Power cut affecting 74 homes and businesses in Ballinrobe area

Feb 19, 2019

Mini-boat launched off Canada's east coast washes up on Keel beach in Achill

A mini-boat launched off Newfoundland on Canada's east coast was found on Keel Beach in Achill yesterday, after being at sea for 103 days. The School of Ocean Technology at the Marine Institute in Newfoundland challenged Grade 8 students to create a 90-second…

Feb 19, 2019

High Court action settled over death of two Sligo brothers almost 5 years ago

The family of a young Sligo man, who fatally stabbed his nine-year-old brother before taking his own life five years ago, has settled a High Court action against the HSE. Shane Skeffington and his wife Carmel from Banada, Tourlestrane had returned from a…

Feb 19, 2019

Over 10,000 people expected to attend Galway Solemn Novena

Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the Galway Solemn Novena this week. Now in its 38th year, the Novena will reflect on the joy of love and family life today. Thousands of people are attending Galway Cathedral for the six sessions taking place each day…

Feb 19, 2019

Councillor raises concern over the future of the Westdoc Service in Glenamaddy

A Galway Councillor has raised concerns over the future of the Westdoc service in Glenamaddy. Ballinasloe area councillor Michael Connolly says the full service is not in operation since Christmas despite a lack of public consultation and prior notice. He…

Feb 19, 2019

Councillor says shock and disappointment in the parish of Islandeady that Leitir National School is to close it’s doors for the final time in June

There is disappointment in the parish of Islandeady that Leitir National School between Castlebar and Newport is to close in June. Local Fianna Fail Councillor Martin McLoughlin confirmed the news to Midwest Radio today describing it as another nail in the…

Feb 19, 2019

Work to start shortly on the junction in Garrymore

Work is due to start in the next few weeks on the junction in Garrymore, close to the GAA pitch. That has been confirmed to local Fine Gael Cllr Patsy O’Brien. Cllr O’Brien says the work will get underway shortly, as design has been finalised and the local…

Feb 19, 2019

Sligo Councillor to host a public Brexit and the Northwest event on Thursday which will see the Tanaiste Simon Coveney deliver a key note address.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney will deliver a key note address on Brexit in Sligo on Thursday evening which will be followed by a panel discussion with a range of speakers from the business, agriculture and transport sectors.…

Feb 19, 2019

Mulranny Park Hotel to feature on special TG4 programme tonight

The Mulranny Park Hotel is to be featured on a special TG4 programme tonight. “Scéalta na nOstán” is a nostalgic series which reveals the history and inside stories of Ireland’s landmark hotels, using personal reminiscences, stories are brought to light with…

Feb 18, 2019

Councillor feels the South Mayo area is in the grip of a "drug epidemic"

The South Mayo area is in the grip of a "drug epidemic" according to a local Fianna Fail Councillor. The issue was discussed on Friday at a meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee. Chief Superintendent of the Mayo Garda Division Pat Diskin told the JPC…

Feb 18, 2019

New Grants launched for dairy farmers to switch to climate friendly milk pumps

New grants have been launched for dairy farmers to switch to climate friendly milk pumps. The energy efficient pumps significantly reduce costs and carbon emissions. The money is available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and will fund up…

Feb 18, 2019

Verdict of misadventure returned by jury at inquest into the death of a 61-year-old building contractor who was killed instantly last year when his car collided with a lorry on Swinford bypass

A verdict of misadventure was returned by a jury at an inquest today into the death of a 61-year-old building contractor who was killed instantly when his car collided with an articulated lorry on the Swinford bypass in February of last year. The man who died…

Feb 18, 2019

Afternoon trains between Mayo & Dublin to operate as scheduled, following delays this morning

Irish Rail says lunchtime train services between Mayo and Dublin are operating as scheduled, following delays to services this morning. There were delays of between 30 and 45 minutes earlier on all services to and from Heuston Station in Dublin - due to…

Feb 18, 2019

Flybe says Knock flights operate as normal, and are not affected by Flybmi collapse

British airline Flybe has issued a statement, clarifying that its services between Ireland West Airport Knock and Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester continue to operate as normal. Over the weekend, British regional airline Flybmi went into administration,…

Feb 18, 2019

Man jailed for 2 years after admitting defilement of child in Sligo

A 31 year old man has been jailed for 2 years for having sexual relations with a 14 year old girl. He was 24 at the time of the offence in Sligo in 2012 and claimed he thought the girl was older. The court heard the girl was at a vulnerable time of her life…

Feb 18, 2019

Body of young man reported missing in Galway was recovered at the weekend

The body of a young man from Galway was recovered over the weekend. Searches had been underway for 24-year old Conor Burke from Headford Road in Galway, who was last seen in Galway city in the early hours of last Thursday morning. His family and Gardai were…

Feb 18, 2019

Community Employment supervisors striking today over pensions

Community Employment supervisors seeking security over pensions will strike today at 6 locations across the country. They'll protest at Department of Social Protection offices in Galway, Athlone, Letterkenny, Waterford, Cork and Dublin from midday today.…

Feb 18, 2019

Delays on train services to and from Heuston Station this morning

There's delays of between 30 and 45 minutes on services to and from Heuston Station in Dublin. It's due to signal cable vandalism between Sallins and Newbridge. Irish Rail says delays will continue throughout the morning peak.

Feb 18, 2019

Gurteen community consider taking judicial review of decision to close local Post Office

A thriving community in Co Sligo is to consider taking a judicial review to save its local post office, after accusing An Post of ignoring its own viability guidelines. Hundreds of people attended a protest meeting last night in Gurteen, amid local fury over…

Feb 18, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for clarity on plans for Primary Care Centre in Bangor Erris

A Mayo Senator says she's very concerned at the lack of clarity from a Government Minister over when a new Primary Care Centre will be constructed in Bangor Erris. Erris-based SF Senator Rose Conway-Walsh raised the matter last week in the Seanad with…

Feb 17, 2019

Motorist caught travelling at 181km per hour heading for County Galway last night

A motorist was caught travelling at 181 kilometres an hour heading for County Galway last night. The driver was speeding on the M6 motorway between Athlone and Ballinasloe. The Roscommon Roads Policing Unit say a fixed charge notice is to follow.

Feb 17, 2019

Slight confrontation at 'No to Racism' rally in Rooskey today

There's been slight confrontation at a 'No To Racism' rally in Rooskey Co. Roscommon. Videos online show demonstrators and the public having heated engagements. This afternoons rally comes in response to the recent fires which have delayed the development of…

Feb 17, 2019

Farmer with cattle can commercially tax new jeep while farmer just owning sheep cannot according to Councillor

A farmer with cattle can commercially tax a new jeep while a farmer without cattle, owning just sheep cannot, and according to Independent West Mayo Councillor Michael Holmes the situation is simply crazy. He argued at this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo…

Feb 17, 2019

Leo Varadkar seems to be bearing the brunt of recent controversies

Leo Varadkar seems to be bearing the brunt of the recent controversies over the nurses' strike and the costings row for the National Children's Hospital. A Sunday Times Behaviour and Attitudes Poll out today shows his personal satisfaction rating below 40…

Feb 17, 2019

Members of community in Rooskey taking to the streets for anti-racism rally today

Members of the community in Rooskey are taking to the streets this lunchtime to let asylum seekers know they're welcome. It follows a number of recent fires at the Shannon Key West Hotel which has been earmarked for the development of a Direct Provision…

Feb 17, 2019

Retired Mayo man becomes highest prize winner of the season on Winning Streak TV game show

A retired Mayo man has become the highest prize winner of the season on the National Lottery Winning Streak TV game show, scooping a massive €143,000. A delighted Michael Kilbane, from Achill Island but living in Castlebar, won €100,000 of his prize spinning…

Feb 16, 2019

Funding of half a million euro has been allocated to support local communities on non-Gaeltacht islands

Funding of half a million euro has been allocated to support local communities on non-Gaeltacht islands. The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Islands Sean Kyne has announced a grant of over €490,000 to support…

Feb 16, 2019

Inaugural Mayo History Conference will take place in Swinford on Saturday March 2nd

The inaugural Mayo History Conference will take place in the Gateway Hotel Swinford on Saturday March 2nd. The event is being held as part of the town’s 250 plus celebrations. The weekend commences on Friday March 1st with the official opening and the…

Feb 16, 2019

Minister Doyle confirms Terms of Reference for independent study on forestry in Co Leitrim

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle has confirmed that Terms of Reference for the independent study on forestry in Co Leitrim have been finalised. The study will be led by Dr Áine Ní Dhubháin and Dr Julie…

Feb 16, 2019

Concerns raised about GP services in the Bangor Erris area of north Mayo by Fianna Fail TD

Concerns have been raised about GP services in the Bangor Erris area of north Mayo. It's understood the GP currently working in Bangor has been offered a job elsewhere, which he is expected to accept, and there are concerns that the vacancy in Bangor may be…

Feb 16, 2019

PNA will attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission on Monday

The Psychiatric Nurses' Association will attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission on Monday. It's after the union suspended strike action that was due to start next week, in their ongoing recruitment and retention dispute. The Psychiatric Nurses…

Feb 15, 2019

Mayo County Council requesting the RSA standardise a breathlyser test that could be bought in any shop or pharmacy

Mayo County Council is requesting the Road Safety Authority to standardise a breathalyer test that could be bought in any shop or pharmacy. FG Councillor Jarlath Munnelly proposed the motion at this week's monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, and it was…

Feb 15, 2019

Local Enterprise Office in Mayo saw net increase of 130 jobs in 2018

Local Enterprise Offices across the country are now supporting over 36,000 jobs and over 7,100 small businesses. That's according to the latest figures for 2018, announced by Minister Heather Humphreys. This is the 5th year of employment growth for the Local…

Feb 15, 2019

Mayo County Council fully supportive of project which will involve laying of fibre optic cable in Clew Bay

Mayo County Council says it is fully supportive of a project which will involve the laying of a fibre optic cable in Clew Bay. The local authority’s Head of Marine Michael O’Boyle was speaking after concerns were voiced by the Clare Island Fishermen’s Group…

Feb 15, 2019

Mayo Local Enterprise Office saw net increase of 130 new jobs last year

Local Enterprise Offices across the country are now supporting over 36,000 jobs and over 7,100 small businesses. That's according to the latest figures for 2018, announced by Minister Heather Humphreys. This is the 5th year of employment growth for the Local…

Feb 15, 2019

Achill Islander launches European election campaign with the Green Party

The Green Party is putting three candidates forward for the upcoming European elections on May 24th. The party is launching its campaign later today. Councillor Ciarán Cuffe is contesting Dublin, Senator Grace O'Sullivan is standing in Ireland South and…

Feb 15, 2019

Mayo TD says businesses closing down due to soaring insurance costs

Creches, nightclubs, marts and other businesses across the country are closing down because of the massive increases in public liability and business insurance. That's according to Mayo TD Dara Calleary who told the Dáil yesterday that, in the case of one…

Feb 15, 2019

€5 million for Co Roscommon and over €6m for Galway for rural regeneration projects

There's a significant funding boost today for counties across the West, under the Government's Rural Regeneration and Development Programme. Almost €5 million has been allocated for rural regeneration projects across Co Roscommon. This includes an allocation…

Feb 15, 2019

PNA ambulance personnel stage second day of strike action

PNA ambulance members are staging a second day of strike action today. Over 500 ambulance personnel - including paramedics, advanced paramedics and emergency medical technicians, have walked off the job from 7am this morning until 5 pm this evening in a row…

Feb 15, 2019

Prison sentence for Lithuanian man following discovery of cannabis growhouse in Glenhest

A man said to be the 'gardener' in a major cannabis growhouse operation uncovered by Mayo Gardai appeared before Judge Rory MacCabe at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar yesterday. Richardas Selinis, a Lithuanian national, pleaded guilty at an earlier…

Feb 15, 2019

€2.3 million allocated for seven projects in Mayo under Rural Regeneration & Development Fund

Funding of €2.3 million euro has been announced for seven projects in Co Mayo under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring has confirmed that three of the projects are solely within the county -…

Feb 15, 2019

Gardai in Galway appeal for information on missing 24-year old man

Gardai in Galway have appealed for information on the whereabouts of a young man missing since the early hours of yesterday morning. 24 year old Conor Burke was last seen in Galway city at about 1.45 am Thursday morning, and his family and Gardai are…

Feb 14, 2019

Almost 16% of commercial properties in Mayo are vacant

Almost 16% of commercial properties in Mayo are vacant at present, according to the latest figures from GeoDirectory. The national commercial vacancy rate is at 13.2% - down slightly on the previous year. There are almost 28,000 commercial properties in the…

Feb 14, 2019

Athlone Gardai seize cocaine worth €700,000

Gardai in Athlone have seized cocaine worth in the region of €700,000 in a planned search. At about 7am this morning, Gardai from the Crime & Drugs Unit based in Athlone conducted a search of a house in the Clonown area of the town, where cocaine with an…

Feb 14, 2019

31-year old man pleads guilty to defilement of 14 year old girl in Sligo

A 31 year old man has pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with a 14 year old girl. He was 24 at the time of the offence in Sligo, and claimed he thought the victim was 18. The court heard this offence dates back to September 2012 . When the accused was…

Feb 14, 2019

Mayo Senator urges Govt to resolve pensions issue for CE scheme supervisors, ahead of strike next Monday

Community Employment schemes across the West will be hit by strike action next Monday. CE scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors are to go on a one-day strike, in a dispute over pensions. It's over a decade ago since the Labour Court issued a…

Feb 14, 2019

House prices in the West increased by 11% last year- CSO

House prices nationally increased by 6.5% in the year to December 2018, according to the latest figures from the CSO. The rate of growth was just less than half of the 12.1% increased in prices recorded the previous year. In Dublin, house prices rose by 4.2%…

Feb 14, 2019

Clare Island Fishermen's Group outline concerns regarding proposed fibre optic cable for Clew Bay at public meeting, while Aqua Comms say they can address those concerns

A meeting organised by Clare Island Fishermen’s Group held earlier this month, heard a number of concerns that the group have in relation to the proposed laying of a fibre optic cable in Clew Bay, connecting the US with Europe. Aqua Comms have applied for a…

Feb 14, 2019

On Valentine's Day, Gardai advise people to beware of online dating scams

It may be Valentines Day, but Gardai are advising people to beware of Romance Scams. Gardai say victims of a scam believe they have met their perfect match online, but the other person is a scammer using a fake profile to build the relationship and gain the…

Feb 14, 2019

Anti-racism rally planned for Rooskey on Sunday, following latest suspected arson attack

Following on from suspected arson attacks at a hotel in Rooskey, Co Roscommon, a local Councillor is calling for a joint meeting of the Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon municipal districts, in a bid to address what he calls "the escalating events" at the Shannon…

Feb 14, 2019

43 patients on trolleys at University Hospital Galway today

University Hospital Galway has the highest number of patients on trolleys today according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. There are 43 patients waiting for a hospital bed at the Galway facility today, with the same number on trolleys at Cork…

Feb 14, 2019

Councillor voices frustration at state of footpath in Market Lane area of Westport

An Independent Councillor has voiced his frustration at the state of the footpath in the Market Lane area of Westport. Christy Hyland says this has been an issue going back for at least ten years. It came to light again recently when a person fell in the…

Feb 14, 2019

Homeowner in village outside Castlebar charged in excess of €14,000 by Irish Water for reconnection after he rebuilt house, apartment and commercial unit

A homeowner in a village outside Castlebar, recently knocked a house and rebuilt a house, an apartment and a commercial unit on the same site. He did all the work himself in disconnecting the house from the water and sewerage system and then reconnecting to…

Feb 14, 2019

Westport Councillor appointed as Peace Commissioner

Minister Michael Ring has welcomed the appointment of Fine Gael Councillor Tereasa McGuire from Westport as a Peace Commissioner. Minister Michael Ring said he was pleased to hear that Councillor McGuire has been appointed as a Peace Commissioner. He…

Feb 14, 2019

Main Street in Charlestown closed to traffic following road collision

Main Street in Charlestown is closed to traffic and will remain closed for a couple of hours according to Gardai. It's after a lorry carrying a heavy load hit an ESB pole. While the pole is not down, work is underway to secure it. Diversions in place for cars…

Feb 14, 2019

Minister Ring meets with An Post to discuss closure of Ballycroy Post Office

Minister Michael Ring met with An Post yesterday to discuss issues locally and nationally. During the course of the discussion, Minister Ring raised the issue of Ballycroy Post Office. He says that he made very strong representations and impressed on them…

Feb 13, 2019

INMO Executive recommends accepting Labour Court deal in nurses row

The INMO executive has recommended accepting the Labour court deal in the nurses row. A 3 day strike, due to take place this week, was suspended after the Labour Court intervened in the dispute over pay and conditions on Monday. The Nurses and Midwives…

Feb 13, 2019

Man and woman appear in court in Tyrone charged with murder of a Sligo man

A man and a woman have appeared in court charged with the murder of a Sligo man in Co Tyrone. According to RTE News, 23-year-old Niall Cox and 33-year-old Karen McDonald, both of McCrea Park, Clogher, indicated they understood the charge at Dungannon…

Feb 13, 2019

Tibohine Action Group in Roscommon to take Roscommon County Council to High Court in relation to development of Biopark

The Tibohine Action Group in Roscommon has confirmed that they intend to take Roscommon County Council to the High Court in relation to the development of a Biopark at Ballinphuill, Tibohine. In a statement today the group says: “After eight years of fighting…

Feb 13, 2019

Experts to consider legality of gathering DNA from survivors of Tuam Mother & Baby Home

Experts are looking at whether there's any legal block to gathering DNA from survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. Survivors want DNA collection to start as soon as possible given the age and health profiles of some of the women involved. It's hoped the…

Feb 13, 2019

Senator Swanick's loneliness report to be debated in the Seanad today

There are calls for a Minister to be appointed to tackle the "epidemic" of loneliness. Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Keith Swanick - who was one of the authors of a report on the issue - wants the government to do more to tackle loneliness . The report was…

Feb 13, 2019

Galway Gardai arrest 10 people during "Donegal Tuesday" student event

Gardai in Galway arrested ten people in the city last night, following "Donegal Tuesday" - the main event of the unofficial Rag Week celebrations. Additional Gardai were on duty in the city from yesterday morning as students from all over the country gathered…

Feb 13, 2019

Aldi granted planning permission for new Belmullet store

Aldi has been granted planning permission for a new store in Belmullet. Mayo County Council has given the green light for the construction of a new store on Tallagh Road, Belmullet which will create about 20 new jobs. A spokesperson for Aldi said the new…

Feb 13, 2019

Trial collapses of man alleged of intimidating woman into marrying a stranger

The trial of a man, alleged to have intimidated a woman into getting married to a stranger, collapsed on its opening day yesterday. 31-year old Yasir Ali of Lighthouse Apartments, East Wall, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to…

Feb 13, 2019

Farmers lobby politicians calling for action to save the country's beef trade

Farmers are calling for urgent action from the Government to save the country's beef trade. The IFA is lobbying TDs and Senators in Dublin today on the beef crisis. They say they're finding it almost impossible to sell their stock because of poor prices, the…

Feb 13, 2019

Two people due in court charged with murder of Sligo man in Tyrone

Two people are due in court today charged with the murder of a Sligo man in Co Tyrone at the weekend. The body of 30-year-old Pat Ward was discovered in an alleyway at McCrea Park in Clogher, Co Tyrone on Saturday morning. The victim was originally from Sligo…

Feb 12, 2019

Justice Minister "gravely concerned" at latest fire at Rooskey hotel

The Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and the Minister of State for Immigration & Integration David Stanton have expressed grave concern at the reports of a fire last night in the Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey. Last night at around 9:15, two small…

Feb 12, 2019

Minister Simon Harris should step aside says Roscommon-Galway TD

Independent Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice is calling on the Health Minister Simon Harris to vacate his ministerial position over the significant cost over-runs in the construction of the National Children's Hospital. Deputy Fitzmaurice said he's…

Feb 12, 2019

Gardai warn of fake €50 notes being circulated in Claremorris & Swinford

Gardai in Swinford and Claremorris are advising businesses to be extra vigilant, after a number of dud fifty euro notes were passed in both towns earlier today. It's understood at least two businesses in Swinford were targetted, while a number of the fake €50…

Feb 12, 2019

Deputy Calleary brings new Bill forward requiring closer scrutiny of public projects running over-budget

Cabinet Ministers are considering what capital projects to delay to meet the cost of the new National Children's Hospital. 100 million euro has to be found in this year's budget to make up for overruns on the hospital site. 50 million needs to come from this…

Feb 12, 2019

Traveller culture and heritage to be discussed at Turlough Museum on Saturday week

The National Museum of Country Life in Turlough, CAstlebar is the venue for a national seminar and discussion on Traveller Culture and Heritage on Saturday week next, Feb. 23rd. The event takes place between 2 and 5pm on Saturday afternoon and all are…

Feb 12, 2019

HSE urges patients to attend outpatient appointments scheduled for today, Wednesday and Thursday

The HSE has welcomed the decision taken by the INMO and PNA to suspend industrial action planned for this week. With nurses expected to fully attend at work today, Wednesday and Thursday, it says it will endeavour to do everything it can to restore normal…

Feb 12, 2019

Mayo County Councillors unanimously support nurses in their industrial dispute

At yesterday’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, councillors gave their full support to nurses and their pay demands A motion calling on the Taoiseach to immediately intervene to resolve the nurses’ pay dispute was unanimously passed by councillors. The…

Feb 12, 2019

Fire broke out again last night at the Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey

A fire occurred, for the second time in five weeks, last night at the Shannon Key West Hotel, Rooskey, on the Leitrim/ Roscommon border. The hotel is still ear-marked to become a reception centre for asylum seekers. Just before ten o clock last night a window…

Feb 12, 2019

Outpatient appointments to go ahead today as planned, as nurses call off three days of industrial action

The HSE says it will do everything it can to restore normal service following the suspension of this week's nurses strike. Outpatient appointments are set to go ahead as planned today and patients with appointments for today, tomorrow and Thursday are advised…

Feb 11, 2019

Labour Court to issue recommendation aimed at ending nurses dispute

The Labour Court is issuing a recommendation to end the nurses dispute and avert tomorrow's strike action. It summoned both sides to a formal hearing, which has now ended. The Executive Council of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are meeting in the…

Feb 11, 2019

Mayo Cancer Bus makes its inaugural journey from Belmullet to UHG

Cancer Care West's new Mayo Cancer Bus made its inaugural journey today. The new service will bring people from Mayo who are receiving cancer treatment in Galway to the University Hospital Galway from Belmullet, passing through a number of Mayo towns en route…

Feb 11, 2019

St Nathy's College to reopen tomorrow following bomb scare

St Nathy's College in Ballaghadereen will reopen tomorrow, after a bomb scare led to the evacuation of students and staff this morning. It's understood a call was made to Gardai claiming an alleged device had been left on the school premises. The decision was…

Feb 11, 2019

Labour Court to intervene in nurses' dispute

The Labour Court has announced it will intervene in the nurses dispute. 37,000 members of the Irish Nurses and midwives Organisation are due to take to the picket lines over the next 3 days along with 6,000 members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association. The…

Feb 11, 2019

Two people arrested for murder of Sligo man in Co Tyrone

Two people have been arrested by the PSNI for the murder of a Sligo man. The body of 30-year old Pat Ward was discovered on Saturday morning in an alleyway at McCrea Park, Clogher in Co Tyrone. Mr Ward, a member of the travelling community, was originally…

Feb 11, 2019

St Nathy's College evacuated earlier due to bomb scare

Students and staff were evacuated from St Nathy's College in Ballaghadereen this morning following a bomb scare. It's understood a call was made claiming there was a device left on the premises. Gardai attended the scene and nothing was found during a…

Feb 11, 2019

45 jobs announced at Galway tech start-up

45 new jobs have been announced at a Galway-based technology start-up firm. Joulica, which was founded in 2016 and is based in the Business Innovation Centre at NUI Galway, is planning to create 45 new jobs over the next 3 years. Joulica currently employs 25…

Feb 11, 2019

Information Meeting this evening in Tuam on Home Insulation

Irish Rural Link is hosting a free information meeting this evening in Tuam to provide information for the general public on how to more efficiently heat their homes, and to outline the range of grants available for Home Heating Schemes under SEAI. The…

Feb 11, 2019

Hoax calls allegedly from revenue - continue

Gardai in Castlerea are advising the general public of hoax calls allegedly from revenue reported in the Roscommon area this morning. It’s an 051 number, and callers are advised of an alleged refund. Gardai say revenue would not be calling for this purpose…

Feb 11, 2019

St Nathy's College Ballaghaderreen evacuated this morning

The incident that occurred at St Nathy's College in Ballaghaderreen this morning that caused the evacuation of the school has been successfully resolved. Students and staff were evacuated from the school and a spokesperson for the college told Midwest News…

Feb 11, 2019

Three man Fine Gael Ticket selected to contest Castlebar local elections in May

Fine Gael has selected three candidates to run in next May's local elections in the new seven-seat electoral area of Castlebar. They are outgoing Councillor Cyril Burke together with former county councillor Eugene McCormack and former town councillor Ger…

Feb 11, 2019

Claremorris Municipal District councillors have agreed to ban election posters across the district for the May local elections

Claremorris Municipal District councillors have agreed to ban election posters across the district for the May local elections. The motion was proposed by Ballyhaunis based Fine Gael councillor John Cribben at the monthly meeting of Claremorris Municipal…

Feb 11, 2019

The Labour Court will decide later this morning if it can intervene in the ongoing pay dispute between nurses and the government

The Labour Court will decide later this morning if it can intervene in the ongoing pay dispute between nurses and the government. Talks aimed at averting industrial action ended just after 3 o'clock this morning, following 15 hours of negotiations. Nursing…

Feb 10, 2019

Western Counties are bearing the brunt of the Status Yellow Wind Warning this afternoon

Western Counties are bearing the brunt of the Status Yellow Wind Warning. Met Eireann says gusts could reach more than 110 kilometres an hour this afternoon across counties Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Donegal and Clare. The warning is in place until 7pm. Forecaster…

Feb 10, 2019

Two Croke Park worth of patients could be impacted by nurses dispute this week

The Irish Patients Association says "two Croke Parks worth of patients" will be disrupted by further nurses' strikes this week. 37 thousand members of the INMO are due to walk off the job on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as a row over pay and working…

Feb 10, 2019

Status yellow wind warning in place across the region this afternoon

Gusts could reach more than 110 kilometres an hour in parts of the region this afternoon. Met Eireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo and Clare. Forecaster Joanna Donnelly says the alert is in effect…

Feb 10, 2019

Talks resume this morning in an effort to find a breakthrough in the nurses dispute

Talks will get back underway at the Labour Court this morning to try and find a breakthrough in the nurses dispute. The HSE, INMO and government officials held 10 hours of discussions on pay and working conditions yesterday, which finished up in the early…

Feb 10, 2019

Rent prices rise in Mayo

Rents are rising more quickly in cities outside Dublin. A new Daft.ie report shows they've gone up by 9.8 per cent across the country to an average of 1,347 euro. There's been an 8.8 per cent increase in Dublin to just under 2 thousand euro in the last 3…

Feb 10, 2019

Maria Walsh to seek Fine Gael nomination to contest the upcoming European elections

The former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh from Shrule has confirmed that she is seeking the Fine Gael nomination to contest the European Elections in this constituency, the Midlands Northwest constituency. The party’s selection convention will be held on Friday…

Feb 09, 2019

Businesses across the West are encouraged to attend the launch of the new Regional Enterprise Plan on Monday

Businesses across Mayo, Galway and Roscommon are encouraged to attend the launch of the new Regional Enterprise Plan for the area taking place on Monday. The launch of the Regional Enterprise Plan for the West, the third of nine such events nationwide will be…

Feb 09, 2019

Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister discuss Brexit at a Private dinner in Dublin

The Taoiseach, and UK Prime Minister discussed Brexit and the ongoing political impasse in the North at a private dinner in Farmleigh in Dublin. Leo Varadkar and Theresa May met last night, as Britain looks for an alternative to the current plans for the…

Feb 09, 2019

Many households in the west without power this morning due to high winds overnight

High winds have left 1,700 homes and businesses without power this morning, mostly in the west of the country. An ESB spokeswoman said the outages represented a normal winter's day for the service, but she said the 'tail end of high winds' had had an impact…

Feb 09, 2019

Nurses rally going ahead this afternoon

Today's national nurses rally is going ahead this afternoon - despite nine hours of talks yesterday at the Labour Court. Those discussions will resume again this afternoon at half three, but for now, the INMO says the rally goes ahead and so does next week's…

Feb 09, 2019

Young Mayo woman who died in a car accident in Australia is named

A young Mayo woman who was killed in a car crash in Australia on Thursday has been named as Amy Gill from kiltimagh. Amy who was 23 was fatally injured in a two car collision in Melbourne. The Kiltimagh native had moved to Melbourne in January and had just…

Feb 08, 2019

INHFA advising farmers who want to tax jeeps commercially that they need to bring one of two specific forms with them to do so

The INHFA is advising farmers who want to tax their jeeps commercially in Mayo that they need to bring one of two specific forms with them. Gerry Loftus told Midwest News that the tax office cannot process commercial tax with just a herd or flock number. Up…

Feb 08, 2019

People of Claremorris and its hinterland generally want to see supermarket chain Lidl locate in Claremorris

The people of Claremorris and its hinterland generally want to see the supermarket chain Lidl locate in Claremorris. That’s the view of local Independent Councillor Richard Finn. Last month, Lidl withdrew a planning application submitted to Mayo County…

Feb 08, 2019

Mayo Senator critical of delay in issuing licences for a multi-million renewable energy plant in Killala

The delay by the Energy Regulator in issuing licences for a €255 million renewable energy plant at the former Asahi site in Killala could see a repeat of the Apple fiasco in Athenry. That's according to Mayo FG Senator Michelle Mulherin, who raised the issue…

Feb 08, 2019

Call to increase the speed limit on the Kiltimagh to Bohola road

The speed limit on the main road between Kiltimagh and Bohola should immediately be raised to 100kmh. That's the view of Fianna Fail councillor John Caulfield. He claims the state is frequently using speed cameras on the 80kmh good stretch of road and using…

Feb 08, 2019

Two dieticians have been appointed for county Mayo, at a time when there are hundreds of people on waiting lists for the service

Two dieticians have been appointed for county Mayo, at a time when there are hundreds of people on waiting lists for the service. The issue was raised in the Dauil this week by Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary who outlined that there are 635 people waiting…

Feb 08, 2019

Status Orange Wind Warning in place across counties Mayo, Galway and Donegal this morning

A Status Orange wind warning for counties Mayo, Donegal and Galway is in place this morning while the rest of the country is under a yellow wind warning as storm Erik hits our shores with damaging wind gusts expected of up to 130kmh. Met Eireann is warning…

Feb 07, 2019

Ballycastle woman convicted of careless driving causing the death of a cyclist in 2017

A Ballycastle woman was convicted by a jury at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar today of careless driving causing the death of a cyclist. Nuala Delaney Whelan of Ballyknock, Ballycastle, had pleaded not guilty to the charge of careless driving causing…

Feb 07, 2019

Coast Guard calls on public to heed weather warnings

In light of the status orange wind warning issued for the coastal counties of Galway, Mayo and Donegal, the Coast Guard is calling on the public and all mariners to heed the weather warnings and take appropriate action. Users of smaller vessels should pay…

Feb 07, 2019

1600 Mayo teenagers attend road safety roadshow in Castlebar

Over 1600 teenagers from across Co Mayo attended a road safety event in Castlebar today, where graphic crash imagery was used to tell the story of how a night out ended in tragedy and permanent disability for one driver. The AXA Road Safety Show is held…

Feb 07, 2019

Funding of almost €780,000 for private rural roads in Mayo through LIS

Funding of almost €780,000 has been announced today to improve private rural roads in Mayo through the Local Improvement Scheme. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has confirmed that he has allocated €778,496 to Mayo County Council for…

Feb 07, 2019

Status orange wind warning for Mayo & Galway as Storm Erik approaches

Met Eireann has now updated its wind warning for Mayo and Galway for tomorrow to a Status Orange warning, as Storm Erik approaches. The weather warning comes into effect from 5am tomorrow morning until lunchtime, with southwest to west winds and severe or…

Feb 07, 2019

Midwest Radio is once again the most listened to station in the country according to latest JNLR Listenership survey

Following the release today (Thursday) of the latest JNLR/Ipsos Radio Listenership survey of all radio stations in Ireland Midwest Radio remains the dominant force in local radio in Ireland. The figures reveal that Midwest Radio is clearly the preferred…

Feb 07, 2019

37,000 nurses have taken to the picket line for the third day today in row over pay and conditions

37 thousand nurses have taken to the picket line for the third day today - in a row over pay and conditions, including over 100 at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar. A further 25 thousand medical appointments are cancelled and the HSE says it's getting…

Feb 07, 2019

Man arrested yesterday as part of investigation into incidents in Strokestown in December released without charge with a file to be prepared for the DPP

A man in his 50s who was arrested yesterday in Longford, as part of ongoing investigations into incidents that took place at Falsk, Strokestown in December has been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.…

Feb 07, 2019

Reports of black ice on some roads this morning

There are reports of black ice on roads across the region this morning. Roads are especially bad on the N5 at the turnoff for Swinford and also the turnoff for Ballaghadereeen. Ballaghaderreen town is also described as very dangerous this morning. Icy…

Feb 07, 2019

Mayo woman reported to have died in road collision in Australia

A Mayo woman is reported to have died following a road collision in Australia. It is understood the woman was in her early 20’s and had travelled to Australia in recent weeks. The woman sustained fatal injuries following a two-car collision in the Melbourne…

Feb 06, 2019

Man who had been missing in Galway since last weekend found safe and well

A man who had been missing in Galway since last weekend has been found safe and well. 26-year-old Roland Mitchell from Fr Griffin Road in Galway was reported missing by his family after last being seen at 7pm on Saturday evening. Gardai confirmed this…

Feb 06, 2019

Harrington's Concrete and Quarries ULC fined €500,000 for three separate breaches of health and safety legislation following fatality in 2015

Today at Castlebar Circuit Court, Judge Rory McCabe imposed a fine of €500,000 on Harrington Concrete and Quarries ULC for three separate breaches of health and safety legislation. The company, Harrington Concrete and Quarries ULC, had earlier pleaded guilty…

Feb 06, 2019

Mayo woman found dead while on holiday in Austrian ski resort is named

A Mayo woman has been found dead while on holiday in an Austrian ski resort. The 31-year old woman has been named as Rachel McDarby from Ballinrobe and is believed to have been on holiday with family members and a group of 20 other people at the Hotel Park in…

Feb 06, 2019

Man arrested in Longford following incident at Strokestown farmhouse in December

A man has been arrested in Co Longford today as part of the ongoing investigation into incidents that took place near Strokestown in December. On Sunday morning 16th December, a group of up to 20 masked men attacked security guards at a farmhouse at Falsk,…

Feb 06, 2019

Body of missing man discovered on Galway beach

The body discovered on a beach in Galway earlier this week has been identified as that of missing man Robert Murray. A search had been underway for a number of weeks for the 25-year old missing from Salthill. His body was found on Renmore beach on Monday…

Feb 06, 2019

Taoiseach confirms that planning permission has been sought for two new modular theatres at Merlin Park

It was confirmed by the Taoiseach yesterday in the Dail that planning permission was submitted last December (2018) for two new modular (temporary) operating theatres for orthopaedic surgery at Merlin Park Hospital in Galway. This is after almost two years of…

Feb 06, 2019

New transatlantic telecoms cable linking Mayo to US could be in operation by the end of this year

A new transatlantic telecoms cable linking Mayo to the US and Scandinavia could be in operation by the end of this year. The Irish Times reports that Aquacomms, an Irish communications company, is seeking a foreshore licence from the Government for an…

Feb 06, 2019

Supermacs & Só Hotels to create 300 new jobs

Galway-based companies Supermac's and the Só Hotels Group have announced the creation of 300 new jobs. Owned by Pat and Una McDonagh, Supermacs is to open 3 new outlets this year in Wexford, Waterford and Kinnegad with the creation of 200 new jobs. The…

Feb 06, 2019

Frank Feighan will not now seek FG nomination for Roscommon-Galway

Roscommon FG Senator Frank Feighan has announced that he will NOT now seek a party nomination to contest the next general election in the Roscommon-Galway constituency. Senator Feighan, whose hometown is Boyle, says his base in north Roscommon has moved into…

Feb 06, 2019

GPs to march on Dáil today to highlight recruitment crisis

GP services in many areas will be affected by a national protest by family doctors in Dublin today. The National Association of General Practitioners says primary health care is in crisis due to government cuts. Up to 500 doctors are set to protest outside…

Feb 05, 2019

Mayo farmer to appear on Winning Streak game show on Saturday evening

A Mayo farmer, who had a hip replacement just 7 weeks ago, is to appear on the National Lottery Winning Streak TV game show on RTE One this Saturday evening. Chris Tansey from Swinford says his daughter have him a gift of a lucky Winning Streak scratch card…

Feb 05, 2019

People should only attend Emergency Department in Castlebar "if absolutely essential", says hospital management

Management at Mayo University Hospital say the Emergency Department is very busy today, as the strike action by the INMO is having a significant impact on patient services across all hospitals in the Saolta group. Hospital management in Mayo are advising…

Feb 05, 2019

Over 500 nurses picket Mayo University Hospital on second day of strike action

Hospitals have begun cancelling thousands of medical appointments, planned for Thursday, as tensions between nurses and the government deepen. Up to 50,000 outpatient appointments and planned procedures nationally have not gone ahead today, with 37,000 INMO…

Feb 05, 2019

Castlebar Gardai renew appeal for information on hit & run almost a month ago

Castlebar Gardai are again renewing their appeal for information on a hit and run which took place almost a month ago. A 14-year old girl who was walking her dog was struck by a car that failed to stop. The incident took place on Cottage Road, Breaffy between…

Feb 05, 2019

Planning permission overturned for new Hospice building in Galway

An Bord Pleanála has overturned planning permission for a new hospice building in Galway. The decision follows objections to the development on environmental grounds. Galway Hospice had planned to construct a 36-bed facility on land adjacent to Merlin Park,…

Feb 05, 2019

Post Mortem reveals woman who died suddenly at her home in Ballina on Saturday died from smoke inhalation

Gardai have confirmed that the woman who died suddenly in Ballina on Saturday died from smoke inhalation. Kathleen Murray who was aged 74 died after a fire broke out in a section of her home on Saturday. A Post Mortem examination took place at Mayo University…

Feb 05, 2019

Councillor calling for footpaths to be installed along the Ballinrobe Road in Westport

A Westport Independent Cllr. has again called for work to be carried out on footpaths along the Ballinrobe road in Westport. Christy Hyland says it is a densely populated area and anyone walking along that stretch at present is taking a huge risk. Cllr.…

Feb 05, 2019

Sligo Councillor calls for clarity on an anomaly that exists regarding driver licences

A Sligo Councillor has called on the local authority to write to the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross and Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, to clarify an anomaly that exists regarding drivers licences. Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulvey says people…

Feb 05, 2019

A second 24 hour strike by 37,000 nurses taking place after fresh talks bid is rejected

Health services across the country will experience major disruption again this morning, as 37,000 nurses and midwives take to the picket line. A government offer of talks has been roundly rejected by their union, the INMO, as the discussions wouldn't address…

Feb 04, 2019

Gardai in Galway appeal to the public for help in tracing man missing from Galway since Saturday

Gardaí in Galway are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 26-year-old Roland Mitchell from Fr Griffin Road, Galway. Roland was last seen at 7pm on Saturday last February 2nd and was reported missing by his family who are…

Feb 04, 2019

Roscommon Senator confirms intention to contest Fine Gael Selection Convention for next general election

Roscommon Senator Maura Hopkins has confirmed her intention to contest the Fine Gael Selection Convention for the next general election. Senator Hopkins says she has been working hard on behalf of the people in the Roscommon/Galway constituency and there are…

Feb 04, 2019

Public meeting in Ballaghaderreen this Thursday to discuss battery storage facility planned for the town

A public meeting will take place in Ballaghaderreen this Thursday evening to give people an opportunity to hear more about a proposed battery storage facility planned for the town. Roscommon County Council recently granted planning permission for a battery…

Feb 04, 2019

An Bord Pleanala seeking further information from Mayo County Council on proposed new bridge at Glenisland on R312

An Bord Pleanala has sought further information from Mayo County Council in relation to the proposed construction of a new bridge at Glenisland, on the main Castlebar to Belmullet road. Funding of 500,000 euro was granted in 2015 for the construction of a new…

Feb 04, 2019

New series on GAA clubs from North Mayo-based filmmaker starts on TG4 this Thursday

North Mayo-based filmmaker Richie O'Donnell of Inver Films has completed a new 7-part series which will be broadcast on TG4, and takes a look behind the scenes at a number of GAA clubs across the country. "ár gClub" starts on TG4 this Thursday night at 8pm,…

Feb 04, 2019

Concern overspend on National Children's Hospital may impact on capital health projects planned for Roscommon & Galway

The major overspend on the new National Children's Hospital has cast doubt over the future viability of a number of capital health projects in the Roscommon-Galway region. That's according to local Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy, who's concerned that…

Feb 04, 2019

83 new jobs created in the Mayo Gaeltacht last year

83 new jobs were created in the Mayo Gaeltacht last year, according to Udaras na Gaeltachta's End of Year Review for 2018. This was a net increase of 9 new jobs on the previous year, and brings to 657 the number of fulltime jobs in Udaras client companies in…

Feb 04, 2019

Post-mortem today on body of elderly woman found at her home in Ballina

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today on the body of an elderly woman who was found dead in her home in Ballina on Saturday. The woman, who was in her 70's, is believed to have died from smoke inhalation after a small fire broke out in the…

Feb 04, 2019

Nurses to strike two days this week, while GPs will march on the Dáil on Wednesday

It's shaping up to be a week of discontent in the health service. The Irish Nurses & Midwives have announced an escalation of their strike action. Week 2 of the strike will see nurses and midwives taking to the pickets again tomorrow and Thursday, from…

Feb 04, 2019

Over €27 million announced for regional & local roads in Mayo in 2019

Over €27 million has been announced for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Co Mayo in 2019. The funding includes over €14 million for road restoration and improvement, €2.5 million for restoration maintenance, a discretionary grant…

Feb 03, 2019

Mayo TD wants Minister and CCPC to address disparity nationally in fuel prices

A Mayo TD has called on the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation along with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to address the disparity nationally in prices for a litre of petrol and diesel. Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers says it has…

Feb 03, 2019

Disparity in what the GAA gives back per player to each county from ticket sales is unfair according to Mayo Senator

The disparity in what the GAA gives back per player in each county from its ticket sales in the National Leagues and All Ireland Championship matches, is unfair according to a Mayo Senator. Erris based Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh has questioned the…

Feb 03, 2019

Plans being finalised for new bus service which will transport cancer patients from Mayo to and from UHG for radiotherapy treatment

Plans are being finalised for a new bus service, which will transport cancer patients from Co Mayo to and from University Hospital Galway for radiotherapy treatment on a weekly basis. Each year, about 250 patients from Mayo travel to UHG for radiotherapy, and…

Feb 03, 2019

More than 75% of the women affected by CervicalCheck controversy are now cancer free

More than 75% of the woman affected by the CervicalCheck controversy are now cancer free. According to HSE data, at least 165 of the 221 women diagnosed at stage two or earlier, now have no evidence of the active disease. However 21 of the 221 women have…

Feb 03, 2019

INMO says it remains available to talk with Government in dispute over staffing levels and pay

The INMO says it remains available for talks with the Government in its dispute over staffing levels and pay. It's organising a national rally next Saturday and has announced extra strike dates on the 19th and 21st of this month. Nurses and midwives will also…

Feb 02, 2019

Work to commence next week on development of 18 council houses at Abbey Quarter in Ballyhaunis

Work is to commence next week on the development of 18 council houses at Abbey Quarter in Ballyhaunis. Fine Gael Cllr. John Cribbin says this will be a huge boost to the local economy. The contractors appointed for the development are McHugh’s of Ballindine.…

Feb 02, 2019

Executive Director of IDA Ireland says there are investments in financial services sector coming to Ireland as direct result of Brexit

The Executive Director of IDA Ireland says there are investments in the financial services sector coming to Ireland as a direct result of Brexit. Mary Buckley says the IDA has won about 50 investments through Brexit which has the potential to create over four…

Feb 02, 2019

Gardai investigating sudden death of woman in Ballina

Gardai in Ballina are investigating the sudden death of a woman in her early 70's who passed away at her home in Bunree in the early hours of this morning. Her body has been removed to Mayo University Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will take place.…

Feb 02, 2019

Nurses thank public for their support on the picket lines last Wednesday

Nurses have been thanking the public for their support on the picket lines last Wednesday. INMO members say they were overwhelmed with offers of hot drinks and food from local shops and pubs and cafes, donuts from prison officers and supplies from…

Feb 02, 2019

Motorists advised to exercise caution on roads this morning

Motorists are being advised to exercise caution on the roads this morning. While most main routes appear to have been treated - some secondary routes are reported as being icy. A Status Yellow snow-ice warning remains in place until midday tomorrow. It…

Feb 01, 2019

Works to commence on Monday in Charlestown to install the new sewer along the N17

Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council, is to commence works in Charlestown as part of a €19 million investment in the Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Sewerage Scheme. The project will involve an upgrade of the existing wastewater…

Feb 01, 2019

Nurses and Midwives threatening more strikes

Nurses and midwives are threatening more strikes. The INMO Executive Council is meeting tomorrow to discuss further industrial action on top of the five days already announced. 37 thousand nurses staged their first 24 hour strike on Wednesday leading to…

Feb 01, 2019

150 jobs announced for Castlebar with the creation of a new Manufacturing facility

150 new jobs are being created over the next five years at a manufacturing facility in Co Mayo. Meissner Filtration Products is opening a new facility in Castlebar. The roles include manufacturing, quality and regulatory, engineering, and customer service. In…

Feb 01, 2019

Minister commits to looking at what's possible in terms of collecting DNA samples from survivors and relatives of Tuam's Mother and Baby Home

Minister Katherine Zappone says that she is determined that every possible option is examined in addressing the concerns of those most impacted by the discovery of juvenile remains at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam. The Minister has…

Feb 01, 2019

Overtime ban by PNA nurses enters its second day

The gap between Psychiatric Nurses and the HSE "remains as wide as ever", according to their union. An overtime ban by the Psychiatric Nurses Association enters its second day today - as the union seeks pay improvements. 6,000 PNA members will hold further…

Feb 01, 2019

Mayo Gardai overtime bill for 2018 up 19 % following Papal visit to Knock Shrine

Pope Francis' visit to Ireland cost 4.2 million euro in Garda overtime, according to new figures. The Pontiff's 38-hour visit to Dublin and Knock came before mass in the Phoneix Park last August. His trip to Knock Shrine contributed to Mayo's Garda overtime…

Feb 01, 2019

Drivers across the country are being urged to be on the alert for icy conditions on the roads this morning

Drivers across the country are being urged to be on the alert for icy conditions on the roads this morning. A Status Yellow snow-ice warning remains in place for the country, but conditions are expected to improve today. Rain, sleet and snow showers have…

Feb 01, 2019

NUI Galway is planning to invest about €200 million on developing disused sites it owns in the city centre

NUI Galway is planning to invest about €200 million on developing disused sites it owns in the city centre. According to the Irish Times, Ireland’s second-largest university by student numbers has opened a public consultation process to inform the direction…

Jan 31, 2019

Status yellow snow-ice warning extended until Sunday

A nationwide status yellow snow- ice warning has been extended until Sunday. Met Eireann now says the weather will continue to be very cold until Sunday with severe frost at night and ice on untreated surfaces. Treacherous weather conditions are expected in…

Jan 31, 2019

Foxford family collect €1 million after winning Daily Millions top prize a week ago

A family from Foxford have today collected a €1 million prize from the National Lottery headquarters, after winning the Daily Million top prize last week. The lucky family, from the village of Foxford, didn't know they had scooped the top prize until the…

Jan 31, 2019

Met Eireann says today will see the heaviest snowfall, with drier weather on the way

Motorists are being warned to take extra caution today, following heavy snowfall across the West. Temperatures dropped to minus four degrees in places overnight, and are expected to drop to between minus 1 and minus 4 tonight in Connacht. Heavy snow showers…

Jan 31, 2019

24-year old man found guilty of manslaughter of Co Galway publican

A 24-year-old man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Co Galway publican John Kenny in 2011. Marian Lingurar Jnr, with an address at Blackpool, Co Cork, was charged with the unlawful killing of Mr Kenny at Kenny's Bar, Main Street, Oughterard, on 25…

Jan 31, 2019

Senator Conway Walsh says she is appalled at the level of regional crime

A Mayo Senator says she witnessed a taxi man in Castlebar at 5pm on a Friday evening, recently, being assaulted in his car as a number of passengers embarked from his vehicle and proceeded to kick it. Erris based Senator Rose Conway-Walsh says she is appalled…

Jan 31, 2019

A status yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place for Ireland until Saturday, with showers of hail, sleet and snow forecast

A status yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place for Ireland until Saturday, with showers of hail, sleet and snow forecast. Met Eireann is warning that most part of the country will be hit by snowfall today. There will be widespread outbreaks of…

Jan 31, 2019

Irish Rural Link is urging older people to keep warm and safe during present cold spell

Irish Rural Link – the national network representing the interest of rural communities is urging older people to keep safe and keep warm during the cold weather over the next few days. With snow in some parts of the region and freezing conditions expected to…

Jan 30, 2019

Temperatures tonight to drop to minus 3, with frost and freezing fog

Snow and ice have been impacting on road conditions across the West this morning, after several inches of snow fell in places overnight and early this morning. Black ice was also reported on roads across the west. A status yellow snow-ice warning remains in…

Jan 30, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for national campaign to raise awareness of sepsis

A campaign to raise awareness of sepsis is being brought to the Seanad today. In Ireland, about 3,000 people per year die from the illness, yet many people do not know what sepsis is or how to recognise the symptoms. Following the death of Dublin teenager…

Jan 30, 2019

Emergency services attend collision near Shrule

Emergency services are attending the scene of a collision on the Headford to Galway road near Shrule. A 2-vehicle collision occurred on a bend outside Shrule shortly before 11am this morning. Gardai are attending the scene and the road is currently blocked.…

Jan 30, 2019

Govt approves contract for €150m upgrade of N4 Collooney-Castlebaldwin road

The Goverment has given the go-ahead to award the contract for a notoriously dangerous section of road in Co Sligo. The N4 between Collooney and Castlebaldwin, described by Transport Minister Shane Ross as a notoriously dangerous stretch of road, is to…

Jan 30, 2019

Nurses & midwives begin first day of strike action

Nurses and midwives across the country have taken to the picket lines outside hospitals and HSE facilities since 8am this morning, as they demand pay increases and Government action on staff shortages. 37,000 INMO members are involved in the industrial…

Jan 30, 2019

Snow & ice reported on many roads across the West this morning

Motorists across the West are advised to travel with extra caution this morning, with snow and ice reported on many roads. In Mayo, Gardai in Ballina and Claremorris are advising of slippy roads, due to snow and black ice, while snow is lying on roads in many…

Jan 29, 2019

Referendum to take place in May on easing divorce restrictions

A referendum on easing divorce restrictions will take place in May. Currently, couples have to be separated for four years before they can get a divorce. The referendum will take the reference to that out of the constitution - allowing politicians to reduce…

Jan 29, 2019

Met Eireann updates snow-ice warning

Met Eireann has updated its status yellow snow-ice warning, and is forecasting very cold temperatures this week, with showers of hail, sleet and snow frequent across the west and north of the country, where some significant accumulations are possible this…

Jan 29, 2019

1500 patients currently waiting for orthopaedic surgery at Merlin Park Hospital

1500 people across this region are currently waiting for orthopaedic surgery at Merlin Park Hospital in Galway. The figures were confirmed in a letter to Minister Simon Harris and copied to local deputies last week, from a consultant surgeon at the hospital.…

Jan 29, 2019

Public hospitals, day care centres and community nursing services will be disrupted during nurses' strike tomorrow

Public hospitals, healthcare facilities, day care centres and community nursing services will all be disrupted tomorrow, as the first day of industrial action by nurses looks set to go ahead. 37,000 nurses who are members of the INMO will take part in a…

Jan 29, 2019

Lidl withdraws planning application for Claremorris store

Lidl has withdrawn its planning application for a store in Claremorris. Last Summer, the supermarket chain applied for permission to construct a new foodstore at Kilcolman Road in Claremorris, and said the development would create 25 fulltime jobs. A request…

Jan 29, 2019

Tuam Home Survivors' Network, representing survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home and their families have today urged the Government to begin collecting their DNA samples immediately

Tuam Home Survivors' Network, representing survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home and their families have today urged the Government to begin collecting their DNA samples immediately. This work, they say, should proceed in a way that will be of greatest…

Jan 29, 2019

Supermac's Castlebar and Ballindine take Supermac's All Star Awards

Two Supermac’s restaurants in county Mayo scooped awards at the Supermac’s All Stars Awards at an event in the Lough Rea Hotel and Spa. Supermac’s Ballindine was the recipient of a Supermac’s All Stars Award. Danny McHugh and his team won the award for Sales…

Jan 29, 2019

The Labour Court to contact INMO and the HSE later today, after 8 hours of talks last night failed to reach a resolution to avoid tomorrow's strike

The Labour Court will contact nursing unions and the HSE later today, after 8 hours of talks last night failed to reach a resolution to avoid tomorrow's strike. 40,000 nurses belonging to the INMO will stage industrial action, in a row with the government and…

Jan 29, 2019

Claremount House in Claremorris has been listed by An Taisce as one of the country’s most at risk buildings

The 300 year old Claremount House in Claremorris is listed by An Taisce as one of the country’s Most-at-Risk buildings. An Taisce, is a charity that works to preserve and protect Ireland’s natural and built heritage, and has announced for the first time the…

Jan 29, 2019

A nationwide weather warning for snow and ice is in force this morning and will last until the weekend

A nationwide weather warning for snow and ice is in force this morning and will last until at least the weekend. Met Éireann is advising that it will be very cold this week with scattered wintry showers and some accumulations of snow expected. It warned there…

Jan 29, 2019

HSE say lunchtime protest by maintenance staff at MUH is an "unofficial action" and say the matter has been referred to the Labour Court

Maintenance staff at Mayo University Hospital have been undertaking a daily lunchtime protest outside the hospital for weeks now. The protesters are members of Connect and Siptu trade unions. They claim that their contracts are being significantly changed by…

Jan 28, 2019

Labour Court talks underway this evening, ahead of nurses strike

The Chair of the Labour Court is hosting talks between nursing unions and the HSE this evening. The Department of Health, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the General Secretary of ICTU are also attending the discussions, aimed at avoiding a…

Jan 28, 2019

Westport United pay tribute to young footballer who died suddenly

The sudden death has taken place of Adam Mulchrone, a talented young soccer player from Westport. 21-year old Adam passed away suddenly at Mayo University Hospital after falling ill. He had trained with his team Westport United on Saturday - ahead of a big…

Jan 28, 2019

Irish Water signs €13 million contract to extend Tuam Regional Water supply to Loughrea

Irish Water has signed the contract to extend the Tuam Regional Water Supply to Loughrea. The €13.8 million euro project will ensure a safe and robust water supply for over 9,000 residents and businesses in the Loughrea area. Irish Water has awarded the…

Jan 28, 2019

Jobs announced for Sligo & Cork

There's a jobs boost for Sligo today, with the news that 80 new jobs are being created in Cork and Sligo. Capita Customer Solutions has signed a three-year contract worth 12 million euro with Electric Ireland to provide credit control and collection services.…

Jan 28, 2019

Gardai and RSA appeal to motorists to slow down, following tragic week on Ireland's roads

The names have been released of the four young men killed in a road collision in Co Donegal last night. The small community in Gortahork has been left shocked following the deaths of John Harley, Michéal Roarty, Sean Harkin, and Daniel Scott, in a…

Jan 28, 2019

Labour Party European candidate in Midlands/ Northwest co-owns Lough Mask Distillery

The Labour Party has selected Dominic Hannigan to contest the Midlands / Northwest constituency in the European elections in May. Mr Hannigan was selected at a Labour Party convention over the weekend He's a former councillor, Senator and TD having…

Jan 28, 2019

Sinn Fein selected the candidates it will be running in the upcoming local elections in Mayo yesterday

Sinn Fein selected the candidates it will be running in the upcoming local elections in Mayo yesterday afternoon in the TF Royal Theatre Castlebar. The party has chosen a candidate to run in each of 5 Municipal District areas in the county, a selection…

Jan 28, 2019

Status yellow snow-ice warning issued for the rest of this week

A nationwide status yellow snow-ice warning has been issued for the rest of this week. Met Eireann says it will be very cold this week with scattered wintery showers - the worst of which are expected on Thursday. The snow-ice warning will be in effect from…

Jan 28, 2019

Taoiseach and senior Ministers to attend IFA AGM this week

The Galway-based IFA President Joe Healy will officially open the 64th IFA annual general meeting tomorrow at the Irish Farm Centre at Bluebell in Dublin. Mr Healy will give the opening address at 12 noon tomorrow. Taoiseach Leo Varadker, Agriculture Minster…

Jan 28, 2019

No one has yet claimed one million euro Daily Million prize sold in Foxford PO on Thursday last

The National Lottery is encouraging anyone who bought a Daily Millions ticket in Foxford Post Office on Thursday last, to again check their numbers, as no one, as yet, has claimed the one million euro prize. A spokesperson for the National Lottery told…

Jan 28, 2019

Two candidates selected last night by FF to contest new Belmullet electoral area

Fianna Fail last night selected Sean Carey and sitting West Mayo councillor Paul McNamara as their candidates in the new Belmullet electoral area for the upcoming local elections. Both men were selected without a vote, as there were two contenders for the two…

Jan 28, 2019

The body of a man was recovered from a river at Frenchpark, Co Roscommon yesterday evening

The body of a man was recovered from a river at Frenchpark, Co Roscommon yesterday evening. A search had been underway in the area since Saturday, after a farmer in his 50s from the area was reported missing. Foul play is not suspected. The discovery was made…

Jan 28, 2019

Cold, frosty and below zero temperatures at night this week, according to Met Eireann

Met Eireann is forecasting that it will be a rather wintry week ahead with temperatures around 3C to 4C colder than we have been getting on average so far this month. The main theme is that it will be cold and frosty below-freezing at night with highs of…

Jan 28, 2019

Croí, Hope House and The Jack and Jill Foundation selected as IWAK charity partners for 2019

Ireland West Airport has announced that Croí, Hope House and The Jack and Jill Foundation have been selected by airport staff as its charity partners for 2019. A number of events will take place during the course of 2019 which will engage passengers and staff…

Jan 27, 2019

Ros An Mhil Harbour among those to receive funding today

A 35.7 million euro capital investment package for Ireland's harbour network has been announced. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed says it represents an increase of 9.4 million on last year's expenditure. 2.48 million has been put…

Jan 27, 2019

Any suggestion that entry fee should be imposed on general public to access Galway Museum must be resisted according to TD

Any suggestion that an entry fee should be imposed on the general public to access Galway Museum must be resisted, according to Independent Galway Deputy Catherine Connolly. The Deputy says that Galway City Museum has become an integral part of the fabric of…

Jan 27, 2019

Fianna Fail pays price for backing Government for another year according to opinion poll

Fianna Fail has paid the price for backing the Government for another year. A Red C poll for today's Sunday Business Post shows support for Micheal Martin's party is down 5 points to 22 percent, following its decision to back a new 'confidence and supply'…

Jan 27, 2019

St Muredach's College Ballina sent all of their pupils onto college or university in 2018 according to survey

A school in Dublin tops the Sunday Independent School League tables. Assumption Secondary School in Walkinstown leads the way in the list that examines the percentage of students that go on to third level education. Nationwide, four schools sent all of their…

Jan 27, 2019

Mayo County Council confirms crews were out in a number of areas last night as a result of wind damage

Mayo County Council can confirm that crews were out across the county last night as a result of damage caused by wind. A number of trees were reported down which have now been cleared. Crews are out this morning to continue any clear up required.

Jan 27, 2019

13-year-old boy missing from Carrowmore-Lacken found safe and well

A 13-year-old boy who had been missing in the Carrowmore-Lacken area since Friday has been found safe and well. Jake Bagnell went missing at around 9.30am on Friday morning. Gardai confirmed to Midwest News this morning that Jake has been found safe and well.…

Jan 26, 2019

Gardai in Sligo appeal for information following aggravated burglary at house in Carrickbanagher

Gardaí in Sligo are appealing for information following an aggravated burglary at a house in Carrickbanagher near Coolooney. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30am this morning when the occupant of the house was threatened and assaulted by a male…

Jan 26, 2019

Gardai renew appeal for assistance in tracing 13-year-old missing from Carrowmore Lacken

Gardaí in Ballina are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 13-year-old Jake Bagnell from Carrowmore Lacken. Jake was last seen at Lacken Cross, Killala at approximately 9:30am on Friday morning. He is described as approximately…

Jan 26, 2019

Mayo TD again calls on Health Minister to explain why he went against expert advice and announced extra free smear testing

There's a call on the Health Minister Simon Harris to explain why he went against expert advice and announced extra free smear testing. Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers says he must immediately tackle the confusion over the latest developments in the…

Jan 26, 2019

Interim scheme needs to be put in place for farmers who are coming out of AEOS scheme and cannot enter GLAS

An interim scheme needs to be put in place for farmers who are coming out of the AEOS scheme and cannot enter GLAS. That's according to Mayo-based Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh who raised the issue this week at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas…

Jan 26, 2019

Search underway again this morning for 13-year-old boy missing from Carrowmore-Lacken area

A search is underway again this morning for a 13-year-old boy missing from the Carrowmore-Lacken area of Ballina. The boy who is described as 5ft 7in in height, with black hair and blue eyes, was last seen at around 9.30am yesterday morning. When last seen he…

Jan 26, 2019

One of Mayo's oldest citizens will be laid to rest today

One of Mayo’s oldest citizens will be laid to rest today. Andy Forde of Abbey Street, Ballina and late of The Glebe, Ballina and The Neale, passed away at St Augustine’s Home earlier this week in his 105th year. Mr Forde ran a grocers in Ardnaree for many…

Jan 26, 2019

Talks between INMO and HSE break down

Hospitals are facing major disruption, after talks to avert a strike by over 40-thousand nurses, ended without agreement last night. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation was locked in three days of talks with the HSE at the Workplace Relations…

Jan 25, 2019

Gardai appealing for public's assistance in locating 13-year-old boy missing from Carrowmore-Lacken area of Ballina

Gardai are appealing for the public’s assistance in locating a 13-year-old boy who is missing from the Carrowmore/Lacken area of Ballina since about 9.30 this morning. The boy is described as 5ft 7in in height, with black hair and blue eyes. When last seen he…

Jan 25, 2019

Gardai advising supporters travelling to Mayo v Roscommon tomorrow evening to arrive early and not to park on N5

Gardai are advising supporters attending tomorrow evening’s Allianz League game between Mayo and Roscommon in Castlebar to arrive early and not to park on the N5. Gardai say a crowd of between 12,000-15,000 is expected at Elverys MacHale Park for the game…

Jan 25, 2019

Around 200 homes and businesses without power in Achill area this afternoon

Around 200 customers are without electricity this afternoon in the Achill area. According to ESB Powercheck, 202 customers are without power, due to a fault. Power is out since around 2.30pm today and the estimated restoration time is 6.15pm this evening.

Jan 25, 2019

One man taken to hospital after being struck by a van in Ballaghaderreen earlier

One man was taken to hospital after he was struck by a van in Ballaghaderreen earlier today. The man was struck by the van on the Main Street at 12.15 this afternoon. He was attended to by Ballaghaderreen Fire Service first responders before being transported…

Jan 25, 2019

Delays on the westport to heuston service both ways today as a motorist drove through the barrier at a railway crossing between Castlerea and Ballyhaunis

There were delays today on both the 7.35am Heuston to Westport service and the 9.45am Westport to Hesuton service. This was as a result of a motorist driving through a barrier on the Castlerea to Ballyhaunis line. No one was injured in the incident. However,…

Jan 25, 2019

A third day of talks aimed at averting the nurses' strike resumes this afternoon

A third day of talks aimed at averting the nurses' strike gets underway this afternoon. Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are due to stage the first in a series of 24 hour strikes next Wednesday. They're calling for better pay to tackle…

Jan 25, 2019

One million euro ticket sold in Foxford Post Office yesterday

One lucky Daily Millions player in the National Lottery yesterday turned €1 into €1million after buying the ticket in the Post Office in Foxford. The National Lottery is urging players in the area to check their tickets after the big win. Rumour is rife in…

Jan 25, 2019

Gardai warn they will be 'red-carding' motorists who park dangerously or irresponsibly at tomorrow's GAA National League game in Castlebar

Gardai in Castlebar are advising that they will be 'red-carding' motorists who park dangerously or irresponsibly at tomorrow's GAA National League game in Castlebar between Mayo and Roscommon.A large turnout – possibly up to 15,000 – is expected for the game,…

Jan 25, 2019

A woman in her 80s was fatally injured in a road collision yesterday morning in county Galway

A woman in her 80s was fatally injured in a road collision yesterday morning in county Galway. Shortly after 9am the Emergency services attended at the scene of serious road traffic collision between two vehicles on the R446 at Kilrickle, Loughrea. The…

Jan 24, 2019

Maintenance workers stage lunchtime protests at Mayo University Hospital

Maintenance workers at Mayo University Hospital are undertaking a series of lunchtime protests, over changes in their contracts. Over the past number of weeks, the maintenance workers - who are members of SIPTU and Connect trade unions - have been protesting…

Jan 24, 2019

North Mayo guesthouse named Ireland's Best B&B

A north Mayo guesthouse has been named Ireland's best B&B. Creevagh Heights in Carrowmore Lacken has topped the list of best Irish B&Bs in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards - for the second year running. Run by Carol and Harry Whelan, the B&B…

Jan 24, 2019

Mayo TD wants extra capacity immediately in Cervical Check scheme, to deal with backlog that currently exists

A Mayo TD wants extra capacity immediately in the Cervical Check scheme, to deal with the backlog that is currently there. Mayo Fianna Fail Deputy Lisa Chambers was speaking after the revelations that up to 6,000 women are likely to be called for a retest…

Jan 24, 2019

Hospital appointments and elective surgery to be postponed next Wednesday, due to planned strike by nurses

Hospital appointments and elective surgical procedures will be cancelled at hospitals across the West next week, due to the planned strike action by nurses next Wednesday. The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation has outlined plans for a number of strike days…

Jan 24, 2019

Tuam Home Survivors Network devastated at further one year extension announced this week to Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes

Tuam Home Survivors Network say they are devastated at the further one year extension announced this week by Minister Zappone, extended to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Secretary of the network, Breeda Murphy, says that a year…

Jan 24, 2019

Information sought after car transporter was taken from Edmondstown area of Ballaghaderreen

Information is being sought after a car transporter was stolen from the Edmondstown area of Ballaghaderreen. The distinctive car transporter, with detachable loading ramps, was taken from the Creggane, Edmondstown area of Ballaghaderreen at the weekend.…

Jan 24, 2019

Drivers should not rely on off-the-shelf breathalysers to detect alcohol the morning after a night out

Drivers should not rely on off-the-shelf breathalysers to detect alcohol the morning after a night out. That's according to DrinkAware, which has received a number of queries on the devices, in light of increased nationwide early morning roadside checks by…

Jan 24, 2019

CCTV system in Ballinrobe is not being monitored at present because a Data Controller has not been appointed in the area

The CCTV system in Ballinrobe is not being monitored at present because a Data Controller has not been appointed in the area. This was confirmed to local Fine Gael Cllr Patsy O’Brien by the Superintendent in Claremorrris recently. Because of stipulations…

Jan 24, 2019

Around 6,000 women who had smear tests carried out by CervicalCheck are to be re-tested after problem with one of its labs

Around 6 thousand women who had smear tests carried out by CervicalCheck are to be re-tested after a problem with one of its labs. According to the Irish Independent, the lab developed an issue with its HPV screening which could lead to a risk of…

Jan 23, 2019

Green Party select Achill native to contest European Parliament elections in Midlands-Northwest constituency

The Green Party's selected Saoirse McHugh to contest the upcoming European Parliament elections in the Midlands-North-West constituency. The 28 year old from Achill Island in County Mayo is an environmentalist and has worked on various agricultural projects…

Jan 23, 2019

INHFA to hold rally in Letterkenny on Friday night

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association is holding a rally in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny on Friday next (January 25th) at 8pm. The rally is being held to highlight changes in the next round of CAP payments, which the INHFA say will have a huge…

Jan 23, 2019

Women suffering with cervical cancer to be offered Pembro following high profile campaign

Women suffering with cervical cancer are to be offered the drug Pembro for their treatment after a high profile campaign. It had only been available to the victims of the cervical check scandal until now. Doctors will be able to offer it on a case by case…

Jan 23, 2019

Aldi to create 14 new jobs across its three Mayo stores

Aldi has today announced it is seeking to recruit 14 new employees across its stores in county Mayo. Opportunities are now available for Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager and Store Assistant positions at Aldi’s three stores in Castlebar, Ballina and…

Jan 23, 2019

Councillor claims that if MCC has the resources to remove roadside memorials, than it should have the staff to inspect private housing developments while they are under construction

If Mayo County Council has the resources to remove roadside memorials, than it should have the staff to inspect private housing developments while they are under construction. That’s the view of Ballina Independent councillor Gerry Ginty. Councillor Ginty…

Jan 23, 2019

Festival committees in Roscommon & Galway urged to apply for regional festival fund

Local committees in Roscommon and Galway are being urged to apply for a regional festival fund, to help develop and event or festival to bring visitors into Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. Roscommon-based TD Denis Naughten says the Government fund, which is run…

Jan 23, 2019

16 patients on trolleys at Mayo University Hospital, as talks get underway on nurses strike

The number of patients on trolleys at Mayo University Hospital today has halved since yesterday, according to the latest figures from the INMO. There were 31 patients on trolleys at the Castlebar hospital yesterday - the highest number in the Western region.…

Jan 23, 2019

Public information event on care for older people takes place in Galway on Saturday

Nursing homes across the West of Ireland are hosting a public information event in the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway this Saturday. The Fair Deal scheme, ageing, dementia, and support services are among the topics that will be discussed at the "Advancing Care in…

Jan 23, 2019

Minister Michael Ring to travel to Chicago for St Patrick's Day

A number of Government Ministers from the West will be travelling abroad in March for the St Patrick's Day festival. In total, Government Ministers and representatives will visit more than 50 countries in what will be a final pre-Brexit promotional…

Jan 23, 2019

Mayo Cancer Support extends its services to Achill Island

The Mayo Cancer Support Association, based in Castlebar, is to extend its services to Achill Island. The Achill Outreach Cancer Support Service will officially be launched this evening in Óstan Oiléan Acla, and the services will be based at the Primary…

Jan 23, 2019

INMO to meet with HSE today to try and avert strike action

Representatives from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are to meet with the HSE this afternoon. The talks, taking at the Workplace Relations Commission, are aimed at averting planned strike action - the first of which is due to take place a week from…

Jan 23, 2019

Settlement talks break down over compensation for family of murdered Ballina Garda

Settlement talks have broken down between representatives of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, and the legal team for the family of murdered Garda Tony Golden who, just over three years ago, was shot five times and killed in a…

Jan 22, 2019

Ballina man loses appeal against 5-year prison sentence for dangerous driving causing death

A Mayo man has lost his appeal against his 5 year jail sentence for dangerous driving causing death. 40 year old Declan Moran of Carrentrilla, Ballina had been drinking when he performed an illegal u-turn and killed oncoming motorcyclist Martin Wynne. It…

Jan 22, 2019

Boyle man's animation company nominated for another Oscar

There's a Roscommon connection to the Oscar nominations announced earlier today. Paul Young, a native of Boyle, is CEO of animation studio Cartoon Saloon, and the company's short film "Late Afternoon" has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best…

Jan 22, 2019

Minister Shane Ross to visit Sligo on 25th February

Transport Minister Shane Ross is due to visit Co Sligo next month to officially launch three infrastructural developments in the county. Contrary to earlier reports that Minister Ross would visit Sligo this Sunday, the Department of Transport has confirmed…

Jan 22, 2019

Lithuanian man sentenced to one year in prison for cultivating cannabis in Co Roscommon

A Lithuanian man living in Co Roscommon, who claims he learned how to grow cannabis from watching YouTube videos, has been jailed for a year. Roscommon Circuit Court heard that Daivaras Petrauska told Gardai he set up a grow house in Boyle to create a supply…

Jan 22, 2019

Elderly woman taken to hospital following single vehicle collision on the N17 close to Claremorris

An elderly woman was taken to hospital following a single vehicle collision on the N17 between Claremorris and Ballindine. The collision occurred shortly after 1pm this afternoon. The woman sustained minor injuries from the collision and was taken to Mayo…

Jan 22, 2019

Government approves one-year extension for final report of Commission into Mother & Baby Homes

The Commission investigating Mother and Baby Homes will not deliver its final report until 2020, after the Government today extended the Commission's deadline for another year. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has confirmed that the Cabinet has given the…

Jan 22, 2019

Ambulance personnel strike in Castlebar in row over trade union representation

500 ambulance personnel around the country are half way through a ten-hour strike this lunchtime. Members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association walked off the job this morning in a row with the HSE over union recognition. The dispute centres on the HSE's…

Jan 22, 2019

Construction of the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant to start in 2021

Construction of the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant will commence in 2021. This news has been confirmed by Irish Water to local Fianna Fail Cllr. Brendan Mulroy. Irish Water say the new treatment plan is a high priority and is included on the current…

Jan 22, 2019

Minister Ross to turn the sod on long awaited new N4 from Collooney to Castlebaldwin this Sunday

Minister Shane Ross will be in Sligo this Sunday to officially launch three major infrastructural developments in the county. After decades of campaigning ,the sod will be turned on Sunday, to mark the official start of construction on the new €100m N4…

Jan 22, 2019

Efforts to improve rural transport welcomed, by FG candidate in Mayo Alan Dillon

The planned extension of the pilot local link evening rural bus service in Mayo, has been welcomed this morning by Alan Dillon, the Fine Gael General Election candidate. He says the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party made a proposal to Transport Minister Shane…

Jan 22, 2019

IFI has launched recruitment campaign for seasonal fisheries officers

Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a recruitment campaign for seasonal fisheries officers in this region and across the country. The seasonal positions offer an opportunity to protect and develop Ireland’s rivers, lakes and waterways during the summer…

Jan 22, 2019

Motorists advised to take due caution on the roads as a yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in place nationally until 11am this morning

Motorists are advised to take due caution on the roads as a yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in place nationally until 11am this morning. Nonethelesss, there are no reports so far of any particularly dangerous stretches of road in the region…

Jan 21, 2019

The Irish Heart Foundation is bringing its Mobile Health Unit to four locations in Mayo this week

The Irish Heart Foundation is bringing its Mobile Health Unit to four locations in Mayo this week. Nurses will be offering locals free blood pressure checks, heart health information and lifestyle advice in professional consultation rooms. High blood pressure…

Jan 21, 2019

Ballaghaderreen to host the 2019 Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil on the Easter Weekend

Ballaghaderreen is to host the 2019 Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil on the Easter weekend in mid April. It's been ten years since the last Fleadh was held here and the town can only be seen as a richly deserving host with a strong traditional music connection…

Jan 21, 2019

Status Yellow "Snow-Ice" Warning comes into effect from tonight

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow 'snow-ice' warning for Ireland. Icy and slippery conditions are expected with scattered sleet and snow showers most frequent across Ulster and Connacht. Some of these showers will spread into central and eastern areas at…

Jan 21, 2019

Minister encourages over 70s to avail of household and medical benefits

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, has called on anyone over the age of 70 to check that they are availing of household and medical benefits that they are entitled to. He says the Household Benefits Package is a package of allowances which help…

Jan 21, 2019

Three FF selection conventions for upcoming local elections in Mayo took place over the weekend

Three Fianna Fail conventions took place over the weekend in county Mayo to select candidates to run for the party in the upcoming local elections. On Friday night in the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh, there were two contenders for two nominations in the new…

Jan 21, 2019

Minister Canney calls for research groups to seek funding from the Government's €4 million programme for 2019 for projects aimed at greening Ireland's national energy supply

Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment Seán Canney has called for research groups to seek funding from the Government's €4 million programme for 2019 for projects aimed at greening…

Jan 21, 2019

Galway footballer airlifted from pitch after sustaining injuries yesterday at soccer game

A young county Galway footballer is recovering in hospital after an accident at a soccer game yesterday. The 18 year old goalkeeper with Ballymoe FC was injured during a match against Boyle Celtic and was airlifted to hospital. A group of players collided in…

Jan 21, 2019

Temporary closure on N5, outside Castlebar this morning due to collision

Gardai in Castlebar are advising of a temporary closure of the N5, outside Castlebar, close to N5 Tyres, due to a road collision.Two cars are involved and emergency services are at the scene.The Road is expected to remain closed to traffic until approx 8.45am.

Jan 21, 2019

Urgent need for extension of public sewerage in Tourmakeady, according to local councillor

The environmentally sensitive area of Tourmakeady village on the shores of Lough Mask urgently requires an extension to the public sewerage scheme. That’s according to local Fianna Fail councillor Al McDonnell. The councillor says he has been calling for an…

Jan 21, 2019

Swinford Teenager to sing for Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Panama this week

16-year-old Cathal Gavin from Swinford will to sing for Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Panama, which gets underway tomorrow. Pope Francis is to attend the South American event which is similar to the World Meeting of Families and is held in a different…

Jan 20, 2019

Taoiseach's popularity rating plunges 10 points to its lowest level since he took office

It was a rude awakening for Leo Varadkar after celebrating his birthday on Friday. The Taoiseach's popularity rating has plunged 10 points to its lowest level since he took office. But he can take some solace in the fact Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin has…

Jan 20, 2019

Warning issued to dog owners to be responsible for their animals, ahead of busy lambing season

A warning has been issued to dog owners to be responsible for their animals, ahead of the busy lambing season in Spring. Following a number of dog attacks on sheep flocks throughout the country, the President of the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association…

Jan 20, 2019

Farm family in West Mayo Municipal District area told they are breaking the law by having cattle crush installed on their farm

A farm family in the West Mayo Municipal District area have received a letter from the Enforcement section of Mayo County Council telling them that the National Parks and Wildlife say they are breaking the law having installed a cattle crush on their farm.…

Jan 20, 2019

Transport Minister launches scathing attack on what he calls 'the lunatic fringe' in Leinster House opposed to tougher drink drive laws

The Transport Minister has launched a scathing attack on what he calls 'the lunatic fringe' in Leinster House opposed to tougher drink drive laws. Shane Ross has suggested any government Ministers who criticised the enforcement of the laws were 'unfit for…

Jan 20, 2019

Mayo based Kenny family highest entry from Mayo on Sunday Independent Rich List

There were no big surprises among the list of Ireland's richest people released today. The Sunday Independent Rich List found the Dublin based Mistry family, worth 16.1 billion euro, are the wealthiest in the country once again. The list estimates wealth…

Jan 19, 2019

Councillor voices frustration at unfinished housing estates in Ballina

A local Fine Gael Councillor has voiced his frustration at unfinished housing estates in Ballina. John O'Hara says people have paid a lot of money for these houses and they deserve to have lighting working, good road into the estate and the sewerage is…

Jan 19, 2019

Funding in excess of 100,000 euro has been approved for 24 organisations in Mayo under CSP programme

Funding in excess of €100,000 has been approved for 24 organisations in Mayo under the Community Services Programme Support Fund. The funding is being provided on a once off basis in 2019 pending the review of the programme. The CSP supports community-based…

Jan 19, 2019

2018 was a mixed year for house prices according to Irish Independent survey

2018 was a mixed year for house prices across the country. That's according to the Irish Independent, which has published its annual list of property prices. According to the study, prices in Kilkenny increased the most over the 12 months, up 22 percent.…

Jan 19, 2019

Woman dies following house fire in Co Galway

A woman has died after a house fire in County Galway. The alarm was raised at around 7 o'clock last night. Gardaí and Fire Services attended at the scene at Tullyvoheen in Clifden yesterday evening. They were called to the house at around 7 o'clock, and…

Jan 18, 2019

Emergency Services at the scene of a minibus on fire on the N17 at Charlestown

Gardai and the Fire Service are at the scene of a fire to a minibus on the N17 close to the turn off for Ireland West Airport. Gardai say there were no occupants on board the vehicle at the time. Traffic diversions are in place.

Jan 18, 2019

Man with a previous address in Castlerea jailed for eight years for trying to shoot his ex-girlfriend

A 39 year old man, whose gun jammed when he tried to shoot his ex-girlfriend, has been jailed for 8 years. Gerard Mooney from Dublin but with a previous address in Castlerea in Roscommon was on bail when he pointed the gun in his former partner's face. The…

Jan 18, 2019

An Bord Pleanala gives the green light to road development of the N5 Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue

An Bord Pleanala has given the green light to the road development of the N5 between N5 Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue. Senator Frank Feighan has warmly welcomed the decision to grant the planning permission, who says the project involves constructing almost…

Jan 18, 2019

Motorists are advised of an extensive oil spillage on the N59 between Newport and Mulranny

Motorists are advised of an extensive oil spillage on the N59 between Newport and Mulranny.Gardai say that Mayo County Council is dealing with the spill at present. The spillage extends from George's Street in Newport out to Mulranny village.

Jan 18, 2019

Truck overturns at Collooney Roundabout in Sligo

One lane of the road is closed at the Collooney Roundabout in Sligo this morning after a truck overturned on the road. Gardai say diversions are in place and it will take some time to move the truck from the road. The driver of the truck was taken to hospital…

Jan 18, 2019

Alan Dillon confirms he will not contest local elections in May and will focus on Dail seat instead

Alan Dillon has announced today that he will not be running in the local elections in May but instead will focus entirely on seeking a Dail seat in the constituency of Mayo. He has decided not to seek a nomination at the Fine Gael selection convention for the…

Jan 18, 2019

New filter light to be installed at one of Ballina's busiest junctions

A new filter light is to be installed at one of Ballina’s busiest junction at the font, for traffic trying to access the Crossmolina road from Teeling St, coming out of the town. This was confirmed by council management at the monthly meeting of Ballina…

Jan 18, 2019

Councillors want Running Track at Belleek, Ballina operating to it's full capacity quickly

Ballina councillors say they want to see the running track at Belleek in the town operating to its full capacity as quickly as possible. A dispute over the management and operation of the facility, located on council owned land, has for some years now…

Jan 18, 2019

Minister Canney to launch Smart Community initiative in Tubbercurry today

Sean Canney, the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development & Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment will today launch the Smart Community initiative in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. The Smart Community…

Jan 18, 2019

Minister Ring to attend a number of engagements in Mayo today and tomorrow

Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring will today officiate at the re-opening of Templemary National School in Killala. Tomorrow (Sat) the Minister will participate in the official opening of Castlebar Mitchels’ new 4G pitch and tomorrow…

Jan 17, 2019

Woman fatally injured in crash in Carrick on Shannon

A woman in her mid 60s has died after a single vehicle crash in County Leitrim. It happened just after midday on the Castlecara Road, in Carrick on Shannon. The woman was driving the car when it went off the road. Her body has been taken to University…

Jan 17, 2019

Mayo People of the Year Award winners being announced in Dublin this evening

The Mayo Association in Dublin is this evening announcing the winners of their annual awards. The Mayo Person of the Year for 2019 is Westport businessman Cathal Hughes. Cathal, along with his brothers Harry and Owen, operate Hotel Westport and Westport…

Jan 17, 2019

Mayo Co Co confirms decision to remove roadside memorials for murder victim

The family of a young man, who was murdered in Mayo in 2017, say they're very upset by Mayo County Council's decision to take down roadside memorials which were erected in his memory. 21-year old Joe Deacy from St Alban's, Hertfordshire in the UK was…

Jan 17, 2019

Man jailed for 5 years for one-kick assault in Co Roscommon that left victim confined to wheelchair

A 44 year-old man has been jailed for five years for a one kick assault in Roscommon that has left his victim wheelchair bound. Roscommon Circuit Court heard Gintautis Motiejunas suffered catastrophic brain damage when he sustained a kick to the head in an…

Jan 17, 2019

Campaign launched for better pay & conditions for school secretaries

The current pay model in place for the majority of school secretaries means they're being treated like second-class employees by the Government. That's according to the Fórsa trade union, which has today launched a campaign seeking fairer treatment for school…

Jan 17, 2019

Family upset by Council plans to remove Joe Deacy roadside memorials

The family of a young man, who was murdered in Mayo in 2017, say they're very upset by plans by Mayo County Council to take down roadside memorials which were erected in his memory. 21-year old Joe Deacy from St Alban's, Hertfordshire was discovered with head…

Jan 17, 2019

47 patients on hospital trolleys at University Hospital Galway today - the highest figure in the country

University Hospital Galway has the highest number of patients on trolleys in the country this afternoon – with 47 people waiting on a hospital bed. That’s the highest in the country, along with Cork University Hospital, where there are also 47 patients on…

Jan 17, 2019

Almost 90,000 announced today under the Capital Sports Programme 2018 under appeal for 5 sports projects in Mayo

Almost 90,000 euro has been announced today for 5 sports projects in Mayo under the appeals section of the Capital Sports Grants programme for 2018. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has been giving more details to Midwest News. The…

Jan 17, 2019

Mother-of-three, who was fatally injured in road collision last Friday, will be laid to rest in Ballinlough tomorrow

A mother-of-three, who was fatally injured in a road collision last Friday, will be laid to rest in Ballinlough tomorrow (Friday). Anne Grogan from Cloonlough, Ballinlough, who was in her early 30s, passed away at University Hospital Galway earlier this week,…

Jan 17, 2019

Girl with cerebral palsy would probably not have suffered any, or any severe, brain injury if she had been delivered ten minutes earlier at UHG - the High Court hears

A girl with cerebral palsy would probably not have suffered any, or any severe, brain injury if she had been delivered ten minutes earlier at University Hospital Galway, it was claimed in the High Court yesterday. Today’s Irish Independent reports that Faye…

Jan 17, 2019

Manslaughter trial hears evidence from woman about how she discovered her father's body at his bar in Oughterard in 2011

A manslaughter trial has heard evidence from a woman about how she discovered her father's body at his bar in Oughterard County Galway. Gillian Kenny said that she and her mother found the body of John Kenny in the ladies toilets at the bar. The trial heard…

Jan 17, 2019

Cllr wants an explanation as to why the council installed a footpath in Ballina that was the responsibility of a developer under his planning conditions

Questions are being asked as to why Mayo county council built a footpath in Ballina in front of a new development, when the installation of a new footpath was part of the planning conditions imposed by the local authority on the developer in granting planning…

Jan 16, 2019

Irish Water confirms Boyle Water Supply to be extended to Grangemore area

Irish Water has confirmed that the Boyle Water Supply scheme in Co Roscommon is to be extended to Grangemore. Irish Water is to invest €2.4 million in extending the scheme to the Grangemore area, where consumers have been on a boil water notice for some time,…

Jan 16, 2019

Eirgrid looking at technology options for new 110kv power line from Ballina to Ballaghadereen

Now that the start and finish points for the proposed new 110 kv power line that will run from Ballina to Ballaghadereen have been confirmed, Eirgrid must decide on the technology that will be used - such as underground or overground lines - and the path the…

Jan 16, 2019

40 patients on trolleys at Sligo University Hospital today

There are 40 patients on trolleys today at Sligo University Hospital, the second highest figure in the country. That’s according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. University Hospital Limerick has the highest figure today – at 41. Nationwide there…

Jan 16, 2019

Safety improvement works to be carried out at Scoil Phadraig, Westport

Mayo County Council is to carry out safety improvement works in the coming weeks at Scoil Phadraig in Westport. The news was confirmed today to Westport-based Fianna Fail Councillor Brendan Mulroy. The new school building on the Newport Road in Westport was…

Jan 16, 2019

24-year old man on trial in connection with death of Galway publican in 2011

The trial of a 24 year old man charged in relation to the death of an Oughterard publican in September 2011 opened at the Galway Circuit Court yesterday. The body of John Kenny was discovered by family members at Kenny’s Bar, Main Street, Oughterard on the…

Power cut affecting 74 homes and businesses in Ballinrobe area

Main

Media

Local

Policy & Terms

Connect

Newsletter

Latest News