No new deaths from Covid-19 reported today, 18 new cases confirmed

Jul 03, 2020

HIQA claims the Covid-19 death toll in the Republic has been overestimated by around 500

The Covid-19 death toll in the Republic has been overestimated by around 500, according to research by HIQA. The health watchdog looked at the number of postings on RIP.ie between March and June, comparing it with previous years. It found there were 1,200…

Jul 03, 2020

Planning to be sought for major extension to the Ballina Primary Care Centre

A planning application to expand the current Ballina Primary Care Centre is to be lodged with Mayo County Council. The HSE/Community Healthcare West confirmed this evening that John Halligan Architects are in the process of lodging a planning application on…

Jul 03, 2020

Garda Commissioner to attend commemoration in Loughglynn on Tuesday for gardai killed on duty 40 years ago

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will be among those attending a ceremony in Co Roscommon next Tuesday, to remember two Gardai who were killed while on duty 40 years ago. Detective Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne - both from Knock and stationed in…

Jul 03, 2020

Telehealth at MUH assists orthopaedic and physiotherapy patients during Covid pandemic

The Orthopaedic and Physiotherapy teams at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) developed virtual clinics to assess patients with fractures who could be managed remotely during the Covid 19 restriction. The special clinics minimised hospital visits for hundreds of…

Jul 03, 2020

Mayo publican backs calls to extend a proposed reduction in the hospitality VAT rate to alcohol sales

A Mayo publican is backing cross-industry calls for the temporary reduction in the hospitality VAT rate and its extension to apply to alcohol sales, until the end of the year. Alan Gielty of Gielty’s Clew Bay Bar and Restaurant in Achill has added his voice…

Jul 03, 2020

Virtual Walk to celebrate 53rd Castlebar International Walking Festival tomorrow

Tomorrow, Satyrday, the 53rd Castlebar International Walking Festival will hold a virtual walk for participants around the world. The international event that attracts hundreds of walkers annually from around the world was cancelled for 2020 last March at the…

Jul 03, 2020

The Principal of Breaffy NS Castlebar is confident that all students will safely return to school in Breaffy in September

Parents representatives have told the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 that a majority of parents want their children to return to school fully at the beginning of the new school year. CEO of the National Parents Council Primary Aine Lynch told the…

Jul 03, 2020

The N84 reopens to two-way traffic at Tooreen following a single vehicle collision

The N84 has reopened to traffic both ways following a single vehicle collision at Tooreen this morning The incident occurred near the Ave Maria Nursing Home at approximately 9:30am. Gardaí and Fire services attended the scene and the road was reduced to one…

Jul 03, 2020

Two national titles secured by The Lodge at Ashford Castle

The Lodge at Ashford has been awarded the title of Hotel of The Year by judges of the Irish Hotel Awards. The Lodge at Ashford Castle was announced as the winner in the 4-Star Hotel category for its excellence in hospitality and service. The country house,…

Jul 03, 2020

Emergency services are at the scene of a one vehicle collision in Tooreen

Emergency Services are at the scene of a single vehicle collision on the N83 in Tooreen. The incident occurred near the Ave Maria Nursing Home at approximately 9:30am this morning. Gardaí and Fire services are at the scene and the road is down to one lane of…

Jul 03, 2020

Social distancing guidelines for schools could be relaxed over time

The Acting Chief Medical Officer says social distancing guidelines for schools could be further relaxed over time. Government guidance published this week shows children up to third class won't have to social distance. Those from 3rd to 6th class will be…

Jul 03, 2020

Searches continue in Ballinrobe for the winner of the national lottery

Searches are continuing in Ballinrobe for the winner of Wednesday night's Lotto draw - worth over €2.8 million. The lucky ticket was purchased at Martin Murphy Newsagents on Main Street in the town - and this is the third Lotto jackpot win for the shop, as…

Jul 03, 2020

Shellfish harvesting warning issued in bays along the west coast

Commercial shellfish harvesting has ceased in certain bays along the west and southwest coasts, after high levels of toxins were found during routine monitoring. As a result, the public are being urged to only consume shellfish from reputable dealers. The…

Jul 03, 2020

Almost a fifth of new Covid-19 cases in the last week relate to travel

Almost a fifth of new coronavirus cases in the last week have been related to travel. The National Public Health Emergency Team has again raised concerns about the increasing trend. A further 5 people with Covid 19 have died in the Republic, and there are 15…

Jul 03, 2020

Five men released without charge in connection to an illegal horsemeat investigation

Five men have been released without charge in connection with an investigation into how illegal horsemeat made its way into the food chain. The men, aged between 35 and 55, were arrested on Tuesday and were questioned in Carrick-on-Shannon, Longford and…

Jul 02, 2020

Local INTO representative reacts to latest guidelines on reopening schools

The Tanaiste says he's confident a full reopening of schools in September is possible. Teaching Unions are concerned that fully reopening schools may be made difficult by social distancing requirements. New guidance from the Department of Education suggests…

Jul 02, 2020

Keem Beach, Achill is nation's favourite seaside resort

Keem Bay in Achill is the nation's favourite seaside resort. That's according to a new national survey on Irish staycations. The online survey was carried out over 5 days last week, and shows that Co Kerry is the country's number one staycation destination…

Jul 02, 2020

Front bench position for Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh

Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has been appointed Sinn Fein's spokesperson for Higher Education, Innovation & Science. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has announced her front bench this afternoon, with first-time TDs featuring on the list. Claire Kerrane, the…

Jul 02, 2020

€2.8 million Lotto ticket sold at Martin Murphy Newsagents, Ballinrobe

Celebrations are underway in Ballinrobe after a local newsagents sold the winning ticket in last night's Lotto draw - worth over €2.8 million. Midwest News can reveal that the lucky ticket was purchased at Martin Murphy Newsagents on Main Street in the town.…

Jul 02, 2020

Michael Ring says he's very disappointed not to have been appointed either a senior or junior Minister

Mayo FG Deputy Michael Ring has admitted that he's very disappointed not to have been appointed either a senior or junior Minister in the new Government. The Government has confirmed the full list of Ministers of State, with eight from Fianna Fail, seven Fine…

Jul 02, 2020

Death has taken place of Canon Peter Walron

The death has taken place of Canon Peter Waldron a native of Ballyhaunis and former parish priest of Keelogues. Canon Waldron was due to celebrate his 81st birthday next week. He was Ordained in 1963 and served in the parishes of Leenane, Clifden, kilcoona,…

Jul 02, 2020

Winning lotto ticket worth €2.8 Million Euro sold in Ballinrobe

It's been confirmed last night's Lotto jackpot winning ticket was sold in Ballinrobe in Mayo. The top prize was worth more than 2.8 million euro. The winning ticket holder has yet to come forward so people are being asked to check their tickets. The numbers…

Jul 02, 2020

Anne Rabbitte eager to hit the ground running in her new post

Fianna Fail Deputy Anne Rabbitte says while she would have loved to have been given a senior ministerial position she is delighted with the chance she is getting now. The Galway East TD has taken a Junior Ministry in the Department of Children with…

Jul 02, 2020

Mary Robinson leads a panel investigating corruption claims against the leader of the African Development Bank

Former president, Ballina native, Mary Robinson is leading a panel to investigate the leader of the African Development Bank (AfDB), accused by whistleblowers of corruption. Akinwumi Adesina, became the first Nigerian to lead the AfDB in 2015 - but a report…

Jul 02, 2020

Funding to be sought from TII to widen a section of the N84 between Kilmaine & Shrule

Funding is to be sought from Transport Infrastructure Ireland to widen a section of the N84 road between Kilmaine and Shrule. Local FG Councillor Patsy O'Brien says a number of collisions have occurred on this dangerous stretch of road, which needs to be…

Jul 02, 2020

Frank Feighan says its a great honour and huge challenge following his appointment as a Junior Minister

Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan has been appointed as a Junior Minister at the Department of Health (Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy). 17 Junior Ministers will start their first day in their new jobs at Government Departments today. The…

Jul 02, 2020

Gerry Murray elected new Cathaoirleach of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District

Charlestown based Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry Murray has been elected as Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. He was elected to the position at yesterday’s meeting and takes over from Fine Gael’s Tom Connolly. The new…

Jul 02, 2020

Teacher Unions raise concerns around social distancing

There won't be a 'one size fits all' solution for social distancing in schools according to the INTO. The union has also raised concerns about funding for extra staff should they be needed when schools re-open. It has been reacting to guidelines issued by the…

Jul 02, 2020

Junior Ministry positions for Anne Rabbitte & Frank Feighan

The new Junior Ministers will get to work this morning after being appointed yesterday evening, causing some political unrest. There are seven from Fianna Fail, seven from Fine Gael and three from the Green Party. There are no additional Junior Ministers in…

Jul 01, 2020

A further three people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland

A further three people with Covid 19 have died in the Republic, and there are six new confirmed cases. The death toll now stands at 1,738 and the total number of cases is 25,477. The National Public Health Emergency Team says 31 new coronavirus cases linked…

Jul 01, 2020

Reports that Galway TD Anne Rabbitte has been given a Junior Ministry

Fianna Fáil's Jim O'Callaghan has turned down the offer of a junior ministry. He has said he thinks his efforts would be better spent on the backbenches. The TDs who are hopeful of a call have been waiting nervously by the phone all day, not told when exactly…

Jul 01, 2020

Ballaghaderreen Men's Shed wins Pride of Place Award

Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed has won Roscommon County Council’s Pride of Place award in the Health and Wellbeing section. Founded three years ago, the organisation allows men in the town to bring their skills together in a social environment for the benefit of…

Jul 01, 2020

72 litres of home-made alcohol seized in Castlerea Prison

Nearly 400 litres of home-made alcohol was seized in Irish prisons last year. Mountjoy prison in Dublin was the worst offender. According to freedom of information figures, 395.5 litres of homemade alcohol - or hooch - were seized in Ireland's 12 prisons in…

Jul 01, 2020

Castlebar travel agent calls for clarification from Govt on travel restrictions

A Castlebar travel agent is calling for clarification from Government in relation to travel restrictions during Covid-19. It comes as Ireland West Airport Knock has reopened today, after a 3-month closure due to the pandemic. However, while Ryanair has…

Jul 01, 2020

Almost 50 reports of dog attacks on livestock over past 3 months

Gardai are appealing to all dog owners to ensure their dogs are kept under control as almost 50 incidents of dog attacks on livestock have been reported over the past 3 months. Since March, seven incidents of dogs worrying livestock were reported to Gardaí in…

Jul 01, 2020

111 terminations carried out in Mayo last year

111 pregnancies were terminated in Co Mayo last year. A new report from the Department of Health shows that a total of 6,666 terminations were carried out nationally in 2019. The largest number - 2,493 - were carried out in Dublin, while Leitrim had the…

Jul 01, 2020

Charlestown water supply impacted by power failure overnight

Water supply in Charlestown and the surrounding areas may be impacted today, due to a power failure that occurred overnight. Irish Water says crews are currently checking for airlocks throughout the scheme, and a full water supply should be restored to all…

Jul 01, 2020

Clare Island urging visitors not to travel to the island until 17th July

While many Covid-19 restrictions have now been eased since Monday, Clare Island off the Mayo coast is asking visitors not to travel to the island until later this month. The Government has permitted travel to offshore islands by non-residents since Monday,…

Jul 01, 2020

Deputy Marian Harkin calls for Govt support for those impacted by Leitrim landslides

Engineers have been inspecting the damage caused by landslides in Co.Leitrim. Over 10 farms have been impacted by tonnes of mud near Drumkeeran, and two homes have been evacuated. Heavy rain has caused floods of liquid peat to spread out across acres of land…

Jul 01, 2020

Ireland West Airport Knock reopens this morning following 3-month closure

After an unprecedented 3-month closure, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ireland West Airport Knock is reopening this morning. People are still being advised against non-essential travel, and will have to quarantine for 14 days after arriving back in Ireland but…

Jul 01, 2020

Alan Dillon should be considered for Junior Minister role, claims Castlebar Councillor

It's expected the government will appoint junior ministers following a cabinet meeting today. There's 17 roles to fill with an extra focus on the appointments following criticism of the geographical spread of the cabinet ministers. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael…

Jun 30, 2020

One more death from Covid-19, and 11 additional cases confirmed

One more person has died of Covid-19, bringing the death toll in the Republic of Ireland to 1,736. 11 additional cases have been confirmed. The total number of confirmed cases is now 25,473. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says today marks 6 months…

Jun 30, 2020

Sligo family test positive for Covid-19 and claim they've been subject to racial abuse

An Iraqi national, living in Sligo, says he and his family have been subject to racial abuse, after up to 14 family members tested positive for coronavirus. The case relates to the cluster in the north-west referred to yesterday evening by the chief medical…

Jun 30, 2020

Two homes evacuated following landslides in Co Leitrim

Two homes have been evacuated and over 10 farms have been impacted by landslides in Co Leitrim. Thousands of tonnes of peat have been flowing across acres of land near Drumkeeran since Sunday following heavy rain. Acres of farmland are covered by the peat and…

Jun 30, 2020

Burst water main in Ballaghadereen impacting on about 500 houses

About 500 houses in the Tibohine and Ballaghadereen areas are without water, due to a burst water main on the North Roscommon Water Supply. The burst occurred on the Old Dublin Road in Ballaghadereen, and Irish Water says about 500 houses are impacted in…

Jun 30, 2020

Man taken to hospital following collision outside Castlerea

One man was taken to hospital following a single-vehicle collision on the outskirts of Castlerea last night. The collision occurred at about 11.30pm, when a van collided with the railway bridge on the N60, on the Ballinlough side of Castlerea. Emergency…

Jun 30, 2020

Five men arrested for participating in criminal organisation

Five men have been arrested today for participation in a criminal organisation. The five men, aged between 35 and 55, are being detained at Roscommon, Longford and Carrick-on-Shannon Garda stations, under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act. The arrests…

Jun 30, 2020

Westport Councillor angry at Dept of Rural & Community Development being submerged with another department

It's bad enough that there is no Cabinet Minister appointed for the Western seaboard, but it's even worse news that the Department of Rural & Community Development is being subsumed into another Department. That's according to Westport-based Independent…

Jun 30, 2020

Councillor Sean Carey is new Cathaoirleach of West Mayo Municipal District

Erris-based Councillor Séan Carey is the new Cathaoirleach of the West Mayo Municipal District. The Fianna Fail councillor was elected unopposed at today's AGM of the Municipal District.

Jun 30, 2020

Tanaiste appears to rule out appointing deputy Ring as a Minister of State tomorrow

In comments in today’s Irish Independent the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar is quoted as saying: “Any minister whose main focus is their own constituency is actually neglecting most of the country so ministers must have a national remit and that’s the way I would…

Jun 30, 2020

Mayo councillors want Michael Ring and Lisa Chambers as Ministers of State

A letter is to be forwarded to the Taoiseach Míchéal Martin from members of Mayo County Council insisting that the new Taoiseach ensures that Mayo and the west is adequately represented in his appointments of new Ministers of State tomorrow. There were angry…

Jun 30, 2020

Appeal by Dr Holohan to the the public to cancel foreign holiday plans

The Chief Medical Officer is appealing to people with foreign holidays planned, to cancel them. The National Public Health Emergency Team is noticing a "worrying trend" of Covid-19 cases increasing, and new clusters emerging. One of the clusters was located…

Jun 30, 2020

Senator Lisa Chambers is the new Deputy Leader of the Seanad and Fianna Fáil Group Leader in the Upper House

Mayo Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers is the new Deputy Leader of the Seanad and Fianna Fáil Group Leader in the Upper House. The Seanad met yesterday afternoon in Dublin’s Convention Centre in its first meeting following the Seanad general election. Senator…

Jun 29, 2020

No new deaths reported from Covid-19 today, but 24 confirmed cases

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says a 'worrying trend' of new clusters of Covid-19 is developing in Ireland. No new deaths linked to the virus have been reported to public health doctors today. But 24 people have tested positive in the Republic -…

Jun 29, 2020

Price of 3-bed semi in Mayo fell by 4% over past year

The price of an average three-bedroom semi-detached house in Co Mayo fell by 4% over the past year, to €153,500 - according to a new national survey by Real Estate Alliance. Prices in Castlebar fell by over 4% over the past year to an average of €153,500,…

Jun 29, 2020

Six people rescued from boat following engine failure near Ballinasloe

Six people were rescued from a cruise boat which suffered engine failure near Ballinasloe in Co Galway yesterday evening. The Ballinasloe Civil Defence boat crew was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at about 4pm yesterday. A rescue boat with three crew on…

Jun 29, 2020

Councillors call for two Junior Minister posts for Mayo

Mayo County Councillors are requesting that two Junior Ministerial positions come to the county - when the list is announced later this week. Councillors are demanding that both Michael Ring of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers be appointed…

Jun 29, 2020

Claremorris Councillor Richard Finn is new Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council

Claremorris-based Councillor Richard Finn is the new Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council. The Independent Councillor takes over the chain of office from Westport-based FF Councillor Brendan Mulroy. Councillor Finn defeated the FG candidate John O'Hara by 16…

Jun 29, 2020

Deputy Dara Calleary admits he was disappointed at not being appointed a Senior Minister

Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary admits he was very disappointed not to be appointed a senior Minister in the new Coalition Government. There's been widespread dismay across at the region that no senior Ministers have been appointed in Connacht. Deputy…

Jun 29, 2020

LISTEN: Dara Calleary speaking to Tommy Marren 29th June 2020

LISTEN BACK: Dara Calleary TD speaking to Tommy Marren about his "incredibly difficult" conversation with Micheál Martin on Saturday.

Jun 29, 2020

Taoiseach responds to omission of Dara Calleary from a senior ministerial post

The Taoiseach has responded to the criticism regarding his allocation of senior ministries and the surprise exclusion of Mayo’s Dara Calleary. The Fianna Fail leader insists that the deputy leader and Government chief whip will have a central role in the…

Jun 29, 2020

Comhairle Ceantair of Fianna Fáil in Mayo held emergency Zoom meeting yesterday over Dara Calleary failing to secure Senior Ministerial post

The Comhairle Ceantair of Fianna Fáil in Mayo held an emergency Zoom meeting yesterday evening as members struggle to come to terms with the exclusion of Deputy Dara Calleary from new Taoiseach’s list of senior ministers. There is fury among the members of…

Jun 29, 2020

Biggest easing of the Covid 19 restrictions to date today

Many of the remaining businesses closed due to Covid-19 are reopening today as part of Phase 3 of easing lockdown restrictions. Cafes, restaurants, pubs serving food, hairdressers and gyms are among those that can resume. After 15 weeks from today pubs that…

Jun 29, 2020

Yellow rainfall warning for Mayo remains in place until noon today

A status orange rainfall alert remains in place across three counties in the north west today. The warning came into place for Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo at 11am yesterday. Met Eireann says further heavy persistent rainfall may lead to river flooding and…

Jun 29, 2020

Tense meeting between Mayo's Dara Calleary and the Taoiseach on Saturday

Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary objected to being appointed Government Chief Whip during a tense meeting with newly elected Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Saturday, according to today’s Irish Independent. The Mayo deputy will be on Tommy Marren’s show…

Jun 28, 2020

One more death from Covid-19 with three new cases of the virus

One person with COVID-19 has died in the country today. It brings the death toll in the Republic of Ireland to 1,735 COVID-19. 3 new cases of COVID-19 have also been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 25,439. Validation of data has resulted in…

Jun 28, 2020

Mayo TD raises the issue of increased outages in broadband and telecommunications

A Mayo Fine Gael TD has voiced his frustration with the increased level of broadband and telephone outages in the region. Alan Dillon says he has spoke to many business owners that have been impacted by lengthy outages over the past while. Deputy Dillon has…

Jun 28, 2020

Over €60,000 worth of drugs seized in searches across Sligo yesterday

Sligo Gardaí uncovered over €60,000 worth of drugs after conducting a number of search warrants across the region yesterday. As a result of these searches an estimated €60,000 worth of Cannabis was seized, along with ecstasy tablets valued at €500 and a large…

Jun 28, 2020

Failure to appoint a Mayo TD to a senior ministry described as 'disgraceful'

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has hit out at the absence of senior ministerial positions for the county. Fianna Fail councillor Brendan Mulroy made the remarks on a social media post, where he said the only positive from yesterday was the…

Jun 28, 2020

A Status Orange rainfall warning has been issued for Sligo

A status orange rain warning has been issued for Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim. Met Eireann is predicting persistent heavy rain with up to 60 millimetres possible by midday tomorrow. A status yellow rain alert is also in operation in Mayo until 12 noon tomorrow.…

Jun 28, 2020

IFA President says the Green Party has something to offer farmers

The farming lobby is broadly optimistic about what the next government can do for the sector. The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has welcomed the appointment of Barry Cowen as Agriculture Minister. It says he's known as a man who understands and…

Jun 28, 2020

Status Yellow wind and rain warning issued for Mayo, Sligo and Galway

Status yellow wind and rain warnings have been issued for the west and northwest. Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Leitrim will have heavy rain with expected until 9am tomorrow. The wind alert is in operation for the same four counties as well as Galway with gusts of…

Jun 28, 2020

Fine Gael's Aisling Dolan appointed to the Seanad for Roscommon-Galway

Galway County Councillor, Aisling Dolan, has been appointed as a Senator under the newly formed government with Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. She is one of the eleven Taoiseach nominations for the Upper House of the Oireachtas, nine of which are…

Jun 28, 2020

No senior cabinet Minister for Connacht in the new Government

Micheál Martin has been accused of abandoning parts of the country, by failing to appoint a more regionally balanced cabinet of Ministers. The members of the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party coalition received their seals of office last night. The ink…

Jun 27, 2020

Dara Calleary appointed as Chief Whip in new coalition government

The new cabinet of Ministers has been appointed. Mayo TD and Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary has been appointed as Chief Whip in the new coalition government. The appointment will see the Ballina based TD, assume a super-junior minister role. He will…

Jun 27, 2020

Six more deaths from Covid-19 and 23 new confirmed cases

A further six people with Covid-19 have died in the country today and there are 23 new confirmed cases of the disease. Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “High levels of compliance to public health advice to date has enabled…

Jun 27, 2020

Failte Ireland backed projects to proceed irrespective of the pandemic

Despite the Covid 19 pandemic a number of planned Failte Ireland backed projects are going ahead. This was confirmed to the Crossmolina based Fianna Fail councillor Michael Loftus at this week’s Mayo County Council’s Special Policy Committee on Tourism and…

Jun 27, 2020

The Community Enhancement Scheme has opened for applications

Funding has opened for the Community Enhancement Scheme. Minister Michael Ring says last year 132 projects were supported under this programme. Minister Ring has allocated €64,000 to Mayo County Council under the scheme and is advising community groups to get…

Jun 27, 2020

Micheál Martin has been elected Taoiseach of the 33rd Dáil

Micheál Martin has been elected as Taoiseach by the Dáil. In a moment that ends civil war politics in Ireland Fine Gael and Green Party TDs voted with Fianna Fáil to elect a new government. 93 TDs in total voted for Martin. Independent TDs Peter Fitzpartick,…

Jun 27, 2020

A Status Yellow rainfall alert is in effect for Mayo and Sligo until Monday

A status yellow rainfall alert came into effect from 9am affecting Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo. Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast while there is also a risk of flooding in places. The warning is in place until 9 o'clock on Monday morning. Jean…

Jun 27, 2020

Driving tests will recommence for certain vehicles next week

Driving tests for some vehicles are set to resume from Monday at 14 centres around the country. Initially only truck, bus and motorcycle tests will take place but car tests are due to resume later in Phase 3 of the country's reopening. The remaining 38…

Jun 27, 2020

Mayo's Dara Calleary expected to receive a ministerial position this evening

The Dáil is currently meeting as we await Micheál Martin being nominated as Taoiseach. The members of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party voted yesterday to back an historic coalition government which will take power today. The Fianna Fáil leader will…

Jun 27, 2020

Ten Broadband Connection Points will be provided across Mayo

Vodafone has been awarded the contract to provide broadband services to connection points across the country. The first of around 300 Broadband Connection Points are to become available in the weeks ahead. They will give users free onsite high-speed internet…

Jun 27, 2020

New Cardiac Care Unit opens at Mayo University Hospital

A new dedicated Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) has opened in Mayo University Hospital as cardiology outpatient appointments and clinics gradually resume in the hospital. The unit, which was developed as part of the hospitals COVID-19 planning, has resulted in an…

Jun 27, 2020

No increase in Covid-19 cases across Connaught Counties for 6th day

For the sixth day in a row there was no increase in Covid-19 cases across Connaught Counties. A further 3 people with Covid-19 died in the country yesterday, while 11 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the total to 25,414. The Chief Medical Officer is…

Jun 26, 2020

Green Party vote to go in to Government

The Green Party has voted to go into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. It clears the way for the Fianna Fáil / Fine Gael / Greens government to be formed, after the other two parties also backed the deal earlier on Friday. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál…

Jun 26, 2020

A further three people have died from Covid-19

A further three people with Covid-19 have died in the Republic of Ireland. Eleven new cases have been confirmed also. It brings the death toll in this country to 1,730, while there have been 25,414 confirmed cases.

Jun 26, 2020

Fianna Fail Senator says Potential loss of 120 jobs at a manufacturing plant in Ballinasloe would be a devastating blow

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said the potential loss of 120 jobs at the US manufacturing company APTAR in Ballinasloe, County Galway would be a ‘devastating blow’ for the region. The plastics technology company has been based in the IDA business park…

Jun 26, 2020

Emergency Services attend the scene of a road collision near Claremorris

Emergency services have attended the scene of a two car collision on the N17 near Claremorris this afternoon. Three occupants in one vehicle and the driver of the other car have all been taken to hospital as a precaution. The incident occurred by the flyover…

Jun 26, 2020

Fine Gael members have approved going in to Government

Fine Gael members have approved going into government with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. Overall it was 80 per cent in favour with 20 per cent voting against the programme for government. The first of three votes is in and it's overwhelmingly in favour of…

Jun 26, 2020

Result from Fine Gael's vote on programme for Government expected within the hour

A result from Fine Gael's vote on the programme for government is expected in the next hour. Counting is continuing to decide whether or not Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens will enter government together. While a carve up of which party will get which…

Jun 26, 2020

48 hour status yellow rainfall warning for Mayo & Sligo

A 48-hour status yellow rainfall warning has been issued for four counties in the north-west. The alert, for Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, will come into effect tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Heavy rain and blustery conditions are expected to last until…

Jun 26, 2020

File to the DPP after man charged with the murder of Det. Garda Colm Horkan declared 'unfit' to attend court

A file has been sent to the DPP after man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan was ‘unfit’ to appear before court in Castlerea this morning. Stephen Silver, with an address at Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo has been remanded in custody for a…

Jun 26, 2020

Dara Calleary set to secure a cabinet seat if a government is formed this weekend

Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens will announce the results of ballots later on this evening on whether or not they will go into Government together. The Dail is planning to meet tomorrow with the hope of electing a Taoiseach. Votes are being from the…

Jun 26, 2020

Half a million euro announced in grant funding for 10 Mayo groups active during Covid pandemic

Minister Ring has announced €505,000 cash injection for 10 Mayo community groups supporting the Covid 19 response. They include community and voluntary organisations, charities and Social Enterprises in Mayo supported through COVID-19 Stability Fund. The Fund…

Jun 26, 2020

Thunderstorm warning for the northwest until 10am this morning

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow thunderstorm warning for the northwest. The alert is for Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim, and Northern Ireland and runs until 10am. The forecaster is predicting localised heavy downpours.

Jun 26, 2020

We'll find out by this evening whether or not there will be a new government

We'll find out by this evening whether or not there will be a new government. Votes will be counted from the members of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party on whether or not they support the programme for government. It's 139 days since the general…

Jun 26, 2020

Construction for 22 new local authority housing units at Lios na Circe Castlebar to go to tender in September

Phase Two of the Lios Na Circe Development in Castlebar will go to tender in September for 22 new housing units. The development is based at Milebush and local Fine Gael Councillor Cyril Burke says it’s a very welcome development. The news was confirmed by…

Jun 26, 2020

Man charged with the murder of Mayo Garda to appear in court again this morning

A 43-year-old man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan will appear in Castlerea District Court again this morning. The Charlestown Garda was shot dead on Wednesday the 17th of June while on duty in Castlerea. Stephen Silver, with an address…

Jun 26, 2020

No additional cases of Covid 19 confirmed again yesterday across Connaught counties

For the 5th day in a row there was no increase yesterday in the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Mayo and it was the same across the region, with no additional cases of Covid-19 recorded in Connacht over the past 24 hours. Nationally, one person…

Jun 26, 2020

Minister reports progress at meeting yesterday of the Beef Taskforce

The third meeting of the Beef Taskforce took place yesterdayby video conference. The Beef Taskforce members had previously been provided with a written update on the work of the Taskforce in May. The Beef Taskforce was established by the Minister for…

Jun 25, 2020

One person diagnosed with Covid-19 has died today in Ireland

One person diagnosed with Covid-19 has died in the Republic. Officials at the Department of Health say 11 further cases have also been confirmed. The pandemic death toll here how stands at 1,727 -- with 25,405 people known to have contracted the disease.

Jun 25, 2020

Government to sign off on plans to move to phase three of the easing of restrictions

Government Ministers are to sign off on plans to move to phase three of the easing of Coronavirus restrictions. The cabinet is holding what will likely be its final meeting in Dublin Castle this evening. The last major decision taken by the Ministers of this…

Jun 25, 2020

Yellow thunderstorm warning now in place until tomorrow morning

A yellow thunderstorm warning is now in place nationwide until 9am tomorrow morning. Severe downpours, hail showers and spot flooding are expected. It's as a result of the high temperatures felt across the country today.

Jun 25, 2020

Achill Oysters had to reinvent themselves following dramatic drop in the export market

As restaurants and gastro pubs prepare to re-open; Achill Oysters, a successful oyster producer, is urging restaurants to include local oysters and seafood on their menus to help offset the economic impact of COVID-19. Achill Oysters produce premium Irish…

Jun 25, 2020

Minister Ring describes tomorrow's vote for a programme for Government as a "Cliff Hanger"

Mayo based Minister Michael Ring believes both Fine Gael & Fianna Fail will pass tomorrow's programme for Government but is not so sure which way the Green Party will vote. The leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are going to meet later to…

Jun 25, 2020

Bogus email circulating purporting to be from Parish Priest in Mayo

Gardai in Mayo are advising the general public to be vigilant for a new online scam in circulation. An email is being sent purporting to be from a parish priest in Mayo requesting to order a Google Play Card and looking for money to be sent on to help out a…

Jun 25, 2020

Mount Dillon in Roscommon records highest temperature so far today at 22 degrees

Temperatures could reach 28 and possibly 30 degrees in some places today. However thunderstorms are expected this evening. Met Eireann have issued a yellow thunder weather warning which comes into place from 4pm until 9am tomorrow morning. Mount Dillon in Co…

Jun 25, 2020

€215,000 approved for businesses in Mayo, Galway & Meath Gaeltacht areas to deal with Covid-19 crisis

€215,000 has been approved by Údarás na Gaeltachta for businesses in Gaeltacht areas of Mayo, Galway and Meath in recent weeks, to support them during the Covid-19 crisis. Udarás says supports of €215,000 were approved for 86 businesses. 30 applications were…

Jun 25, 2020

Minister Ross confirm facemasks to become compulsory on buses & trains

The Transport Minister has confirmed facemasks are set to become compulsory on public transport and it will be an offence to not comply. Minister Shane Ross will bring the recommendation to Cabinet today. Capacity on buses and trains will be increased to 50…

Jun 25, 2020

Ballina Gardai appeal for information on house fire in Bonniconlon

Gardai in Ballina are appealing for information, following a house fire last night. The alarm was raised at about 10.30 pm, and emergency services attended the scene of the blaze at a vacant house in the Carra area of Bonniconlon. Extensive damage was caused…

Jun 25, 2020

Knock Shrine to reopen for Masses in the Parish Church next week

At their meeting later today, public health officials will consider whether to increase the limit on the number of people attending Mass and religious services. It follows criticism from the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin, who claims larger…

Jun 25, 2020

No increase in Covid-19 cases in Connacht

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Mayo remains unchanged for the 4th day in a row, at 572. There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases being treated at Mayo University Hospital, according to the latest data from the HSE. Across the region,…

Jun 25, 2020

Local residents question Irish Rail's commitment to new bridge at Kilnageer crossing

Irish Rail gave a commitment at yesterday's Castlebar Municipal District meeting that they will seek planning permission for a new bridge, instead of the current notorious level crossing at Kilnageer. Three members of Irish Rail attended yesterday's meeting,…

Jun 25, 2020

Face coverings likely to be made mandatory on public transport

Face coverings look set to be made mandatory on public transport as capacity increases to 50 per cent. The cabinet is expected to sign off on the plans at a meeting this evening. It's also expected to approve moving to phase three of easing restrictions from…

Jun 25, 2020

Warning of severe thunderstorms later today

Met Eireann is advising that severe thunderstorms can be expected throughout the country later today. A yellow weather warning has been issued for the 26 counties, and a similar alert's in place in the North. The warnings will start from 4 o'clock this…

Jun 24, 2020

A further six people have died from Covid-19

A further six people with Covid 19 have died here. Five new cases have also been confirmed. It brings the death toll to 1726, while the number of confirmed cases are 25,396. 92 percent of all coronavirus cases up to June 21st are estimated to have recovered.

Jun 24, 2020

Castlebar Councillor bemused that Covid-19 tests are not available on demand from people concerned about caring for elderly or vulnerable people

748 tests for Covid-19 were carried out at Mayo University Hospital between 25th May and 14th June. The figures were given by the HSE at yesterday's online meeting of the Regional Health Forum in response to queries from Castlebar Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.…

Jun 24, 2020

Blackie Gavin new Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District

Fianna Fail Councillor Blackie Gavin has been appointed the new Cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District. He takes over the chain of office from Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne. Martin McLoughlin is the new Leas Cathaoirleach.

Jun 24, 2020

Mary Coughlan presented with a lifetime achievement award by Mayor of Galway

Singer Mary Coughlan has been presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Mayor of Galway in recognition of her impact on the cultural life of the city. The musician was selected by Mayor Mike Cubbard, due to her "personal resolve... in carving out a…

Jun 24, 2020

Seamus Weir is the new Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District

Independent Councillor Seamus Weir has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District. The Knockmore based councillor accepted the chain of office this afternoon from outgoing Cathaoirleach Michael Loftus. The new Leas-Cathaoirleach…

Jun 24, 2020

Mayo Councillor calls for VAT rate to be reduced to 0%

If small businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector in Mayo are to survive the Covid 19 pandemic, then the VAT rate nationally this year needs to be reduced to 0 percent. That was the call of Westport based Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn at this…

Jun 24, 2020

Dáil tributes paid to Detective Garda Colm Horkan

A minute's silence was held in the Dáil this morning in memory of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who died following a shooting incident in Castlerea last week. The Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan led the tributes and told the Dáil there has been a national…

Jun 24, 2020

Galway Roast caféin Castlebar not reopening following Covid-19

A well-known café in Castlebar will not be reopening following the Covid-19 pandemic. The Galway Roast on Market Square has confirmed that, due to social distancing and other restrictions, the business is not viable in the current environment and will not be…

Jun 24, 2020

Rates for Mayo businesses impacted by Covid-19 should be foregone for rest of the year, claims Ballina Cathaoirleach

Rates for Mayo businesses negatively impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic should be foregone for the rest of this year. That was the call of the Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District Michael Loftus at yesterday’s Mayo Council’s Special Policy Committee on…

Jun 24, 2020

Hospitals have cut bed capacity, while patients left on trolleys, claims Roscommon TD

Some hospitals have cut 10 per cent of their beds to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Roscommon-Galway Independent TD Denis Naughten claims that's the case at Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinasloe. The Regional Independent TDs have secured a Dail debate on the…

Jun 24, 2020

Prison visits will resume from 20th July

Family visits will resume in prisons next month after being suspended since March, due to Covid-19. From July 20th, prisoners at Castlerea Prison and other prisons across the country will be allowed one 15-minute visit from one person every two weeks. And…

Jun 24, 2020

Confirmed Covid-19 cases in Mayo remain unchanged at 572

A further 3 people have died from Covid 19 in the Republic of Ireland over the past 24 hours. It brings the death toll to 1720. A further 10 cases were also confirmed yesterday evening, bringing the total number to 25,391. In this region, the number of cases…

Jun 24, 2020

Sligo TD calls for aviation taskforce recommendations to be implemented

A leading medical professor claims lifting restrictions on air travel could cause a second wave of Covid-19 cases. The Aviation Recovery Taskforce believes the government should end the 14-day quarantine and lift border restrictions from next week. The…

Jun 23, 2020

3 further deaths from Covid-19 and 10 confirmed cases

A further 3 people have died from Covid 19 in the Republic of Ireland. It brings the death toll to 1720. A further 10 confirmed cases have also been confirmed this evening, bringing the total number to 25,391.

Jun 23, 2020

Gardai in Craughwell appeal for information on stolen pups

Gardai in Craughwell, Co Galway are appealing for information on four pups stolen recently. The 4 Foxhound pups, who are only four weeks old, were taken sometime betweem 7pm Sunday evening and 9am yesterday morning from Craughwell. The pups are…

Jun 23, 2020

Passenger flights to resume at Knock & Shannon Airports from next week

Passenger flights are to resume at both Ireland West Airport Knock and Shannon Airport from next Wed 1st July. Ryanair will operate services from both airports to a number of destinations. At Ireland West Airport, a range of new measures have been introduced…

Jun 23, 2020

Bangor Trail under-used, and needs more promotion, says Mayo Councillor

One of county Mayo’s most beautiful mountain walks / trails – the Bangor Trail in north Mayo is underutilised, a secret unknown to most walking enthusiasts within and outside the county. That’s the view of Westport based Fine Gael Councillor Peter Flynn,…

Jun 23, 2020

IWAK welcomes interim taskforce report on restoring air travel

The Government has been advised to lift the 14 day quarantine for people arriving into Ireland by next Wednesday. The Aviation Recovery Taskforce was set up two weeks ago to make recommendations on how to help the Irish aviation sector to recover. It says…

Jun 23, 2020

Independent Councillor Laurence Fallon is new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon Co Co

The new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council is Independent Councillor Laurence Fallon. Based in Knockroghery, Councillor Fallon represents the Athlone Municipal District. He was elected Cathaoirleach at yesterday's AGM of Roscommon County Council, and…

Jun 23, 2020

Cathaoirleach of Castlebar demands details on Covid 19 death numbers in MUH and HSE facilities in Mayo

The number of people with confirmed cases of Covid 19, who have died at Mayo University Hospital and other HSE facilities across county Mayo since the start of the pandemic are figures sought for many weeks now by the Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal…

Jun 23, 2020

A Mayo Deputy is among the TD's to hire family members to work for them

One in seven TDs have hired family members to work with them in the Dáil. In total jobs 23 representatives have given jobs to family members according to the Irish Independent, including Mayo Fine Gael TD Michael Ring. The Minister for Rural and Community…

Jun 23, 2020

Det. Garda Colm Horkan is the fourth of his graduation year to die in the line of duty

Charlestown native Detective Garda Colm Horkan is one of four Gardaí who all graduated together and have since died in the line of duty. Charlestown native Detective Garda Colm Horkan is one of four Gardaí who all graduated together and have since died in the…

Jun 23, 2020

Sod turned yesterday for the development of the Old Irish Goat Sanctuary and Visitor Centre in Mulranny

The sod was turned yesterday for the development of the Old Irish Goat Sanctuary and Visitor Centre in the village of Mulranny. Minister Michael Ring’s dept allocated over €137,000 for the development of the centre through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme…

Jun 23, 2020

Parents advised to limit the amount of children playing together to reduce contracting Covid 19

Parents are being urged to take steps to reduce the risk of their children contracting Covid-19 during play dates.Concerns are being raised by public health officials, after one third of new cases in the past two weeks involved people under the age of 35,…

Jun 23, 2020

At waste treatment plants in Mayo and Galway, NUIG study shows so called "flushable" wipes contained microplastic pollutants

A new study by NUIG has discovered that half of wet-wipe brands labelled “flushable” are found to contain harmful plastic microfibres that end up in Irish waters. The research states that such wipes and sanitary towels are a far greater threat to the…

Jun 23, 2020

Taoiseach confirms commitment to the Galway Ring Road in the Programme for Government

The Galway City Ring Road will proceed under the coalition’s Programme for Government. That’s according to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who says there is a specific commitment to the Galway Transport Strategy in the document. The Fine Gael leader says €1bn…

Jun 22, 2020

Sally Rooney to take part in Castlebar's Wild Atlantic Words literary festival in October

The Wild Atlantic Words literary festival has this evening announced that Sally Rooney will be taking part in this year’s festival in her home town of Castlebar. The critically acclaimed author of Conversations With Friends and Normal People is the first high…

Jun 22, 2020

Minister Kyne says the Aran islands may open at a slower pace than the rest of the country

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Sean Kyne says the Aran islands may open at a slower pace than the rest of the country He says the islands off the coast of Galway could reopen on a phased basis , rather than on Monday, as permitted under…

Jun 22, 2020

Renewed appeal for Carna mother who disappeared 35 years ago

Today June 22, marks the 35th anniversary of the disappearance of 33 year old Barbara Walsh (nee Lydon), who went missing from her home in Rusheenamanagh, Carna Co Galway on June 22, 1985 at approximately 4am. A Garda investigation into the disappearance of…

Jun 22, 2020

An Erris TD is calling on the HSE to recommence the admission of patients at Belmullet District Hospital

An Erris-based TD is calling on the HSE to recommence admitting patients to Belmullet District Hospital without delay. Mayo Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh has made the call after it emerged that the north Mayo hospital was no longer admitting patients. The Sinn…

Jun 22, 2020

Walk on Saturday to mark cancellation of 2020 Castlebar International Walking Festival

In a few days time, the 53rd Castlebar International Four Days’ Walks should have been taking place. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic it, like so many other events was cancelled for 2020. The organising committee say they are looking forward to welcoming…

Jun 22, 2020

Mayo is the county nationally that had the most call-outs to deal with swarms of wasps so far this year

Mayo is the county nationally that had the most call-outs to deal with swarms of wasps so far this year. Pest control provider Rentokil is warning the general public to be vigilant of the dangers posed by wasps during the summer period. The company believes…

Jun 22, 2020

Barbers busy getting ready for re-opening on Monday next

On Monday next barbers and hairdressers can re-open to customers under the third phase of the lifting of the national Covid 19 restrictions. John Kelly located on Castle Street in Castlebar is a fourth generation barber and his extensive barber and men’s…

Jun 22, 2020

Repairs to a burst water main may affect supply in Louisburgh

Repairs to a burst water main may affect supply to Church Street, Louisburgh and the surrounding areas today. Irish Water confirmed the supply interference across their social media channels this morning. Crews are working on repairing the water main and it…

Jun 22, 2020

Mayo TD launches third call for proposals under the Government's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, has launched the third call for proposals under the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as part of Project Ireland 2040. The Fund is part of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s…

Jun 22, 2020

The State funeral took place of the 'dearly loved and respected' Det. Garda Colm Horkan yesterday

The Funeral took place in Charlestown of Detective Garda Colm Horkan yesterday afternoon. An emotive State funeral Mass took place at St Jame’s Church as family and friends, members of An Garda Síochána, Charlestown GAA and the wider community paid their…

Jun 22, 2020

Galway West Fianna Fail TD says a coalition with Fine Gael would be the 'demise' of the party

Campaigning by the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens on the programme for government continued over the weekend amid internal division within the parties. Fianna Fáil's Eamon Ó Cuív says going into government with Fine Gael will be the "demise"…

Jun 22, 2020

The Belmullet Electoral Division has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Connaught according to CSO stats

Belmullet has the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases across Connaught. That’s according to newly released figures from the Central Statistics Office measured as of the 12th of June, which also shows that Mayo has the seventh highest death toll…

Jun 21, 2020

No deaths from Covid-19 and 6 new cases of the virus

There are no new deaths from Covid-19 in the country today, meaning the death toll remains at 1,715. There are 6 new confirmed cases of the virus bringing the total to 25,379. Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 1 case.

Jun 21, 2020

Sligo-Leitrim HSE workers have completed over two 'virtual tours' of the Irish coast for charities

35 HSE Community Service workers across the Sligo-Leitrim area completed over two ‘virtual tours’ of the Irish coastline for local charities. Throughout the month of May frontline staff in the Sligo area stayed within their 2km radius and cumulatively walked…

Jun 21, 2020

Mayo has the seventh highest death toll from Covid-19 with 41 fatalities

Mayo has the highest number of fatalities from Covid-19 in the province of Connaught. That’s according to newly released figures from the Central Statistics Office measured as of the 12th of June which also shows the county has the seventh highest death toll…

Jun 21, 2020

The State funeral Mass has taken place of Det. Garda Colm Horkan

The State funeral Mass has taken place in Charlestown of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. An emotive State funeral Mass took place at St Jame’s Chruch as family and friends, members of An Garda Síochána, Charlestown GAA and the wider community paid their final…

Jun 21, 2020

Mayo Green member signs a petition urging colleagues to oppose the Programme for Government

A group of young Green party members have said they can't support the Programme for Government because it risks a return to austerity. The signatories - Tate Donnelly, Julie O'Donoghue, Sean McCabe and Mayo's Saoirse McHugh - are all from rural…

Jun 21, 2020

Ten denotifications of Covid-19 cases across Connaught and no increase

2 more people with COVID-19 died in the country yesterday bringing the death toll to 1,715. There were also 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 25,374. There were no new cases across the province to report and 10 cases were also…

Jun 21, 2020

Traffic diversions in Charlestown due to the funeral of Det Garda Colm Horkan

Motorists are being advised of traffic restrictions in Charlestown due to the funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. A traffic management system is in place throughout the town until three o’clock this afternoon. Parking restrictions and diversions will be…

Jun 21, 2020

Funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan to take place in Charlestown

Final preparations are taking place in Charlestown, for the State funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Mass is due to get underway at midday. The remains of Detective Garda Colm Horkan are to be brought from his family home to St James' Church in…

Jun 20, 2020

Two more deaths and 22 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

2 more people with COVID-19 have died in the country bringing the death toll to 1,715. There are also 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 25,374. Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Of the 22 confirmed…

Jun 20, 2020

Mayo TD backs the PFG and urges party members to put the country first

Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has endorsed his party’s programme for government with Fianna Fail and the Green’s. The Mayo man believes there is a lot in the document for rural Ireland like an emphasis on working from home, the REPS 2 scheme for farmers and…

Jun 20, 2020

Ballina family asking people to support Down Syndrome Ireland

Tomorrow Down Syndrome Ireland is inviting the nation to join them for Ireland’s biggest street dance in order to help raise vital funds to enable DSI to provide online courses for their members as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The COVID-19 crisis has…

Jun 20, 2020

The Government accelerates road map to reopen the country

All sporting events will be allowed to resume from the end of the month but with limited numbers of spectators. Small weddings and other social and cultural gatherings of less than 50 people indoors will also be allowed from June 29th. Barbers, hairdressers,…

Jun 20, 2020

A Status Yellow Wind Warning is in effect for Mayo and Galway today

Weather warnings have been issued for some coastal counties today, including Mayo and Galway. A yellow wind alert will began at 9am in both counties, together with Clare, Cork and Kerry and remains in effect until 8pm this evening. Gusts of up to 100…

Jun 20, 2020

Funeral arrangements announced for Fr Paddy Kilcoyne

The death occurred yesterday (Fri) of a former Parish Priest of Kiltimagh Fr Paddy Kilcoyne. Fr Kilcoyne passed away after a short illness. He had been serving as a curate in the Parish of Foxford, up to a few months ago. He was one of the founders of…

Jun 20, 2020

Midwest Radio to broadcast the State funeral Mass of Detective Garda Colm Horkan

Midwest Radio will broadcast the State funeral Mass of the murdered Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Garda Horkan’s remains will lie in repose at the Family Funeral Home in Horkans Charlestown this afternoon. Removal from the family home will take place tomorrow…

Jun 20, 2020

Man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan

A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection to the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Stephen Silver of Aughaward, Foxford, Co. Mayo appeared before a special sitting of Castlerea District Court last night. A large Garda presence accompanied Stephen…

Jun 19, 2020

Large guard of honour formed in Ballaghaderreen this evening as funeral cortege of murdered Castlerea detective brought to his family home in Charlestown

The funeral arrangements have been announced this evening for Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was murdered in Castlerea on Wednesday night last. His remains will lie in repose at the Family Funeral Home in Horkans Charlestown on Saturday afternoon. Removal…

Jun 19, 2020

2 people with Covid 19 died in Ireland in past 24 hours

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 2 people with COVID-19 have died. There have now been a total of 1,714 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were detected over the past 24 hours. There is now…

Jun 19, 2020

Diocesan Adminstrator of Achonry issues statement on death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan

Father Dermot Meehan, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Achonry has this evening issued a statement on the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan: Death always brings pain, leaves a major void in the lives of loved ones and raises questions. When death is…

Jun 19, 2020

Yellow wind warning for Mayo and Galway tomorrow

Weather warnings have been issued for some coastal counties tomorrow, including Mayo and Galway. A yellow wind alert will begin at 9am in both counties, together with Clare, Cork and Kerry. Gusts of up to 100 kilometres are expected. And a rainfall warning…

Jun 19, 2020

The remains of Detective Garda Colm Horkan will be brought to his family home in Charlestown this evening

The remains of Detective Garda Colm Horkan will be brought to his family home in Charlestown this evening. People will get a chance to pay their respects as they're brought through Ballaghaderreen, where he worked in the past. Preparations for a state funeral…

Jun 19, 2020

The Administrator in Westport says it's unlikely that churches in Westport will be ready to resume services on Monday week, June 29th

The 29th of this month is the date for the resumption of Church services, but the administrator of Westport says that date may be too soon. Fr Charlie McDonnell, says parishes are working at a phenomenal rate at present in an effort to ensure that churches…

Jun 19, 2020

Fianna Fail leader says an economic plan to deal with Covid-19 will be the new government's priority

The ‘big picture’ of the Programme for Government is a job stimulus package to restart the economy in July, followed by an economic plan to bring the country out of the Covid-19 financial fallout. That’s according to the Fianna Fail leader and prospective…

Jun 19, 2020

Ireland West Airport confirm 30% reduction in staff levels

Ireland West Airport has confirmed a 30% reduction in staff levels as a direct result of Covid-19. The Managing Director of the Knock based Airport Joe Gilmore told Midwest Radio today that it’s an extremely difficult time for all concerned with so many new…

Jun 19, 2020

Government to consider advice on reopening hairdressers and barbers sooner than planned

The government will consider new advice today on whether hairdressers and barbers should be allowed to re-open sooner than planned. They're not due to open until July 20th, but that could be brought forward to June 29th as the lifting of lockdown measures is…

Jun 19, 2020

One new case of Covid-19 in Roscommon with a denotification in both Mayo and Galway

Another four people with Covid-19 died in the Republic yesterday, and there were 16 new confirmed cases. The death toll now stands at 1,714, and the total number of cases is 25,355. Almost a third of the people diagnosed with the virus are healthcare workers.…

Jun 19, 2020

Man remains in custody in connection with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan

A man continues to be questioned at Castlerea Garda Station in connection with the murder of Garda Detective Colm Horkan. Hundreds of mourners attended a vigil in Castlerea last night paying their respects to the Charlestown native. Books of condolence are…

Jun 19, 2020

Retired Garda Sergeant John Hynes pays tribute to his "right hand man" Colm Horkan

Retired Garda Sergeant John Hynes who led the 'House of Horrors' child abuse case in Roscommon has paid an emotional tribute to his "right hand man" Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Mr Hynes says that Detective Horkan "would leave no stone unturned to get justice…

Jun 18, 2020

A further four people have died from Covid-19

Another four people with Covid 19 have died in the Republic, and there are 16 new confirmed cases. The death toll now stands at 1,714 and the total number of cases is 25,355.

Jun 18, 2020

Infectious disease specialist says schools should reopen as a matter of urgency

An infectious diseases specialist says schools and creches should reopen as a matter of urgency. The National Public Health Emergency Team met again this morning to discuss the road map of lifting Covid-19 restrictions. Hairdressers and barbers reopening were…

Jun 18, 2020

New proposal aiming for a 50% increase in the population of Galway over the next 20 years

A plan to help the west and border regions to compete economically with Dublin has been announced. The Northern and Western Regional Assembly proposal is aiming for a 50 percent increase in the population of Galway over the next 20 years. It also plans for…

Jun 18, 2020

Commissioner Harris has described the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan as a random act

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan as a random act. The 49 year old was on patrol in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon when he stopped a man who was creating a disturbance shortly before midnight. A physical…

Jun 18, 2020

VIDEO: Men’s Health Week 2020 - Minding our Health.

HSE Health Promotion and Improvement has funded the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) to coordinate International Men’s Health Week (MHW) 2020 in Ireland. This runs from Monday June 15th until Sunday June 21st, Father’s Day. This year the theme is:…

Jun 18, 2020

Detective Garda who died in Castlerea has been named

A murder investigation is underway after a Detective Garda was shot dead last night in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. He's been officially named as Detective Garda Colm Horkan - a native of Charlestown in Co Mayo. Detective Horkan was shot at a number of times with…

Jun 18, 2020

Man due in court next month charged in connection with burglary at Islandeady Church

A man has been arrested following a recent burglary at Islandeady Church, outside Castlebar. On the 1st June, the church was broken into and damage was caused to the door of the sacristy. A man in his 50's was arrested yesterday in connection with the…

Jun 18, 2020

Cafés & bars can apply to Mayo Co Co for licence for outdoor tables & chairs

As businesses reopen their doors with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Mayo County Council has introduced a new scheme to assist food businesses to get back on track. Cafés, bars, hotels and restaurants can apply to the council for a licence to put tables…

Jun 18, 2020

Customers allowed 1 hour 45 minutes once pubs reopen later this month

People will be allowed one hour and 45 minutes in pubs once they reopen from June 29th. It's part of the finalised guidelines for the sector published last night by Failte Ireland. There will be two hours between each booking - with 15 minutes set aside for…

Jun 18, 2020

Castlerea town centre sealed off as investigations continue into fatal shooting of Detective Garda

A Garda who was shot and seriously injured in Castlerea last night has died from his injuries. The shooting incident took place on Main St in the town shortly before midnight. It's understood an ambulance crew that were in the area treated the detective, but…

Jun 18, 2020

Detective Garda shot in Castlerea last night has died

A Garda who was shot and seriously injured in Castlerea last night has died from his injuries. The shooting incident took place in the town shortly before midnight. It's understood an ambulance crew that were in the area treated the detective, but he has…

Jun 17, 2020

A further three deaths from Covid-19

Three more people with Covid 19 have died here. Eight new cases have also been announced. The death toll from the virus is now 1710 while there's a total of 25,341 confirmed cases.

Jun 17, 2020

Drugs worth over €40,000 which were destined for an address in County Mayo have been seized at Shannon Airport

51,000 euro worth of drugs have been seized at Shannon Airport. One kilogram of vacuum packed blocks of Kratom with an estimated value of 40,600 euro was found, which was destined for an address in Co Mayo. While 10,400 euro worth of Kratom, which had a Co…

Jun 17, 2020

800 properties affected by a burst to a water main in Ballaghaderreen

Irish Water and Roscommon County Council are advising customers in Ballaghaderreen Town and surrounding areas that their water supply has been impacted as a result of a burst to a water main. Approximately 800 properties are affected by this unplanned outage.…

Jun 17, 2020

James Charity elected new Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council

Independent councillor James Charity has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Galway County council. Councillor Charity was elected as Chair following the County Council’s AGM yesterday evening. The new Cathaoirleach was proposed by Fine Gael councillor…

Jun 17, 2020

€10,000 worth of machinery stolen from a yard in Ballina

Gardai in Ballina are investigating after €10,000 worth of machinery was stolen from a Mayo County Council yard in the town overnight. Machinery – including a rock breaker and a generator – with an estimated combined value of €10,000 was stolen from the yard…

Jun 17, 2020

New text line for mental health launched by government today

A free, anonymous and inclusive text service to provide support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis has been launched by the government today. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring says “‘50808’ is a first of its…

Jun 17, 2020

New Bishop of Achonry to be ordained on 30th August

A new date has been set for the Episcopal Ordination of Fr Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry. The ordination was originally scheduled for mid-April, but was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Fr Dempsey will be ordained Bishop of Achonry on Sunday 30th…

Jun 17, 2020

Primary schools on track to re-open in September with more intense cleaning regimes, according to Mayo/ Sligo INTO representative

Additional funding for the cleaning of primary schools will be provided by the dept ahead of the re-opening of schools in September. That was confirmed yesterday by the General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) John Boyle. Many…

Jun 17, 2020

Wash face coverings daily at 60 degrees temperature with detergent, according to HSE West medical expert

There are a number of "do’s and don’ts" about wearing face masks/covering during the Covid 19 pandemic, and among the do’s is to wash your face covering daily at a 60 degrees machine wash with detergent. That’s according to Dr Ciara Kelly, Public Health…

Jun 17, 2020

60 new jobs announced as Triggerfish is to open animation studio in Galway

There's a jobs boost for Galway City this morning, as Triggerfish - Africa's most successful animation company - has announced it's to establish an animation studio in Galway. The project is expected to create 60 new jobs over the next 3 years. Triggerfish is…

Jun 17, 2020

"No Visiting" restrictions remain in place at UHG and Merlin Park

The ‘no visiting’ restrictions remain in place at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital in Galway. Hospital Management are again asking the public not to visit the hospitals other than end of life situations and other exceptional circumstances…

Jun 17, 2020

Irish Rail to address Castlebar councillors on Kilnageer level crossing

The campaign to secure a safer level crossing at Kinageer, outside Castlebar is continuing, and Irish Rail has agreed to send a delegation to next Wednesday’s Castlebar Municipal District meeting in response to a request from councillors to do so. At the May…

Jun 17, 2020

130 children treated in Saolta hospitals last year for drug and alcohol-related illnesses

130 children were treated in hospitals across the West & northwest last year for drug and alcohol-related illnesses. Figures released under Freedom of Information show 81 girls and 49 boys were treated at hospitals in the Saolta Group for conditions related…

Jun 17, 2020

Elective surgery recommencing at Mayo University Hospital

Elective surgery has re-commenced at Mayo University Hospital, following the coronavirus emergency. Much of the hospital's elective and non-emergency procedures were deferred during the crisis to ensure there was necessary space in the hospital to treat…

Jun 17, 2020

One additional case of Covid-19 in Sligo

The recent trend of a low number of Covid-19 cases is continuing - with just three deaths and 14 new cases confirmed in the Republic yesterday. There were no new cases in Mayo, where the number of confirmed cases remains at 572. One additional case in Sligo…

Jun 17, 2020

Social distancing may be reduced to one-metre for food businesses

Food-service businesses will only have to stick to 1-metre social-distancing rules when they reopen at the end of the month, if customers limit their time to 90 minutes. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has issued new guidance for outlets that serve…

Jun 16, 2020

3 more people have died from Covid-19, with 14 cases confirmed

3 more people have died from Covid 19 in the Republic of Ireland. 14 cases of the virus have also been confirmed. The death toll from the virus is now 1709 while the number of confirmed cases stands at 25,334. Almost half of all cases have been reported in…

Jun 16, 2020

Eamon O'Cuiv explains why he's not supporting the Programme for Govt

Galway West TD Eamon O'Cuiv has confirmed he will not support the Programme for Government. The Fianna Fail deputy believes there are a number of failings in the programme published yesterday, and also has significant concerns about Fianna Fail entering…

Jun 16, 2020

Ballina Gardai advise retailers to be on alert for counterfeit €20 notes

Gardai in Ballina are advising business owners and traders to be on alert for counterfeit 20 euro notes. A number of the dud notes were tendered in shops in Ballina earlier today, and Gardai are advising those involved in retail to be on alert for the…

Jun 16, 2020

Mayo man jailed for 18 months after inviting teenage boys to send him explicit photos

A Mayo man, who posed as a 17-year old girl on Facebook and encouraged teenage boys to send him naked photographs of themselves, has been jailed for 18 months. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that during Garda interviews, 29 -year old Mark Keogh of…

Jun 16, 2020

Mayo Green Saoirse McHugh not in favour of the government formation document

Achill native Saoirse McHugh, who unsuccessfully ran for the Green Party in Mayo in last February’s General and Seanad elections, and Fianna Fáil’s Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív have today both said they would not be voting in favour of the government formation…

Jun 16, 2020

Fine Gael councillors in Mayo reject the government formation document backed by the Parliamentary Party last night

Mayo Fine Gael councillors are very clear – they do not support this document on government formation. They believe that what they term the “patchwork government” that would emerge from it, is not what the electorate want. That’s the view of the Fine Gael…

Jun 16, 2020

Community of Straide welcome new road at accident blackspot along the railway line

There’s welcome news for the community of Straide - with the completion of a new road at what has been an accident black spot in the area. The new road has been built to accommodate residents of Knockshanbally and Knocknakillew to prevent them having to…

Jun 16, 2020

An additional confirmed Covid 19 case in Mayo yesterday

No covid-19 patients were reported to have died in the Republic yesterday for the first day since March, while 18 further cases were confirmed here. There was one additional confirmed case in Mayo, bring the number of cases in the county to 572. There was no…

Jun 16, 2020

Clifden beach water deemed of poor quality

Clifden Beach in Galway is one of the four poorest quality bathing sites in Ireland. A new report by the European Environmental Agency has found that Ireland continues to have one of the worst records in Europe for bathing water quality. Merrion Strand,…

Jun 16, 2020

55,027 people waiting for a driving test across the 49 testing centres in the State

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has again called on the Minister for Transport Shane Ross to publish plans for the return of driving tests. Deputy Kerrane TOLD Midwest News today that she received figures from the Road Safety Authority with…

Jun 16, 2020

Today is the 70th anniversary of a plane crash that occurred on Achill Island in which eight men died

Today is the 70th anniversary of a plane crash that occurred on Achill Island on 16th June 1950. The plane was a converted Handley Page Halifax Bomber operated by the RAF and was on a routine meteorological survey. RG843 departed Aldergrove airport in Belfast…

Jun 15, 2020

Verdicts of murder returned at inquests into death of Blaine brothers in Castlebar

Verdicts of murder were returned this afternoon at inquests into the deaths of two elderly Mayo brothers, who were bludgeoned to death at their home in Castlebar almost seven years ago. After delivering his verdicts, the Coroner for Mayo Patrick O’Connor said…

Jun 15, 2020

Daily average of 306 prisoners in Castlerea Prison during 2019

The Minister for Justice has praised the work of prison staff and prisoners in combating the threat of coronavirus. While launching the 2019 annual report of the Irish Prison Service, Minister Charlie Flanagan praised the efforts of prison staff, management,…

Jun 15, 2020

Dara Calleary says Programme for Govt addresses concerns of party members

The Fianna Fail deputy leader, Mayo TD Dara Calleary, says the draft Programme for Government agreed earlier today addresses many of the concerns of party members who are reluctant to do a deal with Fine Gael and the Green Party. The leaders of Fine Gael,…

Jun 15, 2020

Drugs worth €1.2 million seized in Mayo since expansion of Divisional Drugs Taskforce

Drugs worth in the region of €1.2 million euro have been seized in the Mayo Garda Division, since the Divisional Drugs Taskforce was expanded six months ago. In addition to the drugs, over €12,500 in cash was seized and about €30,000 in counterfeit currency…

Jun 15, 2020

Two Credit Unions in Galway planning to merge

Two of the largest credit unions in Co Galway are planning to merge. St Jarlath's Credit Union, which has 8 branches across north Galway with 50,000 members, is to merge with St Anthony's & Claddagh Credit Union, which has two branches in Galway city and one…

Jun 15, 2020

Water supplies in Kiltimagh disrupted by lightning strike

Water supplies in areas of Kiltimagh have been impacted by a lightning strike at the local water treatment plant. The lightning strike last night during a thunder storm caused low pressure on the water supply scheme, which was followed by a watermain burst…

Jun 15, 2020

Deal reached to form next Govt, with Mícheal Martin expected to be Taoiseach

A deal has been reached to form the next government. The leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens have signed off on a programme for government in the last hour. The almost 140 page document covers all aspects of how the next government will function.…

Jun 15, 2020

Thunder warning in place for Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim

A status yellow thunder warning is now in effect across much of the country - including counties Galway, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim. Met Eireann is forecasting scattered thunderstorms through this afternoon and evening, with heavy downpours of rain, and a…

Jun 15, 2020

Three Connaught counties report an additional Covid 19 case confirmed yesterday

Shopping centres have re-opened their doors this morning after being shut for three months because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nursing homes are also opening to visitors today for the first time since March. Meanwhile, efforts are under way to find out what…

Jun 15, 2020

Large quanties of drugs and cash were seized by gardai in Ballina and Foxford over the weekend and three people were arrested

Large quanties of drugs and cash were seized by gardai in Ballina and Foxford over the weekend. On Friday night, the Divisional Drugs Task Force assisted by local gardai in Ballina searched two men in their early 20s in the town centre who were acting…

Jun 15, 2020

Man arrested and charged following a stabbing incident in Galway

A man has been arrested and charged following a stabbing incident at Ballybane, Galway yesterday afternoon. At approximately 4 o’clock, Gardaí were called to the scene and discovered a man in his 40’s with an apparent stab wound. The man was taken to…

Jun 15, 2020

Sligo residents among two counties nationally to take part in new HSE study on coronavirus antibodies

Efforts are under way to find out what protection antibodies may have against new infection of Covid-19. The HSE's starting a new study today of people in Sligo and Dublin to get an overall national estimate of infection in the population. New figures show…

Jun 15, 2020

Thunderstorms predicted again today

There's going to be more stormy weather again today. Met Eireann has issue a weather advisory to last from 6am to 11 o'clock tonight. Western counties were worst hit by the thunderstorms yesterday, which saw thousands of people experience electricity outages.…

Jun 15, 2020

Man fatally injured following a collision on the N5 Castlebar on Saturday has been named

Gardaí are investigating a fatal road traffic collision involving a truck and a car that occurred on Saturday morning on the N5 at Belleek, in the Turlough area of Castlebar. The driver of the car, a man in his 70s died in hospital yesterday. He has been…

Jun 15, 2020

Fire crew remains at the scene this morning of a blaze at Western Proteins, Ballyhaunis overnight

Fire crews remain at the scene this morning of a fire that broke out at Western Proteins in Ballyhaunis last night. The Ballyhaunis unit were alerted to the incident at 22:49 last night and, given the close proximity to the fire station were in attendance at…

Jun 14, 2020

Man in his 70's dies after road traffic collision near Castlebar

Gardaí are investigating a fatal road traffic collision involving a truck and a car that occurred yesterday morning on the N5 at Belleek, Castlebar, County Mayo. The driver of the car, a man in his 70s, was taken by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital in a…

Jun 14, 2020

One more death from Covid-19 along with eight new cases

A further one person has died with Covid 19 in the Republic bringing the death toll since the outbreak began to 1,706. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre says there are 8 new confirmed cases of virus, to give an total of 25,303. Of those for whom…

Jun 14, 2020

Upgrading works to start on a section of the R332 in July

Upgrading works on a link road between Tuam and south Mayo are expected to get underway in July. That's according to Tuam Fianna Fail Councillor Donagh Killilea, who confirmed that tenders on the R332 road scheme are due back this week. The road works will…

Jun 14, 2020

50 houses to be completed in Westport by 2022

50 houses will be built on Golf Course Road in Westport by 2022. That's according to the Cathaoirleach of the West Mayo Municipal District Christy Hyland. The Independent Councillor confirmed to Midwest News that the project is going to part eight planning in…

Jun 14, 2020

Status Yellow thunder warning issued for Connacht

The ESB's urging people to charge mobile phones and check torch batteries in case of power cuts this evening. Lightning strikes knocked out supply to thousands of homes last night, and more storms are forecast today. Status Yellow Thunder alerts have been…

Jun 14, 2020

No increase in Covid-19 cases across Connaught Counties with 46 nationally

A spike in coronavirus cases shouldn't be taken as a sign the outbreak's bouncing back, according to the Chief Medical Officer. 22 of the 46 Covid-19 cases reported yesterday were delayed from earlier in the week. The Department of Health says they were held…

Jun 14, 2020

People will be able to visit residents of Covid-free nursing homes from tomorrow

People will be able to visit loved ones in nursing homes for the first time in months from tomorrow. The facilities closed to visitors in mid-March following the outbreak of Covid-19. Only facilties that have been Covid free for 28 days are open from…

Jun 14, 2020

Labour TD calls for a financial package to safely reopen schools this autumn

There's a call on the Government to give schools a financial package so they can re-open safely in September. Labour TD Aodhan O'Riordan says they'll need a huge amount of resources so they can be clean and hygienic. He claims the Education Minister has not…

Jun 14, 2020

Woman airlifted to hospital after fall on Croagh Patrick yesterday

A 26-year-old woman was rescued while climbing the cone section of Croagh Patrick yesterday. The Mayo Mountain Rescue team were tasked by Gardaí at half past one in the afternoon to assist a casualty who had sustained a head injury after a fall while on the…

Jun 14, 2020

N5 reopens to traffic following a collision between a car and a lorry yesterday

The N5 reopened to traffic outside Castlebar at approximately 6pm yesterday evening following a serious collision between a lorry and a car. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident, which occurred at around 10am in the morning on…

Jun 13, 2020

Five Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland today

There have been another 46 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ireland. However, officials say that number does not represent a single daily increase, and the cases were instead spread out over a number of days. Figures released by the Department of Health this…

Jun 13, 2020

Gardai arrest man for brandishing an axe in Sligo last night

Gardaí in Sligo town arrested a man brandishing an axe last night. Gardaí attended within minutes after receiving the call and arrested the male. He was conveyed to Ballymote Garda Station and later charged with having possession of an offensive weapon. He…

Jun 13, 2020

Mayo publican says many pubs won't be financially viable with Covid-19 restrictions

It will not be financially viable for a lot of pubs to reopen while Covid-19 restrictions remain in place. That’s the view of the Mayo Chairman of the Vintners Federation of Ireland Alan Gielty of Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant Dooagh, Achill. The publican says…

Jun 13, 2020

Over 800,000 people are on hospital waiting lists

The number of people waiting for some form of public healthcare has passed 800,000. Figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund show over 11,800 patients were added in May. The National Patients Association says the issue of overcrowding isn't a new…

Jun 13, 2020

ASTI says its 'unacceptable' if solutions to reopen schools deviate from public health advice

The country's largest teachers union says it would be "unacceptable" if any solution to reopen schools deviated from public health advice. A new report shows the current two-metre rule means primary school students only attending class one day a week, and…

Jun 13, 2020

One new case of Covid-19 confirmed in Roscommon as the rest of Connaught remains unchanged

A further 3 people with Covid-19 died in the Republic yesterday, bringing the death toll here to 1,705. 13 new cases of the virus were also confirmed, meaning there have now been 25,250 cases recorded since the outbreak began over 3 months ago. Roscommon is…

Jun 13, 2020

The N5 is closed to traffic outside Castlebar following a road traffic collision

The N5 is closed to traffic outside Castlebar following a serious collision between a lorry and a car. Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene of the incident, which occurred at around 10am near Windsor. Midwest News understands that there was one…

Jun 12, 2020

A further three people have died from Covid-19

A further 3 people with Covid-19 have died here, bringing the death toll in this country to 1,705. Latest Department of Health figures show 13 new cases of the virus have also been confirmed, meaning there have now been 25,250 cases recorded since the…

Jun 12, 2020

Two metre social distancing may be reduced when schools return

Primary school students may only return to school one day a week if the 2 metre social distancing rules are kept in place. It would also mean students in secondary could only attend school twice a week. If it was reduced to one metre primary school students…

Jun 12, 2020

€50 million support package for Beef Farmers approved

The Minister for Rural and Community Development says the Government’s allocation of €50 million for beef farmers will be a huge boost to Mayo beef farmers and to rural communities in the county. Minister Michael Ring was speaking in relation to today’s…

Jun 12, 2020

Proposed extension for National School in Ballina has gone to tender

A proposed extension for St Oliver Plunkett NS at Creggs Road in Ballina has gone to tender. The new extension will consist of a single storey extension consisting of three classrooms, as well as alterations to the front entrance of the school and a link…

Jun 12, 2020

Two Mayo EUROSPAR Supermarkets recognised as Best in class

Brogan’s EUROSPAR Belmullet and Kennedy’s EUROSPAR Swinford were due to receive both a Customer First EUROSPAR award and a Top of the Tree accolade at a gala celebration evening in March. Unfortunately, due to the health crisis, that was not possible and…

Jun 12, 2020

Efforts underway to restore the water supply to Corclough West in Belmullet

Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council is working to restore the water supply to Corclough West, Belmullet following a watermain burst. Approximately 65 homes in Corclough West, Gladree, Tarmoncarra and surrounding areas including houses…

Jun 12, 2020

Anti slavery campaigner believes revolutionary John Mitchel is not an appropriate exemplary figure for 21st century Ireland

Anti-slavery campaigner Aidan McQuade is leading the charge for the removal of a statue commemorating John Mitchel in Newry and also believes that GAA clubs around the country should consider renaming their clubs after what he terms “the pro-slavery…

Jun 12, 2020

Communities across the region mourn the death of Canon Kevin Early

Communities across the region are mourning the loss of retired Galway priest Canon Kevin Early, who has passed away at the age of 79. The Ballymoe native was a teacher and served as principal of Summerhill College in County Sligo for a number of years and…

Jun 12, 2020

Galway Fianna Fail TD says it's "make up your mind time" when it comes to Government formation

A Galway West Fianna Fail TD says it's 'make up your mind time' when it comes to government formation. Significant progress has been made in talks between Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green Party. Some key sticking points have been ironed out and optimism…

Jun 12, 2020

Financial beef package for farmers to go to Cabinet this morning

The Government is set to announce a financial aid package for the beef sector. Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed will bring details of a support scheme to Cabinet, which could pump millions of euro into the sector. Last year farmers took to the streets…

Jun 12, 2020

12 days with no new cases of Covid 19 confirmed in Mayo

People are being urged to do all they can to avoid contracting Covid-19, yet, 92 per cent of cases recover in full. Public health officials are concerned about complacency setting in with the virus, as the vast majority of the over 25,000 cases in this…

Jun 12, 2020

With stores in Galway and Sligo, Mothercare in the Republic goes into liquidation

Mothercare’s retail business in the Republic, with stores in Galway and Sligo, is being placed into liquidation with the family that owns the franchise citing the “unprecedented” impact of Covid-19 on retail sales. This means its 14 stores in Galway, Sligo,…

Jun 12, 2020

More than 300 Mayo homes hit by pyrite look set to benefit from the new defective concrete block scheme

Details of a remedial grant scheme for people whose home has been affected by pyrite has been released. The counties worst affected by Pyrite are Mayo and Donegal with North Mayo in particular strongly impacted. There are 350 home owners in Mayo in total…

Jun 11, 2020

Eight further deaths from Covid-19 in Ireland

Eight more people with Covid-19 have passed away in the Republic. The death toll from the disease since the beginning of the outbreak stands at 1,703. Eight new cases have also been detected, bringing the total to 25,248.

Jun 11, 2020

DIVINE INTERVENTION? - Short Story by Mike Nealon

DIVINE INTERVENTION? Naomh Donoghue stared out the rain-spattered window, but she didn’t see the green fields slipping by, as the train sped on towards Connolly Station in Dublin. Nor did she hear the steady clacking of the wheels on steel tracks as she was…

Jun 11, 2020

PENNYS RE-OPENING STORES – WHAT TO EXPECT?

Penneys to re-open in Ireland from 12 June Penneys is working to re-open all of our stores in Ireland from 12 June, following the recent announcement by the Irish Government Penneys stores with street access will open on 12 June, while Penneys stores located…

Jun 11, 2020

Significant Government investment in Killala Seafood Facility

Over €115,000 has been announced to support the extension of a Killala seafood facility. Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd of Croghan, Killala will receive the funding through the Government's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme for the Seafood…

Jun 11, 2020

Louisburgh pharmacist "treats" cocooning customers during the pandemic

A pharmacist in Louisburgh has been including a little chocolate treat into the prescription bags that are being picked up/ collected for the many people in the area that are cocooning during this pandemic. John Staunton based in the town square, says it’s…

Jun 11, 2020

80 homes in Swinford without water supply following burst water main

Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council is working to restore the water supply to the Park Road area of Swinford following a watermain burst. Approximately 80 homes in the Park Road area which are supplied by the Swinford Water Supply…

Jun 11, 2020

Cllr highlights Covid19 house parties in a local authority estate in Foxford during the pandemic

House parties have been a regular occurrence during the Covid 19 pandemic in one local authority house in Foxford, and on one occasion over the past number of weeks the fire brigade was called to extinguish a barbecue party that appeared to get out of hand.…

Jun 11, 2020

Call for civic reception in Sligo for cast & crew of Normal People

A Sligo Councillor is calling for a civic reception to be held for the cast and crew of "Normal People". Councillor Michael Clarke is to ask next Monday's County Council meeting to agree to the event to honour the team behind the successful Irish TV series.…

Jun 11, 2020

Roscommon TD calls for report on Castlerea Fire Station to be made available urgently

A report on the future of Castlerea Fire Station should be made available for all elected representatives urgently, rather than waiting for the July meeting of the County Council. That's the view of Sinn Fein TD for Roscommon-Galway Claire Kerrane. Three and…

Jun 11, 2020

"Contact and Collect" new service introduced at Mayo County Library

Mayo County Library in Castlebar remains closed for access by the public into the building as yet due to Covid 19 restrictions, nonetheless it is a hive of activity since the start of the pandemic with increasing demand for its online services. As the second…

Jun 11, 2020

New library services introduced across Mayo this week

While libraries are not yet open for members to browse the bookshelves, two new services have been put in place this week to provide books to members. The Contact & Collect service allows library members across Co Mayo to order a bag of books by phone or…

Jun 11, 2020

Man due before Sligo District Court charged in connection with historical sexual abuse case

A man in his 70's is to appear in court in Sligo this morning charged in connection with an historical sexual abuse case. He is to be charged in relation to allegations of indecent assault after an investigation launched in March of last year. The charges…

Jun 11, 2020

Three arrested following theft of boat & engine in Bonniconlon

A fishing boat and outboard engine stolen from outside a house in the Bonniconlon area of Ballina overnight have since been recovered, and three people arrested. The boat and engine were reported missing from the Bonniconlon area between 1 and 2am this…

Jun 11, 2020

Ireland West Airport Knock's managing director appointed to new aviation taskforce

Joe Gilmore, managing director of Ireland West Airport Knock, has been appointed to the new National Taskforce for Aviation Recovery. Transport Minister Shane Ross yesterday announced the members of the new taskforce, which will make recommendations to the…

Jun 11, 2020

Vodafone apologises for network outages yesterday

Vodafone Ireland has apologised to its customers after nationwide network outages yesterday afternoon. Vodafone customers experienced outages nationwide, with data and reception services failing in some parts of the country. Mobile phone users reported data…

Jun 11, 2020

No new cases of Covid-19 confirmed across Connaught over past 24 hours

The spread of Covid-19 would appear to have reduced significantly across the West of Ireland, with no new cases reported over the past 24 hours. Mayo has not had any new confirmed cases for the past 11 days, and the number remains at 570. In Galway, there are…

Jun 11, 2020

Five-year prison sentence for youth who killed another teenager in Claremorris in 2015

A youth who killed another teenager in Co Mayo after finding him in a bedroom with his sister has been jailed for five years. The 20-year-old offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in 2017 by…

Jun 10, 2020

Vodafone confirm problem with service this afternoon is now resolved

Vodafone says the problems impacting its services across the country have now been resolved. Earlier today the company confirmed that it was experiencing difficulties with its mobile network nationally. The company has apologised for the inconvenience the…

Jun 10, 2020

Vodafone currently experiencing an interruption to its services nationally

Vodafone customers across the country are complaining of not having coverage this afternoon. The network provider says it is currently experience an interruption to its services. It says its engineers are working to resolve the issue.

Jun 10, 2020

600,000 euro in funding announced today by the EPA for projects promoting the "circular economy"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today launched a €600,000 funding opportunity for Irish innovators to develop and demonstrate business-ready solutions for the circular economy. Circular businesses reduce costs by reusing & recycling materials…

Jun 10, 2020

Ballina Councillor proposes pedestrianising part of Pearse St

As shops and businesses reopen this week, a Ballina Councillor is proposing a trial pedestrianisation of Pearse Street in the town, to create more outdoor space for shoppers. Independent Councillor Mark Duffy believes that closing off part of Pearse Street to…

Jun 10, 2020

Four new Level 8 Honours Degrees in Engineering on offer at Sligo IT

IT Sligo Faculty of Engineering & Design has announced the approval of four new Level 8 Honours Degrees in Engineering which are available on CAO for 2020/21 intake of first year students. This is the first time students will have a direct entry route to an…

Jun 10, 2020

€44,000 of cannabis herb destined for Galway has been seized at Shannon Airport

Two kilos of cannabis herb destined for Galway have been seized by Revenue officers at Shannon Airport. The drugs, worth in the region of 44 thousand euro, were found in four different packages in a freight delivery which came from Milan in Italy. Officials…

Jun 10, 2020

Achill Island Sea Salt allocated €10,800 under the 2020 Rural Innovation and Development Fund

Achill Island Sea Salt has been allocated €10,800 under the 2020 Rural Innovation and Development Fund. The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring says the funding has been allocated by the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed Minister…

Jun 10, 2020

Archbishop Neary says return to Mass later this month will not be the same as before Covid-19

Priests and ministers of the Eucharist will wear face masks or coverings while distributing Communion, once Churches reopen later this month. Catholic bishops have issued their formal guidance to priests on the return to public celebration of Mass and the…

Jun 10, 2020

Companies that opened in phase one report over 50% drop in trade

Companies that reopened during Phase 1 of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions are experiencing less than half of their usual levels of business activity for this time of year. A survey by Chambers Ireland shows a quarter of firms expect earnings to be 70…

Jun 10, 2020

Three more cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Connacht

Three more cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Connacht over the past 24 hours. Two cases were in Galway, where the number of confirmed cases is 483, with one additional case confirmed in Roscommon where there are now 338. No increase once again in Mayo,…

Jun 10, 2020

€128,000 allocated for preserving and enhancing 14 historic buildings in Co Mayo

Grants totalling €128,000 have been allocated for preserving and enhancing 14 buildings across Co Mayo. The largest allocation of €50,000 is to repair the roof and outer walls of Holy Trinity Church in Westport, with grants also for a number of other historic…

Jun 10, 2020

Man arrested following drugs seizure in Castlerea

Gardai seized cannabis with an estimated value of €2,200 during a search operation at a premises in Castlerea yesterday. Gardai have confirmed to Midwest News that, during the course of the search, suspected cannabis along with a sum of cash and drug…

Jun 09, 2020

9 further deaths from Covid-19, and 9 new cases confirmed

A further 9 people with Covid-19 have died here, bringing the death toll to 1,691. Latest Department of Health figures show 9 new cases of the virus have also been confirmed, meaning there have been 25,215 confirmed cases since the outbreak first began in…

Jun 09, 2020

Bertra beach regains its Blue Flag status

Eleven beaches in Mayo have been awarded the Blue Flag for 2020. Bertra beach has regained its blue flag status, having lost the prestigious award last year. Beaches at Carrowmore, Clare Island, Mulranny, Dooega, Keel, Keem, Silverstrand Dugort, Mullaghroe,…

Jun 09, 2020

Mayo County Councillors condemn the death of George Floyd in the US and racism

The funeral service for George Floyd - who's death sparked global 'Black Lives Matter' protests - will take place in Houston, USA, later today. Mr Floyd died two weeks ago during his arrest by police in Minneapolis. Following his death large protests…

Jun 09, 2020

Mayo hotelier calls on the Government to support tourist towns worst hit by the pandemic

A Mayo hotelier is calling on the Government to provide financial relief to tourist towns hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Darren Madden is the owner of the Clew Bay Hotel and he has made the call as the wider hospitality sector prepares to slowly exit…

Jun 09, 2020

New Mental Health Hub opens at former Rosalie Unit in Castlerea

The Department of Health has opened a new Mental Health Hub in Castlerea. CAMHS Connect is an online service, based at the former Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, and is one of various new e-Mental Health initiatives to modernise mental health care nationally. The…

Jun 09, 2020

Tributes paid to farmer & auctioneer who died in Kilconly farm accident

Tributes are being paid to the man who died in a farm accident in Kilconly, near Tuam on Sunday evening. Pat Dermody was well-known in farming circles in the West of Ireland, as he was an auctioneer at Tuam Mart and has handled livestock sales in other marts…

No new deaths from Covid-19 reported today, 18 new cases confirmed

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