The Department of Health has reported a further 1,049 new cases of Covid-19 this evening. 310 people are in hospital with the virus - an increase of 14 in the past 24 hours. 66 people are being treated in ICU - up 1 in the same period. Latest figures show the…

€586,000 in additional funding has been provided for “The Atlantic Story” in Aughleam by Údarás na Gaeltachta. This was confirmed by Mayo Fine Gael TD Michael Ring - a former Minister for Rural and Community Development. Previously, €2.4 million was allocated…

A GAA club grounds in Co Roscommon was damaged by vandals over the weekend. Extensive damage was caused to a dressing room and dug out at St Faithleach's club grounds in Ballyleague, while a tractor parked at the grounds was also damaged. In a social media…

Two Mayo businesses are among the finalists in the Food and Drink Producer category of the Energia Family Awards 2021. Calvey’s butchers of Achill and Kellys butchers of Newport have both been named as finalists. This particular award recognises consistency…

A new report warns there will be 3,700 fewer jobs in the drinks and hospitality industry in the West of Ireland next year, as the impact of the Covid pandemic is set to continue. Despite the predicted economic recovery, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland…

A new charity called "Friends of Mayo University Hospital" has been launched. The charity has been set up by a voluntary group to fundraise, to enhance and improve the overall hospital experience for patients and their families at the Castlebar hospital. The…

Members of the recently formed Sligo Pyrite group joined Mayo members of the Pyrite group in Ballina yesterday at the Mayo group’s demonstration in the town centre calling for 100 percent Redress for householders where pyrite has been independently confirmed…

There are 40 patients being treated on trolleys today at University Hospital Galway. Nationally, the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation has reported 426 patients on trolleys, waiting for admission to hospital beds. The most overcrowded is Cork University…

The HSE says there's been a 20% reduction in the number of people coming forward for a Covid test over the past three days. It comes as new rules surrounding testing for children come into effect from today. Children under the age of 12 no longer have to…

A shortage of Home Care workers is leading to a major crisis, as people who have been allocated home care hours are not having the service provided. That's according to Galway East TD Sean Canney, who says home help hours are being allocated to people who…

The winner of the Galway heat of FameLab 2021 was Debismita Dutta, a PhD student based in University College Cork (UCC). Kyra Menai Hamilton a researcher with Teagasc and based in Galway, took home the runner up award in the world's leading science…

The official opening of Roscommon Palliative Care Support Unit has been pushed back. Originally set for the 1st of October, it will now take place on the 5th of November at 2pm. This is to facilitate a change to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly's…

Thousands of children are returning to school after a change to contact tracing rules. The Chief Medical Officer says from today contact tracing of close contacts in primary schools and creches won't be needed. Children aged 12 or under who are close contacts…

Younger people are less likely to get vaccinated against covid 19 than the rest of the population. A new Ipsos MRBI survey for the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association shows vaccine hesitancy is at 13 per cent among 18 to 34 year olds. 8 per cent of…

Roughly 370,000 households are set to begin receiving this year's fuel allowance payments from this week. Around 292 million euro's to be paid out through the means-tested payment for the next 28 weeks. Recipients will receive either the weekly rate of 28…

The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have called on the Government to ensure that all farmers are catered for in this year’s budget citing lack of access to critical schemes as a major issue for many of their members. In discussing this year’s…

1,459 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland. It comes as 65 people with the virus are in ICUs nationally for the second day in a row. Latest figures from the Department of Health show the number of people across the hospital system who have…

A demonstration is underway in Ballina calling for 100% redress for homeowners affected Pyrite and Mica. The North Mayo Pyrite Group organised the meeting that is taking place outside Dunnes Stores in the town since 2pm. They are urging the public to support…

The death has taken place of Paddy Prendergast, full-back on the last Mayo team to win the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. A native of Ballintubber, He was aged 95 and won the Sam Maguire with Mayo in 1950 and ’51. The former Garda lived most of his…

Temperatures are set to drop in the coming days after an unseasonably warm September, so far. From tonight it will be cooler and feel more autumnal. Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather looks ahead.

The Taoiseach Michael Martin has said he has no issue with the principle of children aged 5 - 12 being vaccinated against Covid 19. He made his comments following the announcement by Pfizer - BioNTech that their shot is safe and effective for children in that…

The Minister for Health has announced the removal of all States from the Mandatory Hotel Quarantine list. Six South American countries were the last nations left on the list. Over 10,000 people entered Mandatory Hotel Quarantine - which was introduced in…

The HSE has today been notified of 1,335 confirmed cases of Covid-19. This is an increase of 172 on yesterday's figure. 282 COVID-19 patients are in hospital this monring with the virus - a decrease of 15 in the last 24 hours 65 Covid patients are in ICU.

20 men and women were said to be in battle, drinking and shouting at the front of a house in a housing estate in Castlebar earlier this month, and smashed car and house windows during the fracas. A woman, who is a resident of the estate, described herself as…

Bartragh Island off the Mayo coastline has been sold, ending hopes of golfer Nick Faldo building a golf course on it. The Irish Times reports that the large private island came to the market in late 2019/2020, and agent Colliers has now confirmed its sale for…

The National Public Health Emergency Team is to end routine contact tracing for people with Covid-19, when remaining pandemic restrictions are lifted in four weeks. According to today's Irish Times a decision will be made after NPHET monitors the effect of…

A seaside property raffled this week in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford has been won by a woman from Roscommon. Cove Lodge, which was valued at €300,000, was raffled by winthishouse.ie through Rafall, with tickets costing just €23. The draw attracted a lot of…

A pop-up COVID-19 Test Centre will open for two days in Ballina from Monday. It’ll open in The Stephenites GAA Grounds in the town on Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 5pm. These centres form part of the HSE’s efforts to facilitate enhanced COVID-19 testing for…

The Law Society of Ireland has appointed Ballina man Mark Garrett as their new Director General. He will commence the role on the 3rd of January next year after his appointment was approved by the Law Society Council at a meeting today. Mr Garrett has…

Gardaí have located a man missing from the Athenry area of Galway since Tuesday. Nicolas Couch has been located safe and well. An Garda Síochána have thanked the media and the public for their assistance.

Irish Water and Mayo County Council are notifying all customers on the Clare Island Public Water Scheme that following consultation with the HSE, the drinking water restriction imposed on the supply on the 18th June 2021, is now lifted with immediate effect.…

1,163 new cases of Covid19 have been confirmed today. 297 patients are in hospital with the virus, that's up 11 from yesterday. 61 are in ICU, an increase of two on yesterday's figures.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar's reassured his party's TDs that 100% compensation remains on the table for families impacted by Mica and Pyrite. He met with representatives from counties where the issue is most acute, in Mayo, Donegal, Clare and Limerick The…

There is a call on the government to build temporary and alternative accommodation for those in homes affected by Pyrite and Mica. It comes as the Tanaiste prepares to meet party colleagues who want the government to agree to a 100 per cent redress scheme.…

Three local electoral areas in Mayo currently have 14-day incidence rates of Covid-19 above the national average. Castlebar, Ballina and the Claremorris LEA’s had the highest totals in the county with rates of 574, 554 and 424 per 100,000 population…

Castlebar native, and former journalist with Midwest News, Fiona McGarry has won a national award as a lecturer in Broadcast Journalism at NUIG. Fiona is the recipient of the 2021 disciplinary Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award for her commitment to…

 Cannibis herb is now the illegal drug of choice among users and sellers in Mayo, according to Mayo Garda Superintendent Joe McKenna. That has changed since the start of the summer when cocaine was the drug of choice in the county. At today’s county Joint…

The route of the underground cable from Ballaghaderreen to Ballina , that will provide the new 110KV electricity line into this region, is being finalised by Eirgrid, at present. The company, after extensive public consultation, decided to run the 60km long…

The extension at Newport National School has now been approved to proceed to construction, after going to tender in June for additional accommodation. According to Mayo Fine Gael deputy Alan Dillon, confirmation of the final approval has been received from…

Bord na Móna and ESB have announced that financial close has been reached on the €150 million Oweninny wind project in North Mayo. The project will be financed with long-term debt from a consortium of banks. Located between Crossmolina and Bangor Erris, the…

The Tánaiste will come under pressure to back a 100 per cent mica redress scheme during a meeting this afternoon. He's holding talks with some of his Fine Gael colleagues, such as TDs from Donegal and Mayo. They want homeowners to be fully compensated for…

A Covid-19 booster vaccination programme will begin next week. The HSE will start offering third dose appointments to people with compromised immune systems from Wednesday. The jabs will start to be administered from next Friday. NIAC recommended earlier this…

A new bank holiday and a 30cents increase in the minimum wage are being considered as part of a package of Budget measures aimed at rewarding frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic. If it happens than the number of annual bank holidays would…

The government has firmly ruled out a commission of investigation 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…

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Gardai are supporting the Disability Federation of Ireland’s ‘Make Way Day’ today (September 24) with a campaign highlighting illegal parking on footpaths and cycle lanes. The campaign reminds drivers that parking on…

Hundreds of school students are expected to take part in climate change protests this afternoon in Galway, Cork and Dublin. The Friday for Future movement began after Greta Thunberg skipped school and sat outside the Swedish parliament demanding change. Irish…

The Day Care Centres for the elderly in Mayo are not all providing the services they provided pre-covid, and Independent Castlebar councillor Michael Kilcoyne wants to know why and when full services will be restored. The councillor is a member of the HSE…

The Department of Health has this evening confirmed an additional 1,355 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. There are 286 people in hospital, up 14, with 59 in ICU, down 4 from yesterday.

Gardaí are seeking public assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Nicolas Couch, aged 39, who is missing from the Athenry area of Galway since Monday (20th September) Nicolas is described as being 6’2” in height, of slim build and with blue eyes and greying…

Stalking should be a standalone offence in Irish law, with those convicted facing up to 10 years in prison. That's according to Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers, who says the current laws on harassment do not adequately protect women against predatory…

The emergency services attended the scene of a road collision this afternoon on the N5 road between Ballyvary and Castlebar. The road was not closed to traffic, however, large tailbacks built up in both directions. A number of people were taken from the scene…

Mayo Sinn Féin deputy Rose Conway-Walsh has condemned the government’s handling of the health sector as it admits that no inspection of Mayo University Hospital has been carried out in 2021. She insists it is not good enough when she claims, a day doesn’t go…

Works are set to get underway shortly in Claremorris following the funding allocation of €380,000, approved in July 2021 under the Smarter Travel Scheme. Local Councillor Tom Connolly says the funding will be used for the continuation of works at Claremont in…

The route of the underground cable from Ballaghaderreen to Ballina , that will provide the new 110KV electricity line into this region, is at present being finalised by Eirgrid. The company, after extensive public consultation, decided to run the 60km long…

Third-level students from across the country are protesting today outside the Dáil, and some will sleep out overnight to highlight the accommodation crisis, which they claim is worse than ever. Thousands of students are sleeping on couches, paying to stay in…

Gardaí and Emergency Services attended the scene of a road traffic collision in Ballyhaunis in the early hours of this morning. A car struck several parked vehicles on Abbey Street in the town at 12.15am this morning. The man in his 20s who was the driver of…

Covid-19 rates in Roscommon, Sligo and Galway are currently among the lowest in the country. Both the 7-day and 14-day rates of the virus in all three counties are below the national average, according to the latest data from the Health Protection…

Teachers are worried about rising Covid-19 infection rates in schools, following the decision to allow children who are close contacts of confirmed cases but do not have symptoms to remain in school. That's according to Vinnie Duffy, the INTO representative…

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, will host a pop-up information event in Market Square in Castlebar on Friday week , the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of October, with the…

The number of patients in public hospitals with Covid-19 has fallen by over 100 in less than three weeks. The figure stood at 373 on September 5th, before dropping to 270 last night. In this region, 14 Covid patients are being treated at UHG, 7 at Sligo…

The Department of Housing has given approval for 20 new social houses at Polranny, Achill. Mayo County Council has received approval for the one, two and three-bedroom houses which should be constructed within the next 18 months, according to Mayo FF TD Dara…

Childcare providers are warning that the decision to allow asymptomatic children who are close contacts remain in creches will result in increased closures this winter. Yesterday it was announced under 12s who attend primary schools or childcare facilities…

The Taoiseach says talks on the pyrite & mica compensation scheme will be finished by the end of the month. Homeowners are meeting Department officials today, with further talks with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien in the coming days. Campaigners want a 100…

Seven people were hospitalised after armed Gardai were called to violent scenes in a cemetery in Tuam yesterday. About 30 Gardai - including local uniform and plainsclothes officers supported by the Regional Armed Support Unit responded to the incident in…

30 Covid-19 deaths have been reported over the past week. Health officials have also confirmed 1,432 new cases this evening. The 14-day incidence rate is just under 390 cases per 100,000 people, with Monaghan, Donegal and Louth the highest. 272 Covid patients…

Contact tracing is being stopped in primary schools and childcare facilities from Monday. It means testing of asymptomtic close contacts will be discontinued. From Monday testing of asymptomatic close contacts and automatic contact tracing will be stopped in…

While a number of festivals and events are being cancelled due to Covid-19, the Wild Atlantic Words literary festival WILL go ahead in Castlebar next month. The event takes place from October 5th to 10th, including book launches, short story competitions,…

At the start of today’s monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District tributes were paid to the late Steve Dunford. The Cathaoirleach of the authority Annie Mae Reape described him as a man with “unmatched energy” who did so much for the commemoration of 1798…

The green light has been given by Ballina councillors to allow the development of a Sensory Park at the Tom Ruane Park, Clare Street in Ballina. A Part 8 Planning was approved by all councillors for the development at today’s monthly meeting of Ballina…

There has been an increase in the number of Covid-19 outbreaks in schools. According to the latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, there were 90 outbreaks recorded in schools last week, resulting in 412 confirmed linked cases of the virus…

Mayo County Council is urging drivers to be extra-vigilant on the roads this Autumn, with the Irish deer population at high levels. Road Safety Officer for Mayo Noel Gibbons said the rutting season begins in October and runs into November, and drivers should…

A group of female TDs and Senators will today present a letter to the HSE, demanding that Covid-19 restrictions be lifted in maternity hospitals. The current restrictions on partners being allowed during labour and a pre-natal appointments vary from one…

Ireland's President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces -Castlebar native Mark Mellett - who's retiring this month after a long and distinguished career. At a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday, the President…

A shopping centre in the heart of Sligo town has been put on the market. The Johnston Court shopping centre, built in 2007, is home to a number of well-known retailers including Boots, Elvery's, Holland & Barrett, EuroGiant and HSamuel. 22 units at the…

There's a major jobs boost for Galway city this morning. Medical device manufacturer Integer Holdings Corporation has announced it will further expand its presence in Galway with the construction of a new Medical Device Innovation & Manufacturing facility in…

A long-awaited flood relief scheme for the Cois Abhainn and Ashwood estates in Westport has now progressed for Part 8 planning. In December 2015, some homes in the Ashwood estate were flooded, while houses in Cois Abhainn alongside the Carrowbeg River were…

With increased levels of Covid-19 in the Ballina area, a pop-up test centre will open in the town this morning, and will be in operation today and tomorrow at the Ballina Stephenites ground from 11am to 5 pm both days. People who do not have symptoms of the…

1,423 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. Latest figures show Monaghan, Donegal, Louth and Carlow have the highest 14-day incidence rates in the country. All Connacht counties currently have rates below the national 14-day average.

A number of homeowners in Mayo, who were excluded from the pyrite redress scheme and subsequently appealed their exclusion, are being given the decision on their appeal this evening. That's despite Mayo County Council confirming earlier that they needed two…

The incidence of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population over the past two weeks has fallen to 390, according to latest figures. Earlier this month, the rate was over 450 cases for every 100,000 people. All of the Connacht counties now have 14-day incidence…

An Bord Pleanala has refused planning permission for an eco pod development in Mulranny. Mayo County Council had granted permission for the construction of six self-contained eco pods, with an amenity/shower facility building, at Mallranny, Westport. That…

There was great excitement as young dancers flocked backed to the Bailey-Scariff Academy of Irish Dancing yesterday following the latest easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The Bailey-Scariff Irish Dancing School operates across Mayo and Galway and is based out…

Almost 500 incidents of domestic abuse have been recorded across the Mayo Garda division since the start of this year. Nationally, Gardai have dealt with an average of nearly 100 domestic abuse incidents every day this year. New figures show 24,686 incidents…

There's a jobs boost for Galway today as EY Ireland has announced the creation of new jobs. A total of 816 new jobs will come on-stream across its seven offices on the island of Ireland - including Galway. 26% of the new roles will be based outside of Dublin.…

Homeowners with pyrite in their homes who have appealed to Mayo County Council to be included in the Pyrite Redress Scheme, have been told they must wait an additional two weeks for a result. The 20 home owners who had handed in their appeals to the local…

Mayopalooza is a free, family-friendly outdoor event that will take place on The Mall in Castlebar this Sunday (26th September). Throughout the day six bands will perform, with music to suit all ages. The proceedings start off at 12pm with local legends - The…

Gardaí have launched their #Riseabovetheinfluence drug awareness campaign as students return to college. The campaign aims to encourage students to seek out positive influences and avoid the harmful consequences of drugs misuse. Detective Superintendent Sé…

31 locations across the region have been prioritised for river habitat enhancement works. This was confirmed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), with 18 rivers in Lough Corrib, 10 in Lough Mask and three rivers in the Lough Carra catchment area selected. Each…

Nearly 100,000 children aged between 12 and 15 haven't been registered for a Covid-19 vaccine. 64 per cent of this age-group have signed up - compared to 78 per cent of 16 and 17 year olds. The HSE says 86 per cent of 18 to 29 year olds have registered.…

Gardai have dealt with an average of nearly 100 domestic abuse incidents every day this year. New figures show 24,686 domestic abuse incidents were reported to the gardai between the start of this year and September 9th. These include a variety of offences,…

The Minister for Children has moved to widen access to a redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes beyond the terms recommended by the commission of investigation. Women who spent less than six months in the homes and those in residence after 1974…

The government's date to end Covid-19 restrictions could be brought forward due to the country's high vaccination rates, according to a virologist. The majority of covid rules are due to be lifted on October 22nd, aside from mask wearing in certain…

There has been a further 1,154 Covid-19 cases reported today. As of this morning, 297 patients were in hospital with the virus - down from 321 this day last week. 63 are in ICU - up five over the same period. Meanwhile the five-day moving average of Covid…

From today, a number of Covid-19 restrictions regarding indoor and outdoor activities are being eased, while people have begun to return to the office for work. Indoor group activities such as sports, arts or dance classes can resume from today. Capacity is…

The White House has confirmed plans for a major relaxation of America's travel ban on passengers from Europe and the UK. Fully vaccinated people will be allowed to travel from early November. Non-US citizens have been effectively barred from travelling to the…

The Coroner for Mayo has today issued a warning that anyone about to engage in strenuous physical activity such as climbing Croagh Patrick should be checked beforehand for any underlying medical conditions. Coroner Pat O’Connor made his comments at an inquest…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

 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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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 -…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

€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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

 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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 –…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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.…

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,…

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.…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…