Details

 

The number of people sick and dying due to Covid-19 in the Belmullet local electoral area is "immense", according to one GP.

Latest data shows the area in county Mayo has the highest 14-day incidence rate in the country for the second week in a row, with one in 18 people testing positive for Covid-19 in the past fortnight.

Dr. Keith Swanick says the situation is still very serious in the Erris area and is calling for people to double down on their efforts in the fight against Covid-19.

He says his workload has increased significantly in recent days as his colleague Dr. Fergal Ruane has contracted the virus and now is unable to work.

Dr Keith Swanick says the past few weeks have been horrendous in the Erris area and is calling for people to think twice and make the effort.

 

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  • Sep 20, 2021

    Housing Minister expects pyrite redress scheme to be improved

    The Housing Minister says he expects the terms of the pyrite & mica redress scheme to be improved. Pressure is building on the Government to help homeowners impacted by the defective blocks, which cause walls to crack and crumble. Hundreds of homeowners in…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Pop-up Covid-19 test centre in Ballina this Wed & Thurs

    A pop-up Covid-19 test centre will open in Ballina this Wednesday and Thursday. The HSE has confirmed that, with increased Covid levels in north Mayo, people who do not have symptoms of the virus but are concerned can book a free test. The pop-up test centre…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Tributes continue follow death of musician and historian Steve Dunford

    Tributes are continuing following the death of Steve Dunford of Killala, and formerly of Castlebar and Dublin. Mr Dunford - a musician, author, artist, poet and historian who also worked in television and film - passed away on Saturday following an illness. A…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    47 patients on trolleys at University Hospital Galway

    Trolley numbers remain high at Galway University Hospital, with 47 patients on trolleys today at the facility. The latest figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation show 390 patients being treated on trolleys at hospitals across the country. In…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Call for changes to Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Policy to deal with worsening incidents in local authority houses across Mayo

    Incidents of anti-social behaviour in local authority houses across Co Mayo are getting worse, and the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Policy is not strong enough to deal with such incidents. That's according to Castlebar-based Independent Councillor Michael…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Clerical appointments announced for the Archdiocese of Tuam

    The Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary has announced a number of appointments and retirement in the Archdiocese. Monsignor John O'Boyle, the Diocesan Education secretary, is to retire, and will be temporarily replaced in the post by Mrs Rosaleen…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Gardaí seize €45,000 worth of drugs and arrest a juvenile in Galway

    Gardaí have seized €45,000 worth of suspected cocaine and arrested a juvenile following a search in Ballinasloe yesterday. Local Garda Station conducted an intelligence led operation in the Dunlo Harbour area of the town. During the course of this operation a…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    HIQA recommends against the use of antigen tests to find Covid-19 cases

    HIQA has recommended against the use of antigen testing for finding Covid-19 cases. In its latest advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team the watchdog says there's uncertainty around the effectiveness of the tests, and their widespread use would…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Mayo County Councillors pass motion calling for a scheme to deal with ash dieback

    County Councils should receive funding to survey trees for ash dieback, and to remove trees that are affected by the disease. That's according to Mayo Fianna Fail Councillor Damien Ryan, who's confirmed that such trees could pose a risk to road safety, and…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    75% of people trust their GP the most for information on Covid-19 vaccines

    Three-quarters of people trust their GP more than any other source of information on Covid-19 vaccines. Research carried out between Amarach and the Department of Health shows around half of people also trust the HSE, Department of Health and their…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Corrib Oil looks set for major expansion across the country

    Corrib Oil has today entered an agreement to acquire the H2 Group subject to approval by the competition regulator. This deal will see one of the country’s leading service station and oil distribution providers acquire 13 high quality retail sites across the…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    CMO acknowledges 'disproportionate' effect the pandemic and restrictions had on older people

    The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says that the Covid-19 pandemic and the necessary public health measures implemented have disproportionately impacted older people. In an update yesterday, Dr Holohan indicated his mindfulness of concerns older people…
  • Sep 20, 2021

    Thousands of workers start returning to work under latest easing of restrictions

    Tens of thousands of workers across the country are beginning to return to the workplace, as Covid-19 restrictions ease further. Rules around organised indoor group activities are also being relaxed, while limits on outdoor group activities for participants…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Look for Local campaign had a huge impact across Mayo

    Two-thirds of Irish consumers bought goods or services locally, as a result of the Look for Local campaign than ran throughout the Summer. A new survey also shows that 75% of adults are now more inclined to shop for local businesses online. The Look for Local…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    MSLETB develop new Cloud Traineeship programme with Microsoft

    Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board in partnership with Microsoft have strategically developed a new Cloud Traineeship programme to support new career pathways in IT which is the first of its kind in Ireland. The programme which is fully…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Appeal for information on missing search and rescue kayaks in Mayo

    Foxford-based Councillor Neil Cruise is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating two local emergency service kayaks. The two kayaks’ were allegedly stolen from a house in Tavnaughmore. They are the property of Foxford Search & Rescue & were stored at…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Over 1,200 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    There has been a further 1,224 Covid-19 cases reported today. 278 people are in hospital with the virus, up 17 in 24 hours. 63 are in ICU, down three.
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Westport man shortlisted for RTÉ Short Story Competition

    Westport native Hugo Kelly is among 10 writers from almost 2,800 entries to be shortlisted for the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of Francis MacManus. In his story 'We Must All be Kind’, an isolated man, still grieving the loss of his parents, ruffles…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Swinford Golf Club will temporarily close to all members from tomorrow

    Swinford Golf Club will be closed to all members, visitors & the public from tomorrow for a period of two to four weeks. During this period there will be no access to the course for golfing or leisure activities except for- Saturday and Sunday September 25th…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Galway site could miss out on multi-billion euro Intel plant

    A site in Galway that was chosen as a possible location for a multi-billion euro Intel manufacturing plant, could miss out on being selected. The former firing range in Oranmore had been placed on a narrowed list, with Germany and Poland, as possible…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Overwhelming support for President's decision to turn down an invitation to attend event marking partition

    There's overwhelming public support for the President's decision to turn down an invitation to attend a centenary event marking partition. A poll by Ireland Thinks in today's Mail on Sunday shows more than four in five people think Michael D. Higgins made the…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Thousands return to the office tomorrow as part of the latest easing of Covid-19 restrictions

    Tens of thousands of workers will be able to return to the office for the first time in 18 months from tomorrow. It's when the second phase of the governments roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions take effect. Rules around indoor group activities, for the…
  • Sep 19, 2021

    Tributes paid following the death of renowned Mayo author & historian

    Tributes have been paid following the death of author, historian, artist and musician Steve Dunford from Killala. The Castlebar native was involved in various community initiatives, most notably the commemorations to mark the 1798 Rebellion. He was the…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Ballina company make donation to Mayo GAA clubs

    Joseph Murphy LTD in Ballina and Mayo GAA have recently announced a wonderful new initiative. The North Mayo company is supporting Mayo GAA by donating a MOY Tools Pitch Maintenance Pack for all GAA clubs across the county. The pack for each club in the…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Old Irish Goat Visitor Centre in Mulranny expands tourism offerings

    The Old Irish Goat Visitor Centre was officially opened to the public by Former Minister Michael Ring last week. Over €150,000 in LEADER funding was also announced for the Gifts of Hands craft shop within the centre. The Craft Shop and visitors centre is…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Over 1,400 new Covid-19 cases confirmed

    A further 1,456 Covid-19 cases have been reported by the Department of Health. There are 261 covid patients in hospital, down 27 in the past 24 hours.
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Tuam Aontu member hits out at continued deferral of Pres level 3 exams

    It’s ridiculous exams allowing doctors from other jurisdictions to work in Ireland have not resumed yet, given staff shortages at facilities across the west. That’s the view of Tuam Aontu representative Luke Peter Silke, who is highlighting the situation of…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Homes4All rally takes place in Castlebar this afternoon

    A rally is taking place in Castlebar at 1pm this afternoon, calling for action from the Government to deal with the worsening housing crisis. The Mayo Homeless & Housing Coalition - which includes trade unions, political groups, charities and other…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Galway City makes five Best Places to Live in Ireland list

    The five Best Places to Live in Ireland have been named. They are: Clonakilty, Galway City, Glaslough Co. Monaghan, Killarney and Waterford City. In total over 470 different locations across all 32 counties were nominated for the competition which is run by…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Forsa wants careful approach to easing of restrictions for schoolchildren

    A union representing 14,000 school staff says the best way to ensure they stay open is to tread carefully when it comes to easing covid restrictions. NPHET has indicated rules around close contacts could be eased in schools before the end of this month.…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    HSE vaccination programme lead defends protection offers by jabs

    The head of the HSE's vaccination programme says the evidence is "unequivocal" that Covid-19 vaccines give a "high level" of protection against severe illness and deaths. However Damien McCallion says there'll always be cases where it isn't 100 percent…
  • Sep 18, 2021

    Pop-up vaccination centres to open on college campuses

    The Minister for Further and Higher Education has announced that pop-up vaccination centres are to open on college campuses later this month. Minister Simon Harris says it aimed at getting even more students fully vaccinated. Latest figures show 78 percent of…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Burst watermain affecting supply to NUIG and surrounds

    Irish Water is working with Galway City Council to carry out urgent repairs to a burst watermain at the NUIG campus. Crews are working to repair the burst watermain supplying the Clifton Hill and Tonabrucky reservoirs as quickly and as safely as possible.…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Almost 1,400 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    1,392 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. The five-day moving average now stands at 1,311 - which is 170 fewer than two weeks ago. Latest figures show the country's 14-day incidence rate is 395 per 100,000 people, with Monaghan's the…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Mayo pyrite members rejoin Mica counterparts to submit final position paper to Govt

    North Mayo Pyrite Group joined their Mica counterparts in submitting their final position paper to government officials over the Pyrite/Mica redress scheme today. It sets out, what the group says, are essential requirements that must be fulfilled by…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    New €100m power station plan to lift grid capacity in Galway

    The owner of the Tynagh power station in Loughrea, Co Galway is reportedly planning to spend more than €100m to build a 299MW gas-fuelled power station on the site. It will be used to provide back-up electricity to the national grid when output from renewable…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Lucky Mayo prize bond holder wins €50,000

    This week's Prize Bond Star Prize of €50,000 was won by a lucky person in County Mayo. The lucky Prize Bond number was PN 780716 and was purchased in 2011. There were over 4170 prizes awarded in this week’s Prize Bond Draw, amounting to over €270,000. Prize…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    LISTEN: Minister Jospeha Madigan has a number of engagements in Mayo today

     Minister Josepha Madigan has a number of engagements in County Mayo today. The Minister with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion is visiting St. Brids Special School and St. Anthony’s Special School in Castlebar. Minister Madigan says there…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Seismic win for Mayo woman in UK council by-election

    A Mayo woman was elected councillor for Labour in the Ealing by-election in west London last night. Claire Tighe, whose parents both hail from Ballycastle, increased Labour's vote share and majority, in what was the party's best ever result in Hobbayne. Born…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Over 200 people have died from Covid-19 in Mayo

    210 people in Mayo have died from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic. New figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, which show that Mayo had the second-highest mortality rate in the country from the virus. Only Co Monaghan had a…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    INTO has urged caution in plans to relax close contact restrictions on children

    The Irish National Teachers Organisation has urged caution in plans to relax Covid 19 close contact restrictions on children. At present children who are deemed close contacts of a confirmed case in school have to stay out of school for ten to fourteen days.…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Councillor says the Mayo crest should continue to be used on all official Mayo County Council stationery and publications

    The Mayo crest should continue to be used on all official Mayo County Council stationery and publications. That's according to Castlebar Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne who spoke on the matter at this week's meeting of Mayo County Council. He says the…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Church leaders call on Government to provide 100% redress for those affected by pyrite

    A number of Church leaders have got involved in the pyrite controversy, and are calling on Government to provide 100% redress for the thousands of people whose homes have been affected by pyrite and mica. It comes as a working group set up to examine the…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Huge beach clean up taking place across the West today

    Over six and a half thousand volunteers are taking to the beaches of Ireland today in the biggest beach clean-up since before the Pandemic. The annual event - which runs all weekend - will see litter being removed from the country's coastal beauty spots.…
  • Sep 17, 2021

    Ireland seeing a slow improvement in the overall Covid-19 situation according to NPHET

    Ireland is seeing a slow improvement in the overall Covid-19 situation, according to NPHET's modelling expert. Professor Philip Nolan made his comments last night after it was announced a further 1,413 people tested positive for Covid-19. He said incidence…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    1,413 further cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening

    A further 1,413 people have tested positive for Covid-19. The five-day moving average stands at 1,395 - down almost 100 on two weeks ago. Monaghan, Donegal and Louth have the highest 14-day incidence rates in the country. There are 290 patients being treated…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    NPHET gives go-ahead for further easing of restrictions from Monday

    The National Public Health Emergency Team has given the go-ahead for Covid-19 restrictions to ease next Monday, as planned. That includes the phased return to workplaces, and further relaxation of rules on indoor and outdoor activities. NPHET also today…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    210 people in Mayo have died from Covid-19 since start of pandemic

    210 people in Co Mayo have died from Covid-19 since the start of March 2020. That's according to new figures released today by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, which show that Mayo had the 2nd highest mortality rate in the country from the virus -…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Eirgrid invites local groups in Mayo & Roscommon to join community forum

    Communities located close to the proposed new North Connacht 110 KV power line are being encouraged to join a new community forum. Eirgrid recently announced the preferred route for the undergrounds power cable, which will run from Ballina to Ballaghadereen.…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    IDA Ireland to build new Advanced Unit in Castlebar

    IDA Ireland is to build a new Advanced Building in Castlebar. Business Minister Robert Troy has confirmed in the Dail that IDA Ireland will deliver 19 Advanced Building Solutions to regional locations, including one in Castlebar, and the IDA have already…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Plans for new IDA Park in Ballina remain on track

    Deputy Dara Calleary has confirmed to Midwest News this lunchtime that plans are still on schedule to submit a planning application for the new IDA Park in Ballina. The planning application is expected to be lodged at the end of this month and if successful…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Rugby legend Rory Best due in Cong later after 180-mile walk from Co Down

    Rugby legend Rory Best is on the final leg of his walk from Co Down to Cong, to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children. The charity runs a therapeutic centre in Co Down for children with cancer, and is planning to build a similar facility in Cong in Co…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Marc MacSharry claims Fianna Fail leader not listening to party members

    Sligo / Leitrim TD Marc MacSharry claims Fianna Fáil is a one-man show. He's accused Taoiseach Micheál Martin of not listening to his party members, and instead asking them to follow him blindly. Deputy MacSharry resigned the party whip yesterday, while…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    New bridge in Glenisland on the R312 is set to open tomorrow

    The new bridge in Glenisland on the R312 Castlebar-Belmullet road is due to open tomorrow. Based partly in the Castlebar Municipal District, the R312 had been prioritized for some years by the district for upgrade and the bridge was part of those works.…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Latest trolley figures from INMO

    After 24 patients were being treated on trolleys yesterday at Mayo University Hospital, the figure is down to 7 today. That's according to the latest trolley watch from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation. There are 374 patients being treated on trolleys…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Traffic disruption expected in the Westport area over the weekend

    On Friday there will be a brief disruption to traffic on the coast road between Westport and Belclare to facilitate the inaugural Gravel Grind West off-road cycling sportif from 6pm to 7:30pm. There will be a group of cyclists making their way from the quay…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Westport Councillor frustrated with the new Housing For All Plan

    Despite the fanfare around announcing the new Housing For All plan, there's still no increase in the income limits for people wishing to apply for social housing. That's according to Westport Independent Councillor Christy Hyland. The Housing for All plan,…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Nine Mayo producers have reached the 2021 Blas na hEireann finals

    The finalists for Blas na hÉireann 2021 have been announced and the countdown is on for the awards weekend which will take place virtually again this year on October 2nd. The awards seek to reward the very best, not just in their category but to highlight the…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Number of Covid-19 patients in hospital has dropped by 18% in the past fortnight

    The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital has dropped by 18 percent in the past two weeks. 274 were receiving treatment in hospitals last night, down from 335 at the end of August. There has also been a 25 percent decrease in the country's five day moving…
  • Sep 16, 2021

    Minister Simon Coveney survives confidence motion

    Minister Simon Coveney survived a confidence motion in the Dáil last night, but the coalition is down a member. Sligo TD Marc MacSharry resigned the Fianna Fáil whip and voted against the Government. But the support of a number of Independent TDs saw Minister…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Almost 1200 cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening

    There has been 24 deaths related to Covid-19 reported in the past week. The figure is down from 43 from the previous seven days. Meanwhile, a further 1,185 new cases of the virus have also been confirmed. 292 people are in hospital as of this morning, a…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Clifden RNLI rescue six people from a broken down vessel

    Clifden RNLI came to the assistance of a broken down vessel in Ballyconneely Bay yesterday evening, assisting in the rescue of six people. Volunteer crew members towed the vessel and transported the six passengers safely to shore on Ballyconneely Beach. This…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Sligo Deputy quits Fianna Fail

    Sligo Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry has resigned from the parliamentary party and will vote no confidence in Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney. The Dáil will debate and vote on a confidence motion in Mr Coveney later this evening. In his letter of…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Two men appearing in court today in connection with Galway Drugs seizure

    Two men arrested in connection with the seizure of €119,000 worth of suspected cocaine, cannabis and cash under Operation Tara in Galway last night have been charged. The two, who are in their late teens, will appear before a sitting of Galway District Court…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Increase in trolley numbers at Mayo University Hospital

    There's a significant increase in the number of patients on trolleys at Mayo University Hospital over the past 24 hours. The latest figures from the INMO show 24 patients on trolleys today at the Castlebar hospital -compared to 11 yesterday and 5 on Monday.…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Housing rally in Castlebar this Saturday

    A rally will take place in Castlebar this Saturday, calling for action from the Government to deal with the worsening housing crisis. The Mayo Homeless & Housing Coalition - which includes trade unions, political groups, charities and other organisation - are…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Ireland on-track to lift Covid-19 restrictions in October says CMO

    The Chief Medical Officer says Ireland is on track to lift Covid-19 restrictions in October. Dr Tony Holohan is before TDs and Senators at the Oireachtas Health Committee and says he cannot rule out measures being reintroduced in the future, if a new virus…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Mayo Councillor wants water charge increases for non-domestic users to be deferred

    It's disappointing that Irish Water declined an invitation to appear before this month's meeting of Mayo County Council to discuss the proposed increase in water charges for non-domestic customers. That's according to Ballinrobe-based FF Councillor Damien…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Two men arrested following drugs seizure in Galway City

    Two men have been arrested after €119,000 euro worth of drugs were seized in Galway. The discovery was made after a number of searches in the east of the city last night and in the early hours of this morning under Operation Tara. Over €80,000 euro worth of…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Mayo winners in the 2021 Georgina Campbell awards

    A number of hotels and restaurants in Mayo were among the winners in the 2021 Georgina Campbell awards. The prestigious awards are now in their 23rd year. Enniscoe House near Crossmolina was named the Country House of the Year. In the awards for Best Activity…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Four Covid-19 patients now being treated at Mayo University Hospital

    275 Covid patients were being treated in Irish hospitals last night. This includes 27 at UHG - the 2nd highest nationally -with 10 Covid-positive patients being treated at Sligo University Hospital and 4 at Mayo University Hospital.
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Cancer patients being denied treatment at UHG, claims Mayo TD

    Cancer patients are being denied treatment at University Hospital Galway at present, as there are no beds available. That's according to Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh, who's calling for immediate action to help these patients. Yesterday saw 52 patients…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Chief Medical Officer says possibility of further Covid-19 restrictions cannot be ruled out

    The Chief Medical Officer says the possibility of Covid-19 restrictions can't be ruled out in the future. Dr Tony Holohan will tell an Oireachtas Committee later today that new measures "may be required", despite high vaccination rates. He will tell TD's and…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Galway was 2nd most popular destination for domestic tourists this Summer

    Kerry was the most visited summer holiday destination chosen by domestic tourists this Summer. Galway was the second-most visited destination, followed by Cork in third place. Hotel spend data for the summer months of June, July and August reveals Kerry was…
  • Sep 15, 2021

    Mayo Councillors to be updated later this month on plans for GAA Centre of Excellence at Lough Lannagh

    Mayo County Councillors have been told they will be updated later this month on plans for a Mayo GAA Centre of Excellence at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar. That's according to Castlebar-based Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, who raised the matter again…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    CMO cannot rule out further restrictions due to Covid-19

    The Chief Medical Officer says he can't rule out further restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Tony Holohan will tell an Oireachtas committee tomorrow they may be required in the future. It comes as 1,181 new cases of Covid-19 were reported this…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Mayo College of Further Education to open new campus in Ballina next year

    The Mayo College of Further Education and Training is to operate a new campus in Ballina from September next year. The Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education & Training Board has confirmed that the new Ballina campus will run Post Leaving Cert courses currently…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    School secretaries & caretakers strike has been deferred

    A national one-day strike by school secretaries and caretakers, due to take place tomorrow, has been deferred. The Forsa trade union says it's after the Department of Education made significant concessions in a Workplace Relations Commission-brokered…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Mayo TD says some student renters may defer courses as they're unable to find somewhere to live

    Mayo Sinn Fein Deputy Rose Conway Walsh claims that student renters have been let down by successive governments housing policies. The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education says some students may be forced to defer courses this year, as they…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    School secretaries & caretakers to strike tomorrow

    School secretaries and school caretakers from across the region will take part in strike action tomorrow, and a protest rally will also take place outside the Dail, as TDs return from their Summer break. Despite a Government commitment to standardise the pay…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Online meeting held to discuss national park designation for Galway City

    A special online information meeting was held this morning to discuss a national park designation for Galway City. The meeting was held by the organisers of the Galway National Park City (GNPC) and was open to councillors and officials of Galway City Council.…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Four Mayo students win in Texaco Children's Art Competition

    Four Mayo students have won top prizes in this year’s 67th Texaco Children’s Art Competition, the results of which were delayed until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The winners were Daniel Tighe (15) from Davitt College, Castlebar; Adam Munnelly (7) from…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    52 patients on trolleys today at UHG

    The severe overcrowding continues today at University Hospital Galway, with 52 patients on trolleys. This follows in excess of 55 people on trolleys yesterday, due to lack of bed capacity. Some elective surgery is being cancelled at the Galway hospital, while…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    "Moving West" on TG4 will show possibilities for people thinking of moving to the West of Ireland

    A new 6-part TV series being aired on TG4 will show the possibilities for people who decide to move to the West of Ireland. "Moving West" starts on TG4 on 23rd September, and each half-hour episode explores the many opportunities this region has to offer, and…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Irish Music Month in October will promote Irish musicians and artists

    Today sees the launch of Irish Music Month - a new initiative to promote Irish artists and bands. 25 independent radio stations from across the country - including Midwest Radio - have signed up for the event, together with Hot Press. The campaign to promote…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    People with Covid-19 symptoms urged to isolate and contact GP

    Anyone with Covid symptoms should not socialise, go to work or send their child to school no matter how mild the symptoms are. That's according to the Chief Medical Officer, who has re-iterated that anyone who is feeling unwell should isolate and contact a…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    New study shows nearly half of students struggle to afford living expenses

    Nearly half of all college students are struggling to afford living expenses, while 88% worry about money. They're among the findings of a new survey carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions and Spunout - Ireland's youth information website. Finding…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Covid-19 testing facilities now at maximum capacity

    The head of the HSE's test and trace programme says all available capacity's being utilised to deal with the huge volumes presenting for a Covid-19 test. A new record of 23,000 community tests was set yesterday. But that increased to almost 30,000 when…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Garth Brooks looks set to play Croker in 2022

    Garth Brooks is reportedly close to agreeing a deal for three gigs in Dublin next September. Talks are said to be at an 'advanced stage' for the megastar to play Croke Park. It looks as though Garth Brooks is on his way back to Ireland, with those dates…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Gardaí investigate two burglaries in Mayo at the weekend

    Gardaí are investigating two burglaries in Mayo at the weekend. The first occurred at a property in Partry on Saturday evening at approximately 8:30pm near Derrada. A quantity of cash was taken and damage was down to the phone line and an alarm box. No…
  • Sep 14, 2021

    Emergency services assist woman who became seriously ill in Achill

    Emergency services came to the assistance of a woman who became seriously ill in Achill yesterday evening. The incident occurred on Keel Beach in Achill when a woman, in her fifties, had a fit or a turn. Bystanders came to her aid immediately and raised the…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    1,394 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening

    A further 1,394 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening. Latest figures show Monaghan, Donegal and Cavan have the highest 14-day incidence rates in the country. As of this morning, 321 people were in hospital with the infection - down 63 on…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Some elective surgery being postponed at UHG due to lack of beds

    University Hospital Galway is postponing some elective surgery, due to a lack of bed capacity. It comes as 55 patients were on trolleys today at the Galway hospital. In a statement to Midwest News this evening, hospital management say they're postponing a…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    24 Mayo schools approved for Emergency Works

    24 schools across Co Mayo have been approved for Emergency Works. The scheme covers a range of works, from roof repairs to fire safety, mechanical and electrical works, according to Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers . List of schools approved for Emergency…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Galway supporters urged to celebrate All-Ireland win safely

    As celebrations continue across Galway following their win in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie final, communities are being urged not to lose sight of the ongoing battle against Covid-19. The HSE is appealing for the public's support in keeping the virus under…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Councillor condemns personal online attacks on Mayo football squad

    A Westport councillor has described some of the personal attacks aimed at members of the Mayo senior football squad and management as ‘staggering and shocking’. Personal attacks aimed at players on social media in the aftermath of the All-Ireland final have…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Gardaí investigate burglary in West Sligo at the weekend

    Gardaí are investigating a burglary in west Sligo at the weekend. The incident occurred at a roadside house in the Lacken area of Enniscrone at 2.30am on Saturday morning. Midwest News understands that nothing was taken from the scene and no arrests have been…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Govt must provide 100% pyrite redress scheme, says Roscommon-Galway TD

    A Roscommon-Galway TD is calling on the Government to show compassion, and resolve the pyrite scandal by providing a 100% redress scheme for the hundreds of homeowners affected. Under the current scheme, homeowners are expected to pay 10% of the cost of…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Long waiting times at Emergency Department in UHG

    Members of the public attending University Hospital Galway today are being advised to expect long waiting times at the Emergency Department, due to a surge in the number of presentations. The Saolta Hospital group says there's ongoing pressure on bed…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    UHG has the second highest amount of Covid-positive patients

    University Hospital Galway has the second highest amount of Covid-positive patients in the country at 27- down one on the previous 24 hours. Sligo University Hospital has the fifth highest total at 17. Elsewhere across the region there are eight patients with…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Emergency ophthalmologist service available in north Mayo

    There's some good news for children in the north Mayo area who are waiting for an appointment with an opthalmologist. The position has been vacant since the start of this year, and the HSE is now considering a permanent replacement. In the meantime, an…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Councillors reject plans for social housing build in Galway

    Councillors rejected plans for a series of social housing estates in Moycullen, in what was the third development planned by Galway County Council. An estate of 49 council houses in the Connemara village has been built and is occupied, while 48 more council…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    NPHET considers scaling back aspects of Covid-19 testing

    NPHET is considering scaling back Covid-19 testing with children under 13 and vaccinated people with mild symptoms not to be put forward for a swab. The Irish Times reports the paper written by the HSE's Professor Martin Cormican argues that a plan is needed…
  • Sep 13, 2021

    Man who died in Galway adventure race named locally

    A man who died while taking part in an adventure race in Connemara on Saturday has been named locally as Carl Dempsey. Mr. Dempsey was taking part in the Gaelforce race on Maamturk Mountain at the weekend when he became ill. The popular race event includes a…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Motorcyclist dies in road collision in Galway

    Gardaí in Galway are appealing for witnesses following a fatal traffic collision in Renmore, Galway today. Shortly after 10am a motorcyclist aged in his 40s was seriously injured when his motorbike collided with a car on the R338 Old Dublin Road at Renmore…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Gardaí investigating fire at Mayo-owned pub in Athlone

    A Garda investigation's underway into a fire at a Mayo-owned pub in Athlone overnight. Emergency services attended the scene at Charlie's Bar and Bar One Racing on the Dublin road in the town at around 5:30am. The establishment is owned by Claremorris man…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Over 1,300 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    1,346 new cases of covid-19 have been recorded this afternoon. There are 315 people in hospital with the virus - up four in 24 hours. 59 are in ICU - up one over the same period.
  • Sep 12, 2021

    N6 closed in Galway following two vehicle crash

    Gardaí are currently at scene at a serious road traffic collision in Galway City. The crash occurred on the N6 near Renmore Park at approximately 10.15a.m this morning. A car and motorcyclist were in collision and no further details are available at this…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Sinn Fein leads Fine Gael in latest opinion poll

    Sinn Féin leads Fine Gael by 10 percentage points in a new Sunday Times opinion poll. Leo Varadkar's party has dropped two points to 23 per cent - while Mary Lou McDonald's is up three, at 33. The Tánaiste's personal satisfaction rating has also fallen by 9…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Former HSE boss urges attendance at walk-in vaccination clinics

    A former head of the HSE is urging people to attend walk-in Covid vaccination centres throughout the country today. At least 16 are operating - allowing people to get their first or second doses. They're for people over the age of 12, and they'll get Pfizer…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Significant drop in Covid-19 hospital numbers since Monday

    82 fewer people were in hospital with Covid last night than at the start of the week. The figure fell from 384 to 302 over the course of six days - with 58 people currently in intensive care with the virus. Cases are also declining, but thousands of children…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Galway site shortlisted for multi-billion euro Intel plant

    An army firing rage in Co. Galway has been chosen as a possible location for a multi-billion euro Intel manufacturing plant that could create 10,000 jobs. The 216 acre site near Oranmore, has been selected by the IDA as the preferred location for its new…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Over 160 people have absconded from hotel quarantine

    More than 160 people absconded mandatory hotel quarantine since its introduction in late March. Only 35 of those who left were returned to the designated hotels by Gardai, according to the Sunday Independent. More than 10 thousand people have entered…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Call for a new inquiry into death of Roscommon priest 36 years ago

    A Fianna Fáil senator's calling for a new inquiry into the violent death of a Roscommon priest 36 years ago. Fr Niall Molloy was killed in Richard and Theresa Flynn's mansion in Clara, Co Offaly, in 1985. Richard Flynn was the only person charged in…
  • Sep 12, 2021

    Man dies partaking in an adventure race in Galway

    A man has died after he became ill on the Maamturk mountain range in Conamara, while taking part in an adventure race. Gardaí confirmed to Midwest News that they and emergency services attended the scene of a medical emergency in the area at 1pm yesterday…
  • Sep 11, 2021

    Over 1,400 new Covid-19 cases confirmed

    1,466 new case of Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health. As of 8am today, 311 covid patients are being treated in hospitals - that's down 17 on yesterday. 58 are in ICU - down one over the same period.
  • Sep 11, 2021

    €283,000 funding for Coillte sites across the region

    €283,000 has been announced to support recreation facilities and outdoor tourism in forest parks and other Coillte sites across the West by the Minister for Rural and Community Development. The investment includes the upgrades of pathways, trails, access…
  • Sep 11, 2021

    Gardaí advise only genuine ticket holders to attend All-Ireland final

    Excitement is building ahead of the All-Ireland football final between Tyrone and Mayo at Croke Park this evening. It doesn't get underway until 5 o clock, but fans from both counties have already arrived in Dublin ahead of the match. Mayo will be hoping to…
  • Sep 11, 2021

    Walk-in vaccination clinics continuing across the region this weekend

    Walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics are operating around the country again this weekend. More than 30 centres will be open for first or second doses of a Pfizer or Moderna jab. Yesterday, the vaccination programme administered its 7 millionth dose, and saw…
  • Sep 11, 2021

    NPHET member says incidence rate of Covid-19 is decreasing

    A senior member of the National Public Health Emergency Team says the country's 7-day incidence rate of Covid-19 is decreasing. However Professor Philip Nolan says although it has fallen to 1,421 from 1,784, the level of virus transmission is still very high.…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Over 1,600 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    1,620 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. 328 patients are in hospital with the virus, down three from yesterday, with 59 in intensive care, up five. The five-day moving average is 1,414 cases - over 100 less than a week ago. The border…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Mayo Deputy reiterates support for Foreign Affairs Minister

    Fianna Fail TDs will face sanctions if they don't support Simon Coveney in a vote of no confidence next week. The motion has been tabled by Sinn Fein following the controversial Katherine Zappone appointment. It says the Foreign Affairs Minister's handling of…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Motorists urged to avoid Ballinrobe due to traffic congestion

    There is serious traffic congestion in Ballinrobe after a truck broke down earlier today. The incident occurred on Bridge Street at 2pm and Gardaí are in attendance. The road is closed and local diversions are in place. Local Gardaí are advising motorists to…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Fishing vessel rescued off the Erris coast

    Ballyglass RNLI rescued a fishing vessel off the Erris coastline in the early hours of this morning. The vessel had steering failure eleven nautical miles north of Erris Head. The all weather Ballyglass lifeboat were tasked to assist late last night and towed…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    High trolley numbers at many facilities across the West

    Galway University Hospital has the fourth highest amount of patients on trolleys waiting for a bed nationally. That's according to latest figures from the INMO, showing the facility has 25 patients in either the emergency department or in a ward elsewhere in…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    GUH has the second highest number of Covid-positive patients nationally

    There are 331 people being treated for Covid-19 in Irish Hospitals, down four on the previous 24 hours. The second worst hit facility is Galway University Hospital at 26- down 2. Its followed in this region by Sligo University Hospital at 22- down 2, Mayo…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Breaffy NS Castlebar confident that Mayo can do it tomorrow

    There are four of James Horan’s panel, who are graduates of St John ‘s National School in Breaffy, Castlebar and the staff and students in the school are all very proud of all four – Captain Aidan O’Shea and his brother Conor, Mattie Ruane and Rob Hennelly.…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Pregnant women encouraged to get Covid 19 vaccine

    Women at all stages of pregnancy can now avail of a Covid-19 vaccine at their nearest centre, following national guidance. Pregnant women will be offered a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and can now attend for vaccination at any stage of pregnancy, following the…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Castlebar's Mick Byrne nervous but confident that "this is the year"

    The nerves are kicking in, but long time Mayo supporters are confident that the 2021 All Ireland Football title will Mayo’s by tomorrow evening. The 2021 All Ireland Football final is very different this year, with just half the number of tickets available…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    Increase in Garda checkpoints this weekend

     Motorists can expect more garda road checkpoints this weekend, as roads to the capital will be busy with football supporters. A cross-border road safety campaign has been launched ahead of tomorrow's All-Ireland football final. The initiative is encouraging…
  • Sep 10, 2021

    It's - "on your bike" for three Ballina Mayo supporters today

    Three Mayo supporters are on a major cycle today to Croke Park. Martin Devaney, Angela Molloy and Willie Creighton left Ballina at about 5am this morning to reach Croke Park for tomorrow’s final The trio aim to complete the 248km cycle in approximately 13…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Nearly1300 new Covid-19 cases confirmed this evening

    1,292 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening. 331 patients are in hospital with the virus, down four from yesterday, with 54 in intensive care, down two. Ireland continues to have the highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid in the EU - with…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    A verdict of homicide was returned by a jury today at an inquest into the death of a 67 year old Mayo man

    A verdict of ‘homicide’ was returned by a jury today at an inquest into the death of a 67-year-old man shot dead by a friend who feared he was an intruder. Brendan Kilduff, Sallyhernaun, Knock, Co. Mayo, was fatally wounded when Martin Caulfield (85), Coogue,…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Long tradition of Gaelic football at Currabaggen NS continues

    As the All Ireland Football Final countdown continues, Midwest News visited Currabaggen NS, Knockmore, a primary school with strong Gaelic football ties, with two past pupils on the present Mayo panel - Darren McHale and Colm Reape. On arrival, the students…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Behy NS proud custodians of the ball used in Croke Park in 1951, when Mayo last won coveted All Ireland

    The excitement ahead of Saturday’s All Ireland Football final is intensifying across the county and in National Schools across Mayo the green and red flags and bunting are flying high. Students are composing songs and poems to mark the big occasion, and…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Almost 96% of adults in Mayo have now at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine

    Almost 96% of adults in Co Mayo have now received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. The latest data from the HSE shows that Monaghan and Donegal - the two counties with the highest Covid-19 incidence rate - have the lowest rates of vaccination. In…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Planning permission granted for Aldi store in Ballyhaunis

    Mayo County Council has granted planning permission for a new Aldi store in Ballyhaunis. Aldi says up to 30 permanent jobs will be created, while about 50 people will be employed during the construction phase. The new development on Main Street in the centre…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Ballymote to mark 20th anniversary of 9/11 on Saturday

    The 20th anniversary of the 9 / 11 atrocities in the United States will be commemorated this Saturday in the Co Sligo town of Ballymote. The event gets underway at 1.30 at the Monument in Ballymote, which contains a beam from the Twin Towers in New York.…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    Rain and thunderstorm warning remains in place until noon today

    A status yellow rain and thunderstorm warning is in effect until midday. The alert for the entire country has been in place since yesterday morning with heavy downpours expected. Met Eireann is warning of localised flooding particularly where rainfall is…
  • Sep 09, 2021

    CMO says Covid-19 hospitalisations and ICU admissions are stabilising

    The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says Covid-19 hospitalisations and ICU admissions are stabilising. 313 patients were being treated in hospital last night with the virus - a drop of 48 in the past two days - with 56 people being treated in intensive…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Excitement in Scoil Phadraig NS Westport ahead of Saturday's big game

    As the countdown continues and the excitement ahead of Saturday’s All Ireland Football Final intensifies between Mayo and Tyrone Midwest News has been in Scoil Phadraig in Westport, to speak to young fans about Mayo’s chance of taking home Sam Maguire.…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Concerns over planned Eircom monopole to be located at Lough Lannagh

    An application being submitted by Eircom to Mayo County Council to erect a 15 metre high monopole in an elevated field, located at Castlebar’s Lough Lannagh is causing widespread local concern. Many people and interested groups in the Castlebar environs are…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Concerns over planned Eircom monopole to be located at Lough Lannagh

    An application being submitted by Eircom to Mayo County Council to erect a 15 metre high monopole in an elevated field, located at Castlebar’s Lough Lannagh is causing widespread local concern. Many people and interested groups in the Castlebar environs are…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    45 patients on trolleys today at University Hospital Galway

    413 people are being treated on hospital trolleys across the country today - the highest figure since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The previous peak was yesterday, when 395 patients were waiting for a bed. University Hospital Limerick is the most over-crowded…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Former Sligo Councillor Paddy Conway has passed away

    The death has taken place of former Sligo County Councillor Paddy Conway from Enniscrone. He served as a Fianna Fail councillor in Sligo from 1967 to 1999 and as Cathaoirleach of the local authority in 1991 and 92. Mr Conway passed away peacefully at his…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Funding for biodiversity parks in Bohola and Crossmolina

    Clár funding has been announced this morning for Biodiversity Parks in Bohola and Crossmolina. €50,000 has been approved for both the Bohola Biodiversity Park Committee and the Crossmolina Vision 2025 committee for parks that can be enjoyed by local…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Rain & thunderstorm warning issued by Met Eireann

    A rain and thunderstorm warning has been issued for the entire country for the next 24 hours. The status yellow alert is in place until midday tomorrow. Met Eireann says scattered heavy downpours and thunderstorms can be expected today, tonight and early…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    €200,000 approved for new Youth Hub in Bonniconlon

    Funding has been confirmed for a new Youth Hub in Bonniconlon, outside Ballina. The Youth Hub will be built on parish grounds, near the primary school. Local FG Councillor John O'Hara says LEADER funding of €200,000 has now been allocated for the facility,…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Walk-in Covid testing being suspended at centres across Connacht

    People who want to be tested for Covid-19 will now need an appointment. Walk-in testing is being suspended temporarily at the test centres in McHale Park, Castlebar; Castlerea Fire Station, and the two testing centres in Galway. The HSE says the walk-in test…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    Dr Mike Ryan to launch COPE Galway annual report today

    COPE Galway says the Covid-19 pandemic led to higher demand for its services. Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation will today launch the annual report for the charity, which supported more than 2-thousand 6-hundred people in 2020, through its…
  • Sep 08, 2021

    10 Covid-19 patients being treated at Mayo University Hospital

    334 patients with Covid-19 were being treated in hospitals last night - down 33 on yesterday morning, while the number of patients with the virus in ICU remains unchanged at 59. There are 26 Covid-positive patients being treated at Sligo University Hospital,…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Achill RNLI assists in medical evacuation of patient from Clare Island

    Achill Island RNLI was involved in the medical evacuation of a female patient from Clare Island this afternoon, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard. The volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 1.15pm under Coxswain Dave Curtis and…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    1,470 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening

    1,470 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. The five-day average has fallen to 1,382 - which 16 per cent less than a week ago. Monaghan, Donegal, Cavan and Leitrim have the highest 14-day incidence rates in the country. There are 367 Covid…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Hospitals in the West among most overcrowded today, says INMO

    395 patients are being treated on trolleys in hospitals across the country today - the highest figure since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Cork University Hospital is the most overcrowded with 50 on trolleys, followed by 42 in University Hospital Limerick.…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Walk-in Covid-19 testing to be suspended temporarily due to high demand

    People who want to be tested for Covid-19 will need an appointment from tomorrow. Walk-in testing is being suspended temporarily at the test centres in McHale Park, Castlebar; Castlerea Fire Station, and the two testing centres in Galway. The HSE says the…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    HSE Community West engaging with McHale Rd residents over traffic concerns

    HSE Community Healthcare West has today responded to a query yesterday from Midwest News about the traffic congestion on McHale Road in Castlebar as people were attending the Covid 19 test centre in McHale Park. The Chairman of the McHale Road Residents,…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Temperatures to soar to 26 degrees in parts of Connacht today

    Temperatures are set to soar to 26 degrees in parts of the region today. However it is likely to be the only clear, sunny day of this warm spell. By 12 noon, temperatures of 23 degrees were recorded at Mount Dillon in Roscommon, 22 degrees in Athenry, Co…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Anger over why some "good luck" signs removed by MCC on the Foxford road into Ballina

    A number of Ballina businesses that had erected “Good Luck to Mayo” signs along the N26, the Foxford road into Ballina, close to Ballina town are both angry and confused that Mayo County Council this morning removed their signs. The signs in question were…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Signed copies of Sally Rooney's new book sold out quickly in Castlebar this morning

    There's been great excitement at one bookshop in Castlebar this morning, as local author Sally Rooney's latest novel has gone on sale. Sally is daughter of Kieran Rooney and Marie Farrell, who formerly ran the Linenhall Arts Centre, and she grew up in…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    No ban on cutting or burning turf in new regulations on solid fuels

    While a ban on smoky coal will come into effect in all areas of the country next year, there's no ban on the cutting or burning of turf. The Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has marked International Clean Air Day by announcing the new standards for domestic…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Eirgrid hail route selection as 'milestone' for the North Connacht 110KV project

    Eirgrid have described the selection of a route option for the North Connacht 110KV power line as a milestone for the project. The underground route, which is around 60km in length, will bypass major towns and villages including Ballina, Foxford and…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    SUH has the third-highest amount of covid-positive patients nationally

    Ireland's 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 has fallen by 14 per cent in the space of a week. Latest figures show it has dropped to just under 451 cases per 100,000 people. Seven days earlier, it was almost 525. 367 people are in hospital with Covid…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Walk-in vaccination clinics continuing across the region this week

    Anyone aged 12 and older who hasn’t yet received their first Covid-19 vaccine dose can get one in a walk-in vaccination clinic this week. People awaiting their second Pfizer vaccine dose may also attend one of the clinics, once the interval between doses has…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Castlebar author Sally Rooney releases third novel

    Castlebar novelist Sally Rooney’s much-anticipated third novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You hits the shelves today. Bookshops are anticipating huge interest as it is released this morning. The novel centres on the relationship between two best friends –…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Dense fog in areas across the region this morning

    Motorists are advised of dense fog in places across the region this morning. Gardai are advising all road users to take due caution in foggy conditions and to light up appropriately. It’s expected that the fog will lift by mid morning giving a warm sunny day.
  • Sep 07, 2021

    700 primary pupils nationally identified as Covid positive since start of the term

    Almost 12,000 primary and secondary school students are at home from school already this term, restricting their movements, after being identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of Covid-19. The extent of the disruption already caused by the virus…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Infectious disease expert warns Covid-19 hospitalisations could continue to rise

    A consultant in infectious diseases says the number of Covid patients in hospital could continue to rise, despite falling case numbers. Yesterday, the Department of Health confirmed 1,144 further cases of the virus, down 36 on the day before. There are 384…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    First round of CAO offers will be released later

    The first round of CAO offers will be released today. It's expected points for college courses will go up, after a significant rise in the number of top grades awarded in the Leaving Cert last week. Over 84 thousand applications were made to the CAO this year…
  • Sep 07, 2021

    Eirgrid identifies underground route option for North Connacht 110KV power line

    Eirgrid has identified the route option for the North Connacht 110KV power line that will run underground from Ballina to Ballaghadereen. The route, which is around 60km in length, will bypass major towns and villages including Ballina, Foxford and…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Latest Covid-19 daily figures

    The Department of Health has reported 1,144 new cases of Covid-19 this evening. The figure represents a decrease of 36 on yesterday's figures. The five-day average has dropped to 1,438 - which is down almost 18 per cent on a week ago. There are 384 people in…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Drugs & cash worth over €17,000 seized by Galway Gardai

    Galway Gardaí seized more than €17,000 worth of suspected cannabis herb, cocaine and cash under Operation Tara following the search of a house last Thursday. The seizure was made in the Renvyle area on Thursday morning when Gardaí attached to the Galway…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Galway's Pamela Uba crowned Miss Ireland

    Galway's Pamela Uba has been crowned the new Miss Ireland. The 25 year old Miss Galway claimed the national title ahead of 29 other contestants at the Miss Ireland final, which took place in Cavan last night. Pamela, who works at University Hospital Galway,…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Documentary airs tonight on death of Roscommon priest Fr Niall Molloy

    The first part of a new documentary on the killing of Roscommon priest Fr Niall Molloy will be broadcast on RTE One television tonight at 9.35. Fr Molloy was found dead in the bedroom of his friends' Richard and Teresa Flynn's house in Clara, Co Offaly in…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Over 2,000 people tested positive for Covid 19 in past two weeks across Mayo, Galway and Roscommon

    Health Services across the West are urging all GAA fans and the wider public to support the Mayo Senior Footballers safely this weekend by following the guidelines aimed at stemming the spread of Covid-19. A high rate of COVID-19 continues to circulate in the…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    McHale Road residents angry over long queues for Covid-19 test centre

    Residents of McHale Road in Castlebar are up in arms over the long queues today for the Covid-19 test centre at McHale Park. People arriving for a Covid test are advised to enter the test centre via McHale Road, and exit via An Sportlann. However, demand for…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    HSE appeals to Mayo supporters to stay safe while enjoying the match on Saturday

    Ahead of the All-Ireland football final on Saturday, the HSE West is appealing to people to stay safe while supporting the Mayo team, as high rates of Covid-19 are continuing to circulate in the community. While the All-Ireland final is a special sporting…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Westport GAA 'devastated' by loss of 'inspirational' Paddy Muldoon

    Westport GAA club has been devastated by the death of their current President Paddy Muldoon over the weekend. The Aughagower native was a former Chairperson of Mayo GAA and also held the roles of Central Council Delegate, Insurance Officer, Co-Founder of the…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Westport Town Hall Theatre looking forward to increased attendances, as restrictions are eased further

    Extra tickets have gone on sale for the Westport Festival of Chamber Music next weekend, as a result of the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions. From today, live music returns to bars and weddings, as the phased reopening of the country continues. All…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Over €1.7 million approved for GMIT for capital works and equipment

    Funding of €1.7 million has been approved for the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. This is one of a number of grants for third-level institutions announced today by the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris for the safe reopening of campuses, capital…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Man arrested for public order offences at a premise in Mayo

    Gardaí arrested a man for public order offences at a premise in Castlebar earlier this morning. The man, in his 20s, was taken to Castlebar Garda Station where he is currently detained. Investigations are ongoing.
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Mayo priest highlights significant changes as services return to half-capacity

    Confirmations and communions are allowed to resume today as part of the latest easing of restrictions. Masses were capped at 50 people until now - or pods of 50 in bigger churches. But Fr Charlie McDonnell, the administrator of Westport Parish, says that…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    IFI pursuing definite line of inquiry following fish kill in Mayo

    Inland Fisheries Ireland says it's pursuing a definite line of inquiry into the cause of a major fish kill in Mayo last week. The environmental agency is still analysing samples from the Glore River near Kiltimagh on Friday. 500 juvenile salmon and trout were…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Organised indoor events and mass gatherings permitted in easing of restrictions

    Organised indoor events and mass gatherings can resume today, in a significant easing of Covid restrictions. The cap on outdoor events also increases significantly. Last week the government announced almost all Covid restrictions would ease by October 22nd.…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Soft plastics can now be put in recycling bins

    All plastic packaging waste, including soft plastics, can now be placed in household recycling bins. From this week, all waste collector companies must take and sort soft packaging, such as crisp bags, sweet wrappers and bread wrappers, provided it's "clean,…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Mayo Mountain rescue called into action serval times recently

    Mayo MRT were tasked by the National Ambulance Service to assist a walker with a lower leg injury on Ben Gorm at 3:30pm on Saturday the 22nd of August. The team assembled at Aasleigh Falls and a first response crew located the casualty and treated the injury.…
  • Sep 06, 2021

    Tributes paid following death of former Mayo GAA Chair Paddy Muldoon

    Tributes have been paid following the death of former Mayo GAA Chairperson and current Westport GAA President Paddy Muldoon yesterday afternoon. The Aughagower native was an active member of the Mayo County Board and was also their current patron. He held the…
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Over 1,100 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    The Department of Health has today been notified of 1,180 new cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 362 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised down one from yesterday. 59 people are in intensive care up seven in the past 24 hours.
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Two locations in Galway shortlisted for the Best Place to Live in Ireland competition

    Two locations in County Galway have made the 20-strong short list in the Irish Times Best Place to Live in Ireland 2021 competition. Galway city and Clonbur have both been included in the selection, as has Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim. Over the course of…
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Major fish kill under investigation in Mayo

    A major fish kill is under investigation after hundreds of protected wild salmon and many trout were found dead in Mayo. Enforcement agency, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), has categorised the incident at the Glore River in Kiltimagh as “serious”. The agency…
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Roscommon TD commends government's Housing For All plan

    The Government’s Housing for All plan has been commended for including proposals from the opposition. Roscommon Galway TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the fact the new plan has incorporated his suggested measures to deal with vacant properties across the…
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Public asked for ideas on a national day of commemoration for those who have died during pandemic

    The public are to be asked for ideas on a national day of commemoration for those who've died during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sunday Times reports the Department of the Taoiseach plans to announce a public consultation this month. Micheal Martin aims to…
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Those eligible for third Covid-19 vaccine dose will be contacted shortly

    The HSE says those who're eligible for a third Covid-19 vaccine will be contacted in due course. It follows updated advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee that people with weak immune systems should get an extra mRNA dose. NIAC also updated…
  • Sep 05, 2021

    Temperatures set to be in the mid-20's for the first half of this week

    Ireland will enjoy a last taste of summer weather from Monday. Temperatures will be in the mid-20s for the first half of the week before dropping back down on Thursday or Friday. The weather for the weekend is uncertain as hurricane Larry is sits out in the…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Over 1,700 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    The Department of Health has reported a further 1,703 cases of Covid-19. Today's figure is an increase of 289 on yesterday. 363 people are currently in hospital with the virus, 52 of whom are being treated in intensive care. Meanwhile, the HSE says it has…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Call on government to pressurise release of Elphin family's father

    The Irish Government must make more representations to the Australian Government and the United Nations Council on behalf of an Elphin family whose father has been imprisoned in Iraq. That’s the view of local Fianna Fail Senator Eugene Murphy. Engineer Robert…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Walk-in vaccination clinics continuing across the region this weekend

    Anyone aged 12 and older who hasn’t yet received their first dose vaccine, can go to a walk-in vaccination clinic this weekend to receive it. Also, people who are waiting for their second dose Pfizer vaccine may also attend one of the walk-in clinics, once…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Councillor says Sligo Airport is being left in limbo by the Department and the Irish Coastguard

    Sligo Airport continues to be left in limbo by the Department and the Irish Coastguard, despite being the busiest Coast Guard base in the country. That's according to Sligo Fine Gael Councillor Thomas Walsh, who's also a Director at Sligo Airport, and has hit…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Call on Government to ease maternity restrictions further

    The Social Democrats are calling on the government to ease further ease restrictions on maternity services. Updated guidelines from the HSE say women treated in multi-bed wards will be limited to 2-hour daily visits, while NO visiting restrictions apply to…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Sligo and Galway medical workers cycle to Dublin raising funds for charities

    Medical workers have cycled 200 kilometres to Dublin to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic. Healthcare staff travelled from various parts of the country, including Sligo, Galway, Belfast and Cork as part of the ICU4U Memorial Charity…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Surge in demand for contact tracing and mass testing in schools

    The HSE is reporting a surge in demand for contact tracing and mass testing in schools since reopening. More than 185 schools required the services on days over the past week, compared to 45 schools per day last May. A total of 631 schools have close contacts…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Fears record breaking Leaving Cert results will cause CAO headaches

    Fears have been expressed this year’s record breaking Leaving Cert results will lead to more students not getting the college course they want. Yesterday’s results showed a significant increase in the number of students achieving over 600 points, meaning…
  • Sep 04, 2021

    Tánaiste says all is OK for next stage of reopening on Monday

    The country's five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases has dropped by nearly 15 per cent in the past week. It now stands at 1,526 - compared to 1,791 seven days ago. 1,414 new cases were confirmed here yesterday. Tainiste Leo Varadkar has said 'vaccination…
  • Sep 03, 2021

    Over 1,400 new Covid-19 cases confirmed

    1,414 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed today. 353 patients are in hospital with the virus, up 10 on yesterday, with 55 in intensive care - down four. Meanwhile, a new report says four cases of the Mu variant of Covid have been identified in Ireland.…
  • Sep 03, 2021

    Mayo Leaving Cert student achieves nine H1's

    There was great excitement at St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh today, as two students recorded more than six H1’s. Hana Ueno achieved the remarkable feat of nine H1’s in the exams, which would total 925 points if more than six subjects were taken into…