Thousands of teachers are set to strike early next month in their ongoing dispute over pay inequality. The Teacher’s Union of Ireland (TUI) said under the current system, teachers employed after January 2011 are set to earn around €110,000 less than their…

A protest is taking place in Westport on today to help save the local McBride Nursing Home. The demonstration gets underway at the Octagon at 2 p.m., and aims to highlight the scaling back of services at the facility The respite and day-care services at the…

The cold conditions experienced this morning are likely to continue throughout the weekend. A status yellow low temperature warning from Met Eireann was issued for Connacht and Leinster up to 11am this morning - with temperatures as low as minus four recorded…

A man is due before the courts in Sligo in connection to the seizure of 100,000 thousand euro worth of cannabis. The discovery was made at a house in Ballymote on Thursday - where a sum of cash was also recovered. A man in his 30s had been arrested following…

A status yellow low temperature and ice warning will be in place from 6 o'clock in Leinster and Connacht. Met Eireann is forecasting temperatures to dip as low as minus four in places. The alert will run until 11am tomorrow morning. Liz Gavin is a forecaster…

The National Council for Special Education is conducting a survey at present to assess the educational needs of children with special needs. According to Sligo based Fianna Fail deputy Eamon Scanlon, it’s very important that parents and guardians of children…

Councillor Donagh Killilea will join sitting TD Anne Rabbitte on the Fianna Fáil ticket in Galway East. The party will now run two candidates in the three seat constituency where sitting TDs Ciaran Cannon and Seán Canney are fighting to retain their seats.…

A woman has been taken to hospital after her car overturned in icy conditions this morning in Ballina. The incident happened on Church road in the town just after 9am. Emergency services attended the scene and the woman was taken to hospital with non-life…

A man in his thirties has been arrested following a drugs seizure in Sligo yesterday. As part of an ongoing investigation into drug dealing in the area, Gardaí searched a property is Castle Burn, Ballymote, where around €100,000 worth of cannabis was found. A…

Midwest Radio will begin Lunchtime Election Debates (1-2pm) from Monday January 27th through to the 7th of February.If you are a General Election candidate in this region please let us know that you are putting your name on the ballot paper.We are keen to…

Individual Farmers of Ireland protested yesterday and the day before in Dublin city centre over the price they are securing for their cattle and the government’s efforts to address what they term “a beef crisis”. However, the Dail is no longer in session, as…

The death toll from flu this winter has risen to 44, with people over 65 the worst hit by the virus. Flu is still widespread and circulating at a high level, but rates have fallen - although it is posing a greater threat to older people who are more likely to…

2019 was another record year for The North Mayo Heritage Centre at Enniscoe House Crossmolina, with a record breaking number of visitors to the facility. 24,000 visitors were recorded during the year which represents an 18% increase on the previous year. In…

Funding has been approved for 9 Broadband Connection Points in Mayo, to ensure the locations are ready to receive high-speed broadband, as part of the rollout of the National Broadband Plan. Minister Michael Ring has allocated €600 each for 319 locations…

A Mayo TD has described as "strange" a suggestion by the new HSE Chief Executive Officer that there should be fewer hospital Emergency Departments. At a time when hospitals are experiencing record over-crowding, Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary says the…

More than 191,000 penalty-point notices were issued to drivers last year. It's an increase of over 14,000 on 2018. The figures have been released by the Department of Transport under the Freedom of Information Act. 191,104 penalty point notices were issued to…

There's major traffic disruption in Dublin this evening as farmers continue their protest at Dublin Port. Around 100 tractors are blocking East Wall Road and North Wall Quay in a demonstration over beef prices. The protesting farmers are expected to head home…

12 social enterprise groups in Co Mayo are to share funding totalling €98,000 allocated under the Small Capital Grants scheme. The scheme is funded under the Dormant Accounts Fund, and €1 million was allocated in December to groups nationally. The Minister…

The action group campaigning for improvements to the R312 road between Castlebar and Erris have expressed disappointment at the funding being provided under Mayo County Council's capital programme over the next 3 years. Under the capital programme for…

Flybe services between Ireland West Airport Knock and the UK cities of Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester will continue to operate as normal, after ministers agreed on Tuesday night to a rescue deal to keep the airline flying. The package of measures…

With the election campaign now underway, Mayo County Council says voters who wish to be included in the supplement to the Postal and Special Voters list have until 5 pm THIS EVENING (Thursday)to apply. For those who are not registered to vote, the closing…

Ballina councillors yesterday agreed to send a letter to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine calling for a cull of seals in Killala Bay. In a Ballina Municipal District council meeting Cathaoirleach Michael Loftus called for a cull of the…

Commuters in Dublin face travel disruption this morning, as a tractor protest by beef farmers continues. Hundreds of demonstrators descended on the capital yesterday, with many sleeping in their tractors overnight. Gardaí have closed Kildare Street,…

Eight coastal counties are on alert this morning as strong winds hit the country. Four status yellow warnings are in place, with Met Eireann predicting gusts of 110 kilometres per hour, as well as coastal flooding. The affected counties are Mayo, Galway,…

Two men have been arrested in Ballyhaunis after a stolen car was recovered and a significant amount of counterfeit €20 notes seized. This follows on from a substantial amount of fake €20 notes passed through a number of business premises in Ballinrobe and…

Four hours into this latest 24 hour protest by beef farmers and contractors but already the disruption is being felt. Roads are closed around Kildare Street, Molesworth Street, St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square and now more tractors have arrived into…

The campaign for General Election 2020 is underway, with Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green Party officially launching their campaigns today. The 32nd Dáil was dissolved yesterday, with the Taoiseach announcing that polling day is on Saturday February 8th…

Consultants have been appointed by Mayo County Council for the development of the Digital Hub at the former military barracks in Ballina. Last year, the Government committed funding of €3.2 million to develop the Ballina Digital Hub and Innovation Quarter,…

Mayo County Council's road safety office has issued an appeal to those contesting the upcoming election, over election posters. With strong winds forecast over the coming days, the road safety office is urging candidates not to hang banners and posters from…

University Hospital Galway is the most-overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 63 patients on trolleys, according to the latest figures from the INMO. Across the country, 527 patients are being treated on trolleys, including 63 at UHG, 25 at Mayo…

A protest will take place in Westport this Saturday afternoon, to highlight the scaling back of services at the town's MacBride Community Nursing Unit. In recent months, both the respite and daycare services at the HSE-run home have been suspended, with staff…

Met Eireann is warning of gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour on the west coast today. A yellow wind warning is in place for Galway, Mayo and Donegal until six o'clock this evening, with Met Eireann also warning of a risk of coastal flooding around the…

About 400 tractors will drive into Dublin city centre this afternoon, with farmers travelling from across the region to the capital for a two-day protest. Individual farmers are taking part in the demonstration, as part of their ongoing campaign over beef…

Deputy Eugene Murphy has expressed his shock at the addition of Cllr Orla Leyden to the Fianna Fáil ticket in Roscommon/Galway, claiming he was told by Cllr Leyden and Senator Terry Leyden that she was not going to run to help retain the Fianna Fail seat in…

People Before Profit have selected Joe Daly as their candidate to run in the upcoming Dáil election in the Mayo constituency. Mr Daly is a secondary school teacher in Castlebar and ran for the party in the local elections 2019. PBP are advocating policies…

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Wind warning for Galway, Mayo and Donegal. West to Southwest winds 50 to 65 km/hr gusts 90 to 100 km/hr with risk of coastal flooding around the period of high tides. The warning comes into effect tonight at 10pm and is…

Saturday 8th February has been confirmed as the date for the general election. As anticipated, Taoiseach Leo Varadker named the date at this morning's Cabinet meeting but has taken many by surprise with the selection of a Saturday for polling day. The…

In the Roscommon-Galway constituency, Councillor Orla Leyden has been added to the Fianna Fail ticket, to run alongside Deputy Eugene Murphy. Daughter of Senator and former TD Terry Leyden, Orla was elected to Roscommon County Council in 2004, and was…

Mayo County Council says the R313 Belmullet-Blacksod road has not yet reopened, following damage caused by Storm Brendan. The road was due to reopen to single lane traffic at 8am this morning, however further damage was caused to a section of the road last…

Ministers are meeting this morning in what's likely to be the last cabinet meeting of this Government. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is expected to outline his plans for holding a general election. A senior Fine Gael source has told Midwest News that they expect the…

Gardai attended the scene of a minor collision in Castlebar town centre this morning. It's understood two cars were involved in a crash at the junction of Main Street and Market Square. Gardai say no injuries were sustained in the incident.

With the CAO application deadline looming on 1st February, IT Sligo is holding a CAO information evening this evening (Tuesday) from 5pm to 8.30. Leaving cert students and their parents, and mature students are invited to the event which includes talks and…

A man is due in court this morning in relation to a drug seizure in Co Galway earlier this month. Heroin with an estimated street value of 140-thousand euro was seized after a car was searched in Loughrea on January 3rd. A 41 year old man was arrested at the…

Visiting restrictions are in place on inpatient wards at Roscommon University Hospital, due to an increase in the number of patients with flu. The public are asked not to visit, in an effort to prevent the spread of flu. General Manager of Roscommon…

Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power this morning after Storm Brendan. Its strong winds and heavy rain caused power cuts, fallen trees and flooding when it hit yesterday. The ESB says at the peak of the storm in the afternoon, about…

The Status Orange wind warning for Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal has been extended until midnight tonight. Met Eireann says that, as Storm Brendan tracks away from Ireland, southwesterly winds will gust to between 100 and 130 km/h, higher in…

A group of about 130 people from the Knock area are travelling to Rome later this month to take part in a special Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. The new processional statue of Our Lady of Knock, which was unveiled at last year's Novena to mark the 140th…

Aurivo Co-op has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, to replace former CEO Aaron Forde who stepped down just before Christmas after over 15 years in the job. Donal Tierney, who has been Chief Financial Officer of Aurivo for the past 8…

Storm Brendan is raging across Connacht, with a status orange wind warning in place until 9 o'clock tonight. The West coast is bearing the brunt of the storm so far today, with gusts of 100 km/hour recorded in Belmullet at 10am this morning, and higher gusts…

Mayo County Council has told Midwest News that the R313 Regional Road from Blacksod to Belmullet will remain closed for the duration of today. The extended closure time is as a result of damage which appears to have been caused to a section of the road as a…

Storm Brendan has caused widespread travel disruption to air travel across the country. Ireland West Airport Knock is open today but three morning flights from the UK have had to divert to Dublin due to the high winds. This in turn has meant their outgoing…

Almost 30,000 euro in funding has been announced today for Coláiste Uisce Teo , Aughleam, in north Mayo. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has confirmed that funding of €29,753 has been approved for the facility. The Minister says it…

A general election is expected to be called this week as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today meets Boris Johnson in Belfast. The two leaders will meet at Stormont days ahead of the likely start of the election campaign. Almost four years of speculation about an…

Gardaí in Ballina are continuing their efforts to locate a Crossmolina woman missing for a number of days now. Patricia O’Donnell, aged 61 years, was last seen on Tuesday (7th January) in the town of Crossmolina, a member of her family last heard from her on…

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is advising road users to exercise caution while using the roads today as Met Eireann has issued Orange weather warnings for strong winds and risk of coastal flooding for most of the country due to storm Brendan. Met Eireann…

Farmers from across the West will make their way to Dublin again next Wednesday for a tractor protest in the city centre. Individual farmers are taking the action to again highlight the poor prices being paid for beef, compared to prices in the UK, and say…

Gardaí in Ballina are seeking assistance from the public in locating the whereabouts of Patricia O’Donnell, 61 years, who was last seen on Tuesday, 7th January 2020 in the Crossmolina area, Co. Mayo. Patricia is described as being 5’ 2” in height, of slim…

There's a call on the HSE to lift the recruitment freeze on mental health staff. Fianna Fail TD James Browne says nearly 20 per cent of psychiatric nursing posts are unfilled. He's describing it as unacceptable, and having a negative impact on mental health…

The cost of houses outside Dublin are expected to rise at twice the rate of those in the capital this year. The latest 2020 Sunday Times National Property Price Guide shows nationally property prices are likely to rise by 3.8 per cent. The most affordable…

Met Eireann has issued three weather warnings - including two orange alerts - as Storm Brendan makes its way towards Ireland. The Orange warnings are for wind and come into effect for all counties along the south and west coast from 7am on Monday. The…

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council says he's very disappointed to learn that the respite service is no longer available at the MacBride Community Nursing Unit in Westport. The day care service at the nursing home has not been provided over the past…

LEADER funding of €300,000 has been approved for the rebuilding of the Town Hall in Ballinrobe. The Town Hall will be rebuilt on the site of the original hall in Ballinrobe, and will provide a multi-purpose community facility, including a 430-seater…

Fianna Fail's backing the childcare industry's call for a 'living wage' to be introduced for all of its staff. Providers, staff and parents are holding a national protest on February 5th over pay and staffing issues in the sector. SIPTU says early years…

There is extensive flooding on roads this morning following very heavy rain over the last 24 hours. Up to 50 millimetres of rain is likely to fall in parts of Ireland today, causing more localised flooding. A yellow rainfall warning is place for Connacht and…

Thousands of people in the local community of Ballinasloe have today won a battle against a permit to prevent a waste transfer station being located in the town. More than two thousand submissions objecting to the permit for the waste transfer station at the…

Mayo County Council has announced that the internationally renowned Other Voices music festival will return to Ballina at the end of February 2020. A Partnership between South Wind Blows, Moy Valley resources and Mayo County Council has enabled Other Voices…

Government has allocated Connacht Rugby €10 million in funding under the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund. The funding will provide for a third of the Sportsground redevelopment fund which is projected in the region of €30m and will have a capacity of…

The sod will be turned this afternoon on a new 6 million euro Hospice Unit in Roscommon. When completed, the new facility will consist of Day Care, Community Care and an eight bed in-patient unit providing respite and end-of- life- services. The new hospice…

Mayo County Council is inviting the general public to “have their say” as it is currently in the process of preparing the authority’s Corporate plan 2019 -2024. The Corporate Plan will set out the objectives around the organisation’s operational activity,…

The annual Mayo’s Careers Fair takes place tomorrow at GMIT’s Castlebar campus. Over 50 stands, including third-level and Post-Leaving Certificate colleges, apprenticeship providers, and employers have been confirmed for the event. Last year, in excess of…

A series of rallies and strikes by school secretaries are taking place across the region today as part of a national day of action. Today’s action by school secretaries represented by Fórsa trade union is to be followed by a resumption of their work to rule,…

Two separate status Yellow warnings have been issued by Met Eireann for western counties this afternoon. A status Yellow Wind warning comes into effect across counties Mayo, Galway, Donegal and Kerry from 3pm this afternoon with south to Southwest winds of 50…

Visiting restrictions are being put in place at University Hospital Galway due to an increase in the number of patients with flu. The public are asked not to visit St Nicholas' Ward at the hospital, in an effort to prevent the spread of flu. In addition to…

The Education Minister has announced a new one million euro fund which aims to provide free books in primary schools. More than 15-thousand pupils across more than 100 DEIS schools are to benefit from the increased investment - including pupils at 13 primary…

Two men arrested in connection with an attempted robbery and the ramming of a garda car in Mohill, Co Leitrim early yesterday morning have been released without charge, and a file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. A juvenile, aged in…

A status yellow rainfall warning has been issued for Galway,Mayo, Sligo and Donegal for tomorrow and Saturday. Met Eireann is warning of heavy rain, with accumulations of 40-50 mm with localised flooding, and the warning is valid from 3pm Friday until 3pm…

NUI Galway has set out a plan to spend hundreds of millions of euro over the coming years in an investment strategy that will see the development of an innovation district, a new performance space, a library and new sports campus. NUIG, which currently has…

There's been another drop in the number of patients waiting on trolleys at hospitals across the country. 520 people are without beds today, down from 621 yesterday, and a record high of 760 on Monday and Tuesday. University Hospital Limerick is the worst…

2 Units of the Mayo Fire Service were called to a fire at house in Ballyhaunis yesterday evening. A passer-by spotted a glow through a window and contacted the fire service. The Fire Service responded within eight minutes and was able to confine the area to…

 A man died outside the Council Offices in Swinford early this morning. At about 7.35 am the man was discovered on the street and attempts were made to resuscitate him and the ambulance was immediately called. Gardai in Claremorris have confirmed that they…

We could find out later when the country will go to the polls for a general election. The Taoiseach and the Fianna Fail leader are meeting today to discuss when it could take place. Leo Varadkar wants it to be fixed for May, but Micheal Martin is pushing for…

2019 was the busiest year on record at Ireland West Airport with passenger numbers climbing by almost 5% to 807,000 for the first time in the airports history. The figures represent the fourth consecutive year of record passenger growth at the airport.…

The Chief Executive of the HSE says progress is being made in reducing the number of people on trolleys in Irish hospitals. 621 people were left on trolleys yesterday, while on Monday there were 760 people left without a bed - the largest number on record.…

The Irish Farmers Journal is reporting this morning that the Beef Plan Movement is in turmoil, with its national commi­ttee at war with its founders Hugh Doyle and Eamon Corley over financial and governance issues. Members of the national committee and a…

A Fine Gael Councillor has called for the public lighting at a new housing estate in Parke to temper down the strength. Ger Deere says the new state of the art social housing is very welcome but the public lighting installed is so strong that it’s interfering…

Two men and a boy have been arrested, while another person remains on the run, following an attempted burglary in Co. Leitrim. A Garda patrol car was rammed where the robbery was taking place at a supermarket and post office in Mohill early this morning. The…

The number of patients on trolleys at hospitals nationwide has dropped, after record numbers over the past two days. Latest figures from the INMO show 621 people are waiting for beds today, down from 760 for the past two days. University Hospital Limerick…

Mayo on Ice attracted some 20,000 people to the Mall in Castlebar over the festive season - with figures slightly down on last year. The ice rink is being dismantled today, with organisers saying it was another successful year for the event, and brought a lot…

Supervalu in Westport has sold a winning ticket in the Euromillions draw. A ticket sold at the store won the second-highest prize in last night's Euromillions draw - and is worth almost €473,000. The holder has matched 5 numbers and one star to win the…

A children's play and recreation centre in Claremorris, which was due to close its doors this week, is now remaining open under new ownership. Pots of Fun at the Lakeside Retail Park in Claremorris - an indoor soft play area and recreation centre for children…

Westport Gardai are seeking any witnesses to an incident that occurred just before Christmas in which a pedestrian was injured. The male pedestrian was injured near Carrowbeg Stores on the Castlebar Road in Westport at about 12.30 am on the morning of Monday…

Galway is in line for a jobs boost, as a professional services firm is creating 800 jobs across the country this year. KPMG says it's expanding due to strong demand for its services in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Galway. The roles are in various areas of the…

The Government has deferred controversial plans for a commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary. In a statement last night, the Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says - given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17th January - it…

Students from four Mayo schools will be among over 1100 students taking their places at the RDS in Dublin today as the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition gets underway. Taoiseach Leo Varadker will officially open the exhibition this afternoon, and the…

Roscommon Senator Maura Hopkins has withdrawn as a FG general election candidate for the Roscommon-Galway constituency. Senator Hopkins, who recently gave birth to her first baby, released a statement last night, saying she had taken time over Christmas to…

Mayo's Brendan Golden has been elected Chairman of the IFA's National Livestock Committee. The Killala man will succeed outgoing chairman Angus Woods at the IFA AGM on 27th January. The National Livestock Committee met in Portlaoise today to elect a new…

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has declined an invitation to a controversial event being planned later this month, where the Government will commemorate members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police. The commemoration event…

Marian Finucane has been described as an icon of Irish Broadcasting at her funeral mass in Co Kildare. Hundreds of mourners from the world of politics and public life have attended the funeral of the 69 year old who died suddenly on Thursday. Marian was a…

For the second day in a row, there are 760 patients on hospital trolleys across the country today - matching yesterday's record figure. According to the INMO, Limerick is the worst-hit hospital with 75 patients on trolleys, followed by Galway University…

For the second day in a row, there are 760 patients on hospital trolleys across the country today - matching yesterday's record figure. According to the INMO, Limerick is the worst-hit hospital with 75 patients on trolleys, followed by Galway University…

Mayo County Council is reminding people that hedges and trees on the edge of private property are the responsibility of the occupier or owner. Greenery mustn't block road signs or street lights, or block views at junctions. In an effort to raise awareness on…

 Yesterday (Monday) evening at approximately 5.20pm at Shangort Road, Galway, Gardaí were called to the scene of a serious road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car. The pedestrian, a male in his early 80s, was taken to University Hospital…

HE death has been announced of RTÈ broadcaster Larry Gogan. He was aged 81. He had worked for RTÈ for almost six decades and was best known for his work as a DJ with RTÈ2fm. Director General of RTÉ Dee Forbes described Larry Gogan as "a genuine national…

Despite an ongoing overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Galway, planning permission has not yet been sought for the long promised new larger Emergency Department at the facility. Yesterday there were 47 patients waiting on trolleys for admission to UHG,…

Gardai in Ballina are advising motorists that the N26 road between Ballina and Foxford is closed to traffic at present about 4 km the Ballina side of Foxford due to a collision.Emergency services are at the scene.Motorists are advised to divert through…

The body of Valerie Hough, who went missing from her home in the Knockroe area of Castlerea, county Roscommon yesterday morning , has been located. Gardaí are treating the case as a personal tragedy. A file will now be prepared for the Coroner. The gardai…

A status yellow wind warning is in place across Connaught counties until 8pm this evening Met Eireann says southerly winds gradually veering westerly during the day will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 110km/h, strongest along the coast…

A Galway-based recruitment firm has decided to introduce a four-day working week. i.c.e. Group, located at Liosbain Industrial Estate on the Tuam Road in the city, trialed the initiative for the past six months, and after productivity grew by 27 percent, it…

JYSK a home furniture store is opening seven new shops in Ireland, creating more than 70 full-time jobs. One will be in Sligo, the others in Waterford, Limerick, and Carlow over the next few months. It will also open another outlet in Dublin and two in Cork.

Ballina has been designated as a town that is Clean to European Norms in the latest national survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) and the result is positive news, according to the Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, Michael Loftus. The…

Some elected surgeries look set to be cancelled on patients this week, as hospitals try to cope with serious overcrowding in their Emergency Depts. There are 760 patients on trolleys in ED departments across the country this lunchtime. With 47 patients on…

An Independent TD is urging the public to consider using the Injury Unit at Roscommon where they can be treated within an hour, rather than waiting in overcrowded Emergency Departments like Mayo University Hospital and Portiuncula. That’s the view of Denis…

Kilkenny has topped a survey of the country's cleanest cities and towns for a record fourth time. In contrast, Dublin's North Inner City is "seriously littered" while Ballymun, Limerick City South and Cork Northside are "littered." Sweet wrappers, chewing gum…

Gardai have seized €2,000 worth of drugs in two separate searches in the Claremorris area. In an operation based on information received by Community Engagement Gardaí, uniform members from Claremorris Garda Station carried out a search in the Grattan Park…

Two separate wind warnings are in place for seven counties across the country this morning. A status yellow warning is valid for Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry until eight o'clock. Meanwhile, Wexford, Cork and Waterford are under the same warning, but that's…

The increase in the proportion of women on Irish boards is welcome but still far too slow. That’s the view of Fine Gael General Election candidate in the Roscommon/Galway constituency Aisling Dolan. The Ballinasloe based councillor says the latest data from…

The National Youth Orchestra has joined young musicians from the west of Ireland to perform a special winter concert at NUIG. The event forms part of the programme for Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture. The Orchestra will take part in a joint…

Almost 3,000 homeless people around the country use a local post office as their home address to receive mail because of the scale of Ireland's housing crisis. New data reveals the spread of hidden homelessness across the country, with many people unaccounted…

A weather warning has been issued for seven counties tonight with gusts of 100 km/h expected. The forecaster has issued two Status Yellow wind warnings today, the first is in place for Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Kerry, between midnight and 8am on Monday. The…

The Minister for Health's been given the green light from government to introduce free GP care for under 13s and medical cards for over 70s. The Department of Health will now draft a bill that'll extend free GP care to all children of primary school age.…

140,000 euro worth of heroin has been seized in a car at Loughrea in County Galway. The discovery was made last night around 11.25pm but details are only being released now for operation reasons. A 41 year old man was arrested at the scene but later released…

Gardai in Castlerea are investigating the sudden death of a man at an apartment in the town on Thursday evening. The man in his 30's was discovered at his home in Castlerea at about 8.30 on Thursday evening. The State Pathologist's office was called to the…

New government figures show that there were 361 homeless adults across the Western region as of November last. Galway makes up the majority of the figure with 326 adults homeless, followed by Mayo with 29 adults homeless and Roscommon with 6. In the Northwest…

New laws are being proposed to give thousands of sports clubs more protection against personal injury claims. Under the plans, members won't be covered if they're injured on club grounds in non club-related activities. According to the Irish Independent, it…

Farmers are warning dog owners to pay special attention to their pets during lambing season. It comes as the chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association lost four of his own sheep on New Year's Day following an attack by two dogs in County…

More than 2,100 community initiatives around the country have been allocated a total of 4.5 million euro in funding. It's under the Department of Rural and Community Development's community enhancement programme. This provides groups with help to improve…

A charity air ambulance which provides support across the Midwest region is at risk of being grounded in two weeks time due to a lack of funds. The Irish Community Rapid Response based in Co Cork is appealing to people to donate so they can maintain their…

There are 35 patients on trolleys waiting for admission to Mayo University Hospital today. That’s the third highest in the country, according to the INMO trolley watch figures, and the Mayo facility shares the ranking with University Hospital Galway today…

This Sunday and Monday the traditional Ephiney Masses will be celebrated in Esker and Holy Water will be blessed at the historic St Domnic’s Well. Blessed Water from the well is taken home by participants to be shaken over farmland and farm animals as well as…

Marian Finucane has been described as a "pioneer in women's broadcasting." Tributes are being paid to the RTE presenter who died suddenly yesterday at the age of 69. She joined the national broadcaster in 1974, and hosted shows including Women Today,…

634 'high priority' children have not been allocated a social worker by Tusla. They are among more than 5,100 kids living in the community who haven't been assigned one. A further 472 children in state care have not been allocated a social worker, according…

The HSE has warned that the flu outbreak which has claimed the lives of 22 people is expected to continue for another five weeks. The current flu season, arrived three to four weeks earlier than normal this year, and 17 of the 22 people who died were aged 65…

A Westport based councillor is urging the general public to make a submission to Mayo County Council on it Corporate Plan 2019 to 2024. The Corporate Plan outlines the main infrastructural projects to be achieved in the county between now and 2024. Fine Gael…

The first baby born in Mayo in 2020 was born at Mayo University Hospital yesterday afternoon. The first arrival of the New Year was a baby boy, born to a couple from the Belmullet area. The baby, who has not yet been named, arrived into the world at 1.34…

Galway has been named the number one 'foodie destination' for 2020 in the world. The BBC Good Food magazine has named the European Capital of Culture as its top location for eating out. It describes Galway as a shining star in Ireland's ever-expanding…

A children's play and recreation centre in Claremorris is closing down next week, due to the rising cost of insurance. Pots of Fun in the Lakeside Retail Park in Claremorris is an indoor soft play area and recreation centre for children of all ages, and was a…

Today’s trolley watch figures show 547 people are being treated on trolleys at hospitals across the country. University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected with 63 people without beds, according to the INMO. 24 patients are on trolleys waiting for…

The protracted process involved in securing an adequate flood defense scheme for Crossmolina, has again been delayed, but remains on track for works to get underway on the much needed project by this Summer. That’s according to Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara…

Castlebar’s annual pantomime takes place in An Sportlann from this evening (Thurs) , and will run until Sunday. Aladdin is this year’s show and there are evening performances tonight, Friday and Saturday, starting at 7.30 p.m., and matinees on Friday,…

A long-lost family album dating back to the 19th century provided the blueprint for the €3m restoration of Kylemore Abbey, in Connemara. A new RTÉ series, 'Great Irish Interiors', catalogues the painstaking restoration of the castle in Kylemore back to the…

A man was arrested in Ballina on New Year's Eve on suspicion of drug driving. Ballina Community Engagement Gardai were conducting their last checkpoint of 2019 as part of the "Choose Your Driver Wisely" campaign when they stopped a car and the driver of the…

Hospital emergency departments are bracing themselves for a major surge in patient attendances from today, as new figures show 2019 was the worst on record for overcrowding. The expected increase in attendances is driven by high flu levels and pent-up demand…

Gardaí in Ballinrobe are investigating the vandalism of a tractor on a farm in the Claremorris area on Saturday afternoon last. Extensive damage, to the value of 2,500 euro, is reported to have been caused to a Massey Fergusson 365 tractor on a farm in…

A pilots' organisation claims the factors that led to a fatal helicopter crash off the Mayo coast in 2017 still exist. The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association said it is concerned an accident could happen again if the causes contributing to the crash are not…

The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation says abusive and aggressive behaviour towards nursing staff in hospitals has become an expected part of the job. The union was responding to Roscommon FF TD Eugene Murphy who told Midwest News earlier that he was…

A Ballyhaunis convenience store is closing its doors today after 100 years in business. Husband and wife, Seamus and Aisling Caulfield have run the store for the past twenty two years, after they took over from Seamus’s grandfather who opened the shop over…

Alcohol Action Ireland is reminding people to drink sensibly as they ring in the New Year this evening. New figures show that people in Ireland are drinking as much today as they did a decade ago. The group says there has been no progress in reducing alcohol…

People receiving homecare support may have to pay some of the costs themselves in the future. At present, homecare support services are provided free, unlike residential care under the Fair Deal scheme where people make a contribution towards the cost. The…

Deputy Eugene Murphy says he was shocked at the level of abuse and aggression directed at staff in the Emergency Department of a Dublin hospital which he witnessed recently. The Roscommon / Galway Fianna Fail TD was treated overnight recently in St James’s…

The Central Bank is warning people to be vigilant if they take out a loan to repay any Christmas debt. According to the Daily Mail, the bank says families facing bills from the festive season can be tempted by 'easy loan' offers online. The banks says some of…

The Minister with responsibility for the Inland Fisheries, Tuam based Sean Canney has approved legislation that will govern the wild salmon and sea trout fisheries in 2020. These will come into effect from tomorrow, 1 January 2020. Minister Canney says they…

The Coast Guard saved 378 lives this year. In its end of year statement, the organisation's also warning of the dangers of relying on mobile phones when at sea. A total of 2,487 incidents were managed over the past 12 months by the Coast Guards three rescue…

Management at Mayo University Hospital have apologised to patients and their families who are experiencing long waiting times in the Emergency Department, which is described as "extremely busy" today. The hospital has admitted a lot of seriously ill patients…

Three soldiers from Mayo and Sligo killed in a roadside bomb in the Lebanon in 1989 were deliberately targeted in a revenge attack over the abduction of a Lebanese explosives expert, according to newly-declassified State papers. 28-year old Corporal Fintan…

A large number of businesses still don't have the basic measures in place that are needed to continue trading with the UK after Brexit. A Fianna Fáil parliamentary question has revealed that 55-thousand companies don't have a Revenue EORI number. The number…

Historian Catherine Corless has again appealed to President Michael D Higgins to visit Tuam as a gesture of solidarity with the infants buried in the former Mother and Baby Home and its survivors. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Ms Corless said the…

In Mayo, house prices in the final quarter of 2019 were 5% lower than a year previously, compared to a rise of 10% seen a year ago. The average house price in the county is now €146,000, 32% above its lowest point. In Dublin, prices in the third quarter of…

Mayo native, author Sally Rooney’s acclaimed second novel Normal People has made former US President Barack Obama's list of favourite books of the year. In a post on Instagram, the former US President shared his selection, which he admits has become "a fun…

ICMSA has issued a reminder to farmers to take measures that might avoid Cross-Compliance fines relating to exceeding their nitrates limits. Denis Drennan, Chairperson of their Farm & Rural Affairs Committee, said that fines for breaching the limits had…

The Football Association of Ireland's AGM will resume, today, after it was adjourned in July. The crisis-ridden football body has current net liabilities of over €55million. Earlier this month, it requested a financial rescue package of €18million from the…

The Government is being urged to be more pro-active in its efforts to resolve the stand-off between farmers and retailers over the price of beef. It comes as UK retailers were invited to attend the next meeting of of the Beef Taskforce with their Irish…

Gardaí attended the scene of a serious two vehicle road traffic collision yesterday that occurred at approximately 12.50pm at Ardleckna, Elphin, County Roscommon. Two women, aged in their 30s and 70s, were airlifted to Sligo University Hospital with serious…

Founder of Ireland’s Future, Gerry Loftus, has said he is furious at the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed, to put internal convergence on hold for the transitional period of the Common Agricultural Policy. The North…

The HSE hired 34 mental health staff this year, despite having a shortfall of over 2,400. The Health Service estimates that it would cost 194 million euro per year to increase the number of staff to the recommended level. Kildare and parts of Dublin and…

An event will take place in County Galway tonight to honour people who've died at sea. Claddagh Watch's remembrance ball is raising funds for charities like itself and the RNLI and Galway East Life Support in Ballinasloe. Claddagh Watch co-founder Séamus Ó…

Three bedroom semi-detached houses in Mayo have remained at the same price over the past 12 months according to the Q4 Irish Independent/ REA Average House Price Index. The price remains at 160,000 euro. In county Sligo house prices have risen by 11 percent…

The N5 Westport to Castlebar Road at Sheeaune is open again to traffic. It was closed following a 2 car collision last night. Garda forensic investigators were at the scene earlier today. No life threatening injuries were reported. Gardai are investigating…

Gardai in Sligo are investigating an incident over Christmas in which two men sustained multiple stab wounds. It occurred during a disturbance at a house in the Ballytivnan area of Sligo town during the early hours of Wednesday -Christmas Day. It's understood…

A 52 year old pedestrian who was injured in a crash in Co. Galway on Christmas Eve has died. The woman was hit by a car while walking along a local road at Carrowmanagh in Oughterard at around quarter to nine on Tuesday night. She was in a critical condition…

Gardai in Westport say the main N5 road between Westport and Castlebar is closed to traffic this morning near the Tip Top station, following a collision. The two-vehicle collision occurred at about midnight. It's understood there were no serious injuries…

Over 900 swimmers braved the conditions to take part in the COPE Galway annual charity swim on Christmas Day. This was the 30th year of the Christmas morning swim in Salthill to support the charity's services for people experiencing homelessness and domestic…

The number of Gardai in the Mayo Division has increased by 35 in the past five years, and as a result of this increase in personnel, a new divisional drugs unit was launched just before Christmas which will be based in Castlebar, but will tackle drug-related…

A man has been seriously injured in a road collision in Co Galway. He was among 8 people taken to hospital after the collision involving two cars on the Clifden Road, about 3 kilometres outside Leenane Village at around 5.15pm yesterday evening. Eight people…

217 patients are being treated on trolleys at hospitals across the country. The worst affected facility is University Hospital Limerick, where there are 49 people awaiting beds. That's followed by 18 at Portiuncula Hospital, 16 at Mayo University Hospital and…

Aaron Forde, the chief executive of Aurivo, has decided to step down and will leave the business after almost 16 years in his position. Aurivo is one of the country's biggest co-operatives, with businesses in consumer foods, dairy ingredients, retail stores,…

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has acknowledged there is an issue with one of his senators missing three-quarters of Seanad voting days. However, Keith Swanick, a GP who runs a practice in Belmullet, Co Mayo, has defended his record after an RTÉ…

More than 650 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving since Gardaí launched their Christmas Road Safety Campaign. Last Christmas, Gardaí arrested almost 1,050 people who were suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or…

The death has taken place of Regina Duffy from Drummin, Westport. Regina held a special place in the hearts of people right across the region during her battle against a rare form of cancer. Many communities, parishes and organisations and listeners to…

Those dreaming of a white Christmas will have to wait another 12 months at least, according to Met Eireann. The forecaster's predicting a mix of mild, wet and windy weather over the next few days. However there are no signs a major weather event is on the…

Funding of over €1.4 million has been announced for St Vincent de Paul. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring has allocated over €1.4 million to St Vincent de Paul and €180,000 to Protestant Aid, to recognise the contribution of both…

The Coast Guard and RNLI have issued a joint safety message for those taking part in water-based or coastal activities over the Christmas and New Year period. Both groups are warning that swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool due to…

A Roscommon woman died in a road collision in Co Cavan at the weekend. Yvonne Ward nee Sheehan from Rosmoylan, Creggs was driving a car which was involved in a collision with a lorry near Ballinagh in Co Cavan on Saturday. She was removed from the scene to…

West Mayo Councillors have approved a new library and civic offices for Westport. The new offices and library will be developed at the old Convent of Mercy schoolhouse on Altamont Street. Mayo County Council purchased the property in 2008, but plans to…

A Crossmolina man is one of the organisers of a convoy of trucks helping to deliver water and animal feed to a town in Australia devastated by drought and the ongoing bushfires. 27-year old Kieran O'Brien from Crossmolina lives in Brisbane, and is one of a…

The Galway Christmas Market came to a close yesterday, having attracted an estimated 600,000 visitors this year. The Eyre Square Market, which opened on 15th November, featured over 50 seasonal market stalls, the 32m observation wheel, the traditional…

The Emergency Department at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe is extremely busy today. According to hospital management, the hospital has seen a significant increase in the numbers of patients presenting with respiratory and flu like illness.…

The Ballaghaderreen Hospice Support Group Walk in aid of Mayo Roscommon a Hospice Foundation will take place on Thursday, St Stephen’s Day. Walkers will gather g at the Ozanam Centre at 10.45am, with the walk at 11am. Refreshments will be served afterwards…

The students and staff of St Angela’s National School in Castlebar were full of Christmas cheer when Midwest Radio visited the school last week. Principal Nessa Maloney and her 29 strong staff and 350 students were all involved in the excitement of the…

It's hoped prisoners can help solve a long running missing person’s case. Posters are to be displayed at Irish jails from this week in relation to the disappearance of Trevor Deely. His brother Mark Deely is an optician based in Castlebar. Trevor was last…

The RNLI says they have over 1,500 lifeboat volunteers ready to drop everything if a call for help comes in this Christmas. But they'd all prefer if their safety message got there first. The Irish Coast Guard says 'stay back, stay high and stay dry.' With…

A Mayo woman who had been missing in Dublin since Saturday has been located safe and well. Rachel Dervin’s family became concerned for her safety over the weekend, but this morning gardai have confirmed she has been located safe and well and her family have…

Gardaí in Ballinasloe are appealing to the public for information following a shooting incident and criminal damage to a house in Brackernagh, Ballinasloe in the early hours of yesterday (Sunday)morning. The home owner was sitting in the front room of the…

9 Innovation and Digital Hubs in Gaeltacht areas will open their doors to the public tomorrow, to see the opportunities that are available to local people to work globally, from their own area. The gteic hubs in Belmullet, Carraroe, Spiddal and Furbo will…

Following a fundraising campaign, 21 new "buddy beds" have been provided at the Paediatric Unit of Sligo University Hospital. Buddy beds are special chairs that convert to comfortable beds, allowing for parents of a sick child to rest, while staying…

Connacht lost to Munster at the Sportsground last night, but those in attendance made it into the history books after they broke the world record for the most people wearing a hi-vis jacket in one location at once. The record attempt was organised by a…

The passing of the Sinn Féin Fair Rent Bill at second stage in the Dáil during the week has been welcomed by Mayo Senator Rose Conway-Walsh She claims it could put €1,500 per year back in the pockets of renters and aims to freeze rents for a period of three…

Roscommon Town is to get a facelift next year, after councillors this week approved a new plan for the regeneration of the town centre. The Market Square and Main Street Public Realm Enhancement Project will see a one-way traffic system on one side of the…

ALONE is calling on people across the Midwest to help older people who are homeless or experiencing the impact of the housing crisis over Christmas, with a record number of people currently on their waiting list. There are some 250 people on their housing…

Drivers are being warned to use their dipped headlights on the shortest day of the year today. The Road Safety Authority's also urging those out walking and cycling to make sure they can be seen on the roads. Around 60 per cent of pedestrian deaths in crashes…

There's a blow for the Government in the latest Sunday Times/ Behaviour and Attitudes December Poll. Its satisfaction rating has fallen by four to 33 per cent, while the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's popularity has dropped 5 points to 38. Fianna Fail leader…

Gardaí in Leitrim have arrested a fourth person in connection with the investigation into the murder of Patrick Heeran. Heeran was last seen in Mohill, Co. Leitrim on Monday 3rd October 2011 and a murder investigation has been ongoing since 2016. The arrested…

While many people are looking forward to a few days off and a rest over the festive season, volunteer lifeboat crews along the West coast are on call 24-7, in case of emergencies on the water. Last year, Irish lifeboats launched over 1,000 times - in Mayo,…

Residents of Roundstone in Connemara will benefit from a new wastewater treatment plant, which will end the discharge of the equivalent of 645 wheelie bins of raw sewage into Roundstone Bay every day. That's according to Irish Water, which is working with…

The heavy fog conditions have caused disruption at Ireland West Airport Knock for a second day as families try to return home for Christmas. One Ryanair flight was diverted twice from the airport so far today, as the national fog warning remains in place.…

Met Eireann has extended a Status Yellow Warning for fog until tomorrow morning. The alert came into effect yesterday afternoon and was due to expire this morning. However the forecaster says fog will linger in some parts for much of today and become…

The Common Agricultural Policy must come into effect so farmers can collect their environmental supplement payments, according to the founder of Ireland’s Future Gerry Loftus. Gerry Loftus and his team attended meetings in Brussels on agriculture, environment…

The N60 road on the Castlebar side of Balla will be open to two-way traffic from next week. Roadworks have been taking place for a number of months on the N60 Balla to Castlebar road, resulting in delays to traffic as a stop / go system is in place. Mayo…

The R321 road between Ballylahan and Bohola has reopened to traffic after an overturned lorry was cleared form the road. The lorry turned over close to Bohola Graveyard, just off the N5, shortly after 7am this morning. Heavy fog was reported at the time. The…

Four flights were diverted from Ireland West Airport Knock this afternoon due to heavy fog conditions. Flights from London Luton, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh were forced to divert to Shannon and Dublin Airports. Passengers on the London Luton flight…

Construction is expected to start next Summer on the long-awaited new bridge at Cloongullane on the N26 near Foxford, as Transport Infrastructure Ireland is allocating €2.5 million for the new bridge and road realignment project. It's part of the €56 million…

Minister for Health Simon Harris TD has announced a package of health and well-being supports for former residents of Tuam’s Mother and Baby Homes, and related institutions.The measures being announced today are based on the recommendations of the…

Funding of over €56 million is being allocated for national roads in Co Mayo for 2020. This includes an allocation of €40 million for the new N5 Westport to Turlough road. Transport Infrastructure Ireland's budget for 2020 allocated €55.3 million for…

Galway County Council's has given the green light for a new Aldi store in Tuam town centre. The store will be located at the Glynn's Hardware site. Minister for Rural Affairs, local TD Sean Canney says its positive news for Tuam, as he says when the store is…

Some driving tests have been cancelled this morning due to dense fog. The Road Safety Authority says that morning fog has caused disruption around the country. Morning tests have been cancelled at centres in Castlebar, parts of Galway, Carlow, Waterford,…

The ESB is advising householders across the region not to overload electrical sockets in their house over the Christmas period. People are being asked to check for frayed wires or loose connections around decorations in their home. The electricity network is…

Gardai are advising that a lorry has turned over on the Ballylahan to Bohola road, at the Bohola Graveyard, just off the N5.Fog is reported in the area,The emergency services are at the scene.Traffic is getting by, but gardai are advising motorists to slow…

Fianna Fáil says it remains to be seen whether some creches will be able to reopen in the New Year despite a 1,500 government grant to providers. The Department of Children says Allianz, the last remaining insurer covering creches, has offered quotes to over…

Power has been restored today to hundreds of homes and businesses across the West, who were without electricity following Storm Elsa which battered the western region last night. Some of the highest winds were in Mayo, and hundreds of customers across the…

The Glencorrib to Headford road has now reopened following a bus fire this morning. Gardai and fire services attended the scene of the incident at about 7.30am. It's understood a bus travelling on the road caught fire. There were three passengers on board the…

As a group of 30 special needs children arrive from the Chernobyl region of Belarus to Ireland this evening for a Christmas holiday, one Castlebar family is preparing to welcome back a familiar face. Igor Shadshov has been enjoying respite holidays with Marie…

The clean-up is continuing today after the impact of Storm Elsa on Galway city and county, which caused severe flooding, while some roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris. The Mayor of Galway is questioning why Met Eireann was so late in issuing a…

A vehicle struck the barrier at a level crossing at Barrackland near Manulla Junction at around 11.45am today. Emergency services attended the scene and it’s understood no serious injuries were sustained in the incident. Irish Rail has confirmed that there…

A Westport councillor is questioning why the day care service is not being provided at present at the McBride Community Nursing Home in Westport. Independent Councillor Christy Hyland says the day care service is a very important service, particularly for…

The Headford to Glencorrib road remains closed this morning as emergency services deal with a blaze to a bus. The road is blocked both ways so motorists are advised to avoid this route for next couple of hours if possible. Diversions are in place via the N84…

Motorists are being advised to drive with extreme caution this morning following storm force winds overnight. There are reports of fallen trees in a number of counties in the west and midlands. A status orange wind warning was in place for Mayo and Galway for…

The Road Safety Authority is asking drivers to exercise extreme caution this evening while weather warnings are in place. A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for county Cork, which will come into effect at 6 o'clock tonight and last for three hours.…

It’s past the time for this government to take on the funding crisis in the “Not for profit” sector, Section 39 workers who provide vital services for people with disability and health needs across the state. That’s the view of Mayo Sinn Fein Senator Rose…

A community based alcohol treatment service is to be reintroduced in Galway, according to local Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton. The development is contained in the newly published HSE service plan. Deputy Naughton told Midwest News that she has worked with…

 IT company Arkphire, which has a regional office in Castlebar, has announced the acquision of Trilogy Technologies, one of Ireland's leading independent ICT managed services providers. Arkphire said that the deal marks the “first major move of significant…

It's a very wet and windy day across the West, with a status yellow wind warning now in place for the entire country until midnight tonight. Met Eireann is warning of southeast winds gusting to between 90 and 110 km/h - strongest in coastal areas. And there's…

Galway suckler farmer Pat Murphy was elected Connacht Chairman of the Irish Farmers Association yesterday. He defeated Roscommon's John Hanley by 991 votes to 815 to take over the position. Meanwhile, the newly elected president of the IFA is Tipperary farmer…

Former FG Junior Minister John Perry is to run as an Independent candidate in the Sligo / Leitrim constituency in the next general election, after failing to be nominated by Fine Gael. The Ballymote man has served as a councillor, TD and Junior Minister. Last…

An African woman has been named the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year for her dedication in supporting the residents of the Direct Provision Centre in Ballyhaunis. Owodunni Mustapha, known as Ola, who lives at the Old Convent in Ballyhaunis received a…

Strandhill in Co Sligo is one of four new local electoral areas designated as Rent Pressure Zones from today. Rents in Strandhill, Baltinglass in Wicklow, Piltown in Kilkenny, and Cobh in Co Cork will only be able to increase by a maximum of 4% per year. This…

The Government has announced it will not be introducing a nationwide ban on smoky coal. Environment Minister Richard Bruton says this is due to legal concerns, and fears it would hurt people in rural areas who rely on turf and logs to heat their home. From…

Farmers are warning they may return to Dublin to protest in the coming days. Tractors blocked traffic at St. Stephen's Green for several hours yesterday, in their campaign over beef prices. The demonstration was called off at about eight o'clock last night,…

Government funding of over €1.7 million has been announced for Ireland West Airport Knock, for safety and security measures. The allocation, under the Government's Regional Airports Programme, is in addition to a €5.7 million investment by Government in IWAK…

Members of the Union of Students Ireland claim a Sligo County Councillor used a recent Student’s Union event in IT Sligo as a photo opportunity. The accusation was made against Fine Gael Councillor and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim Thomas…

The smoky coal ban has been extended to all towns with populations of more than 10,000 people, including Castlebar and Ballina. From September of next year, smoky coal will be banned in thirteen towns across Cavan, Cork, Kerry, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly…

Beef farmers are again protesting in Dublin today, with large parts of the city centre closed. The group of independent farmers say many won't survive into the new year if beef prices remain below the cost of production. They want an emergency meeting of the…

Gardai in Castlebar have issued a warning in relation to hoax calls. A number of people in the Castlebar area have reported receiving phone calls this morning purporting to be from Revenue, and asking for bank details. Gardai are advising that Revenue never…

Staff at Ireland West Airport Knock have raised over €41,000 this year for the airport's three nominated charities. Croí, Hope House and the Jack & Jill Foundation were the nominated charities for 2019 year, and a number of fundraising events were held…

Over 500 thefts from vehicles have been reported across the Mayo Garda division over the past four years. New figures from An Garda Siochana show that, nationally, over €30 million euro worth of items have been stolen from 46,582 vehicles since the start of…

A status yellow wind warning has been issued for the whole country for tomorrow. Met Eireann is advising of south-east winds with gusts of between 90 and 110 km/h, stronger in coastal areas. The wind warning comes into effect from 12 noon until midnight…

The sod will be turned on the new Roscommon hospice next month. The eight suite centre will be developed on a site beside Hannon’s hotel in the town at an estimated cost of €6million. Chief Executive of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Martina Jennings addressed the…

The lifelong contribution to the Irish co-operative movement by Mayo native Brendan O’Mahony has been recognised nationally with the co-operative industry’s highest national honour - The Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour. Brendan, from Cross, was the…

The 16th president of the IFA will be elected later today. Counting of votes begins this morning for a successor to Joe Healy, as the IFA elections for 2019 come to a close. The three candidates for the presidency are John Coughlan, Tim Cullinan and Angus…

A Ballina man, who murdered two elderly brothers in Castlebar six years ago, has lost an appeal against his conviction. 32-year old Alan Cawley of Four Winds, Corrinbla, Ballina had admitted killing 69-year old Thomas Blaine and his 76 year old brother John…

A charity set up to raise funds for NUI Galway spent more than 30-thousand euro on 102 taxi trips over a three year period. The Galway University Foundation also spent over 48-thousand euro on business class flights between 2015 and 2017. Other expenses…

A fresh complaint has been made to the Oireachtas ethics committee about the “voting practice” of Fianna Fáil Brexit spokesperson, Mayo deputy Lisa Chambers. According to Independent.ie, Fine Gael’s Fergus O’Dowd wrote to the clerk of the Dáil yesterday…

The family of a county Mayo man who took his own life last May issued a heartfelt public appeal yesterday for anybody with suicidal thoughts to seek assistance.At an inquest in Castlebar into the death of Martin McHale, Murrisk, Westport, his family, through…

There's been a lack of transparency from big supermarkets amid the ongoing beef price row, according to the Irish Farmers Association. It has welcomed news that Tesco will now be attending next month's meeting involving key stakeholders. Galway based IFA…

A coroner recommended that the public keep an eye on elderly neighbours particularly during the winter months. Patrick O’Connor, Coroner for Mayo, made the comments at an inquest in Castlebar today into the death of 66-year-old Gerard Gavin with an address at…

Mayo Pink Ribbon raised nearly €160,000 for breast cancer research in a combined total of all their events held this year. The largest ever annual collection by the organisation has put the total raised for breast cancer in the county in excess of €1m. The…

Patients on trolleys at University Hospital Galway were 49 today, the second highest in the country. That’s according to figures from the INMO, which also show 18 on trolleys at the Portiuncla Hospital, 15 at Mayo University Hospital and 12 at Sligo…

The family of a man who was shot in Castlebar six years ago will appeal for information about his death on RTE’s Crimecall tonight. Owen Maughan (29) was shot outside a service station close to his home in Castlebar on the 18th of December 2013. He died from…

HANNAH’S POTATO STUFFING AS DISCUSSED BY PAUL AND GERRY ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 16TH RECEIPE FOR POTATO STUFFING INGREDIENTS 1/2 LB OF STREAKY RASHERS 2 CHOPPED ONIONS CELERY IF DESIRED 2 TABLESPOONS OF CHOPPED PARSLEY 1/4 LB OF BUTTER OR MARGARINE 2 TEASPOONS OF…

Gardai are again advising the public to be wary of suspicious phone calls.A woman in the Ballinrobe area was contacted by phone this morning by an individual claiming to be from the Irish Revenue and Customs office. The woman was asked for her bank…

€26,600 in grant aid to provide sensory facilities and equipment in public libraries in Mayo has been announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring. The equipment can assist individuals with sensory impairments, special…

Fianna Fáil's Brexit spokesperson, Mayo deputy Lisa Chambers has insisted it was "entirely normal" for TDs to sit in the wrong place, after new footage emerged showing votes being cast for a colleague while she occupied his seat. Deputy Chambers claims she is…

The death has occurred of Mae Filan, née McNicholas, “Carlton Lodge”, Carrowroe, Sligo and formerly of the Carlton Café, Castle Street, Sligo and of Kiltimagh, mother of internationally known Westlife star Shane Filan. She died at the North West Hospice in…

The Houses of the Oireachtas Service is set to spend over 200 thousand euro on coffee and coffee equipment. A newly published tender outlines to potential suppliers that it will spend an estimated 210 thousand euro over the 12 months of the contract and any…

The Irish Farmers Association says processors and retailers must increase the price of beef paid to farmers. It's calling on the Agriculture Minister to hold an immediate meeting of the Beef Market Taskforce to hold them to account. It says the Bord Bia price…

Gardai are advising motorists of treacherous icy road conditions in places across the region this morning. Numerous vehicles left the road in the early hours of this morning in the Castlebar area – on the Pontoon Road, in the Belcara and Manulla areas, while…

A long sought after report outlining all the properties and lands in the ownership of Mayo County Council is to be available to councillors by March next (2020), but should be available right now, according to Fine Gael councillor Donna Sheridan. The time…

The Mayo Joint Policing Committee is to write to the Minister for Health Simon Harris, urging him to implement the legislation on minimum price per unit of alcohol. It comes at a time when supermarkets and off-licences are advertising bottles of beer that are…

The CEO and the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are failing to do a job that they are paid for, in securing the future of the wild brown trout on lakes in south Mayo. That’s the view expressed by Ballinrobe based Fine Gael councillor, Michael Burke,…

House prices are rising by one per cent year-on-year across the country. The latest Daft.ie Wealth Report shows the value of all Irish residential property is now 519 billion euro. The most expensive market in Connacht-Ulster is in Kinvara, where it'll set…

Mayo TD Lisa Chambers has questioned why she is being singled out in the latest voting controversy. New Dáil footage has emerged showing Fianna Fáil Deputy sitting in Deputy Dooley's seat while votes are being cast. The Sunday Independent reports that seven…

Met Éireann's extended its national Status Yellow alert for snow and ice until tomorrow morning. Wintry showers are expected to spread from the southwest to all counties throughout the day. Drivers are being warned to be particularly careful. Met Éireann…

The Government plans to provide 300 broadband connection points bear the hallmarks of making it up as you go along. That’s the view of Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary who has appealed to the government to answer questions surrounding cost, speed and the…

Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Roscommon County Council must resolve barriers to upgrade works on the N4 when they meet. That’s the view of Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy who raised his frustration with the Minister for Transport Shane Ross, alongside…

While the Christmas lights in Ballina are spectacular, there are still areas of the town left without lights for the festive season. That's according to local Councillor Annie May Reape. The Fianna Fail Councillor is insisting that funding be set aside next…

A leading health expert says it's only the third time in 20 years that the flu season started in November. Yesterday the HSE's Health Protection Centre confirmed 3 flu-related deaths while 324 people have been admitted to hospital. 12 of those were admitted…

A status yellow snow / ice warning is in place for six counties this morning. Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, and Donegal, are affected until midnight tonight. Hail, snow and ice are expected in those counties which could lead to hazardous driving…

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) official opened a new store in Westport, today with the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD cutting the ribbon. NCBI has 117 shops across the country and is the second largest…

Payments under the 2019 Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) have commenced to 32,444 farmers, to the value of some €75 million. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, today confirmed the schemes commencement saying that the payments…

The Government must increase the minimum income threshold of people allowed to avail of social housing to avoid people being forced into a ‘poverty trap’, according to Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne. Councillor Kilcoyne wants the threshold for…

A mayo person has won the weekly Prize Bond Star Prize of €50,000. The winning number AAV 132635 was purchased in 2015. There were over 4,900 prizes awarded in this week’s Prize Bond Draw, amounting to over €312,000. In addition to a €1 million prize awarded…

Claremorris Gardai are appealing for witnesses to a two vehicle road traffic collision that occurred on the N17 yesterday. The incident happened at approximately 12 noon on the N17 southbound at the Ballindine junction from Claremorris. A white box van and a…

Mayo Day, a celebration of our county’s vibrant culture and community spirit, returns for its 6th consecutive year on May 2nd 2020. Over the last number of years, the Mayo Day campaign has been an enormous success, garnering worldwide attention with events…

Over 600 patients are being treated on trolleys at hospitals across the country. 608 people are waiting for beds, including 57 at Cork University Hospital which is the worst affected facility, according to figures from the INMO. That's followed by 55 at…

Almost 11,000 vulnerable children are missing out on meals each day — because schools have refused to join a State-funded scheme. The School Meals Programme aims to provide regular nutritious food, mainly through breakfast clubs and lunches, to children who…

Minister Michael Ring has a number of engagements in the county today. The Minister will officially open the Department of Social Protection’s new Intreo office in Claremorris at noon. At 3pm Minister Ring will officially open the new National Council for the…

People attending hospital injury units across the country is to have their charges cut from €100 to €75 in the coming days on foot of a proposal by Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten. Deputy Naughten proposed in the Dáil that in order to better utilise…

A status yellow wind warning remains in place for eight counties. It's valid until nine o'clock this morning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork and Kerry. Met Eireann has also issued a status yellow rain warning for South Donegal, Leitrim…

A retired Garda arrested in connection with an investigation into irregularities in the immigration processing service has been released without charge. The man was arrested on Tuesday and was questioned at a Garda station in the midlands. A file will now be…

€24,000 has been provided for upgrading a carpark in Ballintubber adjacent to the community centre and new playground. Fine Gael Councillor Donna Sheridan confirmed today that the money would be provided for the carpark as part of a wider scheme of works in…

A status yellow wind warning has been issued for 8 counties along the Western seaboard, including Mayo, Galway and Sligo. Met Eireann is advising that this evening and overnight, west to northwest winds will gust to between 80 and 110 kilometres an hour -and…

The N17 road between Claremorris and Ballindine is closed to traffic following a two vehicle collision. Emergency services are at the scene of the two vehicle crash at the old Claremorris/Meelickmore junction. Midwest News understands that one person has been…

Mayo County Council is to introduce a multi-annual programme of works, aimed at slowing down traffic in housing estates across the county. While a 30 km/h speed limit is being introduced in many housing estates, vehicles are travelling over that speed limit-…

A woman who stopped her car to assist two men on the side of the road last night near Ballaghadereen was robbed of over €100 euro. The incident occurred at about 8.15 yesterday evening, when a woman driving in the Aughalustia area of Ballaghadereen saw a van…

The retired Garda, who was arrested yesterday morning by Gardai from the Roscommon/ Longford division, is suspected of having taken bribes to stamp hundreds of fraudulent immigration applications from Indian and Pakistani applicants, according to the Irish…

The Department of Agriculture is warning of the risk of Avian Influenza in Ireland's poultry sector, following an outbreak of Low Pathogenic AI in England. The outbreak was confirmed in a flock of 27,000 commercial chickens in Suffolk. All poultry owners are…

Members of the Irish Farmers Association will meet with the Agriculture Minister later today. It's part of farmers' ongoing campaign to secure a better price for their animals from meat processors. IFA members have been blockading supermarket distribution…

Blood donors across the West are being urged to make a special effort to give blood in the run-up to Christmas. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is running extra clinics before the during and Christmas period to ensure they can meet the demand for blood…

A capital grant of €750,000 has been allocated for the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. The funding is being provided through the Higher Education Authority, and will go towards refurbishment works at the GMIT campuses, and upgrading IT equipment. Mayo…

The Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon could be reopened under a new local organisation. The Cuisle Alliance, originally initiated by Deputy Denis Naughten along with a number of other public representatives and community volunteers, has decided to formally…

A retired member of the Gardai has been arrested this morning in connection with an investigation into immigration irregularities in the Roscommon / Longford Division. The man who was arrested is in his 60's and has retired from the Gardai. He's currently…

Over €43 million was paid out in insurance claims on behalf of 28 local authorities in the first nine months of this year - with Mayo Co Co paying out over €2.2 million in settlements. Local authorities are insured by Irish Public Bodies, which deals with…