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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Belmullet Electoral area has the highest number of Covid 19 cases per 100,000 population in the country over the last two weeks. About one in every 50 people had Covid-19 in the region over the last 14 days. A new report also shows some border regions…

Schools will not reopen for leaving cert students next week after a major U-turn by the government tonight. The pupils will continue to study remotely for the rest of the month, like other students. Leaving cert students were due to resume classes in school…

Another 6,521 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland. Another ten people have also died with the virus. The number of people in hospital with coronavirus has risen once again, to 1,043, with 96 in intensive care. There are…

RTÉ has found a satirical sketch about God that aired on New Year's Eve did not meet a number of its own standards and regulations. Its Editorial Standards Board says the piece, which depicted God as a rapist, caused undue offence and failed to respect…

Over 15 thousand people across the country have been vaccinated against Covid 19 so far. The HSE says its target is to administer 35 thousand doses by the end of this week. Its CEO Paul Reid says an agreement to use private hospitals is being finalised and…

Bus Eireann have confirmed to Midwest News that one of their buses went off road earlier in the Bunnacurry area of Achill. Extremely icy road conditions have been reported right across the region today. There were no passengers on board the Dooagh to…

US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Mick Mulvaney has resigned following violence at the US Capitol last night. Donald Trump's former Chief of Staff told CNBC he couldn't stay in his position. Mr Mulvaney said that others, who are choosing not to resign, are…

A status yellow ice warning has been issued for the entire country again tonight. Snow has fallen on the ground in many areas today, for the first time this year. With temperatures dropping to minus 4 overnight mountains, fields and roads were covered in…

An Erris Councillor is pleading with the community to stay at home and stay safe. Gerry Coyle says the infection rate is at its peak in the Erris area at present and now more than ever people need to adhere to the public health guidelines. His plea comes as…

Mayo county council is this lunchtime advising all road users across the county to be very aware of black ice on roads and footpaths today. While council teams are out regritting many of the main routes today , having gritted many of the same routes overnight…

The Ballymote to Castlebaldwin road is currently closed due to a HGV blocking the road. Extremely icy conditions mean the road will be closed for a number of hours.

High visibility Garda patrols and covid-19 checkpoints have resumed this morning across the region to coincide with the increased Covid restrictions. The checkpoints are on national and local roads but not motorways. Garda Supt in Claremorris Gabriel Moran…

Hours after hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol, Congress has formally certified Democrat Joe Biden's election victory. Immediately after the certification, the White House released a statement from Donald Trump in which he…

Black ice could be a major issue this morning for roadusers , according to the Road Safety Authority. Temperatures dropped to minus 4 in parts of the country overnight, with two status yellow weather warnings for ice and snow in place. Met Eireann says the…

The Taoiseach will brief Opposition leaders at Government Buildings later today on the Cabinet's new plan to increase public health restrictions. The new measures, which are aimed at reversing the recent rise in cases of the virus, apply to schools,…

NPHET will discuss the country's record number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations when it meets this morning. There are now 954 people in hospital with the virus and 7,836 new cases of Covid 19 were confirmed yesterday - with both figures the highest…

Four people have died - including one woman who was shot - during violent protests yesterday, after supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol building. Politicians were to formally declare Joe Biden the winner of November's election, which Donald…

Anyone living with 5km of Enniscrone beach, or any Sligo beach, can continue to access the beach despite the present Level 5 pandemic restrictions. Yesterday Sligo county council updated its information concerning the closing of beaches in the county to the…

Roscommon/ Galway deputy Denis Naughten has sought clarity from the Minister for Health on claims that up to one fifth (20%) of staff in long stay homes for older people will not be vaccinated with their colleagues and nursing home residents due to a failure…

Garda Covid-19 checkpoints will return from 7am tomorrow morning. An Garda Síochána is to introduce a range of additional measures to support the policing of level 5 restrictions. Additional Gardaí will be deployed to the frontline along with 70 Garda…

A record 7,836 cases of Covid 19 have been reported today and 17 additional deaths. 2,263 of the cases are in Dublin, 1,373 in Cork, 496 in Louth, 345 in Limerick, 340 in Meath and the remaining 3,019 cases are spread across all other counties. There are 178…

New restrictions have been unveiled by the Government to contain the spread of Covid 19 and will remain in place until at least the end of January. All schools are to remain closed, with an exception for leaving cert students, who will attend classes three…

The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in Mayo University Hospital today. Mary Neary Clinical Nurse Manager 2 on C Ward was the first staff member in the hospital to receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Mary received the vaccine from her…

A clinical nurse manager today became the first staff member at Mayo University Hospital to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Mary Neary, a clinical nurse manager on C Ward, received the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine from her nursing colleague Padraig O'Lúanaigh,…

Two separate weather warnings for snow and low temperatures have been issued for the entire country. From 8 o'clock tonight a low temperature/ice warning will come in to effect for all 26 counties, with temperatures set to dip to lows of minus four. A status…

Vulnerable and elderly people living in communities need some clarity regarding when they will be able to access the Covid-19 vaccine, according to Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice. He is calling for the vaccination programme to be expedited, pointing…

A record number of people with Covid-19 are being treated in Irish hospitals today. There are 921 patients on wards - up from 817 yesterday morning - and includes 76 people in ICU with the virus. The latest available figures show 51 patients with Covid are…

Met Eireann is advising that this evening, overnight and into tomorrow morning Connaught counties may get a dusting of snow, as rain is likely to fall as sleet and snow from sunset this evening into tomorrow. Temperatures dropped as low as -6 degrees in parts…

Funding has been awarded to Mountpleasant National School in Ballyglass, county Mayo. The grant was awarded under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2021. According to Mayo Fine Gael deputy Alan Dillon the new accommodation will comprise of two 15metre…

St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, has been approved for funding under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2021 The allocation will allow for the provision of a construction studies room. Local Fianna Fail Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the news from…

Students from 5 Mayo secondary schools are taking part in the first-ever virtual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which was launched online at 8am this morning. It's the 57th annual exhibition, and the first ever to take place virtually. President…

As temperatures dropped as low as -6 degrees in parts of Connacht and Ulster last night, road users this morning across the region are advised to take due caution. Gardai say there are no reports of any collisions so far this morning, nonetheless they are…

Mayo County Council’s car park at Murrisk, Croagh Patrick is now closed to the public due to Level 5 Covid 19 Restrictions. A spokesperson for the local authority told Midwest News that as a result of a request from local Gardai, the car park is closed for…

100 new jobs have been announced this morning for Galway city. Tech company Genesys - a global leader in cloud customer experience and contact centre solutions - has announced it's creating 100 new software jobs, as it expands its workforce in Galway. The…

Drivers across Connacht are being warned about icy conditions this morning, after temperatures dropped to minus-five degrees overnight. A status yellow low temperature alert is in place for all of Connacht, along with Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford and…

Government ministers will sign-off later today on closing schools and construction sites until the end of the month. It comes amid a surge in Covid-19 cases and hospital admissions. 5,325 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported yesterday evening, along with…

Face to face outpatient clinics at Mayo University Hospital are being deferred for the next 2 weeks. The hospital is reverting to virtual outpatient clinics only, and most elective procedures at the Castlebar hospital have also been deferred - apart from…

5,325 confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening, along with 17 further deaths. This includes 140 new cases in Co Galway, 99 new cases in Mayo, 50 in Sligo, 29 in Roscommon and 13 in Sligo. The 14 day incidence is now 674 cases per 100,000…

Today was a historic day for Galway County Council, as the local authority held its first online meeting. The meeting of the county's 39 councillors, executive, staff and members of the media was held online, to consider issues pertaining to the new County…

A status yellow low temperature & ice warning has been issued for Connacht and 5 other counties from 6pm this evening. Met Eireann is warning of a very cold night tonight, with temperatures dropping to between -2 and -5 degrees, possibly colder locally, with…

The Chief Medical Officer has warned that there will be a sharp increase in Covid 19 deaths in the coming weeks. 817 people with Covid-19 are being treated in the country's hospitals this afternoon and 76 are in ICU. There are 50 patients with Covid are being…

Sligo County Council is closing a number of public amenities in an attempt to reduce crowds gathering during the present Level 5 Covid Restrictions. On the local authority’s website today the following is stated Arising from concerns expressed by the…

The search for a man missing from north Mayo since November has been stepped up today. The man, who's in his late 60's and from the Lacken area, has been missing since mid-November. An extensive search operation got underway after his car was located at…

There is an alarming increase in the growth rate of Covid 19 in county Mayo over the past seven days, of over 100 percent. From New Year’s Eve until Sunday the 3rd of January, the number of new cases of the virus in the county went from 278 to 576. These…

With it looking unlikely that schools will reopen on Monday next due to the pandemic, Galway Minister calls for an exemption for special schools. The Minister for Disability, Galway East deputy Anne Rabbitte says that she is supporting her colleague Minister…

Residents of the Carrabeg Estate in Swinford say they are angered and disappointed that Mayo County Council has “failed to answer or adequately respond” to their concerns about anti social behavior by local authority tenants in housing estates. The residents…

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on the roads as some of the coldest temperatures so far this winter are forecast for tonight, with the likelihood of some snow over the coming days. This morning gardai across the region are advising road users to…

NPHET says the levels of Covid-19 in the community is now higher than the peak of the first wave last spring. The 14-day incidence is now 582 per 100 thousand - but it's estimated to be as high as 800. It's due to thousands of new cases which haven't been…

Senior government ministers will meet today to consider closing schools until the end of the month. The cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will discuss the proposal before a final decision is made tomorrow. It comes as 6,110 new cases of the virus were…

Over 560 adults who were abused as children have not been allocated a social worker. They include 70 'high priority' cases. The second highest total nationally is in Galway and Roscommon. The term 'retrospective abuse' refers to abuse an adult experienced as…

Aurivo Marts have decided to defer the reopening of its Marts for one week from the previously scheduled dates. The move comes in light of the rising Covid-19 numbers and in the interest of the health and safety of their customers and staff. The following…

Gardai have raided a suspected shebeen in Co Mayo, and seized a large amount of alcohol. It's the latest one discovered by the force as they enforce Covid-19 laws on indoor gatherings. Gardai found this suspected shebeen when they searched an outhouse in…

There were 6,110 new Covid-19 cases reported this evening and 6 additional deaths. In this region, there were 111 new cases in Mayo, 116 in Galway, 33 in Sligo, 24 in Roscommon and 12 in Leitrim. The 14-day incidence rate of the virus is now 582 per 100,000…

The reopening of schools on Monday is expected to be discussed when the Cabinet Sub-committee on Covid 19 meets tomorrow. The three party leaders along with the Health, Finance and Public Expenditure Ministers will attend as well as senior health officials.…

Elective procedures and outpatient appointments are being cancelled at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital in response to the growing numbers of Covid-19. The Saolta Hospital group has confirmed to Midwest News this evening that face to face…

The number of daily Covid 19 cases is likely to hit 7,000 in the coming days. The head of the HSE Paul Reid says non urgent healthcare in hospitals is going to be cancelled as a result. 744 people are in hospital with the virus at present and it's rising at a…

A number of listeners to Midwest News today questioned why the recycling facilities / dumps at Derrinumera, outside Castlebar and Rathroeen in Ballina were closed to the public on Saturday last. Saturday last was more than a week since Christmas Day, and many…

Minister Eamonn Ryan’s intention to undertake a Strategic Rail Review of the rail network to examine the strategic context for investment in the rail network on the entire Island of Ireland, is very welcome according to Tuam Independent deputy Sean Canney.…

An Post has confirmed that the Westport Post Office remains closed. Both Westport and Newport Post Offices were closed for several days last week. The Post Office in Newport has reopened this morning. However, An Post says it appears the Westport post office…

An investigation is underway following an incident in Killala Bay yesterday, where a light aircraft crashed. It's understood the two occupants of the aircraft walked away from the scene without any visible injuries. The Air Accident Investigation Unit of the…

The vaccination of nursing home residents and staff has gotten underway today. The inoculation process begins in Mayo on Monday next and will be concluded on the 29th of January. Anyone in the facilities who is Covid-19 positive will have to wait four weeks…

There are currently 51 patients with confirmed Covid-19 being treated at Mayo University Hospital. This is the third highest figure among Irish hospitals - after the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and Cork University Hospital. Elsewhere in this region, there are…

A number of listeners to Midwest News have questioned why the recycling facilities / dumps at Derrinumera, outside Castlebar and Rathroeen in Ballina were closed to the public on Saturday last. This was the Saturday week after Christmas Day, and many…

A Westport councillor is appealing to people to stop on social media blaming anyone who has contracted Covid 19. Cllr Brendan Mulroy insists now is not the time to be blaming anyone for the spread of the virus, rather he is appealing to people to take a step…

The teenager who was tragically killed in a hill walking accident in Kerry yesterday afternoon was a native of Salthill, Galway. 17 year old James Harrison was walking with his parents at Bull’s Head at Lispole in the Dingle Penisula when he slipped and fell.…

Gardai across the region are advising road users to be aware of icy and slippery conditions on roads this morning. With freezing temperatures overnight, there are no reports of any particularly dangerous locations so far this morning, but generally motorists…

Galway County Council crews have been busy gritting approximately 1250km of primary, secondary, regional and local roads overnight. That’s according to the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council James Charity, as the entire country feels the effect of a cold…

The current Covid-19 trends are not sustainable for the health system, according to the Chief Medical Officer. There are fears the HSE may not be able to provide tests to people with symptoms due to demand, instead focusing on vulnerable groups. 4,962 more…

Vaccines will start to be given to nursing home residents today. Sage Advocacy says it's looking forward to the rollout to protect residents and staff from the coronavirus. The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly plans to give people in the country's 580 nursing…

Well over 3,500 people have had their first vaccine shot against Covid-19 in the last week -- with clinics to be extended nationwide in the coming days. It's after two thousand health workers were vaccinated in Cork City hospitals in the last three days…

A woman in her mid 50s is due in court today charged in connection with a hit and run in County Galway last month. A woman was killed when she was knocked down near a pub in Furbo. This hit and run happened while a woman in her mid 50s was walking on the…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 7 additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 4,962 new confirmed cases. 1,260 of the cases are in Dublin, 652 in Limerick, 350 in Cork, 321 in Louth, 238 in Meath and 2,141 spread across all…

Repairs to a burst watermain impacting water supply of customers on the Monivea Road have now been completed. This watermain burst on the Monivea Road, near the Clayton Hotel, occurred last night and the Briarhill & Doughiska areas were affected, leaving up…

A young country singer from Mayo is bidding for stardom on the new series of The Voice UK. Chantelle Padden, from Binghamstown near Belmullet, is the only Irish contestant who gets the opportunity to sing for Tom Jones, Will.i.am, Anne-Marie and Olly Murs on…

A Mayo priest has labelled a satirical skit broadcast on RTÉ branding God a rapist as 'an ignorant act of offensive material masked in the form of comedy.' Father Richard Gibbons, the rector of Knock Shrine, hit out at the New Year's Eve countdown programme…

Sligo Fianna Fail TD Marc McSharry says the rollout of the Covid vaccine isn't being treated with the urgency required. He says only 5 per cent of the 40 thousand doses received here were administered by Friday night. He says the Government must contact…

Irish Water working in partnership with Galway City Council wish to advise that a burst watermain will cause an impact to the supply of customers on the Monivea Road. This watermain burst on the Monivea Road, near Clayton Hotel, occurred during the night and…

An unprecedented number of calls to out of hours services nationally regarding Covid 19 tests had led to delays for others needing urgent medical treatment In Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, the Westdoc service has reported over 1,000 calls a day this weekend…

The HSE's Chief Clinical Officer's warning there could be up to 3,000 Covid-19 hospital admissions by the end of the month if the current growth rate continues. Dr. Colm Henry says if this plays out, it will result in the health system being overrun. 673…

A cold snap is gripping the whole country this morning, with a status yellow low temperature and ice warning in place until 10am. Met Eireann's warning of icy roads, with potentially dangerous conditions nationwide. The cold snap is expected to continue into…

There are 3,394 new cases of coronavirus in the Republic - that's nearly double the previous record. 4 more patients have died and Cork has the most cases with 389. Dublin has 355 new infections, while Donegal has 339 and there are 258 in Louth and 233 in…

The water supply is currently off for a number of homes in the Foxford area this afternoon. The outage was caused by a burst to a water main earlier today. It occurred at the Chapel Road area of the town. Mayo County Council water restoration crews working on…

A Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning has been issued for the country this evening. Temperatures will fall to minus 3 or 4 degrees tonight, colder locally away from coasts. This will lead to a widespread hard ground frost and icy surfaces, with…

Gardaí attended the scene of a single vehicle road traffic collision on the N26 earlier today. The incident occurred on a stretch of the road between Foxford and Swinford at around 1.30am this morning. An articulated lorry lost control during severe weather…

The head of the HSE says we have yet to see the worst impacts of the recent surge in Covid-19 on the health service. Paul Reid is appealing to the public to play their part to protect the system. There are 581 people with the virus in hospital nationwide - an…

Galway City Council has announced the closure of a number of amenities across the city to help curb the spread of Covid-19 following a request from Gardaí. The Blackrock Diving Tower, all parking along the Salthill Promenade and vehicle access to Silverstrand…

Gardaí attended the scene of two road traffic collisions in Raheenbar, Castlebar yesterday morning. The incidents occurred at approximately 7.15am and 7.30am respectively. Two cars left the road in icy conditions during these separate incidents. No injuries…

Gardaí are urging motorists to take care on roads across the region this morning. Black ice has been reported on secondary and local routes following frosty conditions overnight. Slow down, drive carefully and allow extra time for your journey. Meanwhile,…

The period between the two required doses of the Covid-19 vaccine could be extended, in order to accelerate the rollout. The chair of the vaccine taskforce says they're exploring the issue following a formal request from the Chief Medical Officer. Speaking to…

9 further cases of the UK variant of Covid-19 have been detected in Ireland. The head of the National Virus Reference Laboratory in UCD, Cillian De Gascun, says they were identified in samples taken between December 23rd and 29th. He says the proportion works…

The Chief Medical Officer is warning the health system won't be able to cope with the increasing number of people being hospitalised with Covid-19. There are 581 patients with the virus in hospital this morning - up 73 since yesterday - and Dr Tony Holohan…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 11 additional deaths related to COVID-19. There are 1,754 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. 523 of the cases are in Dublin, 296 in Cork, 180 in Galway, 104 in Mayo, 94 in Kerry and the…

Pre-schools centres will stay closed until January 11th. Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman met with members of the ECCE today and accepted their request to align the reopening of early learning centres with schools. The ECCE pre-school programme provides…

The Head of the HSE says the virus is 'rampant' in the community, with positivity rates at 22 percent yesterday. Paul Reid says some centres reported that half of the tests carried out came back with a positive result. People who are identified as close…

1,620 new cases of covid 19 have been confirmed this evening and 12 more people with the virus have died. The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says the alarming escalation in the incidence of the virus in the general population gives great cause for…

An Post has this afternoon issued a notice that Westport PO has closed temporarily due to circumstances beyond the control of An Post. Post office services including payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will be available at…

The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation is again appealing to people across the region not to leave bags of goods outside their shops, as level 5 Covid 19 Restrictions are in place, and the shops are closed and cannot deal with the donations. Martina Jennings…

HSE Community Healthcare West is notifying the public today that it is experiencing unprecedented demand for COVID-19 tests at the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon test sites. If you receive notice of a test and are unable to attend, you are asked please to advise…

Eleven burglaries have occurred across county Mayo over the past five days and Westport based Garda Tony McCabe is appealing to householders and businesses to be on alert and ensure your property is protected. A man has been arrested for two of the incidents,…

Early Childhood Ireland has sharply criticised the move by Government to treat early years and childcare providers differently to schools in the latest Covid-19 measures, announced last night. The organisation – which has 3,800 members nationwide, supporting…

Gardaí in Galway arrested and charged a woman in her mid 50s in connection with a fatal hit and run which occurred on the R336 at Na Forbacha/Furbo, Co Galway on Wednesday December 16th, 2020. The woman was arrested last Sunday December 27th and was…

Health Experts are urging people not to attend New Year’s celebrations tonight. It's after a record 1,718 new cases of Covid-19 were reported yesterday with 13 deaths. There were 112 new cases in Galway, 66 in Mayo, 32 in Sligo, seven in Roscommon and less…

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation want emergency childcare measures to be put in place for health workers. It says members with children are worried they'll have to take time off work because of the extended school holidays. The Union also wants…

One of the country's largest teacher unions is hopeful schools closing will have an impact on getting the spread of Covid-19 under control. The Christmas holidays have been extended until January 11th. Ann Piggot, President of the ASTI said young people could…

Icy conditions have been reported in most areas this morning, with road temperature well below zero. Particular care is advised in the west and midlands. Gardai say care is needed on all routes across East Mayo. Extreme care is advised on very icy roads in…

Non-essential retail is opening for the final day for at least a month, as the country has entered its third lockdown. Household visits were banned at midnight after the third record daily number of Covid-19 infections since Christmas. Meanwhile, school…

There have been 1,718 new confirmed cases of Covid 19 in the last 24 hours and 13 further deaths. The national 14-day incidence rate has risen to 272.7, while 455 patients with COVID-19 being treated in hospital. It's the highest number of daily cases…

The creation of thirty new jobs in Galway by Enterprise Ireland Companies is a huge boost for the West of Ireland, according to Fine Gael Senator for Roscommon-Galway, Aisling Dolan. The roles are being created in three Enterprise Ireland supported companies…

In the UK, MPs have overwhelmingly backed Boris Johnson's EU trade deal. The UK government's hoping it will go through all of its required parliamentary stages by tonight. The bill passed in the House of Commons with a majority of 448 votes. Meanwhile,…

A 'toxic and unprecedented level of scenarios' have emerged as a result of the increase in COVID-19 cases, according to the head of the HSE. Positivity rates for tests on some days are reaching close to 20 percent, including on tests carried out yesterday. It…

A cold spell of weather looks set to impact Ireland for the rest of the year. A status yellow snow-ice warning was extended across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal until 7 o’clock tomorrow morning. There will be further falls of snow in places today and tonight…

Eir told Midwest News this afternoon that the outages of its services on Achill Island since Monday last have now been resolved. It says the full service was restored before noon today, stating "there was damage caused by the storm over the weekend which led…

Mayo Sinn Fein deputy Rose Conway Walsh in the last number of days has experienced first-hand the GP contact, setting up of a Covid test and securing a result. She describes the system in Mayo as very efficient. The deputy says the increase in cases of the…

As the number of confirmed cases of Covid 19 in Mayo and nationally, continue to rise, the Cabinet is to meet this afternoon and full Level 5 restrictions are expected to be imposed. That would involve non-essential retail and gyms closing and travel limited…

Irish has overtaken Spanish as the most learned language in Ireland this year. A new report from the language learning app Duolingo has shown that 5.6 million subscribers signed up to learn Irish online this year. 36 percent of the learners are in the US, 23…

A cold spell of weather looks set to impact Ireland for the rest of 2020. A status yellow snow-ice warning was lifted across 13 counties at noon time today. Showers of sleet and snow fell overnight while temperatures dropped below freezing. Alan O'Reilly…

Midwest News is getting calls from parts of Achill Island today where people say they have had no Eir services since last Monday. They are concerned about the outage in particular, in case of the need to contact doctors and emergency services. They say they…

A status yellow snow-ice warning is in place for 13 counties this morning. The warning from Met Eireann covers counties in the north-west as well as south Leinster and East Munster. Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather says cold temperatures could be an issue…

Details of a “massive societal failure” and misogyny that “permeated” Irish life for decades will be revealed when the Mother and Baby Homes Commission’s report is published next month, Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman has said. The 3,000-page report…

An unscheduled Cabinet meeting will get under way this afternoon to discuss tougher measures to tackle spiralling Covid 19 case numbers. 1,546 new infections were recorded yesterday the highest since the outbreak began. 69 cases of the virus were confirmed…

The INTO is calling on the Minister for Education to extend primary schools' Christmas holidays to the end of next week at the earliest. Primary schools are due to reopen on January 6. General Secretary of the teachers' union John Boyle said the number of…

Mayo University Hospital has confirmed that there are a number of cases of covid-19 confirmed at the facility at present. This comes as the number of covid hospitalisations has significantly risen across the country today Independent Castlebar Councillor…

The cabinet will meet tomorrow to discuss the rapid spread of Covid-19, and the sharp rise in hospital admissions. There has been a jump in the number of patients with confirmed cases of Covid-19 today at Mayo University Hospital. The number of patients has…

A status yellow snow-ice warning has been issued for 13 counties overnight. The warning will be in place in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and eastern parts of Munster and the south of Leinster. It comes into effect from midnight tonight until 12 midday tomorrow.

Construction is to get underway in 2021 on a new, long awaited, fire station on the Ballina road in Crossmolina. The conditions for staff at the present fire station in Crossmolina, are described as “very poor” and “inappropriate”. Mayo Fianna Fail Td Dara…

There has been a jump in the number of patients with confirmed cases of Covid 19 today at Mayo University Hospital. The number of patients has risen from 9 to 19 over the past 48 hours. 409 people are in hospital nationally with the virus today, the highest…

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has welcomed plans by the HSE to being vaccination of nursing home residents and staff in County Mayo which is due to begin on January 11 and be completed by the end of February. “Nursing homes have been asked to register all…

Gardaí in north Mayo have renewed their appeal to local landowners to check their outhouses and lands, as part of the ongoing search for a man who went missing in the Downpatrick Head area in November. The man – a 69-year-old Dutch national who has been…

Cocaine with an estimated street value of €7000 was seized following the search of a house in Ballina last week. A private house in the Dillon Terrace area of the town was searched under warrant by local Gardaí on December 23, where cocaine was seized along…

Gardai are appealing for help in tracing a 43 year old man missing from the Galway area. Fergal Guilfoyle was last seen in the Newcastle Road area on Tuesday 15th of December. He is described as being 5'9", with dark receding hair, of slight build with blue…

The first Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland will be administered today. It's expected that will happen in one of four major hospitals, Galway and Cork University Hospitals, Beaumont and St James' hospital in Dublin. Only the Netherlands is due to start it's…

The HSE chief executive says an increasing number of people are not answering calls from Covid-19 contact-tracers. Paul Reid says it's a 'concerning trend' because they are a valuable resource to protect people against the virus. Contact-tracers identify…

There has been one further coronavirus-related death and 765 new cases reported to the Department of Health. The number of patients in ICU is 30, an increase of four since yesterday. 291 of the cases are in Dublin, 63 in Cork, 59 in Monaghan, 49 in Louth, 43…

The Minister for Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has confirmed the opening of four retrofitting centres of excellence. The centres will open in Limerick & Clare ETB, Mayo Sligo & Leitrim ETB, Cork ETB and Laois & Offaly ETB within the next four…

A Status Yellow wind warning remains in place for Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Donegal, Clare, Cork and Kerry until 2pm today. Met Éireann said today will be blustery with widespread showers of rain or hail, some may turn wintry in fresh to strong and gusty…

A search will continue tomorrow morning for a missing person in Galway. The Western Division of Boyne Fisherman’s rescue and recovery service have sent several members to assist local authorities in an underwater search for a missing male in the area. Several…

The Chief Medical Officer believes there are higher levels of covid 19 circulating in the community than today's case numbers reflect. Dr. Tony Holohon expects a large increase in cases over the coming days, due to the lower volume of tests being carried out…

Eight counties are under a status yellow snow and ice warning. The alert for Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Louth, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo is in place until 7 o'clock tomorrow morning. Met Eireann says wintry showers are expected, with some…

1,296 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed and 6 more patients with the virus have died. The Chief Medical Officer says we have now returned to the very high levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community that we haven't seen since the peak of Wave…

A status yellow wind and rain warning will come into effect from 3 O'Clock this afternoon until the early hours of tomorrow morning. Met Eireann issued them as Storm Bella approaches the country, bringing persistent heavy rain and strong winds. Wind speeds of…

The HSE has accepted the delivery of Ireland's first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines, which are now in cold storage. The first of those jabs is due to be administered in four days time. Taoiseach has said he anticipates three different vaccines being available…

The Tainaiste says the Brexit deal was probably the best one possible for fisheries. However the Irish Fishermen's Organisation hit out at the agreement after it was announced, saying it has 'failed' them. It was one of the major stumbling blocks between the…

Health officials have reported an additional 1,025 cases of Covid-19, with 2 further deaths. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has also confirmed that the new UK variant of the virus has been detected in Ireland. He has urged people who arrive from the UK…

An Garda Síochána in Galway are renewing their appeal for information following a fatal hit and run collision which occurred on the R336 at Na Forbacha/Furbo, Co Galway on Wednesday December 16th, 2020. A woman in her mid-50s died following the road traffic…

A wind warning has been issued for St Stephen's Day for the west coast of Ireland. The warning is due to Storm Bella, which is forecast to bring gusts of 90 to 110 kilometres an hour. The warning will be in place across all of Connacht, as well as counties…

A trade deal has been agreed between the EU and the UK. The announcement of the agreement came after 11 months of high-level negotiations. Both sides now need to formally approve it. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the negotiations…

Ireland has the fastest growing incidence rate of Covid 19 in the EU. A further 922 new cases of the virus have been confirmed today along with 8 deaths. The 14-day incidence rate is now 166 per 100,000. The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says none of…

It may not be a normal Christmas for many, but Santa is already plotting his route around the world. Luckily he's been given clearance from the government for international travel during the pandemic. Michael Fitzgerald, air traffic controller based in…

Farmers are being encouraged to continue to buy and sell their animals online where possible during Level 5 lockdown. It comes despite marts being allowed to stay open as part of the new restrictions. Strict protocols will be in place at the facilities,…

It's believed the final touches are being put to a Brexit trade deal this morning. A last-minute issue regarding fishing rights has delayed the announcement of the UK-EU agreement, following overnight talks. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said he…

The Minister for Social Protection says anyone who loses their job today will be eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment. Thousands of workers are set to be laid off as hairdressers, salons, cinemas, pubs and restaurants close under level 5…

Health officials say they don't think a new strain of coronavirus detected in Ireland is behind the recent rise in cases. The variant was first picked up in the UK - and was found in 10 per cent of samples analysed here last weekend. It's been detected mainly…

The National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended the closure of non-essential retail from St. Stephen's Day. The Chief Medical Officer has warned the spread of Covid-19 is "out of control" with the number of cases doubling in less than a week. A…

A Brexit trade deal is expected to be announced this morning, as the EU and the UK are on the verge of an agreement. There was speculation a deal was close yesterday - and last night a European Commission spokesman said "hopefully it'll be an early start."…

The new Covid-19 variant is now in Ireland, according to NPHET. Meanwhile, there has been a further 938 new cases of Covid-19 and 13 additional deaths reported this evening. 300 of the new case are in Dublin, 110 in Cork, 72 in Limerick, 68 in Donegal and 41…

New pedestrian lights have now been installed at the end of McHale Road in Castlebar. After a 4-year campaign for lights at this location following a number of collisions, Castlebar-based Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne says the TII has now installed…

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has tested positive for Covid-19. A spokesperson for the Minister says he has no symptoms and is self-isolating. All Cabinet ministers are now restricting their movements until they've been tested and get their result.

Gastropubs and restaurants should have been given more notice, ahead of having to close up again from Christmas Eve afternoon. That's according to the Chairman of the Mayo branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Alan Gielty, who runs a bar / restaurant…

The CEO of the HSE says health officials are working on the 'absolute premise' that the new contagious strain of Covid 19 is already here. The country will start reverting back to Level 5 restrictions from tomorrow in an attempt to stop the spread of the…

The Social Protection Minister says she plans to defer cuts to the rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. Cuts to the payments were due to come in from February 1st with the number of bands being reduced. However, Minister Heather Humphreys says in light…

Some students were sent home with books yesterday in case schools are forced to close in January. The Irish Independent reports a number of schools took the precaution to ensure pupils are set up for remote learning after Christmas, if necessary. The…

The government says a 'very limited' repatriation service will continue over the next week for Irish residents stranded in Britain. It follows the decision to extend the current travel ban until December 31st, after a new strain of Covid-19 was discovered in…

Tougher penalties is not the answer the the spiralling cases of Covid 19. That's according to Sinn Fein TD for Sligo-Leitrim Martin Kenny. He said there were already adequate penalties and legislation to address breaches of public health regulations. Mr Kenny…

People are being asked to rethink their plans for the Christmas period to protect families and vulnerable loved ones. The call, from the Chief Medical Officer, comes as the country gets set to move into Level 5 restrictions tomorrow in an effort to curb…

There have been 13 covid related deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today. As of midnight last night (Monday) 970 new cases of the virus were confirmed in the Republic. Of the cases notified today - 348 are in Dublin, 60 in Limerick,…

A man is due in court this evening in connection with the seizure of cannabis worth 360,000 euro and a shotgun. The discovery took place following searches in Sligo and Leitrim on Sunday and Monday. The man, who's in his forties, will appear before a special…

There is now a clear pathway for the required funding to be provided for capital investment works at Sligo Airport in order to support the continuation of the Search and Rescue service from the Strandhill base, according to the Minister for State at the…

People across the region are being asked to think carefully about the number of people they see in the run-up to Christmas Day. Dr Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health in the West, and Straide native, says it’s vitally important that everyone limits the…

There will be no scheduled flights between Ireland West Airport and Britain for the remainder of 2020. That was confirmed this afternoon by a spokesperson for Ireland West Airport Knock. The Irish Government today extended the ban on flights from Britain…

Almost 80 million euro has been allocated to Mayo County Council for national roads in the county in 2021. Mayo deputy Michael Ring says €78,313,699 has been granted for improvement works and €1.3 million has been allocated for maintenance works on the…

A man in his early 40s is to appear before Ballina District Court today charged in connection with the theft of a handbag from a woman in Ballinrobe yesterday. Gardai arrested a man this morning in connection with the theft, which occurred just off the Main…

Ireland is moving to Level Five restrictions from Christmas Eve with some exemptions. Restaurants, pubs, hairdressers, beauticians, cinemas and galleries will all have to close from 3pm on Christmas Eve. Non-essential retail is allowed to stay open but…

Gardai are reminding all learner permit drivers that they must be accompanied by a qualified driver. It’s now exactly 2 years since the introduction of the Clancy Amendment to improve safety on Irish roads by providing the gardai with an additional power to…

The Government is to announce new restrictions on hospitality and travel this afternoon. It comes amid a concerning rise in the number of new cases of Covid-19 and the new strain of the virus in the UK. From early afternoon on Christmas eve much of the…

Mayo Gardai have partnered with the Ballina Lions Club to launch the "Message in a Bottle" initiative - to assist elderly and vulnerable people living alone. It's a simple idea that involves a person being given a plastic container in the shape of a bottle,…

The HSE West is urging the people of Mayo, Roscommon and Galway to think carefully about the number of people they see in the run-up to Christmas Day. Dr Breda Smyth, HSE Director of Public Health in the West has issued a statement saying that, as we approach…

The 14 day incidence of Covid-19 is now rising faster than at any point since March. It's now increased to 122 per 100 thousand after 727 new cases were confirmed last night. While the reproduction rate could be as high as 1.6. 15 of the new cases yesterday…

Restaurants and gastro-pubs will be told to close on Christmas Eve under plans going before the Cabinet this morning. Last night the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan made a presentation to the coalition party leaders, setting out a stark picture of…

There have been no new deaths related to Covid 19 reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today. As of midnight last night (Sunday), the HPSC has been notified of 727 new confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic. Of the cases notified today…

Gardai issue first Closure Order on a Licensed Premises under the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Act, 2020 Gardai carried out thousands of inspections of licensed premised from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th December inclusive. The vast majority…

A community in Roscommon is being praised for rallying around the victim of a house fire. 74-year-old Tom Hill lost his home to a fire at the end of October. Locals banded together to ensure the house was rebuilt in time for Christmas. Tom says he thinks the…

An Post is warning that last minute post to and from Ireland and Britain, and the rest of European will be impacted by serious disruption to supply lines in Britain.The company says it will do everything it can to maintain the flow of international and…

All elective surgery has been cancelled this week at Mayo University Hospital. Catherine Donohoe, General Manager of Mayo University Hospital told Midwest News today that the shortage of nursing staff at the hospital continues to be one of the biggest problem…

People are being urged to watch out for a recent rise in Revenue scam calls. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau says victims are receiving phone calls from a what appears to be a '051' Waterford number. The callers are trying to get personal information…

France says it's working to try to end restrictions on hauliers crossing the English Channel - after they were barred due to fears of a new coronavirus strain.Lorries are parked up at ports in England, and it's believed up to 250 Irish hauliers, some from…

A Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for use across the EU. The European Medicines Agency says the Pfizer/BionTech jab has met its standards for quality, safety and efficacy. Ireland is set to get over 2 million doses of the vaccine, and the rollout here is…

Gardai have seized a shotgun and cannabis herb worth €360,000 during searches carried out in Sligo and Leitrim. At about 4.15 pm yesterday evening, Gardai seized a vehicle in Sligo town for breaches of road traffic legislation. This led to the discovery of a…

The disappearance of Crossmolina native Sandra Collins in Killala twenty years ago this month will be featured on tonight's Crimecall programme on RTE One television. On the night of 4th December 2000, Sandra left her aunt's home to go to the local shop and…

25,000 euro in additional grant funding has been allocated to the Mayo Sports Partnership. It’s part of the government’s national allocation of a further 5.1 million euro for sports organizations in the COVID-19 Supplementary Grant Scheme. Fine Gael…