crisis. Up to 3000 SIPTU members, many in this region, are directly affected by the ongoing crisis at the…

Sep 12, 2019

IFA wants further extension of BEAM closing date until after Ploughing championships

The IFA is calling on the Agriculture Minister to extend the closing date for the €100 million beef support scheme until after next week's Ploughing Championships, to allow farmers make their application at the Department of Agriculture stand at the…

Sep 12, 2019

Six more Mayo schools selected for "Creative Schools" initiative

Pupils at six more schools in Mayo are to join existing schools across the county in the "Creative Schools" initiative. The Government has announced that 150 additional schools across Ireland, including 6 in Mayo, have been selected to participate in the…

Sep 12, 2019

Mayo council management seek 15 percent increase in LPT for 2020 - to date councillors have refused to approve the increase

Council management in Mayo has asked elected councillors to increase the Local Property Tax (LPT) per household for next year by 15 percent. 15 percent is the maximum increase that any local authority can increase LPT by in any one year. At the end of last…

Sep 12, 2019

National award for IT Sligo's efforts to reduce excessive use of alcohol

The students and staff of IT Sligo were recognised nationally at a recent award ceremony in Dublin for their efforts to reduce harm experienced by students from excess use of alcohol. At the inaugural presentation ceremony for the REACT (Responding to…

Sep 12, 2019

Mayo burglaries among the lowest in the country over past decade

A new survey shows the number of burglaries in Mayo over the past decade was among the lowest in the country. New research from home monitoring company PhoneWatch has found Dublin is the worst county in the country for break-ins - with more than 100,000…

Sep 12, 2019

N60 between Castlerea & Roscommon will be closed at Oran for 6 weeks from next Monday

Roscommon County Council has confirmed that the main N60 road between Castlerea and Roscommon will be closed at Oran from next Monday morning the 16th September for a 6-week period. The road closure is to facilitate construction of the N60 Oran road project,…

Sep 12, 2019

Poor condition of Crossmolina Fire Station highlighted again by local councillor

The conditions in which the fire crew in Crossmolina are based is simply unacceptable, according to local Fianna Fail councillor Michael Loftus. At present the fire crews work out of prefab buildings contained in the old fire station. Capital funding for a…

Sep 12, 2019

Free Bus service for the elderly in Knock village tomorrow (Friday)

The Elderly Network Group is running a FREE Bus Shuttle service tomorrow (Friday) within Knock Village, catering for the elderly (servicing the housing estates and dwellings in-between), allowing for visits to the Chemist, coffee shops, Doctors, Mass, the…

Sep 12, 2019

Tuam Home Survivors Network says yesterday's report unnecessary to state the obvious

A voluntary scheme is to be introduced so DNA from Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors can be matched with juvenile remains. A family law expert in a published report yesterday said this would not breach data-protection laws. Survivors want their DNA samples…

Sep 12, 2019

Large turnout at protest meeting last night in Oughterard over any direct provision centre in the town

Hundreds of people attended a public protest meeting in Oughterard, Co Galway, last night and vowed to fight any plans to provide a direct provision centre in their community. All expressed anger at the lack of consultation and information which they say is…

Sep 12, 2019

Protesting farmers outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis erect a Christmas tree overnight

Despite optimism that the beef talks may reconvene, protesting farmers outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis have erected a Christmas tree overnight, insisting they are there for the long haul. Talks aimed at resolving the ongoing beef price dispute are expected…

Sep 11, 2019

Disruption to vodafone services reported in areas of north Mayo

A number of Vodafone customers in the Glenamoy and Crossmolina areas of north Mayo say they have no phone service, some for days and others for three weeks now. Initially some customers were informed that the disruption in service was due to work being…

Sep 11, 2019

Minister to introduce a voluntary administrative scheme to collect DNA from surivivors of Tuam's Mother and Baby Home

It would be lawfully possible to collect DNA samples from survivors of the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, according to a new report. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has published a report from Dr Geoffrey Shannon's investigation into the issue. The…

Sep 11, 2019

Minister Creed invites all sides in beef dispute to separate talks this evening

The Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has invited all sides in the beef dispute to separate talks this evening at the Department of Agriculture. It comes as the Minister is under growing pressure to get talks started to try and resolve the ongoing dispute.…

Sep 11, 2019

Fundraising Supercar Spectacle hits Mayo roads later this month

Another Supercar Spectacle is coming to Mayo later this month, as the ‘Wild West Road Trip’ hits local towns. With the start line at Crockets on the Quay in Ballina at 10am on Friday the 20th September, the group of over 30 Supercars will make their way along…

Sep 11, 2019

Claremorris-based company Electric Skyline to create over 30 new jobs

Claremorris-based company Electric Skyline is creating over 30 new jobs in the West of Ireland. The company, which started in Claremorris in 2007 with just 4 people, now employs 50 staff and is one of the leading lighting specialists in Ireland. The firm…

Sep 11, 2019

Gurteen playground closes due to crippling insurance costs

The Co Sligo village of Gurteen has seen its playground close in recent days, due to difficulties in obtaining insurance cover. The community playground opened two years ago, following a local fundraising campaign. However, the company which was providing…

Sep 11, 2019

Roscommon TD calls on IBEC to intervene in beef dispute, as some 3,000 people have been laid off from meat plants

As the deadlock continues in the beef dispute, some 3,000 people were temporarily laid off from meat plants across the country yesterday - including a number of workers at Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis. Meat Industry Ireland has blamed the protests and blockades…

Sep 11, 2019

Permanent GP appointed to Lahardane area of north Mayo

The HSE has confirmed that a permanent GP has been appointed for the Lahardane area of north Mayo. A locum GP is currently providing cover in the area, and following a public campaign by the local community, the permanent position will be filled from 1st…

Sep 10, 2019

Mayo landowners urged to cut back roadside hedges and overhanging trees

Mayo County Council is calling on all landowners, farmers and householders to ensure their hedges and overhanging trees are cut and maintained, so that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can travel safely on roads. The hedge-cutting season is open since the…

Sep 10, 2019

Ban on donating blood for anyone who lived in the UK between 1980-1996 has been reversed

A permanent ban on donating blood for anyone who lived in the UK for a year or more between 1980 and 1996 has been reversed. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says such donors will now be eligible to donate from 7th October next. In 2004, the permanent…

Sep 10, 2019

New rules for buskers in Galway City come into effect next January

New rules for buskers in Galway will come into effect at the start of next January. Amplification and acts that attract large crowds, known as 'circle-acts', will be banned during key business hours. The bye-laws have been adopted by Galway City Council. The…

Sep 10, 2019

Light a Candle campaign to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and people are encouraged to light a candle near a window in their home at 8pm this evening, in memory of those lost to suicide. Pieta House says the "Light A Candle campaign" is a symbol of support for suicide…

Sep 10, 2019

Minister Creed urges Meat Industry Ireland to reflect on decision to withdraw from beef talks

The Agriculture Minister is urging Meat Industry Ireland to reflect on their decision to withdraw from beef talks. Talks between all stakeholders involved were due to resume yesterday but MII pulled out because farmers continue to protest at processing…

Sep 10, 2019

Ireland West Airport Knock secures only rural SDZ designation nationally, according to Cllr Cruise

The area around Ireland West Airport Knock will have its long awaited SDZ status in place by next month (October). SDZ is a special development zone that has been created on a huge area of land around the airport to encourage development and to attract new…

Sep 10, 2019

Phil Hogan set to be new EU Trade Commissioner

Ireland's European Commissioner Phil Hogan looks setto be appointed as the EU's Trade Commissioner later today.His name has been strongly linked to the job, and the incoming President of the European Commission will unveil her new team later.Ursula Von de…

Sep 10, 2019

Lough Talt in Sligo one of 19 boil water notices currently in place

Cryptosporidium was detected in 25 public water supplies last year - up from 17 the previous year. However, the quality of drinking water in public supplies remains high - that's according to the EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report for 2018.…

Sep 10, 2019

Councillors call on the Minister to standardise the start of the school year to a date in September, claiming early return to school is is impacting on tourism

Mayo county councillors have called on the Minister for Education to standardize the start of the school year to September, as they say the new practice nationally of returning to school from the 20th of August is cutting 2 weeks off the vital summer tourism…

Sep 10, 2019

Farmers continuing their protest outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis, despite MII's refusal to take part in beef talks while protests continue

Protests by farmers are continuing outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis this morning with no sign of being called off, despite any demand by Meat Industry Ireland for pickets to be called off outside meat factories nationally if it’s members are to take part in…

Sep 09, 2019

Meat Industry Ireland pulls out of beef talks

Meat Industry Ireland has pulled out of today's talks aimed at resolving the dispute between farmers and meat factories over beef prices. The group says it has pulled out of talks until all illegal blockades outside meat factories have been lifted. Farmers…

Sep 09, 2019

Four Mayo winners at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards last night

There were four Mayo winners at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards in Galway last night. This is the 4th year of the awards, which celebrate hair stylists, nail technicians, colourists, beauty specialists and make-up artists among others. The Chapter 3 awards…

Sep 09, 2019

Westport sailor arrives in London after retracing journey of Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley

A Westport woman sailed her boat up the Thames and arrived in London's Docklands at the weekend, after retracing the same journey made by Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley more than four centuries ago. Professional race sailor Joan Mulloy set sail from Westport…

Sep 09, 2019

IFA insists cattle prices can be discussed at today's talks on beef dispute

Talks aimed at resolving the long-running beef dispute will re-convene in Co Kildare this afternoon. It comes as protests outside supermarket distribution centres continue. Despite repeated calls from farmers that retailers be involved in round two of talks,…

Sep 09, 2019

Galway city has highest number of primary students nationally taught through Irish

The number of pupils being taught through Irish at primary school reached record high levels in the recent academic year. New figures published by the Department of Education show that almost one in 12 schoolchildren at primary level is receiving their…

Sep 09, 2019

Road between Manulla and Breaffy closed to traffic at present due to road collision

Castlebar gardai are advising motorists that the road between Manulla and Breaffy at Kilmacrade is closed to traffic at present. Emergency services are at the scene. It appears that a car has left the road. Gardai are advising motorists to avoid the area at…

Sep 09, 2019

School secretaries to go on strike later this month

Secretaries in schools across the country are to go on strike later this month. The trade union Fórsa says their members have backed industrial action in a national ballot. The action will get underway on the 20th of September. Barry Cunningham from Fórsa…

Sep 09, 2019

Hundreds protest outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis this morning as beef talks resume today

The Minster for Agriculture Michael Creed will commence the second stage of talks in the beef dispute later today. As the beef dispute over prices that farmers are securing from meat processors drags on, the Minister has said that “failure is not an option”.…

Sep 08, 2019

Western Arc Region put forward for the European Commission's Ten-T project

The Irish government has applied to include the Western region in a major European transport network. Ireland made the application for the Western Arc Region, stretching from Kerry to Donegal, to be part of the European Commission’s Ten-T core network. The…

Sep 08, 2019

1916 heroine to be commemorated on a silver coin next year

Mayo native Dr Kathleen Lynn - medical doctor, politician and activist - is to commemorated on a silver coin next year. The Central Bank is currently inviting artists and designers to submit their design for a silver coin to commemorate the Killala woman, who…

Sep 08, 2019

Brexit and the north will be discussed in detail tomorrow between the Taoiseach and Boris Johnson

Brexit and the north will be discussed in detail when the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister meet in Dublin tomorrow. The Taoiseach will emphasise that Ireland and the EU are still committed to securing a deal. However, all necessary arrangements are being…

Sep 08, 2019

Farmers set to protest outside supermarkets over beef prices

Farmer protests are set to target supermarkets in an escalation of the row over beef prices. Farmer's group, Beef Plan Movement says the 'peaceful protests' will begin over the coming days, with stores such as Tesco, Dunnes and SuperValu among those likely to…

Sep 07, 2019

Only 11 out of the 176 approved mental health jobs have been filled in the last year

Only 11 out of 176 approved mental health jobs have been filled in the last year. The HSE figures were obtained by Fianna Fáil as part of a parliamentary question. Despite approved funding of nearly 16 million euro, new staff have been hired for only 1 in 16…

Sep 07, 2019

Ballina councillor calling for an awareness campaign in schools to combat the drug problem in Mayo

A Ballina Councillor is calling for an awareness campaign in schools to combat the drugs problem in Mayo. The whole drugs epidemic was discussed at length at yesterday’s Joint Policing Committee in Castlebar. One of the suggestions was from Independent…

Sep 07, 2019

IFA hopeful fresh talks aimed at resolving the beef dispute will end the crisis

The Irish Farmers Association President says he's 'hopeful' fresh talks aimed at resolving the beef dispute will end the crisis. Discussions are expected to resume on Monday, three weeks after the orginals talks broke down. Farmers are calling on factories to…

Sep 07, 2019

Councillor calling for repair work to take place at cemetery near Claremorris

Mayo County Council is to write to Irish Water asking them to waive the fee for bringing a water connection into Taugheen Old Cemetery near Claremorris. At present, the cemetery does not have a water supply for people tending to flowers on graves, and Irish…

Sep 07, 2019

Mayo Street Food Festival takes place in Castlebar tomorrow

The Mayo Street Food Festival takes place in Castlebar tomorrow. This year's event will take place on Bridge Lane, off Main Street, between 12 noon and 5pm. Food producers and local restaurants will come together to showcase the finest of local produce and…

Sep 07, 2019

Man in his 70's has died following two car collision in Galway

A man in his 70s has died following a two car collision in County Galway. The incident involving a jeep and car happened on the N63 at Rooaunmore, Claregalway at around 5pm on Friday. A post mortem is due to take place at a later date. No further injuries…

Sep 06, 2019

Councillor claims Mayo towns & villages "awash with drugs"

The battle against illegal drugs should be the number one priority for Gardai in Co Mayo - that's according to Ballinrobe-based Councillor Damien Ryan, who claims towns and villages across Co Mayo are "awash with drugs", and says Garda resources and equipment…

Sep 06, 2019

INHFA calls for changes to beef support scheme

The Agriculture Minister Michael Creed should remove the 5% reduction requirement as a condition for entry in to the €100 million beef support scheme - that's according to the Irish Natura & HillFarmers Association. The closing date for the Beef Exceptional…

Sep 06, 2019

Injunction proceedings by Dawn Meats against protesters struck out

Injunction proceedings by Dawn Meats and Liffey Meats against a number of named and unnamed protesters have been struck out. The request to strike out was made by lawyers for the meat companies at the High Court this morning. Lawyers for Dawn Meats and Liffey…

Sep 06, 2019

Claremorris-based company CBE has created 20 new jobs

Claremorris-based company CBE has created 20 new jobs, as a result of continued growth in Ireland and particularly in the UK. The company, which was founded in Claremorris in 1980 with 3 staff initially, now has a presence in 12 countries and employs almost…

Sep 06, 2019

Clinics taking place across the region urging farmers to apply for the beef support scheme

A clinic will be held in Castlebar today as the Department of Agriculture urges more eligible farmers to apply for the €100 million beef support scheme. This Sunday was the original closing date for applications for the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure, but…

Sep 06, 2019

Huge excitement in Ballina for Cannonball 2019

Some of the world's top cars - including McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati, Rolls Royce and Bentley - will roll into Ballina this weekend as part of the annual Cannonball. The action-packed supercar spectacles arrives in Ballina…

MedTech company announces 30 new jobs in Galway

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