The Taoiseach has said there will need to be prolonged suppression of COVID-19 to keep hospital numbers down. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said some parts of the economy may be able to open when current restrictions expire on the 5th of March. However, he warned…

Gardaí on patrol last night stopped three males cycling in the Sligo town area. One bike was confirmed as having been stolen and they have since spoken to the owner of this bicycle. The Gardaí are of the belief that the other two bicycles are also stolen and…

A 21-year-old transplant patient from Knock says he can't understand why his community has been placed seventh in the HSE vaccine priority list. Matthew McNeive has had 25 operations since birth including a Kidney transplant in 2010. He has to attend hospital…

Gardai in Mayo have arrested eight motorists for drink driving inside the last month. That's according to Westport based Garda Tony McCabe who told Midwest News today that he can't understand why people are still choosing to drive while under the influence.…

Anyone called for jury duty in Castlebar Court for Monday next, 1st February, and Tuesday 9th February, (2021) are advised not to attend. Castlebar Court Office has confirmed that the Jury trials are not proceeding. 

AstraZeneca has denied pulling out of a meeting with EU officials over delays in deliveries of its Covid-19 vaccine. The company insists discussions with the European Commission will go ahead later today. The expected shortfall in supply of the jab means…

Anyone not happy with how any particular pub operated in the run up to Christmas should not frequent the premises when it re-opens, according to the Chairman of the Mayo branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Alan Gielty. He believes that it will be…

The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue today announced that 2021 Nitrates Derogation applications can now be submitted using the Departments on-line portal, www.agfood.ie Farmers are advised to contact their agricultural advisor to determine if they…

A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued for Connaught counties from 6pm this evening. The counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Louth, Westmeath and Meath will also be effected. It will remain in place until 6am tomorrow (Thurs) morning.…

Roscommon County Council, together with the Arts Council of Ireland, has announced increased funding for artists in 2021 under the annual Artist Bursary Programme. This includes the opportunity to apply for the coveted Tyrone Guthrie Centre Residency Bursary.…

The Tuam / Barnaderg road has re-opened to traffic. It was closed earlier this morning following a collision close to the Abbeyknockmoy turn-off. Generally across the region this morning there have been reports of extensive fog in places. Road users are…

More than 3,000 people have died with Covid-19 in the Republic. It's after a further 90 deaths were reported yesterday, the second highest daily figure. Case numbers continue to fall, with the latest daily figure standing at 928. There 53 new cases of the…

Large volumes of travel might not be possible by Christmas even if everyone gets vaccinated by September. That's according to the Tánaiste who's said he can't promise international travel will return this summer or winter. It comes after the government…

Tributes have been paid to retired District Court Judge Bernard (Barney) Brennan, who has passed away at his home near Tubbercurry. Judge Brennan was known for his wit on the bench, as well as his compassionate manner, and is survived by his wife, Nancy and 5…

The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says he hopes there will be a phased re-opening of schools through February and March. It will start with special needs education with negotiations ongoing between the government and unions. Leo Varadkar said the number of new cases…

The Level 5 lockdown has been extended until March 5th. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the number of people in hospital and ICU beds is still to high to consider lifting restrictions. The majority of construction sites are expected to stay closed until…

Funding of 172,500 euro was approved this afternoon for the development of the Ballinrobe Civic Arts and Community Centre. The ambitious community project will be located in the former Valkenburg Hotel in Ballinrobe town centre. The Local Leader group…

Anne Brindley, a retired French lecturer from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), has been awarded the prestigious title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French government in recognition of her innovative approach to the teaching…

Irish Water and Galway City Council are advising customers in Shantalla, Salthill and the southern part of Knocknacarra that due to essential works their water supply may be interrupted tomorrow, Wednesday, January 27. The works are due to take place between…

The cabinet sub-committee approved the introduction of a mandatory two week quarantine period for anyone arriving into the country without a negative PCR test last night. The same rules will apply for anyone coming from Brazil or South Africa. Passengers will…

There were 915 houses in Mayo sold in the twelve months to November 2020 and 10 percent of these were new dwellings The average residential property price in the county was €149,000, and that’s well below than the national average price of a house, which…

As the present Level of Covid Restrictions are to be extended out until the 5th of March, the Administrator in Westport, Fr Charlie McDonnell says community and the spirit of “meitheal” in the parish remain strong and there is great hope that these difficult…

The Taoiseach has confirmed the current Covid 19 restrictions will continue until March 5th. Micheál Martin says it's being done to reduce the pressure on our hospitals and critical care units. Ministers are also set to sign off on mandatory isolation for…

The Health Minister says talks are ongoing with AstraZeneca to secure more delivery of its Covid vaccine. The European Medicines Agency will decide at the end of this week if the vaccine will be authorised for use. There's been anger across the European Union…

People have been looking to develop new hobbies during the COVID-19 restrictions. Bird Watch Ireland is reporting over 2 thousand new members have signed up, with many more taking the Garden Birds survey to monitor what species they're seeing while at home.…

Gardaí have seized €6,000 worth of drugs following searches in Sligo. Gardaí stopped a man driving a vehicle in the Ballytivnan area of the town yesterday evening. Two packages containing white powder believed to be cocaine were located, subject to analysis,…

People are being warned to be aware of a text scam purporting to be from Revenue which is doing the rounds. The Department of Social Protection has issued the alert - it says some people are receiving a message asking them to click on a link to claim a 350…

It’s astonishing how few fines have been issued for dog fouling in County Mayo over the past few years. That’s the view of South Mayo Cllr Patsy O’Brien, who raised the issued at Monday’s meeting of Mayo County Council. The Robeen based cllr believes the…

A new application for planning is to be submitted by the IDA for an industrial facility on the Sligo Road in Ballina. That’s according to Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara Calleary. Planning on the existing site has expired, and deputy Calleary told Midwest News…

Three Galway restaurants have been awarded a Michelin 'Green Star' for their efforts in promoting and supporting sustainable practices. They are the only Irish eateries to be given the new accolade, out of a total of 23 businesses selected here and in the UK.…

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer says delays to the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine are unlikely to significantly impact how Ireland deals with Covid-19. The government said yesterday delivery of the company's vaccine in March will be 'considerably lower'…

The lockdown is set to be extended until March 5th when the cabinet meets this morning. The cabinet sub-committee on COVID has also agreed to tighten the restrictions on international travel while considering further NPHET advice. Cabinet will extend the…

218 people with Covid-19 were being treated in ICU last night, while 11 public hospitals nationwide have no critical care capacity. Latest figures from the HSE show there are 1,803 people with the virus on wards. There were 98 with the virus at Galway…

Face to face outpatient clinics remain curtailed at Mayo University HospitaL and only time-dependent and critical day case and inpatient procedures are taking place That has been confirmed this evening in a statement from the Saolta Hospital group. The…

143,000 Covid-19 vaccinations have been administered in the Republic. That number was reached last night, and is slightly ahead of the target of 140,000. The head of the HSE Paul Reid says there are going to be 'significant bumps' in the rollout of the Covid…

Mayo has the sixth highest number of Covid 19 related deaths nationally since the pandemic began. According to figures released by the Central Statistics Office, 80 people in Mayo have died as a result of the virus-related illness since the outbreak last…

Online shopping has been 'fundamentally changed' as a result of Brexit. The Department of Enterprise is warning that additional charges on products bought online from UK sites are the 'new reality'. Consumers have faced customs and VAT charges when ordering…

Since their introduction two weeks ago, gardai have issued approximately 1,500 fines for non-essential travel. At the close of business yesterday (Sun) 909 fines had been processed for non-essential travel. In addition, approximately 645 fines are currently…

Across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon the 14 day incidence rate of Covid 19 is beginning to stabilise and decrease. It is highest in Mayo at 1,322/100,000 , 892/100,000 in Galway and 646/100,000 in Roscommon (reported 24/01/2021). Dr. Breda Smyth, Director of…

Sinn Féin has called for full mandatory 14-day quarantine for everyone arriving into Ireland from abroad. They believe mandating people to pay for the two-week isolation period at hotels upon arrival will eradicate non-essential travel almost in its entirety.…

Vincent Doyle was 28 when he learned that the Catholic Priest he thought was his Godfather was in fact his biological father. Tommy Marren chats to Vincent Doyle – author of a ground breaking book called “Our Fathers” – which looks at life from the…

No one appears to be in charge of the Covid 19 Vaccination priority list compiled by the government and the HSE. That’s the view of Independent Castlebar councillor Michael Kilcoyne. The councillor who is a member of the HSE Forum, is calling on the Taoiseach…

An Garda Síochána, the HSE and The Department of Health are advising members of the public to be aware of potential scams relating to the Covid-19 vaccine. In recent days, gardai are of members of the public having received fraudulent text messages and calls…

20 per cent of the workforce is now on benefits because of the Covid 19 pandemic. That's according to figures obtained by the Irish Independent, which shows an unequal picture across the country. Roscommon had one of the lowest rates in the country. These…

Talks on getting classes for children with special educational needs will resume today. The Taoiseach said over the weekend these classes will be the priority for a return, while its likely schools won't fully reopen before St Patrick's Day. Labour TD Aodhan…

The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will meet today to discuss extending Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions into next month. They will also look at proposals around travel, including five day quarantine for people who arrive into the country without a negative…

219 people with Covid-19 were in ICU in public hospitals last night, the highest since the pandemic began. Last night, there were 25 adult ICU beds free nationally, with 10 hospitals with no capacity. Nationally, in public hospitals there were 1,930 people…

The HSE's plan to pause vaccinations for healthcare workers is a cause for major concern. That's according to Kevin Figgis of SIPTU, who says this planned pause until early February could not come at worse time for health workers. He has highlighted the…

Castlebar has recorded a slight slip to 12th place in the latest IBAL survey. Ballymun in Dublin is the worst litter blackspot in the country. The latest Irish Business Against Litter survey shows Kilkenny sparkles as the cleanest city nationwide. Litter…

Gardai have taken reports of 19 thefts in the east side of Galway City since January 1st from vehicles in the Ballybrit, Ballybane and Renmore general areas. The types of items taken were cash, wallets, bags, documents, clothing, sunglasses, dash cams,…

Gardaí are urging caution on routes across the region this morning following plummeting temperatures overnight and lingering snow. The main routes have been gritted but extreme caution is still advised, particularly on secondary routes, where treacherous…

1,378 new cases of covid 19 have been confirmed along with 23 more deaths. 379 of the new cases are in Dublin, with 145 in Cork, 86 in Wexford, 85 in Galway, 71 in Limerick, and the rest are spread across all other counties. Across the region there were 40…

A Mayo Sinn Fein Deputy has launched an online well-being survey to capture the impact of Covid-19 on third level students. Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Rose Conway-Walsh, says they want to hear…

Mayo County Council is warning the public that gritted roads do not guarantee ice free roads. Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons has issued the warning as snow and ice conditions cause trying conditions for road users. He has urged motorists making essential…

The law should be changed to increase the penalty for people who steal pets. That's according to Independent Galway East TD Sean Canney, who says there should be a clear distinction between robbing an object and taking a companion pet. The matter will be…

The Minister for European Affairs says it's too early to say if Ireland will be able to meet its vaccination targets by the end of March. It's after AstraZeneca said deliveries of its soon-to-be-approved jab will be 60 percent less than planned in the next…

There has been a slight increase in the number of people in hospital with Covid-19. 1,914 people are currently receiving treatment - up 21 since yesterday. There are 116 with the virus at Galway University Hospital, 95 at Mayo University Hospital-up 14, 50 at…

Met Eireann says icy stretches, sleet and snow will remain throughout the day. Two cold weather warnings have been issued for the country, with the latter expiring tomorrow morning. A snow/ice warning is in effect until 7pm this evening with scattered falls…

Gardaí and emergency services were called to a house near Belmullet shortly after 9am this morning following reports of a suspected gas explosion. A woman understood to be in her 50s was treated at the scene and removed by Air Ambulance to UHG. The scene is…

Ireland's exit from Level 5 will be much slower than previous lockdowns, according to the Taoiseach. Micheal Martin says there'll be a 'conservative' approach, to work alongside the vaccination rollout. Current Level 5 restrictions are due to be formally…

Snow has carpeted many parts of the country overnight, affecting roads in some areas. A weather warning for snow and ice is in force across all 26 counties until midday. Extreme caution is advised around Clifden and on the N59 between there and Maam Cross…

77 additional deaths related to COVID-19 have been confirmed this evening along with 1,910 new cases of the virus. 76 of these deaths occurred in January, 1 in December. 710 of the new cases were in Dublin, 150 in Cork, 103 in Meath, 102 in Limerick, 86 in…

Monthly meetings of Municipal Districts in Mayo may soon be available online for the general public to access. Castlebar councillor Ger Deere called for the development, at the monthly meeting of Castlebar Municipal District. He says that in the pandemic,…

The Taoiseach says AstraZeneca's announcement it's cutting back on its vaccine deliveries is a "worrying setback". The company says problems at a manufacturing site mean deliveries to the EU are being scaled back by 60 percent. It's reported the bloc will now…

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation' says Covid-19 infection rates are "out of control" in hospitals. The union says almost 2,000 frontline healthcare staff have caught the virus in their workplace over a two week period. It's calling for stricter…

A Status Yellow snow and ice warning is currently in effect across Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. The warning remains in effect until 6pm this evening, before a new warning is expanded to the entire country until midday tomorrow. Met Eireann…

1,846 people are now in hospital with Covid-19 - a slight reduction on the previous 24 hours. However the numbers in ICUs continues to rise, with 215 patients currently receiving critical care. The latest figures show 116 patients with the virus at Galway…

Galway Rural Development has allocated over €22,000 towards a feasibility study to CREATE under the 2014 - 2020 Leader Programme. Cllr Mary Hoade Chairperson of the CREATE (Centre for Education, Arts, Technology and Enterprise) group and welcomes the…

Reserve teams of healthcare workers should be set up and put on standby to quickly deal with areas experiencing a major surge in Covid-19. That’s according to Belmullet GP Dr Fergal Ruane, who says more numbers in the area would be useful to reinforce the…

Gardai are warning of a text scam that is targeting AIB customers, after an increase in 'smishing' attacks this month. The scam sees customers receiving a text message claiming to be from AIB, saying they have been locked out of their account or need to block…

Progress on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan is being made across County Mayo. That’s according to Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon, who says surveying works in the surrounding townlands of Ballina and Castlebar have now been completed. Over 4,800 premises…

Motorists are being urged to take care on the roads throughout the day due to snow and ice. The conditions, currently affecting much of the north and north-west, will impact the entire country later. A nationwide Status Yellow alert takes effect from 6pm and…

The Taoiseach has said the government's priority is getting children with special educational needs back to school. Micheál Martin has refused to be drawn on whether he thinks a full re-opening of schools can happen as planned on February 1st. Level five…

People travelling into Ireland could be held in quarantine for at least five days if they don't present a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival. The Taoiseach has told the Irish Independent that hotels, including Citywest in Dublin, could be used as quarantine…

The Chief Medical Officer says we're starting to see the first signs of a lower prevalence of Covid-19 here. One in 98 people have tested positive in the past two weeks - down from one in 67 earlier this month. 2,371 new cases have been confirmed yesterday,…

52 more Covid related deaths have been confirmed this evening, alongside 2,371 new cases. 757 of those infections are in County Dublin, 237 in Cork and 154 in Waterford, with the rest spread across all other counties. There are 103 new cases in Galway, 68 in…

Almost 1,000 people have been fined for non-essential travel in the past ten days. The 100 euro penalties were introduced on Monday of last week, and apply to people who are over 5km from their homes. As of yesterday, 771 fines had been issued and another 200…

A status yellow snow-ice has been issued for seven counties along the border and northwest. Met Eireann is warning of hail, sleet and snow across counties Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. The alert is in place until midday…

Mayo County Council brought 70 vacant social homes back into use in 2020. Over 500,000 euro in funding had been secured for the restoration of 45 so called ‘void’ homes by the authority back in September. The fund was increased to over 773,000 euro at the end…

The Agriculture Minister will establish a taskforce to address issues in the fisheries industry. The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation say Ireland got a bad deal following Brexit, claiming there is no fairness from Europe. Ireland has seen its catching…

Low-income farmers and fishermen received nearly 114 million euro in social welfare payments last year. The highest amount of people to receive payments were in Mayo. Over 5,500 farmers were paid more than 63 million euro under Farm Assist, which is capped at…

The number of people sick and dying due to Covid-19 in the Belmullet local electoral area is "immense", according to one GP. Latest data shows the area in county Mayo has the highest 14-day incidence rate in the country for the second week in a row, with one…

1,969 people with Covid-19 are receiving treatment in Irish hospitals today - an increase for the second day in a row. It's up from 1,949 from yesterday, with 132 admissions and 98 discharges across the health service in the past 24 hours. Last night there…

One in every 18 people in Belmullet had Covid-19 over the past fortnight according to new figures from the HSE. The North Mayo local electoral area is the worst affected by coronavirus nationally, with an infection rate of 5,556 cases per 100,000 from January…

Gardaí attended the scene of a road traffic collision in Galway yesterday evening. The two vehicle collision happened at around 4.30pm in Kiltullagh. The R348 Kiltullagh to Athenry road was closed for a period of time and reopened to traffic at approximately…

Gardaí are urging motorists to be cautious of icy conditions on untreated road surfaces across the region this morning, with black ice reported. The frost and ice will linger in many areas throughout the day. The advice is to slow down and take extra caution…

Health officials say any reduction in the number of people in hospital with Covid will be "very slow". There were 1.923 patients being treated in public hospitals last night, while 211 of those people were in ICU. Professor Philip Nolan from NPHET's modelling…

The Chief Medical Officer says it's hoped schools can reopen as soon as possible - but has warned the levels of Covid-19 are nowhere near where they need to be. A further 51 deaths linked to the virus were confirmed last night with 2,608 new cases. 132 of the…

The European Union is considering tougher travel restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants across the bloc. The Commission has said restrictions around travel across the EU should be co-ordinated, and allow for essential workers to cross borders…

The government has today announced the creation of up to 248 new jobs in local authorities to expand walking and cycling facilities nationwide. The Programme for Government has already committed that €1.8bn will be spent on walking and cycling over the…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 51 additional deaths related to Covid-19. 49 of these deaths occurred in January. As of midnight last night (Wed) of 2,608 new confirmed cases of the virus were reported in the Republic. Of…

Family carers won't get access to the COVID vaccine at the same time as professional carers. Those employed by the HSE or private care companies will be in the second priority group of people to get vaccinated. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says family…

There have been 257 reports made to the Health Products Regulatory regarding suspected side effects of covid-19 vaccines. Approximately 94 thousand people had received the vaccine at that point. Of the reports notified to the HPRA, the most commonly reported…

A government TD has warned an indefinite lockdown is on the cards unless Ireland can secure more doses of vaccine. Sligo/Leitrin TD Marc MacSharry has urged his government colleagues to break with the EU purchase system and try to get more doses directly from…

The vast majority of students want to be given the option to choose between a Leaving Cert exam and Calculated Grades. That's according to the Irish-Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU) who have published a report on the State Examinations 2021 and the…

In response to recent questions by listeners to Midwest News over the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations in the service provider Western Care Association, Midwest News contacted the HSE Community Healthcare West. Listeners expressed concerns over Management at…

Two men have been arrested and more than €122,000 worth of suspected cocaine and cannabis herb seized following a search of a house at Turloughmore, Galway. Gardai attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit carried out the search at about 5.30 yesterday…

Mayo business, Velvet Cloud has been announced as a finalist for this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will take place virtually on the 11th February. Velvet Cloud, located in Claremorris, was…

Hidden Hearing has reintroduced its free hearing aid batteries offer to help those with hearing loss through lockdown. The national hearing healthcare specialists, with offices in Castlebar, will be posting out free batteries for hearing aids to all…

There are 133 people with Covid-19 being treated today at University Hospital Galway and 93 at Mayo University Hospital. This includes 17 patients in intensive care at the Galway hospital, and 3 at Mayo University Hospital. As reported on Midwest News…

Anyone called for jury duty in Castlebar Court for Tuesday next, the 26th January, 2021 is advised not to attend. In a statement to Midwest News today, Castlebar Court Office states that " the Jury trial is not proceeding."

The Health Minister has said his plan is for everyone to be offered a COVID vaccine by September. Minister Stephen Donnelly told the Dáil this morning that Ireland is due to get 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the first quarter of the year. EU…

A pollution incident on the Carrowbeg River in Westport last weekend was linked to an accidental discharge of detergent into the river. Inland Fisheries Ireland investigated the incident after receiving a number of calls to their hotline number on Saturday .…

Gardaí have sent a file to the DPP in relation to the investigation surrounding the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden. 81 people, including politicians, members of the judiciary and lobbyists attended the event in County Galway in August, which broke…

A woman's due in court today in connection to a serious assault in Sligo town. Last Saturday, a shop worker was hit with a hammer after advising a woman of her failure to wear a face covering in a store. The victim was taken to hospital for non-life…

Talks between teacher unions and the Department on the return of special education will resume later. It's after the Department abandoned today's planned reopening, following objections from the INTO and Forsa on safety grounds. Meanwhile disability advocacy…

The son of a Ballyhaunis woman has died following an avalanche at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps. 29-year old Matt Barnaville died after the avalanche at a resort near Nendaz in the Valais region of Switzerland on Monday. Matt, who was born and raised in…

The Taoiseach says Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions will continue into February. Michéal Martin told his parliamentary party last night that the case numbers remain too high. It comes as a further 61 deaths and 2,488 new cases have been reported -148 new cases…

"Joe Biden is facing unprecedented challenges but he is also facing unprecedented opportunities. This is a President who knows the scale of his challenge and he has no time to waste." - Enda Kenny speaking to Tommy Marren live this morning. Listen to the full…

There has been a further 61 Covid-19 deaths and 2,488 new cases. The number of people in hospital now stands at 1,923, while 210 people are in intensive care. Ireland's 14 day incidence rate is 1,223 cases per 100,000 people. The Chief Medical Officer says…

The music of a Claremorris-born composer featured as part of the inauguration ceremony for US President-elect Joe Biden today. The Proclamation was performed by leading Irish concert violinist Patricia Treacy during the inaugural Mass, a piece of music that…

There’s excitement and pride across Co Mayo today as Joe Biden is set to become the 46th US President at a scaled-back ceremony in Washington this evening. Around 1 thousand people are expected to be at the inauguration in Washington DC - significantly lower…

While roads may be quieter during the level 5 Covid restrictions, speed limits remain the same. That's the message from Mayo County Council's road safety office and local Gardai. Gardai say that, with reduced traffic on roads, some motorists have increased…

Mayo deputy Michael Ring is confident that Joe Biden as US President will be back in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport over the term of his office. In 2016, the people of Mayo came out on to the streets in these towns, in their thousands, to meet and shake…

Ballina is twinned with the US city of Scranton, Pennsylvania for thirty years now, and Scranton is where incoming US President Joe Biden was raised. The Mayor of Scranton Paige Cognetti joined online, today’s monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District to…

16 trainee Gardai are on their way to the northwest region of the country. Yesterday, An Garda Siochana attested 140 Gardai trainees and Garda reserves to support the policing of level 5 Covid restrictions. This includes 71 Garda members and 69 Garda…

Gardai in the Castlebar area are this morning advising road users of patches of black ice in places. As temperatures dropped to freezing overnight, caution on the roads in the area this morning is advised. Drivers are advised to give themselves time to clear…

A study on Covid-19 transmission suggests keeping a 2-metre distance indoors without a mask is not enough to prevent it from spreading. Experts at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London found it's more likely to be caught inside by two people…

The Public Expenditure Minister has indicated Level 5 restrictions will not be lifted at the end of this month. 1,897 patients were in public hospitals last night with the virus, while nationally 209 people were in intensive care. 93 deaths from Covid 19 were…

Today is a proud day for Joe Biden's Mayo relatives, although they will have to watch from home as he will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the USA later. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Blewitt family from Knockmore cannot take up their invitiations…

Children with special needs will not be returning to the classroom this week after the Government was forced to abandon the plan. The Department of Education says the decision was down to "a lack of co-operation" from teacher unions. The Irish National…

Temperatures as low as minus 4 degrees can be expected over the coming days, as a cold snap hits the country. A weather advisory is in place until Sunday night. Met Eireann says conditions will become increasingly wintry, with a risk of ice and falls of sleet…

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to David Shaw-Smith, acclaimed filmmaker and photographer, who's passed away at a nursing home in Ballinrobe following a long illness. Mr Shaw-Smith and his wife Sally produced the award-winning TV series "Hands"…

There has been a further 93 Covid-19 deaths confirmed this evening- the highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic. It beats the previous record of 77 deaths recorded on April 20th last year. Of the 93 deaths reported today, 89 occurred this month…

A status yellow heavy rainfall warning remains in place across Connacht until 9pm tonight, with a risk of some localised and river flooding. Up to 50 mm of rain are expected - possibly higher in mountainous areas. Gardai are advising motorists to slow down,…

The new AstraZeneca vaccine that is proposed for use by GPs and pharmacists in the national rollout of the COVID vaccine is very similar to the flu vaccine and easier to administer through the usual distribution systems. That’s according to Loughrea based…

House prices in Castlerea were the lowest in Ireland in the year to November. That's according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office, which show that residential property prices nationally rose slightly in the year, increasing by an average of 0.2…

A man was arrested and more than €31,000 worth of cannabis plants and herb seized, following a search of a house in Co Roscommon on Saturday. Gardai from the Roscommon / Longford Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a search of a house in Knockroghery shortly…

Cabinet has approved a plan that will allow GPs and pharmacists administer COVID vaccines. The 91 million euro plan will allow them to give the AstraZeneca vaccine once it's approved by the European Medicines Agency at the end of the month. Tuam based…

In response to a question from Midwest News yesterday on whether any relatives of staff at Mayo University Hospital received Covid19 vaccinations, Saolta, the group responsible for hospitals in this region, states it is not aware of and has no record of any…

202 people are being treated in ICU this afternoon with Covid 19, the highest figure to date. However the number of people in hospital with the virus has decreased for the first time since Christmas day. 1,954 are being treated in wards. Across the region…

The INTO believes it is ‘inconceivable’ to ask teachers to return to school, given the high prevalence of Covid-19 in the community. That’s according to the INTO representative for the Mayo/Sligo region Vincent Duffy, as doubts are cast over the proposed…

Mayo county council is to hold a special meeting to discuss the Commission Report into Mother and Baby Homes. Mayo County Council is referred to a number of times in the 3,000 page document. Independent councillor Christy Hyland proposed the special meeting,…

Lidl announced today the return of 36 products from 25 small Irish suppliers, including a local Mayo business, which were part of the retailer’s annual Kick Start Supplier Development Programme last summer. The limited edition range will be available in…

There’s great pride in Knockmore, Ballina ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of the 46th President of the USA, Joe Biden. Members of the Knockmore based, Blewitt family, in different circumstances, would certainly be in Washington tomorrow to be with their…

Gardai across the region are advising road users to take due caution this morning as there is a lot of surface water on the roads, with some spot flooding. However, as yet, there are no reports of any roads impassable due to flooding. There is a Met…

The bins are for the birds, at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar at present and need to be made “bird proof”, according to local councillor Ger Deere. The Fine Gael councillor who is also an active member of Castlebar Tidy Towns says he is often contacted by people…

Cabinet will today consider a multi-million euro deal that would see doctors and pharmacists administer Covid-19 vaccines. It would see roughly 1.5 million people inoculated against the disease. The Health Minister will present the 91 million euro deal to his…

The Minister with responsibility for flooding says communities along the Shannon particularly need to be on alert over the next 48 hours. A Status Yellow Warning for heavy rain's in place until 9pm tonight across Connacht, the midlands and north-west. Met…

Abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and dizziness are among the reported side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Health Products Regulatory Authority says up to last Monday, it has been notified of 81 mild to moderate suspected cases. More than 77,000…

The Chief Medical Officer has called on hospital managers to uphold the "highest standards" in administering Covid-19 vaccines. There's been criticism of two Dublin hospitals after it emerged a small number of staff family members were given leftover doses.…

The HSE says hospitals are coping with the current levels of Covid-19, but remain under significant pressure. There are now 1,911 patients with Covid in hospital - a drop of more than 100 since yesterday - and 200 in intensive care. The HSE's Dr Vida Hamilton…

Sinn Fein says a 'basic right' to birth certificates is still denied to adopted people in Ireland, and has proposed a solution. It's published leglisation that, if enacted, would give those people, including survivors of Mother and Baby Homes access to the…

There has been a further 2,121 new Covid-19 cases and 8 additional deaths reported this evening. This includes 55 new cases in Mayo, 84 in Galway, 15 in Roscommon, 14 in Sligo and less than 5 in Leitrim. There are now 1,975 people in hospital with the virus…

Midwest News contacted the Saolta Hospital group today, to ask if any family members of staff at Mayo University Hospital, received a Covid 19 vaccine - in light of the news that emerged earlier that the Coombe Hospital in Dublin vaccinated 16 family members…

A new online portal has been launched today for people seeking to upskill or retrain. The online portal - www.gov.ie/therightcourse - is a one-stop-shop for businesses, employees or unemployed people, and outlines the options available to them for further…

The number of people with Covid-19 being treated in intensive care units has reached 200. The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is warning the situation in the country's hospitals is "stark". The total number of Covid-positive patients in hospitals across…

Maura Ginty from Gintax talking to Tommy Marren about the bills issued by Revenue for payments received in 2020. Listen back to the full interview below and find out what it means for you. MidWest · Maura Ginty - GINTAX - 2021 Tax Bills from Revenue

12 Covid related deaths in east and south Mayo were reported over the weekend to the Coroner for Mayo, Patrick O’Connor. Mr. O’Connor confirmed to Midwest News today that the deaths notified to him predominantly occurred in nursing homes in the south and east…

There are no vaccination doses available to the National Ambulance Service crews across the region at present. That’s according to SIPTU’s Health Division Organiser Ciaran Sheridan. This means that the National Ambulance service crews across Mayo, Galway and…

A post-mortem examination is being carried out today on the body of a retired priest, who was found near a railway line outside Ballyhaunis yesterday. Fr Michael Kenny, who was aged 74 and a native of Ballyhaunis, had taken early retirement as a priest of the…

2,023 people with Covid-19 are being treated in Irish hospitals - the first time the figure has risen over 2,000 since the start of the pandemic. Latest HSE figures show that there are 131 covid-19 patients at GUH- up two, 98 at MUH- up 18, 39 at SH- down 4…

There is some concern in the Castlebar area over a number of different planning applications by telecommunications companies seeking to erect masts. Large signs opposed to these masts have been erected along the main roadways in the Turlough area and on both…

Two NUI Galway students have been awarded scholarships by multinational technology company Intel as part of its programme to encourage the next generation of high-achieving women. The successful students are Eimear McDonnell, from Westport, in third year BSc…

Across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, there continues to be a very high level of infection in our communities. The 14 day incidence in Mayo now stands at 1635 per 100,000people, the figure for county Galway is 1095 per 100,000, while its 925 per 100,000…

Roscommon/Galway deputy Denis Naughten, has welcomed the allocation of €179,000 for the small-scale enhancement of local walking trails across Roscommon & East Galway. “Funding has been allocated for the improvement of trails in Ballygar, Glenamaddy,…

Funding of €159,800 has been awarded to Mayo for eight outdoor recreation infrastructure projects. The funding was confirmed by Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon following this morning’s announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather…

Claremorris post office is closed temporarily this week due to circumstances beyond the control of An Post. Public Affairs Manager with An Post Angus Laverty told Midwest News this morning that in the interim payments from the Department of Social Protection…

A member of the National Public Health Emergency Team believes not enough is being done to stop the spread of Covid-19, and there is too much movement nationwide. It comes as the the Chief Medical Officer has once again appealed to employers to allow staff…

An infectious diseases specialist says a single bad outbreak of Covid-19 at a nursing home could put the hospital system over the edge. 2,944 more people have tested positive for the virus, and thirteen more patients have died. Across the region there are 181…

Hundreds of people have been fined after being caught more than 5km from home over the weekend. Many more were given cautions and sent home after being stopped at Garda checkpoints, as the force ramped up enforcement of the Public Health Act. Gardai had only…

Met Éireann has issued a rainfall warning for Connacht and six other counties across the northern half of the country. The Status Yellow warning covers the five counties in Connacht, as well as Longford, Louth, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. It comes…

The Westport/Dublin railway line reopened at Ballyhaunis yesterday evening following its closure to deal with an incident near the track. Gardai confirmed that the body of a man was found on land near the line yesterday afternoon. The man's remains were…

2,944 more people have contracted Covid-19, and thirteen more patients have died here. Across the region there are 181 new cases in Galway, 95 in Mayo, 24 in Sligo, 16 in Roscommon and 7 in Leitrim. The Chief Medical Officer says the chance of catching the…

Gardai have confirmed that the body of a man was found on land near the railway line outside Ballyhaunis earlier today. The man's remains will be removed this evening to Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem will be carried out the determine the cause…

Gardaí are seeking the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of 34-year-old Luke Davoren, who is missing from the Galway area. Luke was last seen in the University Road area of Galway in the early hours of the 30th of December 2020. He is described as…

The Health Minister says government's in talks to secure early delivery of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Stephen Donnelly says an advanced shipment would allow vaccinations to start as soon as granted EU approval. The European Medicines Agency's due to meet…

The Minister for Children says he believes women who gave birth in Mother and Baby Homes had no choice in agreeing to adoption for their children. However, the Commission has taken what Roderic O'Gorman calls a 'legalistic' approach to the term 'forced…

Gardai and emergency services are attending the scene of an incident along the railway line outside Ballyhaunis. Midwest News understands that a body has been found on lands near the line on the Castlerea side of the town. Investigations into the incident are…

Galway councillor Mary Hoade has been appointed to a new government advisory looking at regenerating town centres in rural Ireland. The President of the Association of Irish Local Government, Headford based cllr Mary Hoade has been appointed to the new…

Passengers intending to travel on Westport/Dublin train services today will encounter a delay. Irish Rail issued a statement on social media indicating that Gardaí have requested the line be closed at Ballyhaunis to deal with an incident. No further…

Secondary school students are being asked to become more aware of the environmental impact of their belongings. The "Story of Your Stuff" competition is inviting teenagers from right across the region to investigate the life cycle of household items and…

Over €2.45 million was allocated to Mayo and Galway businesses under the 2020 Trading Online Voucher Scheme Galway based Senator Seán Kyne says the Scheme, which is administered by the Local Enterprise Offices on behalf of the Government, provides grant…

A Westport Councillor is calling on Mayo County Council officials to begin talks as soon as possible with landowners and property owners, regarding the extension of the greenway from Murrisk to Lecanvey. Independent Councillor Christy Hyland says funding for…

A shop worker has been seriously assaulted with a hammer in Sligo Town. The incident happened after a woman entered a store without a face covering yesterday evening. At around 6.45, a woman in her early 20s entered the premises without the required face…

Almost 2,000 people with Covid-19 are in hospitals around the country, with 195 in intensive care. There were 19 admissions to ICU over the last 24 hours. There are 11 hospitals without any critical care beds - there are currently 24 critical care beds…

Concern has arisen over the use of electronic signatures for those collecting their social welfare entitlements in Post Offices. Roscommon Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane says people are concerned at using an electronic pen when collecting their pension, while…

Up to 130,000 mother and baby home survivors could be eligible for the upcoming compensation scheme. The Government estimates 60,000 mothers and 70,000 children who went through the institutions are still alive, according to the Business Post. The paper…

Ireland's Covid-19 lockdown could last beyond April, with only schools and construction expected to be allowed reopen before March. According to the Sunday Independent, government's privately warning it could be summer before hospitality can open again while…

There's a warning the UK variant of Covid-19 has adapted and become better at moving from person to person. The Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory says it will become the dominant variant in Ireland. Dr Cillian De Gascun is urging people to…

60 more people with covid 19 have died and 3,231 new cases have been confirmed. 931 cases are in Dublin, with 388 in Cork, 238 in Louth, 155 in Waterford and 151 in Limerick. In this region there are 132 cases in Galway, 101 in Mayo, 29 in Roscommon, 26 in…

Power has been restored this evening to some 719 premises in the Belmullet area that experienced a loss of supply this afternoon. The outage occurred just before 2 o’clock due to a fault in the system, according to the ESB powercheck app. ESB crews worked to…

The Government has announced a new strategy to make working from home a permanent option for workers right across the region. That's the view of Fine Gael Deputy Frank Feighan who says the strategy represents huge opportunities for the western region The…

An intensive care consultant says ICU numbers shouldn't be used to determine when to lift Covid-19 restrictions. There's concern critical care capacity could be used up by this weekend. There are currently 191 people with the virus being treated in ICUs…

A quantity of drugs and cash were seized in West Mayo yesterday following the arrest of a man. Gardaí attached to the Mayo Divisional Drugs Task Force stopped and searched a 24 year old man in a vehicle in Westport Town. He was found in possession of cocaine…

Up to 719 premises in the Belmullet are experiencing a loss of power supply this afternoon. The outage occurred just before 2 o’clock due to a fault in the system, according to the ESB powercheck app. ESB crews are currently working to repair the fault and…

First Choice Credit Union has been approved for the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme to boost local SME & Agri community lending. Seven of Ireland’s largest Credit Unions, including First Choice Credit Union approved under the scheme. First Choice Credit…

Agriculture, in particular phosphates entering Lough Carra, are the cause of the rapid deterioration of the water quality in the Mayo lake. This was highlighted earlier this week by environmental experts on the RTE One TV programme produced by Eco Eye that…

Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council, is progressing with essential works to enhance the drinking water supply for homes and businesses in Foxford. The works are being carried out in accordance with the current Level 5 Covid-19…

The HSE says its priority is to roll out the Moderna vaccine as soon as possible but it depends on supply. GP teams will receive the first doses of it today at three mass vaccination centres in Galway, Dublin and Portlaoise. 1,800 GPs and nurses will be…

The Irish Patients' Assocation says Covid-19 is putting a huge strain on the health system as elective surgeries are being cancelled. It's describing new hospital waiting list figures as 'fairly horrendous'. It says the number of patients waiting to get…

Travel agents are welcoming the fact all travellers to Ireland now need to test negative for Covid-19 to be allowed into the country. From today, people from all countries need to produce a negative PCR test, which is no more than three days old. The rule…

The Chief Medical Officer's warning of the danger of a Brazilian variant of Covid-19 arriving in Ireland. Dr Tony Holohan says new strains of the virus have been identified there, but there has been no case in Ireland so far. However, he's asking anyone who…

It will not be confirmed until Tuesday whether special needs children can return to school next week. The Department of Education wrote to principals last night to tell them to prepare for these schools to reopen on Thursday. It would allow 20,000 children in…

50 more people who were diagnosed with Covid-19 have died. The Department of Health has also reported 3,498 more cases of the coronavirus. 1,182 are in Dublin, 421 in Cork, 258 in Limerick, 187 in Galway, 164 in Waterford, and the remaining 1,286 cases are…

Peat Briquettes will no longer be made after 2024 while Bord Na Mona has ended all its peat harvesting operations in Ireland. Bord Na Mona has announced it will no longer harvest peat on its lands. The decision comes after the company suspending operations…

As of this afternoon Ireland is at the top of the EU league for administering the Covid 19 vaccine, per 100,000 population. It’s welcome news according to Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers. The Senator told Midwest News today that in addition all GPs are…

A Galway GP says questions should be asked about the sharp rise in Covid-19 infection rates in the Belmullet LEA. Dr Martin Daly says that the region is ‘not just an outlier’ in terms of increasing rates of infection, but an ‘extreme outlier’. The…

People in Belmullet are afraid, there are many people in the area sick at present and the community is grieving the loss of life related to Covid 19, particularly over the past two weeks. That’s according to local deputy Rose Conway Walsh. The fact is that…

Mayo Gardaí are warning the public that there has been an increase in fraud incidents with bank debit cards, credit cards, online shopping and buying from trade magazines. People have calls purporting to come from their bank saying that fraudulent activity…

Thirteen hospitals nationwide have no ICU capacity left. These include hospitals in Galway, Letterkenny, Portlaoise, Navan and Naas, according to statistics from the HSE. 32 intensive care beds are available nationwide across both adult and pediatric units.…

Belmullet Swimming Club was one of the thirteen community groups nationally awarded funding from this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. As young people across Ireland face an extended period of remote learning, community groups working directly with those most…

The President, Michael D Higgins says the Commission of Investigation's final report into Mother and Baby Homes shows how far short Ireland came in fulfilling the promise of a Republic. In a statement, he said the focus now should be on meeting the needs of…

A meeting is taking place this morning to finalise plans for special needs education to resume next Thursday. Department of Education officials will update disability, autism and carers' organisations after an agreement was reached yesterday. Special needs…

One in every 17 people in Belmullet local electoral area in Co Mayo tested positive for Covid-19 in the space of two weeks. The region had by far the highest incidence rate in the country. This data reflects on the 14-day incidence rates of confirmed cases of…

NPHET says there will be a "significant" number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in the days and weeks ahead. A further 28 deaths were confirmed last night, bringing the total this month to 208 - and some of those who've died have been as young as 25. Health…

Thousands of workers who have received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme are set to face tax bills today The payments were not taxed in real-time and instead are liable to income tax and USC at the end of the year.…

Two HSE Older People’s facilities in Belmullet were among the first in the Gaeltacht to receive the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. 100-year-old Mary Philbin, of Rossport, Ballina and Michael Gaughan of Mullaghroe Blacksod were two of all residents…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 28 additional deaths related to Covid 19 in the Republic. 26 of these deaths occurred so far this month. The date of death for 2 of the reported death remains under investigation. As of…

Legal advice is expected shortly on the official spelling of the Sligo seaside town of "Enniscrone/Inishcrone" , according to Minister Frank Feighin He told Midwest News this evening that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media,…

The Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey has apologised to anyone treated in an undignified and demeaning manner, as highlighted in the Commission Report into Mother and Baby Homes. In part of his statement this afternoon he writes: “I am conscious as I write…

Special schools and special needs students in primary schools will be able to return to classrooms from next week. Special students will be able to access in-person education on a phased basis from Thursday January 21st. This will also apply to children who…

The Health Minister should look at doing a new deal outside of the EU’s combined deal to secure Covid 19 vaccines, according to Sligo/Leitrim TD Marc Mac Sharry. He has called on Minister Donnelly to do a side-deal to get greater quantities of the vaccine…

Gardaí have seized €18,500 worth of suspected cannabis plants and cannabis herb following the discovery of a cannabis grow house at a property in Westport yesterday. The detection was made at approximately 12.30pm when Gardaí attached to the Mayo Divisional…

An Post is inviting the nation to Brighten up January with a two new free postcards to be delivered to every home from next week. The large format postcards are postage paid for delivery within Ireland and each household will receive two cards – one with a…

"Shocking, disturbing and repulsive" - some of the words used by Galway West TD Catherine Connolly yesterday evening, when speaking in the Dáil about the report from the Commission for Investigation into Mother & Baby Homes. The Independent TD addressed the…

House prices in Mayo are set to rise by 6% this year. That's according to a new survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance, which shows the price of an average three-bed semi in Mayo is expected to increase by 6% over the next 12 months. Prices in the county…

PJ Haverty was born in Tuam in 1951 and recalls tracking down his birth mother. PJ gave a very honest and heart-rending interview on The Tommy Marren Show this morning. (14-1-2021) Listen back to the full interview below. Photo Credit: Ray Ryan MidWest · PJ…

Special needs assistants are set to return to classrooms on a phased basis, if a range of Covid-19 safety measures are rolled out. Their union Forsa has set out the measures it says are necessary to make classrooms and other schools areas safe - including…

5pm tomorrow is the deadline for sending in submissions on the proposed routes for the N17 upgrade between Knock and Collooney. A number of different route options are being considered, and members of the public in Mayo and Sligo are being urged to give their…

IDA Ireland is planning to build a new advance building in Mayo. That's according to Mayo FG Deputy Alan Dillon who says IDA's four-year strategy commits to investing in a new advance building in Co Mayo, as well as investing in IDA parks across the west, and…

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet later to discuss the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the country's hospitals. Latest figures show there are 1,770 patients with the virus in hospitals, which includes 176 in ICU. Yesterday saw the second…

A further 63 Covid-19 deaths have been reported - the second highest daily figure ever recorded, and the highest since the end of April. Five of the deaths occurred in November, one in December and 56 this month - while the date of one further death remains…

The number of patients in hospital with the virus has hit another record high. 1,750 patients are being treated in hospital with Covid 19 and 158 of these patients are in ICU. In this region, there are 124 patients with Covid being treated at University…

The Taoiseach has made a formal state apology to the victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Homes. Micheál Martin told the Dáil that basic kindness was not shown to vulnerable women by either church or state. The Taoiseach described the treatment of these…

€102,000 worth of suspected cocaine and cannabis herb was seized by Gardai in Ballina yesterday. As part of an intelligence led operation targeting the sale and supply of illegal drugs Gardaí attached to the Mayo Divisional Drugs Unit carried out searches of…

The Sisters of Bon Secours, who ran St Mary's Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, says they're willing to participate in a redress scheme for survivors. In a statement, the Order has apologised for its part in the scandal and says that it did not live up to its…

Healthcare workers, who are deemed close contacts of someone with Covid 19, are being asked to return to work if they have no symptoms. It comes as the number of patients in hospital with the virus hits another record high. 1,750 patients are being treated in…

“Deflated, disappointed and confused” is how Tuam based historian Catherine Corless described her reaction to yesterday’s webinar where survivors of Mother And Baby Homes got their first glance at the 3000 page Commission Report into Mother and Baby Homes.…

The third novel from bestselling Castlebar author Sally Rooney will be published later this year. Publishing company Faber has confirmed that Sally's new novel "Beautiful World, Where Are You", will be available from the 7th September next. The Castlebar…

No inquests will be held in this area for January or February, due to the deteriorating Covid situation. The Coroner for Mayo Pat O'Connor has confirmed that will not be holding any inquests this month or next, while the Coroners' Society of Ireland has…

Aldi Ireland today announced that it is seeking to recruit 18 new employees for its stores in Counties Mayo and Sligo. Opportunities available include 16 permanent positions. The supermarket chain is recruiting more than 1,050 new store employees across the…

Galway recorded the highest number of new cases of Covid-19 in the country yesterday at 604. The Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor James Charity says he's disappointed but not surprised to see such high numbers. While the picture nationally…

The Taoiseach will make a formal state apology to Mother and Baby Home survivors in the Dáil later today. It follows yesterday's publication of the long-awaited Commission of Investigation report, which found an "appalling" level of infant mortality among the…

There's a huge increase this evening in the number of new Covid-19 cases in Galway and Mayo. The Department of Health has reported an additional 46 deaths related to the virus - two of which occurred last month and the remaining deaths this month. There have…

Mayo Senator Paddy Burke is one of three Fine Gael senators who have been readmitted, after being stripped of the party whip over their attendance at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden last August. Senators Paddy Burke, Jerry Buttimer and John…

A five-year investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has found an "appalling" level of infant mortality among children born in the homes. Out of the 18 homes examined by the Commission of Investigation, - including the Tuam Mother & Baby Home - a total of 9…

A candle has been lighting throughout the day today and will light again throughout the day tomorrow in the homes of the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes who this afternoon got their first glimpse of the 3000 page Report of the Commission of Investigation…

The Saolta Hospital Group has confirmed that some ambulances have been delayed at Mayo University Hospital's Emergency Department, due to the pressure on bed availability in the hospital - particularly for Covid-19 patients. In a statement to Midwest News…

It's emerged that the chaplain at Castlerea Prison has been denied entry to the prison, due to his beard. Deacon Seamus Talbot - who's a part-time chaplain - refused to shave his beard which he has worn for years, while the prison governor ordered that anyone…

The Department of Education Inspectorate will engage with schools on a weekly basis during Level 5 restrictions. That's according to the teacher's union the INTO. It's over concerns raised by parents that some schools have not as yet set up remote learning…

As rising Covid-19 cases puts increasing pressure on the health service, Midwest News has learnt that up to 5 ambulances were backed up at Mayo University Hospital last night, and it took several hours before the ambulance personnel could transfer the…

Well as anticipation builds ahead of the Commission of Investigation report into Mother and Baby Homes, an adoptees identity rights group says it will not sufficiently tell survivors’ stories. Aitheantas founder Maree Ryan O’Brien argues that the report remit…

The HSE CEO Paul Reid has confirmed that the number of Covid patients being treated in hospitals across the country has increased to 1,700, with 158 of these patients in ICU - a new record. 13 hospitals have no intensive care beds free, as the third wave of…

Tonight at 7pm Lough Carra features on an RTE One Television programme "The Last Lake". Eco Eye filmed the county Mayo lake in 2020 and the programme investigates the extensive changes threatening one of Europe's last remaining maerl lakes. The water has…

30 percent of staff in the Emergency Department at Sligo University Hospital are unavailable for work at present due to Covid 19. That includes staff who have Covid-19, who have symptoms of the virus or are close contacts of a positive case. This is putting…

13 intensive care units nationally are full, while there are 30 adult ICU beds available. 1,700 people with Covid-19 are being treated in Irish hospitals this morning, including 144 patients in ICU. Galway University Hospital has 116 patients with confirmed…

At 1.30 this afternoon survivors of Mother and Baby Homes will get their first glance at the long-awaited report by the Commission of Investigation into the institutions. The survivors and supporters will be joined by the Minister for Children Roderic…

A Status Yellow rainfall warning remains in effect for Mayo and Sligo today. Persistent and occasionally heavy rainfall caused some localised flooding in places overnight, with an ongoing risk of spot flooding this morning. The warning remain in effect until…

The number of patients with Covid-19 in hospitals has increased to 1,620. Thirteen hospitals nationally are now listed as having no intensive care beds free. There are 30 ICU beds available in the system for adult patients, according to overnight figures from…

The Commission of Investigation's final report into Mother and Baby Homes will be brought to Cabinet later. It's expected to show 9,000 children died in the institutions - around 1 in 7 of the babies born there. The commission was set up in 2015 following…

A pop-up Covid-19 test centre should be set up in Belmullet, an area with extremely high levels of the virus at present - that's according to Erris-based Fianna Fail Councillor Sean Carey. Figures published late last week showed the Belmullet electoral area…

NPHET says the country's "beginning to turn a corner" in tackling the current wave of Covid-19 - but that hospitals will remain under threat in the weeks ahead. A further 8 deaths linked to the virus were confirmed last night with 4,929 new cases. In this…

The Director of Public Helath at HSE West is urging people across Mayo, Galway and Roscommon to stay at home amid soaring infection rates across the region. The current 14 day incidence is 815 per 100,000 in Galway; 1303 per 100,000 in Mayo and in 821 per…

4,929 Covid cases have been confirmed this evening and 8 additional deaths. In this region, there are 225 new cases in Galway, 185 in Mayo, 72 in Roscommon and 22 in Sligo. As of this afternoon, 1,582 patients are in hospital with 146 patients with the virus…

The new UK variant of Covid-19 has been found in nearly half of the most recent cases examined here. Last week, the strain - which can spread much easier - was detected in 25 per cent of samples tested, but accounted for 45% of the most recent 92 samples that…

A new report has concluded that extending the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Tuam and onto Claremorris would not provide value for money, and would do little to reduce traffic congestion. The report was carried out by accountancy firm EY, and has been…

People will be getting Christmas cards and parcels delivered throughout January. An Post says the number of international flights continues to be severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, with only limited space available for letters and packages. As a result…

Gardai have confirmed that the search for a missing Galway man has been stood down, following the discovery of a body yesterday. A search had been ongoing since 29th December for 43-year old Fergal Guilfoyle, who was last seen in the Newcastle Road area of…

The Taoiseach says it's "regrettable" that details of the Mother and Baby Homes report were leaked before survivors were told about the findings. The report will come before cabinet tomorrow and the Taoiseach is to issue a state apology in the Dáil later this…

A new report has concluded that extending the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Tuam and onto Claremorris would not provide value for money, and would do little to reduce traffic congestion.The report was carried out by accountancy firm EY, and was…

Ann Lynch wrote: "It’s been 18 years today since I had my last alcoholic drink. That date on January 6th , 2003 what seemed the saddest day of my life has actually turned out to be the best day of my life....from that day I started to truly live life. Blessed…

1,575 people with Covid-19 are being treated in Irish hospitals this morning. It's an increase of 149 patients since yesterday morning. In the past 24 hours there have been 104 admissions and 26 discharges from hospital. Across the region there are 102…

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rainfall warning for Mayo and Sligo. Persistent and occasionally heavy rainfall may cause some localised flooding in places. The warning comes into effect at 12 noon today and will remain in effect for 24 hours.

The exemption that allows over 70's to apply for a driving licence without the need to provide a medical report will be extended until June. That has been announced today by the Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton T.D. The…

Survivors of Mother and Baby Homes are disappointed that details of the Mother and Baby Homes report were leaked over the weekend. It's expected to show that 9,000 children died in 18 facilities investigated. A copy of the document is to be given to survivors…

From today, customers will no longer be able to earn loyalty card points when buying alcohol. The measure is part new regulations under the Public Health Act, which looks to restrict price promotions involving drink. Price promotions which apply to other…

A public health expert says Ireland has almost the highest rate of coronavirus in the world. 6,888 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Republic along with 8 more deaths. There are 2,088 infections in Dublin, 862 in Cork, 469 in Limerick, 405 in…

6,888 new cases of covid 19 have been confirmed, which is higher than yesterday's figure of 4,842. Eight more people with the virus have died. There are 2,088 infections in Dublin, 862 in Cork, 469 in Limerick, 405 in Wexford and 320 in Waterford - the rest…

The head of the HSE says Ireland's health system is under 'increasing strain'. Paul Reid's comments come as 1,421 people are now being treated in hospital for Covid-19, while 121 are in intensive care. There are 69 people with the virus being treated at Mayo…

A new state of the art, HSE medical hub, is to be located in Castlebar. It’s one of three such developments about to be approved for funding by the Minister for Health for counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon. That’s according to the Cathaoirleach of the…

Criminals have continued to plague rural Ireland despite the pandemic, with trailer and cattle thefts reaching record levels, according to the Irish Farmers Journal. The paper reveals that over 1,000 cattle nationally were reported stolen or missing last year…

The Commission of Investigation report into mother and baby homes is set to reveal 9,000 children died in the institutions investigated. The Sunday Independent says the report, due to be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday, found 56,000 women were sent to the 18…

The HSE plan to take emergency control of up to 30 percent of private hospital capacity could come into effect within days. Under the terms of the contract, seen by the Business Post, it could be triggered if key indicators, such as an ICU number of more than…

The Department of health has been notified of nine further deaths of people with Covid-19, 4,842 new cases and the number of people in ICU has risen to 119. 1,049 of the cases are in Dublin, 530 in Cork, 514 in Waterford, 405 in Wexford, 247 in Louth and the…

Peter Duggan, CE (Interim) of Mayo County Council said, “We must work together to curtail the spread of COVID-19. This is a critical time. I would urge everyone across Mayo to stay at home. You’re not just protecting yourself and your family, but you are…

Garda Chief Supt in Mayo Tony Healy is asking the public to follow the restrictions imposed under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 amid rising numbers in Mayo and across the country. He said, “An Garda Síochána has also introduced a range of…

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Group which has responsibility for the hospitals in the West and North West says they have seen a very significant increase in the number of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Mayo University Hospital. In one week from…

The HSE has joined with the Mayo County Council and the Gardaí in the county to appeal to the people of Mayo to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The three agencies have come together to appeal to people to follow the public health advice and stay…

The Clare Lake / McMahon Park committee in Claremorris say they have become aware of young adults skating on the ice in Clare Lake during the present cold spell. PRO for the committee Austin Garvin told Midwest News today that this is a highly irresponsible…

A warning's going out to parents not to let their children play on icy canals, ponds and lakes. Water Safety Ireland's making the call as ice can be quite thick in one area but much thinner close to the same area. It's advising parents to supervise their…

Mayo students were recognised and commended at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2021 Awards Ceremony yesterday. Two awards were presented to students in the county for their impressive projects entered in this year’s virtual exhibition. Caoimhe…

The Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, has been appointed by US President-elect Joe Biden as Secretary of Labor. Marty’s parents, who emigrated to Boston in the 1950s, are from county Galway and he has been a frequent visitor to Ireland. Making the announcement…

An Erris councillor says he is baffled and bemused on hearing that work on the construction of a seawall along the Mullet Peninsula cannot start because it may interfere with wintering birds. Councillors approved a plan by Mayo County Council to carry out…

The first vaccinations by Community Healthcare Wests’ COVID-19 vaccination campaign in residential facilities in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon got underway on Thursday last. (Ellen) Agnes Bourke a native of Rathall, Crossmolina, was the first resident at the HSE…

The number of people being treated in hospital for Covid-19 across the country is now 1,285, up 134 on yesterday. Of these 107 are in intensive care. The latest numbers were tweeted this morning by the head of Health Service Executive Paul Reid. There were 20…

There have been 20 further coronavirus-related deaths and 8,248 new cases of the disease notified to the Department of Health. Three cases of the new Covid-19 variant that originated in South Africa has been found in Ireland. 3,013 of the cases are in Dublin,…

In a 15 hour period last weekend the Westdoc telephone system received over 6480 calls. GP contacts increased by almost 400% with Over 60% of calls for Covid testing. Systems normally manned by 12 operators had up to 30 lines in operation and were unable to…

Gardaí have arrested a man and seized €4,300 worth of suspected cannabis herb in Roscommon town. The detection was made shortly before 7pm yesterday evening when Gardaí attached to the Roscommon/Longford Divisional Drugs Unit stopped a car at The Walk…

As Covid-19 spreads rapidly throughout every village, town and parish in Mayo, we must double down in our efforts as a response to the growing tide of confirmed cases in the county. That's the message from Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Richard Finn.…

Mayo County Council has announced this afternoon that a number of local authority car parks in the county will be closed to the public from this evening. Following a request from local Gardai, the council Car Parks at Lough Lannagh (both at Lake and new…

Met Eireann is advising that tonight could be the coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures in places dipping to -8 degrees. Widespread icy conditions are being reported across the region again today. Particular care is needed on secondary and minor…

The number of people with Covid-19 being treated in intensive care units nationally has passed 100. There are 1,151 people in hospitals across the country with Covid-19 - an increase of 108 from yesterday - with 101 patients in ICU as of this morning. The…

A Castlebar based Councillor has called on all construction site operators who have to close sites from this evening due to new Covid restrictions to ensure that these sites are fully secured from a health and safety perspective. Fine Gael Councillor Ger…

Galway County Council is advising that public access to our offices is now restricted, in line with recent Covid-19 measures, to an appointment only service for exceptional circumstances where essential business can only be conducted in person. As providers…

 Emergency services are the scene of a single vehicle collision on the N26 road, the Foxford side of Cloonguillane bridge. That's along the main Foxford to Swinford road. Motorists are advised that road conditions in the area are treacherous at present.

A curfew from 9pm to 6am daily now needs to be considered by government for hotspot covid 19 areas like the Belmullet Electoral area at present. That’s the view of local GP Dr Keith Swanick. In addition he is calling for priority vaccination for the area,…

NPHET says there's a possibility Covid-19 case numbers may be starting to level off. A further 6,521 new cases were confirmed last night and 10 further deaths. 184 new cases were reported in Galway yesterday, 119 in Mayo, 85 in Sligo, 31 in Roscommon and 13…

€780,000 in total has been allocated to seven Mayo projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This news has been confirmed by Fine Gael Deputy Michael Ring who says the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key part of the Government’s plans for rural…

A Status Yellow Low temperature/ice warning is in place for the entire country until 11 this morning. Widespread icy conditions are being reported across the region again this morning. Particular care is needed on secondary and minor roads. Gardai are…