Mayo County Council is one of a number of local authorities that have received complaints over the last two years about farmers spreading slurry.

The Irish Farmers Journal reports that almost 250 complaints nationally have been made - with the complaints to county councils relating to both the smell, and road conditions following slurry spreading.

Cork has the highest number of complaints about the smell of slurry spreading, with 19 complaints formally lodged already this year and 27 complaints last year.

Other councils to record formal criticism of the smell of slurry spreading were Mayo, Donegal and Carlow.

County Councils also received complaints in relation to road conditions following slurry spreading - with Louth and Monaghan County Council receiving the highest number of these complaints.

Mayo County Council is to host climate action information evenings in three locations across the county this week, following the launch of the Public Consultation Process for the draft Climate Adaptation Strategy.

The public are invited to make submissions on the draft plan the council has put together, ahead of it being adopted by the council in September to comply with the national deadline.

The Mayo County Council Draft Climate Adaptation Strategy is available for inspection the council's Municipal Offices and at all Mayo libraries until Wednesday 3rd July, and is also available to view on the council's website - www.mayococo.ie

A number of information evenings are also being held across the county this week where members of the public can make observations or ask questions on the plan - the first meeting is tonight at Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet, followed by a meeting in The Regional Training Centre at the Mall in Castlebar tomorrow evening and in Westport Town Hall on Thursday evening between 7 and 8pm.

The closing date for submissions on the draft climate action plan is 3rd July.

Mayo County Council is to introduce a multi-annual programme of works, aimed at slowing down traffic in housing estates across the county.

While a 30 km/h speed limit is being introduced in many housing estates, vehicles are travelling over that speed limit- often due to the layout and design of roads in the estate, according to Killala-based FG Councillor Jarlath Munnelly.

At this week's meeting of Mayo County Council, he called for a survey of all housing estates in the county to identify those most in need of solutions to slow down traffic, and a programme of works to be completed over a number of years to put in place these solutions, which could include chicanes, ramps and rumble strips.

A Mayo Councillor has called for smaller landlords to be exempt from tax on the income they earn on second properties.

Killala based Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly had a motion down at this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council asking the Minister for Finance to exempt income generated from private rented accommodation from taxation in next year’s budget.

Cllr Munnelly stressed that this was aimed at the small landlords, who only have one or two properties.

He said it would allow landlords to rent out these properties at a reasonable rate, which could help to alleviate the housing crisis.

Cllr Munnelly says many properties around the county are vacant at present, because these smaller landlords cannot afford the taxation on the income generated by them.

The motion received the backing of his fellow councillors at the meeting.

A Mayo Councillor is calling on the Transport Minister Shane Ross to allocate funding for LIS roads in Co Mayo.

The Minister for Community & Rural Affairs Michael Ring has allocated over €2 million euro for LIS roads in Mayo over the past year, in three separate allocations, but Ballyhaunis-based Councillor John Cribben says Minister Shane Ross has not sanctioned any money for these private roads, since becoming Minister for Transport.

The issue was raised at this week’s meeting of Mayo County Council, where Councillor Cribben’s motion, calling on the local authority to write to Minister Ross requesting that he allocate funds for LIS roads in Co Mayo, was carried.

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

The time frame for the delivery of the report was confirmed to the cllr at this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

She has welcomed the response but insists it should already be compiled and accessible.

The CEO of the authority Peter Hynes twice refused to provide such a report to the councillor earlier this year, but eventually conceded that it would be made available, but explained that it would take time and resources to compile.

Cllr Sheridan wants information on the state of the properties owned by the authority, and any plans for renovations or sales of properties. She argues this information should be readily available to elected councillors before approving an annual budget.

She spoke to Midwest News about the timeframe now given for the completion of the report she insisted on securing

At Monday’s meeting of Mayo County Council, Councillors approved a proposal to seek the designation of the former Asahi site in Killala as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). This issue was first raised by Fine Gael Councillor Jarlath Munnelly at a meeting of the Ballina Municipal District last year. Following this decision, Mayo County Council will write to the Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government Eoghan Murphy, requesting designation for this site.

Speaking on the issue at Monday’s meeting, Cllr. Munnelly outlined the particular assets that this site contains, including connectivity to the national electricity grid, the location of the transatlantic optical fibre landing station on the site, in addition to water and sewerage facilities. Cllr. Munnelly also highlighted the projects in development on or near the site that are going to generate renewable electricity, which will be a big advantage to the site.

The proposal received cross party support at the meeting, with many Councillors pointing out the importance of this site to all of North Mayo.

Responding to the proposal, council chief executive Peter Hynes welcomed the idea, and outlined that the process would not be straight forward. But he acknowledged the uniqueness of the site, the significant land holding that Mayo County Council has here, and the potential it offers for job creation.

Mayo County Councillors are due to hold a private meeting tonight to discuss the controversial directive that planning issues should not be discussed at county council or municipal district meetings, prior to a decision being made on a planning application.

Councillors have criticised the directive, which was issued by the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy in March, claiming they should be entitled to raise genuine concerns about planning matters at their meetings.

Mayo County Council, in partnership with Social Innovation Fund Ireland, are hosting an information seminar for local social enterprises to learn more about how they can apply for funding from the new €1.6 million Social Enterprise Development Fund.

The deadline for applications is March 28^th.                 

The event will take place in the Regional Training Centre in Mayo County Council at the Mall in Castlebar on Monday 19^th at 11am.

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.

Mayo County Council is dealing with a burst water main in Foxford this evening.

The burst is to a large main which is located on the Swinford road.

It is at a significant depth on that road.

Council crews are working to resolve the issue at present but there is no estimated time for restoration of supply just yet.

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 at a public meeting this month and also on Midwest News earlier this week.

Their spokesperson George O’Malley said it is proposed to lay the cable in a free floating unanchored way, on a 25-30km, stretch of seabed north of Clare Island and west of Achill and it is proposed to hold responsible any vessel which snags this cable, which the group says effectively creates a serious hazard at sea.

The group is also concerned about where the cable is due to make landfall – close to the harbour at Old Head. They say it would cause serious issues and danger for the passenger ferries at that location and are also concerned about the impact on the future development of Old Head as a possible deep sea port.

In a statement to Midwest News in response yesterday, Aqua Comms, the company seeking the foreshore licence for the project said: there are over one million miles of subsea cable laid across the world and they are a simple and safe technology that facilitate our phone, TV and internet communications.

There are currently 20 cables landing in Ireland and they do not represent either an obstruction or a hazard.  

They said the concerns raised are all perfectly understandable, but they are confident that theycan address each and every one.

• The narrow 4-centimetre wide cable will be buried two meters below the seabed. 

• It has a reinforced protective steel coating, weighs 4 kg per metre and cannot float.

• For a small portion of rocky outcrop the cable will be fixed firmly to the seabed, by virtue of its weight and the tension applied.

• The cable is too heavy and strong to be lifted by a fishing boat but if damaged, it automatically switches off.

They also say that they have had a positive engagement with the local ferry operator and from our engagement with the Council we are confident that the cable will not hamper any future development of Old Head.

Michael O’Boyle has echoed those sentiments and said the council is very excited about the arrival of this second cable on our coastline. He says the technology is safe and is environmentally benign.

He told Midwest News today that the local authority is extremely confident about the safety of this cable.

A spokesperson for Mayo County Council has told Midwest News that their gritting crews will be on stand-by this weekend to deal with the hot weather’s impact on the tar.

Martina Hughes, Head of Communications said so far this week, crews have been busy gritting the worst affected areas and they will continue to do so over the course of the weekend.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution when travelling in the hot weather.

Ms Hughes also reminded people to be mindful of the Met Eireann Weather warnings in place, householder, farmers and businesses are asked to avoid un-necessary use of water to prevent any weather-related shortages and encourage people to take extra care in the water and exercise caution at all times.

Motorists are also advised to keep their windshields clean, adjust your speed when driving in the sun and understand that other drivers may also slow down significantly, or even stop suddenly due to sun glare.

Continue to use your headlights, even on very bright days and look after animals and never leave dogs unattended in vehicles during the hot weather.

Another heatwave related issue is forest and gorse fires. Mayo County Council’s Fire Department is warning people not to light fires, that also includes camp fires and bonfires, either intentionally or accidently during the extremely dry weather.

Mayo County Council has signed up to a partnership with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

At a ceremony during the Mayo Day event at Turlough House in Castlebar, then Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Blackie Gavin and Chief Executive Peter Hynes signed a framework agreement with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to formalise Mayo County Council’s long-term commitment to support pollinators in the county.

The plan is a cross-sector initiative, led by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, with local authorities, farmers, businesses, schools and local communities to support pollinators such as bees. Ireland depends on pollinating insects to pollinate our crops, fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately many of our pollinators are now threatened with extinction.

Parks Superintendent with Mayo County Council Peter Gill told Midwest News that the plan is a progressive and necessary one. 

Despite not attending today's meeting, Mayo County Council have nominated Sean Gallagher to run as a candidate in the Presidential Election.

Councillors voted by 12 to 10 in favour of a proposal to back the independent candidate.

Mr Gallagher's candidacy was supported by Fianna Fáil and Independent members of the Council. 

Only one of those seeking a nomination attended a special meeting of the local authority in Castlebar this morning and that was Sarah Louise Mulligan.

Mr Gallagher was not present for the vote. 

A number of prospective candidates seeking endorsements from local authorities to contest the Presidential Election next month will appear before council meetings today. 

Mayo County Council is encouraging householders across the county to avail of its free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day this Saturday.

From 9am to 1pm on Saturday, certain hazardous wastes found around the home can be disposed of free of charge at the Rathroeen Civic Amenity Centre on the Killala Road in Ballina.

Many everyday household items, fluids and containers are considered hazardous to both the environment and human health if not stored and disposed of correctly.

Even common household items such as cooking oil and detergents can be considered hazardous if not treated with proper care and consideration.

A full list of items accepted is available on www.mayococo.ie and also on www.facebook.com/greeningmayo.

As the festive season draws to a close this weekend, householders are urged to avail of recycling centres being made available across Co Mayo for Christmas trees. 

Mayo County Council has identified 12 drop-off points across the county, and is asking householders to ensure all decorations are removed from trees before recycling them. 

In Achill the location is besdie the Bottle Banks at Keel; in Ballina it's at the reception area at Rathroeen Landfill Site on the Killala Road, Ballina; in Ballinrobe at the Mayo County Council Area Office Depot, Kilmaine Road; in Balllyhaunis at the Bottle Banks in the Car Park; in Belmullet at the Civic Office Car Park, Church Road; in Castlebar  at the Municipal District Depot at Moneen and at Horkan's Garden Centre; in Claremorris at the Car Park at the Area Office on Kilcolman Road; in Louisburgh at the Car Park on Chapel Street; in Newport at the Recycling Centre at Derrinumera Landfill Site; in Swinford at the Mayo County Council Pound, Kilkelly, Swinford; in Westport at the Council Depot, on the Ballinrobe Road, Westport between 8am-4.30pm. 

Leprechauns are taking to social media to help promote road safety this St Patrick's weekend.

Cut-out selfie boards are being set up all around County Mayo to remind people not to risk drinking and driving.

The council's Road Safety Officer, Noel Gibbons told Midwest News today that he hopes the selfie boards will resonate with drivers.

Mayo county council is to proceed to contract on both the Bunadober, the Neale and Ballyhankeen, Hollymount minor flood mitigation works.

That has been confirmed this morning by local Fine Gael councillor Patsy O’Brien.

It is expected that both schemes will be completed before the end of the year 

Councillor O’Brien says he welcomes this development as important works are required in both locations.

Mayo County Council’s Senior Management Team and Severe Weather Group met this morning and have decided that Mayo County Council will close its offices, including the Libraries and Civic Amenities from 2pm this afternoon until Monday next at 9am.

Essential services from our Winter Maintenance crews will remain in place in addition to any staff supporting the local authority’s response to this severe weather event.

There are emergency contact numbers for all areas of the Local Authority.

In Ballina, it’s 096-76159; in Ballinrobe it’s 087-9940183; in Belmullet 087-6579348; in Castlebar 094-9034706; in Claremorris 086-0450200; in Westport South 087-6474150; Westport (Newport and North) 087-6540206 and Swinford links Ballina out of hours.