It’s natural to worry during a pandemic but controlling your use of social media in this crisis in an important way of keeping control over the fear. That’s the advise from HSE psychologist Dr William Mowlds. Dr Mowlds advises listening official news media…

A Mayo TD is calling on Government to bring forward the GLAS balancing payment, as one measure to ease the current financial pressure on farmers. The Fianna Fail deputy leader Dara Calleary says farmers are being hit by a number of challenges at present -…

A new telephone helpline has been opened today, to assist farmers with their queries in relation to Covid-19 restrictions. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has put in place a dedicated helpline for farmers to seek advice so they can continue to fulfill…

Bus Eireann is introducing revised timetables from today for services across many routes, for those who need to travel during the Covid-19 crisis. The revised timetables are based on the current Saturday schedules on most routes, and full details are…

A Sligo-Leitrim TD has issued a warning on moneylenders during the Covid-19 crisis. Independent deputy Marian Harkin says leaflets have been dropped to homes across the region from services offering money - especially in areas where money-lenders are already…

Local authorities across the West have launched helpline numbers, to advise people in each county on where they can access supports and assistance in their local community during the Covid-19 crisis. In Co Mayo, the council's helpline number is 094 - 90 64660…

Third-level students who have paid upfront for accommodation that they cannot now access due to Covid-19 need to be refunded immediately. That's according to Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh, who says she's been contacted on this issue by a number of…

HIQA is to carry out a risk-assessment to see which nursing homes need more help to deal with Covid-19. It's one of the recommendations top health officials have made to deal with clusters of the virus in nursing homes. The clusters, to date, have mainly been…

Counting will resume today in the Seanad elections, after three Fianna Fail candidates were elected to the Seanad last night through the agricultural panel. Paul Daly, Niall Blaney and Denis O'Donovan all exceeded the quota as well as Independent Victor…

The Green Party's Saoirse McHugh from Achill Island has missed out on a seat in the next Seanad. The Cultural and Education panel was filled earlier today. Former Galway West TD Sean Kyne was the first elected, followed by former Mayo TD Lisa Chambers and her…

The fuel allowance scheme is being extended for four weeks. Mayo-based Minister Michael Ring has confirmed that, in response to the Covid-19 emergency, the Government has decided to extend the fuel allowance season by four weeks, from 10th April to 8th May.…

Funeral services are being limited to no more than ten people. The Government wants to ensure mourners can bury their loved ones with respect, while still ensuring they are protected from COVID-19. The measure applies to all deaths - not just those as a…

Former Mayo Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers has been elected to the Seanad. Counting resumed this morning to fill the five seats on the Cultural & Educational Panel. The first person elected to the new Seanad was former Galway West TD and former government chief…

Funeral Masses will continue to be celebrated with immediate family members only, across all 6 western dioceses, and churches across the region will remain open during the pandemic. In three dioceses in other areas of the country, the celebration of funeral…

Roscommon County Council is launching a new helpline this afternoon, to advise people on where they can access supports and assistance in their local community during the Covid-19 crisis. The helpline number is 1800 200 727. An interactive map listing the…

Former Galway West TD and former government chief whip Sean Kyne has become the first person elected to the new Seanad. He's likely to be joined by his Fine Gael colleague John McGahon on the Cultural and Educational panel. It looks as though the Green…

We're being warned the next seven days are vital to see if we can contain the spread of the coronavirus. 2,910 people now have Covid 19 here and 54 people have lost their lives, with one death in the west in the last 24 hours. New figures show we are…

Funeral Masses will continue to be celebrated with immediate family members only during the Covid-19 outbreak, in The Dioceses of the Western Province. That’s according to the Bishop of the Killala Dr. John Fleming. That means funeral Masses will still be…

The Agriculture Minister has allowed some trading to continue at marts - despite the Covid-19 crisis. The Irish Farmers Association has welcomed this morning's announcement. Normal mart activity was banned last weekend when the Taoiseach's announced new…

Outgoing Minister of State Sean Kyne looks likely to be elected to the Seanad when the 14th count on the Cultural and Educational vocational panel resumes shortly. The former Galway West TD was just over eight votes short of the quota when counting stopped…

GMIT staff began yesterday as contact tracing volunteers in a newly established Contact Tracing Centre in the Dublin Road (Galway) campus of the college, set up in partnership with the HSE. Work is also ongoing to operate another Contact Tracing Centre in the…

A three month agreement has been made for private hospitals to operate as public facilities. 19 hospitals with a capacity of under 2,000 beds with 47 intensive care units will be used by the HSE - however the total cost of the deal has not been finalised.…

Mayo County Council's Civic Amenity sites outside Castlebar and Ballina will reopen tomorrow, but only for domestic waste. The civic amenity centres at Derrinumera and Rathroeen are closed to the public today but will reopen tomorrow for domestic waste only -…

Gardai are out on patrol across Co Mayo to ensure that the public cooperate with the new restrictions announced on Friday night by Taoiseach Leo Varadker. For the next two weeks, people are only allowed to leave the homes for essential work, to buy food,…

Mayo County Council has launched a new helpline today, to assist people in accessing non-emergency supports and advice during the Covid-19 emergency. The confidential phoneline service is being established by the new Covid-19 Mayo County Council Community…

Counting of votes in the Seanad elections gets underway this afternoon, to fill 43 of the 60 seats from vocational panels. A further 6 seats will be filled from the university panels, with counting for those to start tomorrow. The count takes place at Dublin…

The Health Minister Simon Harris is to meet representatives of Nursing Homes later today as concerns intensify about the number of cluster cases of Covid-19 in nursing homes. There are 17 cluster of cases in nursing home now across the country. The latest…

Mayo County Council Civic Amenities sites outside Castlebar and Ballina are now closed to the public.In a statement this morning to Midwest News the local authority says that following Government Guidelines, “our civic amenity centres at Derrinumera and…

The Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard initiated the flying of National and County flags from homes to highlight the contribution of frontline staff during the present pandemic. Mayor Cubbard told Midwest News this morning that there are medical staff, essential…

The six year old boy who died tragically in a drowning accident in a stream close to the River Moy in Ballina yesterday has been named locally as Louis Chen. Shortly after 1pm (Sunday) Gardaí received reports that a child had gone missing from his home at…

There is a great sense of shock in Ballina this evening following the tragic death of a six year old boy. The boy was found in a stream close to his home and was rushed to Mayo University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that ten patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died, eight male and two female. Six deaths are located in the east of the country, three in the northwest of the country and one in…

A dedicated community support helpline will be established in Mayo County Council to assist at-risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency. The confidential phoneline…

The Chairperson of the RSA says it’s shocking that deaths on Irish roads are 24% higher so far this year compared with the same period last year. There have been 47 road deaths in Ireland, nine more than for the same period in 2019, including 14 pedestrians,…

Fine Gael's support has surged due to its handling of the Covid 19 pandemic, according to a new opinion poll. The Business Post/Red C poll has the party on 34 per cent - up 13 points. Sinn Fein is up three to 28 per cent, while Fianna Fail is down four to 18…

The Catholic Church in Ireland is to ban services for all funerals, marriages and baptisms in two dioceses for the duration of the coronavirus crisis. In a statement last night, the Irish Bishop's conference said it was introducing the measures with great…

Older people should heed the advice of the government on cocooning during the current coronavirus crisis, however difficulty it may be. That's according to a spokesman for advocacy group alone, Alone. The over 70s have been advised to stay at home until…

Summertime has officially started this morning. The clocks went forward by one hour at 1am, meaning you have to get up from your bed an hour earlier. People are being reminded to check they have put the right time on their watches and clocks.

14 new patients in the east of the country have died from coronavirus. The Health Protection Surveillance Team says there are also 294 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic. The latest deaths bring to 36 the number of people who've died here, while the number…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 14 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died. All 14 deaths located in the east of the country. The median age of today’s reported deaths is 81. There have now been 36 COVID-19…

Threshold, the national housing charity, has announced the establishment of a dedicated freephone helpline to support workers in the hospitality sector impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The service is being financed as part of the €1.5 million Guinness Fund…

The Government must bail out families across the country during the coronavirus pandemic, just like the Irish taxpayer bailed out the banks a decade ago. That was the strong message coming from Galway West Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell, who says it is time to…

The Department of Foreign Affairs has secured additional seats on flights from key Australian cities to assist Irish people to get home in the coming days. It is not clear how many seats have been secured by the Department but the Irish Embassy in Australia…

Gardaí are patrolling streets to ensure people are following the latest regulations outlined by the Taoiseach last night. 2,500 members of the force are on duty, and will be stopping people to make sure their journey is essential. Regulations will be…

People are being told not to leave their homes for the next 2 weeks - except for a small number of circumstances. They are to buy food or household goods, go to medical appointments or essential work and for vital family reasons. Brief exercise is also…

Gardaí in Sligo have disrupted ongoing criminal activities in North Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim, after recovering €17,800 worth of stolen property this week. On Wednesday last Gardai from Sligo and Ballymote Districts conducted an operation targeting individuals…

The CEO of the Saolta University Healthcare Group says the focus remains that there is a clear pathway of care for people coming in to hospital. Tony Canavan says a lot of work has continued in the last week in response to the Coronavirus. There is currently…

The Taoiseach says he'd be surprised if there were fewer than one-thousand deaths from Covid 19 in Ireland. The death toll now stands at 19, and Leo Varadkar says his thoughts are with the families of the 10 people who passed away yesterday. The country's top…

The Health Minister says inspections will be carried out at businesses next week, and those not following social distancing rules could be closed down. There's concern building sites in particular are struggling to keep workers 2 metres apart. The country's…

A Sligo County Councillor has raised his concern that scrambler bikes are using the Sligo Way Trail. Councillor Thomas Walsh says these are not licensed to use the trail nor are they insured. Councillor Walsh says they have done considerable damage to parts…

A county Galway based distillery has responded to the urgent need in the market for hand sanitiser, and has suspended its usual production of poitin to get the alternative product on to the shelves. From next week Micil Distillery in Salthill will switch…

Two men are to appear before a sitting of Carrick on Shannon District court today following the detection of a cannabis grow house in Ballymote, County Sligo. One of the men, an 18 year old, is also charged in connection with 12 thefts from cars dating back…

The number of Covid-19 related deaths here has more than doubled in 24 hours. Ten more people diagnosed with the virus have died, bringing the death toll to 19 this side of the border, 10 in Northern Ireland – a total of 29 now on the island of Ireland.…

Pay for student nurses during the COVID-19 crisis was secured yesterday evening and welcomed by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. The INMO had campaigned intensely for employment opportunities for student nurses for several weeks, as many were…

The parish of Breaffy, Castlebar are mourning the sad death of their Parish Priest Fr John McCormack. Fr John, an SMA priest, passed away on Tuesday evening after a short illness. A native of Roundfort, he had served on the missions for 30 years and then…

The criteria for testing for Covid-19 changed yesterday evening. A person now needs to have two symptoms to qualify for the test, before contacting his/her GP to secure a test appointment. If you have a fever or a chill with one the following symptoms- a…

It’s a difficult time for everyone during the Covid 19 pandemic, but the current guidance around social distancing can make people who are blind or visually impaired feel even more isolated from their community, that’s according to Kevin Kelly of NCBI (The…

It’s a difficult time for everyone during the Covid 19 pandemic, but the current guidance around social distancing can make people who are blind or visually impaired feel even more isolated from their community, that’s according to Kevin Kelly of NCBI (The…

A Roscommon-Galway TD is calling for a clampdown on profiteering during the current coronavirus pandemic. Independent deputy Denis Naughten says the cost of hand sanitizers in particular have risen due to increased demand. He says he came across one…

A Sligo county councillor is calling for an immediate resolution to the issue of paying student nurses who are working in hospitals during the Covid-19 emergency. While traditionally student nurses are not paid for their work placements, Sligo FG Councillor…

The Dáil meets today to pass emergency laws to deal with the impact of the coronavirus. All stages of the omnibus bill are expected to pass during a 10-hour sitting with reduced attendance. It includes a 3.7 billion euro social welfare package, and a…

Up to 20 volunteers per day are offering their services to the Mayo Volunteer Centre during the Covid-19 crisis. The Mayo Volunteer Centre is now calling on voluntary groups across the county who need assistance to contact them, and will then connect them…

Enshi City in China has offered 5,000 face masks to the Mayor of Galway during the Covid-19 crisis. The former Mayor of Galway City Neil McNeilis had paid a visit several years ago to Enshi, and relations between the two cities have continued, with the…

A 28 year-old man, who was arrested yesterday following the discovery of a cannabis grow house in Claremorris, has been charged and is due in court this morning. Gardai from the Mayo Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by Claremorris Gardai and the Armed Support…

Ulster Bank is temporarily closing 10 non-cash branches, 8 of which are in Dublin. Two Cork locations, Wilton and Winthrop Street complete the list. The bank is also ceasing Saturday opening in 29 locations which includes it's Castlebar branch. While…

The death has taken place of Fr John McCormack, the Parish Priest of Breaffy, Castlebar. He died last night in Cork. Speaking to Midwest News today the Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary paid a warm tribute to the late SMA father who had celebrated his…

The Taoiseach has asked everyone in the country to read the Covid-19 Public Information Booklet to combat the spread of misinformation about the virus. The booklet will be delivered to every home in Ireland by An Post. It explains what the country is doing to…

A proposal to erect a telecommunications mast in the grounds of Breaffy GAA Club will not go ahead, after the club issued a statement last night assuring neighbours, friends and club members that the plan will not proceed. A campaign group was set up in the…

A Sligo TD has welcomed the assistance of Department officials in organising the return of a number of Irish doctors from Australia. The group of 81 Irish doctors have left their jobs in Australia to return home to work in the Irish health service during the…

With many Irish people from across this region, stranded in countries around the world due to the failure of airlines to honour their tickets or now charging astronomical prices for one-way tickets, Sligo county councillor Thomas Walsh is calling on the…

The Government’s blanket closure of all marts is disappointing given that the marts, that had remained open, had put significant effort and finances into staying open in a safe way while still enabling farmers to trade their animals. That’s according to ICOS…

A burglary took place at a petrol station in the Louisburg area overnight. Westport Gardai attended the scene at about 2.40am this morning and discovered extensive damage to the premises. A number of items were taken in the break-in. Gardai say no arrests…

During the Covid-19 oubreak, home helps should be provided with protective clothing and gloves by their employers. That's according to the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council. Westport-based Councillor Brendan Mulroy says home helps are providing a vital…

The organisers of Galway 2020 say there will be a "significant contraction" of this year's programme. The board met yesterday to discuss the evolving situation around the coronavirus pandemic. In light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, the…

Theatres, clubs, marts, markets, hairdressers and bingo halls are among a list of businesses now closed as part of major new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19, as people are advised to work from home unless attendance in the workplace is…

Taoiseach Leo Varadker has announced a number of new restrictions, as the battle against Covid-19 is stepped up. In a press conference shortly after 4pm, Mr Varadker asked people to stay at home if at all possible, and said people should only leave their home…

The 6th coronavirus testing centre was commissioned today for the HSE region covering the counties of Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. A testing centre is up and running at the new swimming pool complex at Lough Lannagh Castlebar, and efforts are now underway…

Mayo Gardai are urging the public to be on alert for scams, during the coronavirus outbreak. Chief Superintendent Tony Healy says 10 new Gardai have been deployed to the Mayo Garda Division, and Garda stations remain open as usual during Covid-19 to respond…

The Health Minister says further restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19 will be announced this afternoon. The National Public Health Emergency Team met this morning and has made a series of recommendations. Cabinet Ministers are currently…

Beds in private hospitals need to made available to the State to tackle the coronavirus. That's according to Galway West Sinn Féin TD Mairead Farrell, who says we have limited capacity in public hospitals, so it's important that private hospital capacity is…

Members of the public are, in places, dropping off bags of donations at Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice Shops, however, all 12 Mayo Roscommon Hospice Shops are closed due to Covid 19 at present and it’s not appropriate, as there is no one there to take the bags in…

Straide Womens’ Group is one of the many voluntary groups that are attempting to keep people connected during the pandemic. The local community is working together to support each other during this time. Rosa Meehan of Straide Womens Group told Midwest News…

The committee that runs the McMahon Park / Clare Lake facility in Claremorris has decided to lock the front gate of the Park until further notice. In a statement to Midwest News they say that “social / physical distancing has not happened to anything like an…

The future of Galway 2020 will be discussed today as organisers count the cost of the coronavirus pandemic. A number of the projects events have already been cancelled or postponed due to the outbreak. One of the measures being considered is possibly pushing…

We'll find out later what further restrictions will be imposed here to tackle the spread of the coronavirus. Schools are likely to stay closed for longer, with restrictions on non-essential work and social activity. Cabinet is meeting to discuss the…

The Saolta Hospital Group, which runs public hospitals across the West including Mayo University Hospital, Galway University Hospital, Roscommon and Sligo University Hospitals- says it's taking a number of measures to prepare for increasing numbers of…

Midlands-northwest MEP Luke Flanagan is among a number of public representatives calling for non-essential businesses and services to be closed immediately, in order to save lives. In a statement to Midwest News, the Independent MEP said it's hard to believe…

Staff at Ireland West Airport Knock have been temporarily laid off, as the airport will suspend operations from next Monday 30th March. Ryanair is suspending all flights to and from Ireland West Airport Knock from tomorrow evening, due to Covid-19, and from…

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is asking landlords to meet with their tenants and come to a mutual agreement about rent payments during the enforced closure of pubs across the country. A significant number of pubs are run by publicans who are…

The Health Minister believes new recommendations will be made to tackle the ongoing issues with social distancing. 906 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland, and four people have lost their lives. In this region, the latest…

Bank of Ireland is temporarily closing 101 of its branches across the country from tomorrow, due to coronavirus. It's due to a significant reduction in footfall over the past ten days. However, Bank of Ireland says 161 bank branches will remain open. In Mayo,…

Three men in their 20s were hospitalised after a stabbing in Co Galway yesterday evening. The assault took place at about 7pm in the Brackernagh area of Ballinasloe. All three men received stab wounds and were taken to Portiuncula Hospital for treatment. Two…

The organising committee of Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2020 and the Mayo County Board wish to advise that due to the current COVID-19 situation, the decision has been taken to defer the Fleadh Cheoil to a later date, should circumstances allow. The Fleadh was…

The Society of St Vincent de Paul in the West region is offering to support people who request their help during the current COVID -19 outbreak. The Society says they're aware of individuals and families who will experience additional financial hardship as a…

Galway West deputy Eamon O’Cuiv took to twitter yesterday to express his concern about what he termed “ disturbing reports from Achill of people travelling to the area, failing to observe social distancing and putting local people at risk”. The Fianna Fail…

An Post is introducing staggered starting times for postal delivery staff based at local postal delivery offices across the country. This will result in later mails and parcels deliveries for some customers starting today, Monday 23rd March.. Social…

New stricter measures may be brought in where people aren't practicing social distancing. It comes as a male in the east of the country has become the fourth person to die from the coronavirus. 906 people now have Covid 19 here. The National Public Health…

The temporary closure of McDonalds fast food chain in Ireland is a big blow to the farming sector, according to IFA President Tim Cullinan Unfortunately,he says, it is reflective of what is happening across Europe where closures have had an impact on the food…

The Sinn Féin leader says government should move to shut down more businesses to stop the spread of coronavirus. Mary Lou McDonald says if employers can't effectively manage social distancing and hygiene measures they should shut up shop. She says there's a…

Sonas Nursing Homes across the region are offering family of residents the opportunity to arrange video calls or regular phone calls in light of the CoronaVirus pandemic. Sonas Nursing Homes in Belmullet, Ballina, Knock, Enniscrone and Roscommon are affording…

The Achill community have come together to provide a helpline to assist people who wish to self-isolate. The Achill Tourism Office will act as a central office for the co-ordinated effort between the GP’s, voluntary and statuary bodies in the Island and its…

The death has taken place of Canon Joe Cooney former director of the Knock Marriage Bureau. Canon Cooney was also a former administrator at Tuam Cathedral and also served as Parish Priest of Ballyhaunis. He was also responsible for religious broadcasts on…

Follow the protocol of social distancing and social isolation for the coming weeks to avoid the deteriorating situation in Italy happening in Ireland. That is the strong message from a Mayo woman living in the Italian city at the heart of the coronavirus…

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association's warning of the widespread shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline health workers. According to the Business Post, the group's President, Dr Donal O'Hanlon, has written to the Health Minister…

The World Health Organisation says it could take up to a year before a vaccine for coronavirus is available. One vaccine trial is underway in the United States while some other vaccines will enter trial phase next week. Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show,…

The HSE says we should keep our mothers safe this Mother's Day by keeping our distance. 102 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed last night, bringing the total in the Republic to 785. Health Minister Simon Harris says people should keep their distance if…

Health Minister Simon Harris says he'll use emergency powers to shut down any pubs that keep trading if they don't shut voluntarily. Independent Councillor Ken O'Flynn says he's seen too many pubs trading in Cork in the last week. He says publican's behaviour…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 102 new confirmedcases of COVID-19 in Ireland. There are now 785 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. The HSE is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them…

Cosmetic Creations has increased the production of its newly launched hand sanitiser by almost 100% due to the continued demand created by Covid-19. The Claremorris-based company has taken on 20 more staff and 20 new contractors in its Cork and Mayo offices…

Celtic Media Group, the parent company of The Connaught Telegraph, has confirmed it will continue to publish its five weekly cover price titles – both in print and online – in the face of collapsing revenues due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Group has…

Childline says vulnerable children still need access to its service - particularly when life's on hold. The helpline has recorded a 20 percent increase in the number of children contacting the service since the coronavirus crisis began. Some children are…

The National Recruitment Federation says the coronavirus could end up leading to a 'remote working revolution' here. The Federation says there are sectors that are growing in this current climate such as the food supply chain. Many other industries, where…

One of the country's biggest local and regional newspaper groups announced last night it will lay off some staff temporarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Celtic Media says it will continue to publish five weekly papers, including The Connaught Telegraph, but…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 126 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. There are now 683 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to…

An action plan has been launched to deal with the community response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring launched an action plan to support the community response. There were three key initiatives, Letting…

Businesses across Ballina need Government support now more so than ever and looking after staff has to be paramount during this pandemic. That's according to the Ballina Chamber of Commerce who say's a rates freeze needs to be introduced to support local…

Danceworld have teamed up with Ballina man Aaron Hannon, who has set up a go fund me page to raise funds for ventilators across the country that will be much needed in the coming weeks (see link below for more info). The Coronavirus Response Team (CRT) is a…

All parks, playgrounds and skate parks in Mayo will be close to public access from today in an effort to promote social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayo County Council made the decision following representations from concerned members of the…

The broadcasting levy paid by local radio stations to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will be waived for the first six months of the year. The Communications Minister made the announcement this morning in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Richard…

Midwest Radio will this morning at 10am, begin its three weekly broadcast of Mass during the coronavirus pandemic. Management at the station has responded to a huge number of requests from listeners to increase religious broadcasts in the wake of the…

An elderly woman has been left without a phone landline for eight days now and she depends on the landline for her home security pendant and according to the Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Michael Kilcoyne the service being provided by Eir, in…

People are being advised to take care of their mental health over the next couple of months - as it can be very easy to get caught up in the coronavirus pandemic. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is encouraging people to take breaks from social media and following…

Due to the severe impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic, Knock Shrine announced this afternoon that it will be placing its employees on a period of temporary lay-off from the end of this week. The statement reads "We do this with a very heavy heart, but…

The IFA is advising farmers to take simple steps in this present Covid19 crisis to ensure they are best prepared for whatever happens to them over the next number of weeks and months. Roy O’Brien Regional Officer with the IFA says farmers like everyone else…

The 2020 Castlebar International Four Day Walking Festival has been cancelled. The annual event, takes place in July, and is one of the country’s longest running walking festivals. In 2001, after 34 years of walking, the event was cancelled in the midst of…

The ordination of the new Bishop of Achonry has been postponed. Bishop-elect Fr Paul Dempsey was due to be ordained on Sunday 19th April, but has requested that the Episcopal Ordination be postponed in light of the Coronavirus epidemic. Fr Dempsey is hoping…

Oral and practical exams for this year's Leaving and Junior Cert have been cancelled, due to coronavirus. The Department of Education has confirmed that students will be awarded full marks in lieu of the oral exams in Irish and modern European languages. Oral…

Land prices in Mayo are now the lowest in the country. That's according to the Irish Farmers Journal Annual Land Price Report, which shows the average price for land in Mayo in 2019 was €4,809 per acre - down 14% on the previous year. The average price of…

The jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering his wife in Sligo has been discharged, after three jurors contacted the court to indicate they were not in a position to attend. The 12-member jury panel was scheduled to hear closing speeches in the murder…

The 2020 Castlebar International Four Day Walking Festival has been cancelled, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Organisers say it's with sadness that they've cancelled the event, but the safety of walkers is paramount. The walking festival was previously…

Nine coronavirus testing centres will be opened across the West of Ireland by the end of this week. A testing centre is up and running in recent days at the new swimming pool complex in Castlebar, and a number of centres are in operation in Galway, including…

Aurivo is temporarily suspending its livestock sales from next Monday 23rd March until at least the end of this month. Aurivo Marts say the decision has been made in light of Covid-19 outbreak, and will be reviewed in the interim. Pre-booked sales at…

In the present Covid-19 outbreak, Irish Water is asking the public, both householders and businesses to help in maintaining vital water and wastewater services by conserving water where possible. In particular, business customers are asked to turn off all…

Dublin, Cork and Limerick have the highest number of coronavirus cases in Ireland. Another 74 people tested positive yesterday, bringing the total in the Republic to 366. New figures from the Department of Health show there are less than five confirmed cases…

Midwest Radio has announced this evening that three masses each week will be broadcast on the station for the foreseeable future. Management at the station said they were reacting to a huge number of requests from listeners to increase religious broadcasts in…

As the fallout from the Covid-19 outbreak continues worldwide, most, if not all of Ryanair flights will be grounded from next Wednesday. The airline says a small number of flights will continue, mostly between the UK and Ireland. From midnight tonight Ryanair…

In its ongoing response to COVID-19, and following guidance from HSE, Mayo County Council offices has taken a number of actions over recent days which affect delivery of some of its services. The measures include the closure of the Library Network, Museums,…

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has ceased all services until further notice. It's written to its ministers to tell them that all congregational activities, including Sunday worship, should stop in light of the evolving coronavirus situation. The Church is…

Ring your elderly or vulnerable neighbours before calling to their home. That’s the advice of Mayo Garda Superintendent Kevin Gatley. Supt Gatley says if you do not know a caller to your home, then don't let them in. He told Midwest News today that the gardai…

Mayo TD Dara Calleary is calling for a temporary freeze on key bills for business during the Covid-19 outbreak. He says this should include a temporary freezing on bank loans, rates, rental payments and utility bills, as businesses across the region try to…

The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council is appealing to Gardai to be lenient on drivers whose motor tax has not been renewed in time. Castlerea Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice says the motor tax office in Roscommon Town has now been closed to the public.…

Retail Excellence has forecast that another 200,000 people will be out of work by the end of this week, because of the measures put in place to tackle the coronavirus. This is in addition to the estimated 140,000 people who have already lost their jobs since…

Yesterday was a St Patrick's Day like no other, with no public Masses, no parades or concerts and no bars or pubs open to celebrate the national holiday. Church bells rang out across the Archdiocese of Tuam at the request of Archbishop Michael Neary, in…

Ireland is in the middle of a national and global emergency. That's according to Taoiseach Leo Varadker, who made a rare Ministerial Address to the nation last night on the coronavirus pandemic. The Government has announced that emergency legislation is to be…

A Roscommon-Galway TD insists it's vital that agricultural marts aren't forced to close because of the coronavirus crisis. There have been calls for marts to close, because of the restrictions on mass gatherings. The Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society…

Ireland West Airport Knock says Lauda is suspending flights on the new Majorca route until the 9th April, due to Covid-19 and Government travel restrictions. All Lauda flights are being suspended from today until midnight on 8th April, and all affected…

Members of the public who are concerned about coronavirus symptoms should stay at home and contact health services over the phone. That was the strong message from the HSE West as they briefed Midwest News about the latest public health advice to stem the…

A teenage boy was located safe and well, following a search operation last night on the Bangor Trail. Mayo Mountain Rescue was called in at about 7pm to assist in the search for the missing teenager who was walking the Letterkeen Loop. The team set up a base…

Supermacs is now offering free meals to staff working in the emergency services. The Irish fast food chain says it wants to recognise the effort being made the emergency teams amid the Coronavirus outbreak. Managing Director of Supermacs, Galway man Pat…

Mayo University Hospital is deferring all but very urgent inpatient, day surgery, diagnostics tests and outpatient appointments from this morning, Monday March 16th until further notice. This is to ensure that the hospital has the necessary capacity to deal…

Mayo County Council will not be found wanting in their approach to dealing with the coronavirus. That’s the strong message from the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Brendan Mulroy, who said the local authority will provide every help they can to the…

The HSE is expecting to ramp up the number of coronavirus tests being carried out from today. A new online system is being rolled out so GPs can order tests for their patients. Out of hours services were flooded with calls over the weekend. President of the…

Forty new cases of covid-19 were confirmed yesterday in the Republic. It was the biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases for the second day in a row. 169 people have now tested positive in the South -- with a further 45 in Northern Ireland bringing the…

Many people who suspected that they had contracted Covid-19 tried in vain over the weekend to make contact with the HSE Helpline for the virus. While many knew they should not present at Emergency Departments of hospitals they felt there was no option but to…

A woman was rescued from the River Moy by a passerby yesterday afternoon. The female entered the river in Ballina Town when a passerby raised the alarm and came to her rescue. She was later taken to hospital where she received medical treatment.…

Mayo Gardaí are advising the public that they are under no obligation to open their doors to unexpected callers. It comes after reports of people offering services caused concern in some communities. Gardaí are advising the public that they are under no…

The Taoiseach says the government may seek new powers to stop large crowds gathering in pubs and clubs during the coronavirus outbreak. Leo Varadkar has insisted they have to stick to rules limiting indoor mass gatherings to 100 people. It follows footage…

Sinn Fein's holding on to a commanding lead in the weeks following the general election. A Sunday Times / Behaviour and Attitudes poll shows a slight recovery for Fine Gael which is up 3 points to 21 percent, while Fianna Fail has slipped one to 19 percent.…

The Manager of an award winning Mayo pub has closed its doors today in response to the coronavirus and is urging all pubs across the country to do the same. Mellett’s Emporium in Swinford has temporarily closed because they felt they had no other choice due…

The 9th Mayo International Choral Festival has been postponed until next year due to the coronavirus outbreak. The festival takes place during the second last week in May each year but the 9th festival is now postponed until May 2021. The festival dates for…

There's a call for local volunteers to support their neighbours through the coronavirus outbreak. Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring is backing efforts being made by social media users in recent days. The Westport-based TD says…

The number of people who've died from the coronavirus in the Republic has risen to two. A man in the east of the country with an underlying medical condition is the second patient to have died. The National Public Health Emergency Team says there have been 39…

The Knock Hose Hotel has reluctantly made the decision to close its doors until the 29th of March effective from Monday. A dramatic fall in footfall business coupled with the effective closure of Knock Shrine to large congregations heavily impacted the…

The US has announced that Ireland the UK will be included in its travel ban. It will come into effect on Monday. As it stands, any non-American citizen travelling from mainland Europe isn't being allowed in but the restrictions will widen. Donald Trump…

People looking to be tested for covid-19 have been flooding GP out-of-hours centres and the 999 emergency line today with a "high volume" of calls. The HSE is asking people to keep 999 and 112 for emergencies only -- and says out-of-hours doctors can't order…

Five new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the North. It brings the total number of cases there to 34 and 124 on the whole island of Ireland. Earlier today, Government ministers and the chief medical officer met with their Northern Irish…

A Ballina Councillor is calling for an improved road layout on the N26 Ballina to Foxford road, at the turn-off for the Ballinahaglish Cemetery. FG Councillor John O'Hara says there's no traffic island, and motorists have to stop on the road until they can…

CAP Payments to beef farmers must be increased to offset damage done to the sector. That’s the view of the IFA National Livestock Chairman, Killala native Brendan Golden who says the next Minister for Agriculture must insist that direct payments to beef and…

The HSE says it's planning to test a lot more people for coronavirus as the number of cases in Ireland rises. 20 new cases in the Republic were confirmed last night, including two of community transmission and four healthcare workers. It brings the total to…

The Republic of Ireland has 90 cases of COVID-19. Twenty new diagnosis of the disease were made yesterday, which includes two healthcare workers. On the island there are 119 cases being treated. Dr Tony Holohan, the state's Chief Medical Officer - says there…

An Irish Coast Guard crew have paid tribute to their Rescue 116 colleagues, on the 3rd anniversary of their death. Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, Captain Mark Duffy, and winch men Ciarán Smith and Paul Ormsby all lost their lives on Tuesday 14th of March 2017,…

All driving tests scheduled to take place from tomorrow until March 29th have been suspended. Anyone who was due to take their test during this period will have it rescheduled free of charge. The RSA says it will make reasonable efforts to accommodate tests…

GoBus.ie will be suspending all services from next Monday until further notice to protect their team against Covid19. GoBus.ie will be keeping the situation under review and will make decisions as required, and endeavour to resume services as soon as…

Anyone returning from Spain or Italy will have to restrict their movements for the next two weeks, including not going to work and reducing their social interactions. The decision's been made by the National Public Health Emergency Team. Environmental health…

We need to listen to the clear advice being provided by our public health experts and not keyboard warriors in the present coronavirus outbreak. That’s the view of Sligo Fine Gael Councillor Thomas Walsh who has hit out at what he terms “irresponsible…

Ireland West Airport Knock assures it’s passengers that it is business as usual at the airport. The airport has no direct flights to regions badly affected by the coronavirus outbreak, as all of its air services during the winter season are to the UK only. A…

An enhanced cleaning regime is required immediately on all public transport services across the country in light of the coronavirus outbreak, that’s the view of Sligo deputy Marc MacSharry, the Fianna Fail spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport. He has…

Like other religious ceremonies across the region, prayers at the Mosque in Ballyhaunis will not take place today - Friday is the Sabbath day for the Muslim community and lunchtime prayers at the mosque today know as Jummah will not go ahead. Up to 500…

Marts will remain open today, according to Mart Managers of Ireland (MMI) The Irish Farmers Journal says marts are putting a limit on the number of people that can attend sales ringside, as concerns over the coronavirus outbreak grow. The Irish Co-operative…

Thousands of people are working from home today as schools, colleges and creches remain closed. 70 people have now been infected with the coronavirus in Ireland, and one person has died. Yesterday saw a 63 percent increase on the day's before number of people…

Gardai are planning to increase patrols across the country in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Stephen Murphy has more details: Empty shelves and queues with hundreds of people were common sights at supermarkets yesterday. The government's appeal for…

The Air Accident Investigation Unit has this evening published a third interim on the progress of the investigation into the crash of the Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter off the north Mayo coast. The crash claimed the lives of four Coastguard members - and…

Mayo county councillor Patsy O’Brien is running as an Independent in the upcoming Seanad Election. In a short statement from the Fine Gael press office today it states that councillor O’Brien has been “suspended from the party pending an investigation by the…

Pharmacists are urging customers not to stock pile medicine in the present crisis and not to go into a pharmacy if they suspect they have contracted Covid -19. That’s according to Tuam based pharmacist Darragh O’Loughlin , Secretary General of the Irish…

In relation to religious gatherings, the Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary says Masses will still be celebrated, but the advice to the public is to heed the health experts. He says people can access Mass on parish or local radio, or by using the webcam…

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the country's schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. From 6pm this evening, schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close. In relation to cultural events, indoor…

Homes across the country are in danger of losing electricity today because of high winds. An orange wind warning is in place for counties Mayo and Donegal. A yellow alert affects 10 other counties, while Donegal is also under a status yellow snow/ice…

The Green Party's refusing to engage with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on the formation of a new coalition government. It's instead calling for the establishment of a national government to deal with coronavirus. It comes as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil begin…

As a precautionary measure with the Covid 19 outbreak, that will only be activated, if deemed necessary, Foxford based councillor Neil Cruise and others are assembling a list of potential volunteers who may need to be called upon to deliver prescriptions,…

The United States has banned travel from most of Europe because of the coronavirus outbreak. The restrictions will come in tomorrow( Friday) for the next 30 days - but it won't apply to Ireland or the UK. Meanwhile, Italy is closing all but essential shops…

The first death linked to coronavirus in Ireland has been confirmed. The woman who contracted the virus died in a hospital in the east of the country. She was one of 34 people that have contracted the virus so far in Ireland. The woman was elderly and had an…

Hand washing remains the most effective way to control the spread of the coronovirus, according to Dr Aine McNamara Specialist in Public Health Medicine in the HSE West. Speaking to Midwest News today she stated that Ireland remains in the containment stage…

The delegation from Mayo County Council due to travel to New York and Philadelphia for St Patricks Day events have decided not to travel. The decision was taken this morning. The Cathaoirleach Brendan Mulroy and Chief Executive Peter Hynes conveyed their…

The Minister for Health Simon Harris has said "more restrictions", including the potential widespread closure of schools, may be needed if Ireland is to successfully overcome the coronavirus outbreak. Speaking on national media, Minister Harris said any new…

The Co Roscommon village of Keadue has been chosen as one of two locations in Ireland to participate in the 2020 Entente Florale competition. A total of 8 towns and villages are representing Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and Hungary in…

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cuiv claims Fianna Fáil should form a national government because of coronavirus - not a coalition with Fine Gael. Both parties have agreed to hold detailed talks about forming an administration, and they're likely to begin today.…

The Taoiseach travels to Washington DC today for a pared-back schedule of St Patrick's Day celebrations. The lack of a government and fears over the coronavirus have led to a much shorter trip than usual. Tonight, Leo Varadkar attends the Ireland Funds Dinner…

Ten new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland - bringing the total number to 34. Two are healthcare workers, while the remainder had either returned from an affected area or had close contact with another confirmed case. The…

A judge has directed that three siblings be arrested by Gardai and brought before the High Court over their alleged failure to comply with an order to vacate their Co Roscommon home. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds made the order directing the attachment of…

Four news cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the North, bringing the total on the island of Ireland to 40. Northern Ireland's Department of Health says all four new cases are adults. One of the new patients recently travelled to northern Italy, while…

Ryanair and Aer Lingus are suspending all Italian flights because of the coronavirus outbreak. Aer Lingus will stop flying to and from Italy tomorrow, while Ryanair will continue to operate flights until midnight on Friday. Both airlines say they have…

Fears over the spread of coronavirus have already hit some major sporting fixtures, and St Patrick's Day parades across the country are also being cancelled. Businesses in towns and villages across the region will be hit as a result of the cancellations,…

Tuam Gardaí are investigating a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian at Killelaun Tuam, Co Galway. The collision occurred at approximately 8.15pm yesterday evening on the Tuam side of Cloonmore Bridge on the Tuam-Galway Road. Emergency…

A Westport councillor has called on Eirgrid to consider a 220 KV power line to run from Ballina to Ballaghaderreen instead of the 110KV line planned. Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn believes that it is vital that the county has infrastructure ready for the…

The consultation process on Eirgrid’s proposed new 110 KV line that will run from Ballina to Ballaghaderreen is the latest victim of the coronavirus. Progress on the provision of a substantially upgraded electricity line for a large part of county Mayo, is on…

 A Mayo councillor is pleading with the general public to report any information they have in relation to drug-dealing across the county. Following a recent drugs seizure in Ballinrobe, local FG Councillor Michael Burke says drugs are available in every town…

Some progress is being made in the provision of bus shelters across Co Mayo. That's according to Castlebar FG Councillor Ger Deere, who highlighted the issue several months ago. He called for bus shelters to be provided, particularly at bus stops located on…

The Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders will meet again this morning to discuss policy issues. It comes amid speculation government formation talks may start sooner than expected because of the coronavirus outbreak. Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin met for more…

There's a possibility of more spot flooding in 15 counties today, due to heavy rain. Met Eireann says the midlands, west and south-west will be worst hit. River levels remain high after the recent flooding crisis – however, considerably below the peak. Cathal…

All funeral services for coronavirus victims should be postponed and the deceased brought straight to the crematorium or cemetery for committal, according to recommendations from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors issued on Monday. That’s according to…

Visiting restrictions remain in place at hospitals across the Saolta Group - including Mayo and Sligo University Hospitals, University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park, Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinasloe and Roscommon University Hospital. The visiting…

A homeless charity has helped find accommodation for 39 people who were living in Direct Provision in Ballyhaunis last year. Depaul worked with families and individuals who had been granted legal status to remain in Ireland, and helped them begin to integrate…

A Ballina coffee shop was one of four food businesses served with closure orders last month, for breaches of food safety legislation. Costa Coffee on Pearse Street in Ballina was served with a closure order on the 10th February, and the order was lifted two…

Members of Mayo County Council have extended sympathy to the family of the Ballina man whose body was discovered in the waters at The Quay in Westport yesterday morning. 32-year old Sean Hynes from Gurteens, Ballina had been attending an event in Westport at…

The St Patrick's Day Parade in Claremorris will not go ahead next week. Midwest News understands it's the first parade in Mayo to have been cancelled, as fears grow over the spread of Coronavirus. There's no decision yet in relation to parades in Castlebar,…

Visiting restrictions remain in place at hospitals across the Saolta Group - including Mayo and Sligo University Hospitals, University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park, Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinasloe and Roscommon University Hospital. The visiting…

A national helpline has been launched today for elderly people who have concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. ALONE - the organisation that supports older people - is operating the helpline in association with the Department of Health and the HSE. The…

234 admitted patients are waiting for beds this morning, according to today’s INMO Trolley Watch figures. The worst-hit hospital today is Sligo University Hospital where 23 people are awaiting beds. That’s followed by Letterkenny University Hospital and St…

A Mayo-based company will today produce its first bottles of a new hand sanitiser in response to increasing demand. Cosmetic Creations, based in Mayo and Cork, has formulated and tested a new hand sanitiser called Airmedica, following requests from the public…

A yellow weather warning for rain is in place across Connaught counties until 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Counties Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary are also affected. Met Eireann is advising that…

DePaul has helped over 300 people to leave Direct Provision centres across the country. There are 5,600 people living in 36 centres nationwide, with an extra 1,600 people staying in emergency accommodation. The homeless charity worked across seven counties…

With 33 cases of Covid 19 are confirmed across the island of Ireland, a new Cabinet committee will meet today to discuss the coronavirus outbreak. Two new cases were confirmed in the Republic last night, bringing the total number here to 21.Five new cases…

Cancelling major St Patrick's Day Parades across the country would be a proportionate measure to protect the public from the spread of coronavirus. That's the view of Fianna Fáil Deputy for Galway West Eamon O'Cuiv, who took to twitter last night to air his…

It’s always wonderful to be recognised in your own county, according to the former President of Ireland and UN Human Rights Commissioner on Justice, Ballina native Mary Robinson. Mrs Robinson received a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award at the weekend, at the…

Gardaí in Westport are investigating all off the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was discovered at The Quay, Westport yesterday morning. He has been named locally as 32 year old Ballina man Sean Hynes. It's understood that he had been…

Gardaí in Westport are investigating all off the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in his 30s whose body was discoverd at The Quay, Westport this morning. The discovery was made by a passer-by who raised the alarm shortly before 9am. The man's body…

The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens not to travel to the Italian region of Lombardy or 14 other provinces placed in lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. It is also cautioning against non-essential travel to the regions of…

The body of a young man has been recovered from the water at the Quay in Westport this morning. The alert was raised by a person walking in the area. Emergency services have been at the scene for a number of hours. His remains are due to be removed to Mayo…

Fianna Fáil's Jim O'Callaghan is reported to be under pressure from party colleagues to challenge Micheál Martin's leadership. The Sunday Times says he's been approached by TDs unhappy with the presidential style approach used in the general election. Some…

A warning's going out to 15 counties over heavy rainfall over the coming days. The Weather advisory from Met Eireann says 40 to 50 millimetres of rain is expected to fall in places until Tuesday. It applies to Connacht, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan,…

Retail group Musgrave has contacted suppliers asking for information on the predicted effect of the coronavirus on their supply chains. According to today's Sunday Independent, Musgraves - the group behind Super Valu and Centra chains - is working with…

Around 16 million people have been put on lockdown in Italy. The government signed a decree at midnight saying no one is allowed in or out of the Lombardy region, as well as 14 provinces. Museums, gyms and swimming pools will close. Cafes and restaurants can…

A leading cancer doctor says protecting the sick and infirm from covid-19 should be enough reason to cancel the St Patrick's Day Parade. Professor John Crown says evidence from China shows cancer patients and survivors have the highest rates of critical…

The recruitment embargo on nurses and midwives has been lifted. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha says the HSE has confirmed the move, as all sides work to cope with the coronovirus outbreak. She says the lifting of the ban was vital, to protect…

Gardai investigating fake insurance claims through staged road crashes have searched a number of homes and businesses in Co. Roscommon. Two people were arrested last week for a breach of work permits and immigration related offences. One of them has since…

Mick Mulvaney has been appointed as the new US special envoy to Northern Ireland. He's been replaced as acting chief of staff, a role he's held since the end of 2018. Mr Mulvaney, who has links to Co. Mayo, will be replaced by congressman Mark Meadows. Scott…

The Green Party want its leader to share the position of Taoiseach if they form a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. The Irish Times reports the party would want Eamon Ryan to lead such a government for one out of a five year term. Fine Gael has said…

The Irish Farmers Association is concerned of more widespread flooding over the next three days. Met Eireann is warning 15 counties to expect heavy rain from today until Tuesday. The advisory affects the midlands and west, which was badly flooded last…

Mary Robinson reluctantly accepted the prestigious international position as Chair of the Elders. She told Midwest News yesterday that says she is honoured to do the demanding job, and describes herself as "a chair among equals". The Elders is an…

A healthcare worker in the south of the country is one of the latest people to be diagnosed with coronavirus in Ireland. She'd come into contact with a previously confirmed case and is among five new cases of Covid 19, bringing the total to 18. There are now…

Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI)) has today confirmed that visiting restrictions are now in place in nursing homes nationwide. No non-essential visiting of children or groups will be allowed. All visitors are asked to contact the nursing home prior to attending.…

The HSE has advised some pupils in a county Galway national school to stay at home after it emerged they had been in contact with a confirmed case of a person with the coronavirus. Craughwell National School were directed by the HSE in a letter yesterday to…

Garda Supt in Ballina Joe Doherty has appealed for witnesses to an incident of anti social behaviour that occurred at a housing estate in Foxford on Sunday last. Local councillor Neil Cruise told Midwest News today that “all hell broke loose” in the incident…

Ballina Lions Club will honour former President Mary Robinson as the Chair of the internationally renowned The Elders at a special function in the town this evening. The former President of Ireland and Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson, succeeded the…

As fears grow over the spread of Coronavirus, a Mayo-based company has launched a new hand sanitiser, in response to increasing demand. Cosmetic Creations, based in Mayo and Cork, has formulated and tested a new hand sanitiser called Airmedica, following…

One and a half thousand jobs are to go at AIB over the next three years. It's after the bank published its profits for last year, which are down by 60 per cent - mainly because of the tracker mortgage scandal. AIB CEO Colin Hunt insists they've no intention…

Westport-based workwear company Portwest has announced an investment in an Italian footwear manufacturer. Base Protection Footwear makes safety shoes for millions of people globally, operating factories in Italy and Albania. This is Portwest's first…

A Foxford councillor claims that "all hell broke loose" last Sunday night during an incident at the Sliabh Rua housing estate in the town. At this week's meeting of the Claremorris / Swinford Municipal District, FG Councillor Neil Cruise requested that…

The Irish Wheelchair Association has won another national award for the independent-living houses in Belmullet. The Chartered Institute of Housing hosted its annual awards ceremony in Belfast recently, to recognise outstanding achievement in all aspects of…

Six agencies have joined forces with Irish Water to try and resolve the ongoing problem with pesticide exceedances in the Newport public water supply. Glyphosate and MCPA have both been detected at levels higher than that allowed under EU and Irish…

Seven more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland - bringing the total to 13. For the first time, one person picked it up in the community and did not travel to northern Italy. It's believed that this case in Cork is the country's…

The trial of a man accused of murdering his wife at their home in Sligo has heard she had defensive wounds on her arm, and died from manual strangulation. Rafal Karaczyn of Crozon Park, Sligo has pleaded guilty to her manslaughter, but denies murdering his…

Ballyhaunis Community School is attended by students from over 30 countries across the world. After the 2011 Census, Ballyhaunis became known as Ireland's most culturally diverse town, and the local secondary school now has teenagers from some 33 countries…

15 weekly flights between Ireland West Airport Knock and the UK cities of Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham have been cancelled with immediate effect, after Flybe collapsed into administration overnight. It includes two inbound and outbound flights today…

As the Neale road in south Mayo continues to be impacted by flooding, Mayo County Council is urging motorists not to drive through floodwaters, but to take another route. The council has been forced to install CCTV cameras as a deterrent to drivers at The…

EmergencyTimes.ie and its event partner, Mayo County Council, have announced that the emergency services “Blue Light Summit”, which was due to take place on 27th & 28th of March at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar, has been postponed. Event Organisers…

Airline Flybe has collapsed - just weeks after a rescue deal saved it from going bust. It says coronavirus has caused a drop in bookings. Here its flights have been grounded at Ireland West Airport Knock, Cork, and Dublin. in a statement from Ireland West…

A south Mayo councillor has called for a representative of the Office of Public Works to come before the next meeting of the Claremorris / Swinford Municipal District of Mayo County Council to outline their plans for flood allevation measures at The Neale…

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit two bars and a GAA club in Galway on the final day of their visit to Ireland. William and Kate are starting their day in Tribeton, a bar filled with the work of local craftsmen. Following that they will visit…

TDs in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be briefed on policy discussions between the two parties later as the Dáil meets for a second time. A six hour discussion between the two parties has not changed Fine Gael's position that it wants to head for the…

Four more cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Ireland. A family of four in Co Clare tested positive for Covid 19 after returning from Northern Italy. The two males and two females are the first cluster here and brings to 6 the number of confirmed…

Plans by the HSE to cut a number of posts in Primary Care services across the West will be raised with the Department of Health today. A meeting was held yesterday in Mayo between unions and HSE management, where it emerged that 40 primary care posts were…

Planning permission has been approved for a new 50-bed community nursing home in Tuam. Galway County Council had granted planning permission to the HSE last year for the nursing home, but this decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala. The planning appeals…

South African human rights activist Kumi Naidoo will deliver the fifth Mary Robinson International Human Rights lecture in Ballina this Friday. Kumi Naidoo is a former general secretary of Amnesty International and was the first African head of Greenpeace.…

The Mayo Stages Rally takes place around Castlebar this Sunday, with hundreds of motorsport fans expected in the county town for the event, which returns after an 11-year gap. The Mayo rally is part of the new season of the National Rally Championship, and…

Last month was the wettest February on record in many areas, as three named storms brought rainfall "well above average" for this time of year, according to Met Éireann. 16 stations across the country saw their wettest-ever February following what forecasters…

The Mayo-based Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring will be travelling to Boston next week for the St Patrick's Day celebrations. However, Ministers travelling abroad this year as part of the scaled-back St Patrick's Day visits have been…

Former Roscommon-Galway TD Eugene Murphy has secured a Fianna Fail nomination for the Seanad elections. Mr Murphy, who lost his Dail seat in last month's general election, says he's delighted to receive on the of the 13 inside nominations for the party, and…

On Tuesday’s Mid-morning Show a listener asked if we could share the following prayer on our website. For the times we’re living through, it is very apt. St Roch was marked with a red cross on his chest at birth. When his parents died he inherited great…

Traffic disruption is likely in Galway later this evening, as a rush-hour protest is being held in the city. The 'Get Galway Grooving' demonstration is against the construction of the N6 City Ring Road, while an oral hearing is continuing in Galway into the…

HSE representatives are meeting union officials in Mayo this afternoon to discuss cuts in primary care services in the Western region. The Fórsa trade union is highlighting cuts to occupational therapy in the region, the culling of 63 posts in primary care,…

As focus now switches to the Seanad elections, 7 Mayo candidates are bidding for seats in the Upper House. Fianna Fail's Lisa Chambers, who lost her Dail seat last month, is contesting the Cultural & Educational Panel - alongside Aontu's Paul Lawless and…

A Sligo-based county councillor has been selected to take over the European Parliament seat of his Sinn Fein colleague Matt Carthy. Mr Carthy was elected to the Dáil in the Cavan - Monaghan constituency in last month's general election. Councillor Chris…

University Hospital Galway was the third most-overcrowded in the country during last month, according to new figures from the INMO. During the month of February, 805 patients were treated on trolleys at the Galway hospital - with Limerick and Cork University…

The N17 road between Knock and Claremorris has fully reopened, following an earlier collision. Two cars were involved in a crash near the Barnacarroll junction shortly before 10am. Gardai, ambulance and fire personnel attended the scene. The drivers of both…

The cabinet will get an update on the Coronavirus later today, when it meets to discuss Ireland's preparation for an outbreak of COVID-19. Government Ministers will also discuss the impact of severe flooding in parts of the country over the past few weeks as…

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will begin their first official trip to Ireland later, with a visit to Galway city centre being planned on Thursday. While the city centre will remain open for business, no vehicles will be allowed access to William St,…

Funding of over €43,000 has been allocated to provide sensory facilities and equipment in Castlebar and Ballina libraries. The Mayo-based Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring has allocated the funding to assist people with sensory…

The teenager who died in a road collision in Co Galway at the weekend will be laid to rest tomorrow. 16-year old Róisín Hession from Cahergal, Tuam died when the car in which she was a passenger hit a wall in Oughterard at about 1.15am on Sunday morning.…

Sinn Féin has cancelled its public meetings in Cavan and Galway after a case of Coronavirus was confirmed at the school Mary Lou McDonald's children attend. The Sinn Féin leader has said she wants to stay close to home after the school was closed for two…

A grant scheme to support commemorative events for former residents of Mother and Child Institutions and those who had comparable experiences in County Homes has been launched today. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has…

Founder of Irelands Future Gerry Loftus has said the organisation will work closely with the new alliance of independents recently formed in the west. Mr Loftus said the organisation will hold public meetings across the county to insure the concerns of the…

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry official new vehicle statistics show that new car registrations for February were down 8% (13,915) when compared to February 2019 (15,069). Registrations this year to date are also down 5% (45,096) on the same period…

Gardai in Athlone are investigating after a car smashed through a level crossing barrier in Roscommon yesterday morning. It occurred at Knockcroghery at around 10am, when a car drove through the level crossing before proceeding to do a three-point turn and…

The teenage girl killed in a road crash in Oughterard yesterday has been named locally as Roisin Hession. The 16 year old was the passenger in a car which hit a wall at around 1.15am on Sunday. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car – a…

Met Eireann says wintry showers and thunderstorms are likely in parts this week, as adverse weather conditions continue. The forecaster has warned of long spells of sleet and snow in northern parts, with temperatures dropping to between zero and one degree.…

Mayo Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry Murray has been nominated by his party to contest the upcoming Seanad Elections. The deadline for proposals of nomination to the vocational panels for the Seanad elections is today. Polling for the vocational panels on the…

Icy conditions have caused multiple incidents in the western half of the country this morning. Emergency services are at the scene of a road traffic collision between Balla and Claremorris at Carrowgarve. It’s an extremely busy morning for inbound traffic in…

Parents will feel the brunt of flooding in the Midlands and West this morning as they try to drive their children to school. Along with the recent closure of the N65 between Portumna and Borrisokane - there are more than 30 minor roads closed by flooding…

Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a 16 year-old girl was killed in a crash in County Galway. It happened when a car struck a wall in Porridgetown, Oughterard at around 1.15am yesterday morning. The teenager who was a passenger in the car died at the…

An Erris-based Fianna Fáil senator has written to all the party’s councillors calling for Micheál Martin to stand down as party leader. Senator Keith Swanick told party colleagues that Fianna Fáil needs “fundamental, root and branch change” and can no longer…

Hundreds of homes and businesses remain without power along Atlantic coastal counties today, as the clean up continues after Storm Jorge. Galway, Clare and parts of the midlands are also continuing to face the prospect of flooding, with several road closures…

A male patient who recently returned from the north of Italy has been confirmed as the first coronavirus case here. The Department of Health says the man is receiving "appropriate medical care" in a healthcare setting rather than self-isolating at home.…

A teenage girl has died after a single vehicle accident in Oughterard Co.Galway at around 1:15am this morning. The girl was a passenger in a car which hit a wall. She died at the scene and her body has been removed to University Hospital Galway for a post…

Galway Gardaí are advising the public not to travel unless absolutely necessary after a high rise vehicle was blow off the road in Connemara. The incident occurred earlier on this afternoon on the N59 near Shaughnessys bridge at Maam Cross in Connemara. An…

The HSE have confirmed that the contract for the GP clinic in Bangor has been extended until the 31st of March. The initial offer for the Bangor Erris / Glenamoy GP post was declined by the candidate and Midwest news understands that the second choice…

Two Government schemes have been announced to support people and businesses affected by flooding. A Humanitarian Assistance scheme for householders, and a Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses, have been enacted by the Department of Employment…

A Status Red Wind Warning is now in place for Clare and Galway as Storm Jorge hits Ireland. The alert's in place until 3pm, with gusts of up to 145 kilometres per hour expected, and a risk of coastal flooding. Several other warnings are also in place for the…

Ireland West Airport Knock are advising passengers travelling to the airport today to take care following snow accumulations overnight. A Status yellow snow and ice warning remains in place for the country until 4pm this afternoon. IWAK told Midwest News that…

Gardaí are investigating an incident of theft that occurred on Wednesday in the Swinford area. Accessories from an Electronic road sign located at the roadside on the Main N5 , between Swinford and Charlestown, Mullenmadogue, Co Mayo, were allegedly stolen…