The Vintners Federation of Ireland has warned that there is a lot of uncertainty in the industry over the new rules which will govern indoor service. In just two days hospitality can re-open for those fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid 19. Customers…

There is a wide spread of pharmacies across Mayo offering the Pfizer- BioNtech vaccine alongside the Janssen jab. That's according to Tuam pharmacist Darragh O'Loughlin, the General Secretary of the IPU. Pharmacies started vaccinating in mid-June and to date…

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is likely to exceed 200 within the next week, according to an infectious diseases consultant. The figure has more than doubled in the past 14 days, and now stands at 106. The highest number of Covid cases in six…

The Disabilities Minister says children should be vaccinated against Covid-19 as soon as possible - with sick kids prioritised. The European Medicines Agency authorised the Moderna jab for 12 to 17s yesterday. They'd already approved the Pfizer vaccine for…

A high temperature warning for the entire country has just come to end, after being in place for almost four days. The heatwave will officially end today, according to meteorologists. However, Cathal Nolan, from Ireland's Weather Channel, says sunny…

There are 1,386 new cases of Covid-19 - the highest daily figure in nearly six months. 106 patients are in hospital with the virus - the highest in almost two months - with 22 in intensive care. The deputy chief medical officer is criticising the amount of…

An €8m site expansion at Charles River Laboratories in Ballina was announced this afternoon. The multi-million euro investment will see the creation of 90 new high-skilled jobs over the next three years at its Carentrila base in the town. The companies…

Mayo Mountain Rescue Team was called to assist a young girl who got into difficulty while descending Croagh Patrick yesterday evening. They received the call at 6:30pm and given the warm weather immediately suspected Heat Exhaustion or possibly Heat Stroke.…

Europe's health regulator's approved the use of the Moderna Covid vaccine for 12 to 17 year olds. The vaccine is already approved for those aged 18 and over. It follows a trial involving more than 3,700 children. The study showed the vaccine produced a…

People who have recovered from coronavirus can now apply for their digital covid cert online. This can be done instead of contacting the phone helpline - which has seen callers deal with extremely long delays since Monday. Online applicants will get their…

A status yellow thunderstorm and rain warning has been issued for this afternoon and evening by Met Eireann. Counties most at risk are Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Wicklow, Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary and Clare. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to…

Irish Water is currently working with Mayo County Council to restore normal water supply to impacted customers in North Mayo. People supplied in the Ballina Town, Moygownagh, Lacken, Ballycastle, Bonniconlon, Kilfian and Killala areas are affected. It follows…

Gardai discovered €40,000 worth of cannabis in a ditch in a rural area of North Mayo yesterday morning. The haul was found in a drugs hide in a rural area near Ballina. Investigations are ongoing and Gardai have thanked the general public for their assistance.

A multi-million euro investment for Ballina is set to be announced later today. Charles River Laboratories plans to announce a multi-million euro investment and the creation of a significant number of jobs over the next three years at its facility…

Two electoral areas of Mayo have recorded Covid-19 incidence rates above the national average during the 14-day period from July 6th to 19th. Claremorris had 81 new cases during the two weeks in question while Westport registered 62. The Ballina area recorded…

The current heatwave is expected to officially end tomorrow, but temperatures to remain very warm over the weekend. A status orange warning remains in place in six counties until 9am, while a similar yellow alert will run until tomorrow. Mercury could hit…

Failte Ireland and government officials are meeting this morning to finalise guidelines for the resumption of indoor dining. The attorney-general is also attending, and it's expected they'll be published later today. It comes as pubs and restaurants continue…

€350,000 has been allocated to Ballintubber Abbey. The funding will allow for works on the reconstruction of the East Wing of the Abbey and build on the over 800 years of history this landmark heritage location. Fine Gael Spokesperson on Tourism and Sport,…

The HSE says it expects Covid-19 cases to reach 2,000 a day in the next week to 10 days. 1,189 were confirmed yesterday - and Philip Nolan, from NPHET, says the current situation is 'dangerous' and 'very concerning'. He says cases are growing at 6 per cent a…

Galway RNLI Lifeboat launched yesterday evening to assist the crew of a 20 foot half decker which got into difficulty off Barna. The pleasure/fishing vessel had left Galway Docks earlier in the evening when it experienced mechanical issues and started…

Funding of over €337,000 has been announced today for Co Mayo under the Connected Hubs Scheme. 5 projects in the county will benefit, enabling them to enhance and add capacity to their remote working infrastructure. Remote working has become a reality for…

A new partnership has been announced between Enniscoe House near Crossmolina and the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Following a visit to Enniscoe House - which dates back to the 1700's and is known as "the last Great House of North Mayo" - Minister of…

There are 1,189 new cases of Covid-19. 95 patients are in hospital with the virus, down one from yesterday, with 23 in intensive care. The deputy chief medical officer says there's been a very sharp increase in travel-related cases recently. Dr Ronan Glynn…

20 homeowners in the Ballina area have been told they are not eligible for the pyrite and mica grant scheme. They received letters from the county council yesterday confirming the move. There are currently discussions underway on aspects of the scheme to…

Gardai and Mayo County Council staff were called to the scene of a concrete spillage near Swinford this afternoon. A small concrete spillage occurred between the Kilbride and the Kilkelly junction on the n5. The council had to react quickly to clear it during…

Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene of a car on fire on a road near Lough Talt this afternoon. Members of Ballymote Garda Station were alerted to the blaze at approximately 1:10pm and made their way to the location. The vehicle had caught…

Court cases arising out of what has been called "Golfgate" have been adjourned until late October. Independent Galway TD Noel Grealish and former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy were served with summonses in relation to an alleged breach of Covid-19 laws.…

The official guidelines for indoor dining are expected to be published later today. The recommendations from Failte Ireland are expected to say there will be no time limits in bars and restaurants, and closing time will be 11.30pm. Pub and restaurant owners…

The status yellow high temperature warning has been extended to run until Saturday morning. It was due to run until tomorrow, but has now been extended until 9am Saturday morning, with Met Eireann warning that high temperatures will continue to reach 27 to 30…

Gardaí have issued a warning after a number of people received text messages claiming to be from Permanent TSB advising of unusual online activity, or a suspicious log-in attempt on their account. The messages contain a link, which will bring customers to a…

A Westport restaurant has been named as one of TripAdvisor's Ten Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Ireland. An Port Mór comes in at number 9 on the prestigious list. Chef Frankie Mallon opened An Port Mór in Westport in 2009, having worked in top restaurants in…

A man in his 70s has died, following a diving accident in Lough Allen, County Leitrim. The man was snorkelling at Spencer Harbour in Drumkeeran at 9pm last night when he failed to return. His body was recovered a short time later by local emergency services.…

The hot weather conditions will continue today with temperatures again expected to top 30 degrees in parts, with cooler conditions forecast over the weekend. Yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far, with a high of 30.8 degrees recorded at Mount…

The Government says guidelines on how indoor hospitality will operate for people who are vaccinated against Covid-19 or who have recovered from the virus are now well advanced and will be published shortly. It's understood that under the guidelines there will…

The five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases has increased by over 300 per cent over the past month. Deputy chief medical officer, Ronan Glynn, says it has risen from 300 to 1,223 during that period. Yesterday evening 1,378 new cases were reported - the…

Two politicians and two hoteliers are due to appear before a court in Clifden this morning in connection with the alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations. They received summonses earlier this year, after the DPP decided to bring charges arising from an…

There have been 1,378 new cases of Covid-19 notified to the Department of Health. The number of people in hospital who have tested positive for coronavirus is 96 - seven more than yesterday. Of these, 22 are in ICU, a rise of one over the past 24 hours. The…

The Tánaiste says couples getting married in August should plan on the basis of a 50 person limit at their wedding. Numbers allowed at the ceremonies are currently restricted to 50 people. But it had been hoped this would be expanded to 100 from next month.…

Irish Water and Mayo County Council today marked the official opening of Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Wastewater Treatment Plants. It follows a €19m investment which has ended the discharge of raw sewage into the environment in the area. The project…

Met Eireann says the highest temperature of the year so far has been recorded. The 30.1 degree celcius mark has been reached at Mount Dillon in County Roscommon. The readings were taken at 3pm this afternoon.

The number of people on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has now reached its lowest level since March 2020. Just over 202,000 people received the payment this week, which is 9,700 fewer than last week. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys says she…

The Saolta Hospital Group’s Emergency Departments are extremely busy today. The hospital group says they are experiencing high levels of attendance and there is increased pressure on bed availability. The group is asking the public to consider alternative…

Pubs and restaurants are set to welcome back customers indoors from next Monday. Indoor hospitality will resume for people who are fully vaccinated, without time limits on tables. Closing time will remain at 11.30, and when children are present, a 2-metre…

61 complaints were made about lawyers in Mayo last year, according to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. This is the first time the legal services watchdog has provided a county-by-county breakdown of complaints. It shows that over 1400 complaints were…

The Taoiseach is appealing to the public to keep following Covid-19 guidelines, no matter how tired people are of the pandemic. The Delta variant has led to an 88 per cent increase in cases here over the past week - with a rise in every county. 1,110 new…

The Minister of State for Local Government & Planning Peter Burke will be visiting Co Mayo today for a number of engagements in Killala, Ballina, Swinford and Castlebar. The Minister will start in Killala this morning at 10am, where he will officially open…

Formal approval has been granted for an €18.4 million extension to the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital. The extension was first announced several years ago, to provide additional beds in the Emergency Department - particularly as attendances…

Anyone over 18 can register for a Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine from today. The HSE's online portal is now open for all adults - allowing them to sign up for an mRNA jab. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says this is happening because the vaccination…

The incidence rate of Covid-19 has increased in every county over the past week. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn says there have been 7,700 cases in the past seven days - up 88 per cent on the previous week. Donegal has the highest 14-day…

Cabinet ministers are today expected to sign off on guidelines for the resumption of indoor dining today. It will allow pubs and restaurants to serve indoors from next Monday - as long as the President signs off on the legislation. They'll have to close at…

The Ballyglass RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to launch yesterday afternoon by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of 2 people on a jet ski in difficulty between Doolough and Claggan in Blacksod Bay. The volunteer lifeboat crew launched the…

1,110 new cases of covid-19 are being reported this evening. 89 people with the virus are now in hospital, with 21 of those patients in ICU. Positivity rates of up to 25 per cent are now being reported at some swabbing sites.

Met Eireann says temperatures in Newport, Co Mayo have exceeded 28 degrees today, and high temperatures will continue for the rest of the week. The latest data from 3pm this afternoon shows Mount Dillon in Roscommon was the hottest spot nationally at 29…

AIB is to close 15 of its branches this year - including one in Galway. The AIB branch on Newcastle Road in Galway is closing in December, and it services will be merged with Lynch's Castle in the city. The vast majority of the closures are in Dublin and…

A quarter of a million euro has been announced to develop and outdoor performance space in Ballina. The €250,000 grant has been allocated under the Government's Outdoor Public Space Scheme, and will see an outdoor performance space being developed on Barrett…

Gardaí in Galway have seized €76,000 worth of suspected cannabis herb and more than €7,000 in cash following the search of a house in Galway overnight. At approximately 10.30pm last night, Gardaí attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit conducted a search…

High temperatures will continue for the rest of the week, as a status yellow weather warning has come into effect since 1pm for the entire country. The weather alert remains in place until Friday morning, with Met Eireann forecasting daytime highs of 27 to 30…

The HSE is reporting a dramatic increase in the number of Covid-19 cases across the West over the past 5 days. Case numbers have doubled in Co Mayo, and tripled in Galway - with young adults being particularly hit by infection - and this age group remains…

The manager at Mayo University Hospital Catherin Donohoe says the hospital is under a lot of pressure today. Mayo University Hospital remains the highest in the country when it comes to covid-19 patients in hospital. Nationally there are 101 patients with the…

A status yellow high temperature will come into effect across the country from lunchtime today, until Friday. Met Eireann say daytime temperatures will reach as high as 30 degrees, while at night it could be as high as 20 degrees. The alert will come into…

Work began yesterday on the construction of a new €22 million residential care unit in Tuam. The new high-dependency unit is being built on the site of the Old Grove Hospital in Tuam, and is expected to be completed in 2023. Tuam-based Councillor Donagh…

An Post has confirmed that the Castlebar Delivery Unit is no longer providing a service for people who wish to buy a stamp or post a parcel - they're now being directed to the main Post Office in the town instead. While the main Post Office in Castlebar is…

The country's 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 cases is now at it's highest point since the end of February. It now stands at 231 cases per 100,000 people, while the five-day moving average of cases has increased by more than 98 percent in a week. Last night…

The Restaurants Association of Ireland will meet members of Government later over the proposal for the reopening of indoor dining. A decision from Ministers is expected tomorrow, with Monday the target for restaurants and pubs to be allowed welcome back…

The current spell of weather could be officially classed as a heatwave later, as temperatures are expected to rise to 29 degrees today. For a heatwave to be called the temperature must be five degrees above average for five days in a row. Tomorrow, the…

1,071 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed this evening. The Department of Health says 101 patients are in hospital with the virus, with 20 of those in ICU. Dr Tony Holohan says our 14-day incidence rate is now the highest it's been since February 24th…

There's been no new public health advice to suggest the re-opening of indoor dining should be delayed, according to Minister Simon Harris. Cabinet Ministers will make a final decision on the issue at a meeting on Wednesday. There has been calls from People…

Mayo Sn Around 200 women will have to undergo a repeat smear test because their results have gone out of date. The HSE says they expired because of Covid-19 restrictions and a huge demand on the CervicalCheck service in the first half of this year. The women…

Visiting restrictions are in place in certain areas of Mayo University Hospital due to an outbreak of Covid-19 currently in the hospital. There are currently 16 patients with Covid being treated at the Castlebar hospital - the highest figure nationally. CEO…

Newport in Co Mayo and Oak Park in Carlow were the hottest spots in Ireland today, with temperatures of 28 degrees, according to Met Eireann. The weather stations in Athenry, Gurteen and Mount Dillon in Roscommon all registered 27 degrees this afternoon, and…

A new online learning hub on consent for the third-level sector has been announced by Galway-based Minister Hildegarde Naughton and the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris. The hub is being developed in partnership with NUI Galway and will be available…

Ross beach in Killala has reopened to swimmers. Mayo County Council says the temporary Do Not Swim notice in place at Ross beach has been removed this afternoon, following satisfactory results from a water sample taken on Saturday. Head of Environment at Mayo…

Midlands-Northwest MEP Maria Walsh will travel to Hungary this week to take part in Budapest pride. The Fine Gael MEP has been outspoken about the anti-LGBTI+ law adaptations in Hungary since she took office in the European Parliament two years ago. While in…

Met Eireann says the current warm weather will continue until Friday, with day time temperatures into the high 20's, and very humid at night with temperatures staying in the mid to high teens. Forecaster Emer Flood has been telling Midwest News / Paula that…

Five people were rescued from a cruiser that caught fire yesterday off Portumna. The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was launched at about 12.15 yesterday afternoon to assist those on board the 38ft cruiser on fire by Castle Harbour, Portumna, at the most northern…

A Castlebar Councillor has voiced his anger and disappointment at a newly installed litter bin along the river walkway in the town which was vandalised over the weekend. Cllr. Ger Deere says under the bridge along the river walkway has experienced a serious…

Mayo County Council's Chief Executive Kevin Kelly is meeting with Mayo GAA chiefs this week, to discuss concerns over the delay in the proposed Centre of Excellence in Castlebar. Almost three years ago, the GAA announced plans for a Centre of Excellence,…

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris will visit GMIT Mayo today. Minister Harris will be welcomed to the campus in Castlebar by the President Dr Orla Flynn and the new Head of School of Health Science,…

Airlines, airports and the tourism industry are preparing for an uptick in business from this morning as travel restrictions into and out of the country are eased. From today, Ireland joins the rest of the EU in implementing the Digital Covid Certificate.…

Temperatures could reach as high as 30 degrees in places this week as a national advisory for warm weather remains in place. 29.5 degrees was recorded in Athenry in Galway on Saturday afternoon, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Met Eireann's high…

The country's five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases has risen by 89 percent in the past week. It's grown to 1,101 after 1,179 new cases were confirmed by the Department of Health yesterday. 91 people are being treated in hospital, while 22 patients were…

The Department of Health has confirmed 1179 new cases of Covid-19. There are now 91 people being treated for the illness in hospital, an increase of 13 in the past 24 hours. The number of patients in intensive care stands at 22, unchanged on yesterday's…

Due to severe traffic congestion in Achill today Gardai are closing off the road to Keem Bay. Motorists are asked to avoid travelling to the popular beach this afternoon.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland says they still don't know exactly how people can prove their vaccination status in order to dine indoors. It calling on the government to confirm as early as possible the exact reopening date, which is expected to be July…

The head of the HSE has warned hospital numbers could increase at a "significant pace very quickly" as Covid-19 cases rise. There were 1,377 new infections confirmed yesterday - the highest daily figure since the end of January. The positivity rate has fallen…

Met Eireann's issued a High Temperature Advisory with the warm weather set to continue into next week. The advisory comes into effect from midday today and is valid until midday on Friday. Temperatures reached 29.5 degrees in Athenry, Co Galway yesterday,…

Health officials have confirmed 1,377 new cases of Covid-19 here. It's the highest figure recorded in over five months. There are 78 people currently in hospital with the virus. While 22 patients are in ICU, an increase of 6 on the same day last week.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris will visit GMIT Mayo on Monday. That news has been confirmed today by the President of GMIT, Dr Orla Flynn. Minister Harris will be welcomed to the campus in…

A Mayo Fianna Fáil Senator has welcomed the recommendations made in the Committee’s interim report on the impacts of Brexit. The Committee was established following a proposal by Lisa Chambers to the Seanad to assess the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and…

Gardaí are currently at scene of a two vehicle collision that occurred on the N5, Castlebar to Wesport Road shortly after 2pm this afternoon. A man in his thirties and a baby has been taken to hospital. Investigations are ongoing.

Ireland is in danger of not having enough electricity to power the country going forward. That's the warning from Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice who says this could see some large companies deciding to pull out of this country, if they don't have a secure…

The 62 year-old man who was missing from his home in Castlebar, has been located safe and well. Gardai and the family have thanked the public and the media for their assistance in this matter.

A Mayo TD has accused the government of failing apprentices as the number waiting to access off-the-job training passes 10,000. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Rose Conway-Walsh says it is truly alarming that apprenticeship waiting…

Gardaí are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 62-year-old Desmond McGowan, who is missing from his home in Castlebar, Co. Mayo since yesterday afternoon. Desmond is 5’ 7” in height and has a slight build. He has dark, greying hair…

Mayo University Hospital has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the country. There are 12 patients with Covid-19 at the Castlebar based hospital. That's according to the latest report compiled by the HSE at the centre at 8 p.m. yesterday. There are four…

Over three quarters of adults have now received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. 63 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated and over 5.1 million doses have been administered. HSE boss Paul Reid says the number of patients in hospital and ICU is "holding…

The HSE says it's noticing a rise in large Covid-19 outbreaks across the country as the Delta variant spreads. It comes after 1,173 new cases were reported yesterday - the highest daily figure in over 5 months. Health officials are warning of large increases…

The country's enjoying Mediterranean like conditions this weekend with temperatures soaring into the late twenties. Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far with Mount Dillon in Roscommon reached 27.1C. Met Éireann said high pressure will result in…

Castlebar Gardai are looking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who was last seen at 12:30 yesterday. Gardai are interested in locating the car he is driving which is a grey Honda HRV 161-MO-2889. Anyone who may have spotted this car is asked to…

The body of a teenager missing from Sligo since Tuesday has been recovered from the River Liffey in Dublin. The Garda press office confirmed the body of 16-year-old Hazhar Hashemi had been recovered from the Liffey yesterday. The teenager had been missing…

Achill Island Coast Guard assisted a casualty who slipped and found themselves in difficulty in a bog pool in an isolated part of the island this evening. On arrival the team were able to provide casualty care, monitor the situation and escort the faller to a…

Two people were taken to hospital today following a two vehicle collision in Claremorris. Gardaí attended the collision involving a car and a van that occurred at Claremount, Calremorris shorlty after 4pm this afternoon. A male in his 30s was taken to Galway…

1,173 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed today - the highest figure in nearly five and a half months. 79 patients are in hospital with the virus, 23 of whom are in ICU. The chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, says half of today's cases are among 19 to…

Gardaí in Tuam are renewing their appeal for information in relation to the investigation of a serious assault that occurred in the early hours of Sunday July 11th, at Foster Place in Tuam, Co. Galway. A man, aged in his 40s, was assaulted at approximately…

The MSLETB Training Centre in Ballina has been confirmed as the site for a new pilot antigen testing by the HSE. A new pilot process has been established to help evaluate the use of rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RADT) in identifying COVID-19 the further and…

The Managing Director at Ireland West Airport Knock has welcomed today’s funding of over €1.9 million euro from Government. The funding will enable Ireland West Airport Knock to recover some of the losses that it has incurred as a result of covid 19. The…

Mayo County Council wishes to advise the public that the temporary DO NO SWIM notice in place at Bertra Beach has been removed this afternoon, following receipt of satisfactory results from a water sample taken on Wednesday. Mr. Martin Keating, Head of…

Gardai in Mayo are warning of a new sophisticated text scam affecting Bank of Ireland Customers. A number of people have been caught out by a text coming directly from Back of Ireland telling you that a payment was made on another device and if it wasn’t you…

The country is set to enjoy the warmest temperatures of the year so far this weekend. Met Eireann is forecasting up to 27 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow is set to be very warm and dry in most places with good sunshine. Alan O'Reilly from Carlow…

23 million euro has been given to support five airports nationally. Ireland West Airport Knock, Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Donegal and Kerry are all benefitting, with the split being decided through passenger numbers in 2019. Knock airport has received the second…

Mayo University Hospital have confirmed that they are dealing with a Covid-19 outbreak at the hospital. In a statement issued by the Saolta Hospital Group yesterday evening in accordance with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidelines, an Outbreak…

Gardaí are seeking the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of a missing man in Galway. 41 year-old John Sheehan, is reported missing from the Renmore area of Galway, since last Monday July 12th. He is described as being 5ft 9 inches in height and having…

25 to 29 year olds can register for a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine from today. The HSE's portal is now open to the cohort, however people in this age group can still register with a pharmacy for a Janssen vaccine. Registration can be done online or over the…

Gardaí arrested a man following an incident of drink driving which resulted in a traffic collision that occurred at approximately 3:25pm yesterday afternoon, in the Cloonamahon area of Collooney, Co Sligo. Two vehicles were involved in this collision. No…

Legislation to allow indoor hospitality reopen will go to its final stage in the Oireachtas later. The Seanad will consider the Health Bill which, if passed, would then go to the President to be signed into law. Yesterday the Tanaiste revealed July 26th as…

The number of hospital patients with Covid-19 has increased by almost a third in the past week. 994 new cases were announced by the Department of Health last night, with 80 people in hospital and 22 in ICU. On Monday, international travel will open for people…

Gardai are seeking the public's help in tracing a missing teenage boy in Sligo. 16 year-old Hazhar Hashemi is missing from Drumcliff since Tuesday and was carrying a navy bag. He is described as 6 foot tall, with short brown hair and brown eyes and he was…

Mayo University Hospital have this evening confirmed that they are dealing with a Covid-19 outbreak at the hospital. In a statement issued by the Saolta Hospital Group in accordance with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidelines, an Outbreak…

The head of the HSE says the Delta variant is spreading faster than expected. It comes as a further 994 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed, the highest since February 13th. There are 80 people in hospital with the virus, and 22 in ICU. Paul Reid says…

Covid-19 case numbers are growing by more than 3 percent each day, while the virus' reproduction number is above one. Yesterday, the Department of Health announced 783 new cases - the highest figure in five months - and the Delta variant now accounts for 80%…

Swimming is being banned at a second Mayo beach, due to contamination of the bathing water. A temporary Do Not Swim notice has been put in place at Ross Beach, Killala, following an elevated enterococci bacteria in a water sample taken on Monday. The water…

The Dáil has passed the legislation allowing indoor dining for fully vaccinated people or those who've recovered from Covid-19. The Bill was voted through by 74 votes to 68 last night. It's reported that Mayo TDs Michael Ring and Alan Dillon were among a…

Mayo and Donegal County Councils will have to come up with a temporary accommodation solution for people who will have to leave their homes due to pyrite damage, and will need somewhere to live while their homes are being rebuilt. That's according to the…

Dry, warm and sunny - that's what we can expect weather-wise for the weekend, according to Met Eireann. Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon recorded the highest temperature nationally yesterday, along with Dublin's Phoenix Park - both registering 23 degrees celsius.…

The Head of the HSE has said he expects Covid case numbers to continue to rise in the immediate future. It comes as the Department of Health confirmed 783 new infections yesterday, and the Delta variant now accounts for 80% of the cases reported here. CEO…

The Dáil has passed the legislation allowing indoor dining for fully vaccinated people or those who've recovered from Covid, and the Bill will now go to the Seanad. It was voted through by 74 votes to 68 last night. It's emerged that Mayo TDs Michael Ring and…

The towns of Castlerea and Ballyhaunis had the cheapest median house prices in the year up to May. New figures from the CSO show that residential property prices increased by 5.5% nationally in the 12 months to May - with a 6.2% jump in the price of houses…

The country's highest number of Covid-19 cases in nearly five months has been reported today.There are 783 new cases - the highest since February 20th.There are 73 Covid patients in hospital, with 20 in intensive care.Professor Philip Nolan, who chairs…

Farmers from across the region have travelled to Dublin today to take part in an IFA demonstration highlighting the crisis in the forestry sector, and the need for emergency legislation to reform the licence system. There are currently almost 6,000 forest…

A fundraising campaign has been launched in Erris, to raise money to maintain the dedibrillators in the region. Erris Heartbeat Defibrillator has 36 defibs across the Erris region, and needs to raise €2,000 urgently to maintain them, and replace batteries.…

There's mixed reaction to the GAA's decision to move the Connacht senior football final to Croke Park. Connacht GAA announced last night that the Mayo V Galway provincial final would be moved to the Dublin stadium, to avail of the extra capacity. It's…

With families heading off on staycations over the coming days and weeks, the Mayo Road Safety Office is urging parents to carry out some simple car seat checks before you leave. Four out of five child car seats in Ireland are not fitted correctly, according…

Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers has brought forward new legislation, that would make stalking an offence. The Fianna Fail Senator has worked on the legislation with two victims of stalking - Sligo woman Eve McDowell and Una Ring from Cork, and says their…

A temporary Do Not Swim notice has been put in place at Bertra beach near Westport. People are being urged not to swim at the beach, following the detection of E.Coli in a water sample taken on Monday. Mayo County Council says the bathing water at Bertra will…

A new report from the EPA shows the majority of rivers in Co Mayo have high, or good quality water. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has warned that there's an urgent need to curb nitrogen pollution in Ireland's surface and ground waters, which…

589 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed yesterday evening. 62 patients are currently in hospital with the disease, of which 17 patients are in ICU. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn says the delta variant now accounts for 80 percent of cases…

589 new cases of covid have been confirmed.62 patients are in hospital with the disease of which 17 are in ICU.Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn says the delta variant accounts for 80 percent of cases reported here and is a challenge that is facing…

A temporary Do Not Swim notice has been put in place at Bertra beach near Westport. People are being urged not to swim at the beach, following the detection of E.Coli in a water sample taken yesterday. Mayo County Council says the bathing water at Bertra will…

Ryanair is to operate a new winter service between Ireland West Airport Knock and Bergamo in Italy. Bergamo is near the city of Milan - Italy's fashion capital. The new service will operate twice per week, with flights on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the…

Castlebar native Mark Mellett is to retire as Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces in September. Vice Admiral Mellett took up the top post in September 2015. He first joined the Irish Naval Service in 1976 and worked his way up the ranks to the position of…

62 Covid patients are in hospital today - a drop of 2 from yesterday - with 16 of these patients in intensive care. The HSE's chief executive, Paul Reid, says Covid-19 cases, testing and positivity rates are all increasing. Mr Reid is asking people to take…

It's another busy day in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway. There are 38 patients on trolleys at the hospital today, according to the latest trolley figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation. The Galway hospital has the…

Restrictions on nursing home visits are to be eased from next Monday. New guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre says that, from 19th July, routine visits will not need to be scheduled in advance, and a list of nominated visitors will no…

Mayo County Councillors are to write to the Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien, calling for the income thresholds for council or social housing to be revised. At present, a couple with two children earning over €27,500 do not qualify for local authority…

The Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman hopes to bring details of a redress scheme for Mother and Baby Home survivors to Cabinet in the next two weeks. The Minister is also working on the terms of an independent review of the evidence given to the…

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn says the proportion of new Covid-19 cases that are due to the Delta variant has increased rapidly over the last four weeks - and is now accounting for about 70% of cases or more. Over the past fortnight, Ireland’s…

More than 2 million people who are fully vaccinated will be able to dine indoors as early as next week. People who've recovered from Covid-19 will also be able to enter pubs, cafes and restaurants, under new laws agreed last night. Children who're aren't…

600 cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed today.64 patients are in hospital with the virus, of which 16 are in ICU.Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says tomorrow marks 500 days since the first case of Covid was reported in Ireland.He added we have come a…

After their comprehensive win over Leitrim yesterday, Mayo are through to the Connacht senior football final the weekend after next when they will take on Galway in MacHale Park. The number of fans who will be allowed into the Castlebar stadium to watch the…

A formal date for the re-opening of indoor dining may not be agreed until tomorrow. Cabinet Ministers are being briefed on the legislation over the phone this afternoon, ahead of a full cabinet meeting in the morning. The new laws will allow fully vaccinated…

Gardaí have seized €70,000 worth of suspected Cannabis herb following the search of a house in Galway city on Saturday. Shortly after 4pm on Saturday afternoon, Gardaí attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit conducted a search of a house in the Doughiska…

The Government Chief Whip says he has full confidence in the Taoiseach, amid rumblings about Micheal Martin's leadership of the party. While party sources are playing down the prospects of an imminent move against Mr Martin, former Minister Barry Cowen is…

People across Co Mayo are being asked to report any information they have in relation to Barn Owls. Over recent decades, the Barn Owl population has suffered extensive decline. However, there seems to be early indications that Barn Owl populations may be…

It's unacceptable that day services for people with disabilities and older people remain closed, or only open for part of the week, despite the fact that users and staff are vaccinated - that's according to Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten. Deputy Naughten…

Following visits to Charlestown, Ballina and Castlebar yesterday evening, the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht & Sport Jack Chambers has a number of engagements in Co Mayo today. The Minister starts this morning with visits to…

The Cabinet will meet today to sign off on new legislation that will pave the way for the reopening of indoor hospitality. Under the proposals, unvaccinated children will be allowed inside pubs and restaurants when they fully reopen. They will have to be…

Gardai are investigating a serious assault in Tuam in the early hours of yesterday morning. A man in his 40's was assaulted at about 12.05 am at Foster Place in Tuam, and received a number of injuries. He was taken to the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where his…

A Proclamation Stone was unveiled in Castlerea yesterday evening, as part of the events to mark the Decade of Centenaries. Exactly 100 years to the day since the truce was signed in the Irish War of Independence, the Defence Minister Jack Chambers and…

Gardai are investigating a serious assault on a man in County Galway. He received a number of injuries when he was attacked at Foster Place in Tuam at around 5 past midnight this morning. The man in his 40s was taken to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where he's…

The Department of Health has reported an additional 576 Covid cases today. There are 58 patients with the disease in hospital, an increase of 6 on yesterday's figure. While the number of people receiving treatment in ICU remains at 16. The Health Minister…

Unvaccinated under-18s will be allowed inside pubs and restaurants when indoor hospitality resumes, according to a junior minister. However, they'll have to be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult. A cabinet meeting's taking place tomorrow to sign off on…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin should quit as Fianna Fáil leader during the Dáil's summer break, according to one of the party's TDs. Marc MacSharry's call comes after the party got less than 5 per cent in this week's Dublin Bay South by-election. The Sligo-Leitrim…

The Department of Health has reported 581 new Covid cases today. There are 52 patients in hospital, an increase of 2 compared with yesterday's figures. While 16 people are in intensive care units across the country, up one.

The head of the HSE has said he expects up to 80 percent of the adult population to be fully vaccinated by the end of the summer. At the moment 55 percent are fully protected while more than 70 percent have been partially vaccinated against Covid. More than…

A special event will take place in Castlerea this Sunday, as part of the Decade of Centenaries. A proclamation stone will be unveiled outside the Courthouse by Colonel Kevin Campion of the Irish Defence Forces, and a native of Castlerea. Minister Jack…

No Covid-19 tests will be carried out this Sunday at the test centre at MacHale Park in Castlebar, as the Mayo footballers taken on Leitrim in the Connacht senior football championship semi-final. The HSE says the Covid-19 test centre at MacHale Park will not…

During the months of May and June, the combined efforts of the Cill Chomáin Ladies and Mens team raised €14,234 for the Ballyglass RNLI and Cill Chomain GAA. The monies raised were split equally, with both groups getting €7,117 each. A “Dip, Donate, Nominate”…

New figures show that 106,000 people are waiting to take their driving test here while a further 130,000 are waiting for their driver theory test. The Irish Daily Mail reports that Covid 19 restrictions have led to the backlog. The Road Safety Authority has…

Nursing home visits are set to return to closer to normal within the next 10 days. New guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre says restrictions should be eased by July 19th. The new rules state routine visits won't have to be scheduled in…

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer says the Delta variant may be up to twice as transmittable as the virus we were dealing with this time last year. Dr Ronan Glynn says some parts of the country are more affected than others including Donegal, Waterford and…

Labour Party candidate Ivana Bacik won a resounding victory for her party in the Dublin Bay South byelection last night in a disappointing result for Fine Gael, which also saw a dramatic collapse in the Fianna Fáil vote. Ms Bacik will take the Dáil seat…

631 covid cases have been reported today - the highest figure since April 1st. 50 people are in hospital with the virus, 15 of which are in ICU. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan says today's figure is a cause of concerns and shows the disease is…

Clogher resident Tony Lynott is generously donating all of the proceeds from the sale of his book to the Wild Atlantic Words literary festival. Anyone who would like to support the annual Castlebar-based festival can now do so by purchasing a copy of The…

Travel agents across the region will be hoping to see an upturn in enquiries, with the reopening of international travel from 19th July. From next week, people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will begin to receive their EU Digital Covid Certificate…

Covid-19 figures are very high in the Ballymote -Tubbercurry areas of Co Sligo and in the Roscommon local electoral area. A breakdown of Covid-19 figures by local electoral areas shows that these two areas are among the top ten highest incidence rates.…

Ongoing financial supports are needed for the hospitality industry in Mayo, and across the country - such as the extension of the wage subsidy scheme and the retention of the 9% VAT rate. That's according to Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers, who says that even if…

A person reported missing in Mayo overnight was later recovered safe and well. Achill Island Coast Guard and the Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit were tasked following a report of a missing female in Ballycroy shortly after 2am this morning. The two teams,…

Organisers of the Reek Sunday pilgrimage are very happy with how this year's unique pilgrimage is going - now in its second week. This year, rather than cancelling Reek Sunday, the Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage is being held from Wednesday to Saturday each week…

The HSE is urging people to “act sensibly” after a number of social gatherings helped fuel a rise in Covid cases in Sligo and Donegal. Funerals, wakes, house parties and other indoor gatherings have led to outbreaks in the past two weeks. The Irish…

The HSE says some hospitals are experiencing “winter level” surges of patients in emergency departments, as Ireland braces for a wave of Delta variant cases. HSE chief operations officer Ann O’Connor said some hospitals have seen a large number of people…

The Taoiseach says the Government is on target to have a plan to reopen indoor dining in place for July 19th. For the second time this week, representatives for the hospitality sector met Government officials about the plans yesterday. Taoiseach Micheal…

Ireland has the fourth highest incidence rate of Covid-19 in the EU - with only Cyprus, Portugal and Spain faring worse. The Republic's 14-day rate is now 121 per 100,000 people, with 534 new cases confirmed yesterday. Co Sligo now has the second highest rate…

The Government will consider six reopening options for indoor dining at its Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. A further meeting between representatives of the hospitality sector and senior Government officials was held today. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland…

Thanks to a donation of over €1 million from golfer Rory McIlroy, a site has been secured in Cong for a therapeutic short-break centre for families with a child suffering from cancer, and planning permission has been granted for the facility. However, €12.5…

No Covid-19 tests will be carried out this Sunday at the test centre at MacHale Park in Castlebar, as the Mayo footballers taken on Leitrim in the Connacht senior football championship semi-final. The HSE says the Covid-19 test centre at MacHale Park will not…

Yesterday marked the 41st anniversary of the deaths of two Gardai in the line of duty in Co Roscommon. On 7th July 1980, Detective Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne, who were stationed in Castlerea, were shot dead near Loughlynn while responding to a…

University Hospital Galway is the most overcrowded in the country today. There are 45 patients on trolleys at the Galway hospital, according to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation. Elsewhere across the region, there are 13…

Gardai are urging motorists to lock their vehicles when parking in coastal and scenic locations this Summer, as millions of euro worth of property are stolen from cars each year. Over 36 million euro in valuables have been stolen from cars between 2016 and…

The Mayo Pride parade, due to take place this weekend, has been cancelled. The parade was planned for Westport this Saturday, but the organisers say that - despite stringent event planning and liaising with the local authorities - Gardai have advised that the…

Several hotels in the West were among the winners in the 2021 Irish Hotel Awards this week. The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong was named Ireland's best 4-star hotel. The Lodge also won the Fine Dining Hotel of the Year award. Mount Falcon in Ballina won the…

A Galway tech company is set to create up to 30 new jobs over the next five years as part of a collaboration with NUI Galway. Furbo based Aró Digital Strategy is teaming-up with NUIG’s Insight Centre for Data Analytics to build a product which Aró will…

A new Chief Superintendent has been appointed to take over responsibility for the Mayo Garda Division, as well as the Roscommon / Longford Garda Division. Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon takes up the post with effect from today, following the retirement…

Irish universities are hoping to hold large-scale lectures this autumn. The Irish Universites Association says all eight colleges are finalising their plans for the return of on-campus teaching in September. It will tell an Oireachtas committee today big…

The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong has won another prestigious accolade. The Lodge has been awarded 4-Star Hotel of the Year 2021 at the Irish Hotel Awards. This is the second year running that the Cong hotel has picked up the accolade, which is a testament…

Funding of €380,000 has been sanctioned to complete the road at Claremount in Claremorris. This funding has been allocated under the Smarter Travel Scheme. Local Fine Gael Councillor Tom Connolly says this funding is hugely important to benefit the local…

Crunch talks aimed at facilitating the swift return of indoor dining will take place this afternoon. Hospitality representatives will meet senior government officials to finalise a plan, following exploratory talks earlier this week. Among the measures to be…

The Taoiseach says the Delta variant of Covid-19 is an ongoing concern and will be a 'slow-burner'. He told his parliamentary party last night testing and tracing will be increased to try to address the highly transmissible strain. The highest number of Covid…

There have been more than 1,000 Covid cases in the Travelling community in Galway since the start of the pandemic. A report released today found Travellers are twice as likely to get Covid-19, compared to the rest of the population. Dr Mike Ryan, senior World…

Homeowners in Mayo affected by pyrite will get a 6-year exemption from the Local Property Tax. The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue has told an Oireachtas committee today that householders in Mayo and Donegal affected by pyrite and mica will be exempt…

A spokesperson for the North Mayo Pyrite Group says they're frustrated with the lack of progress being made at meetings of the working group set up by Government to review the redress scheme for owners of pyrite and mica-damaged homes. A second meeting of the…

Raiders who broke into a business premises in Castlebar last night were interrupted by Gardai and got away empty-handed. The intruders gained entry to McHale Agri, Forest & Garden on Sir Ernst Chain Road -the link road between Breaffy and Moneen - and removed…

MEPs have given the go-ahead to a 6 billion euro fund to support European fishermen. The new fund will run until 2027, and is hoped the money will encourage more environmentally friendly fishing. Midlands Northwest MEP, Colm Markey says the Irish fleet have…

A Galway syndicate has collected a Lotto prize of almost €2.5 million, won last month. The lucky syndicate members won the Lotto jackpot on June 5th, and collected their prize of €2,475,303 at lottery headquarters in Dublin yesterday. They bought the winning…

The number of Covid patients being treated in hospital is now 60 -the highest number in 3 weeks, and a 36% increased since this day last week. 16 of these patients are in ICU. A breakdown of Covid-19 cases per hospital is still not available, since the cyber…

Covid-19's had a disproportionate and potentially devastating long-term impact on the Traveller Community. That's according to new research compiled by the Galway Traveller Movement. It says many members of the community found it nearly impossible to…

It's the final day for people to apply to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. The scheme will close to new entrants from tomorrow, after being extended by an extra seven days due to the delay in reopening indoor dining. The payment, introduced last…

The driving test system is in complete chaos, and urgent action is needed to tackle the backlog for both the driving and theory tests. That's according to Roscommon / Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who says young people feel abandoned by the current system.…

The working group established to review the Defective Concrete Blocks redress scheme for the owners of pyrite and mica-contaminated homes is due to meet for the second time this morning. The group, which was formed following a major campaign for 100% redress…

The chief medical officer says the rising number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is a 'cause for concern'. The figure has risen by 38 per cent over the past two weeks, and now stands at 54. 397 new cases were also reported yesterday, with 16 Covid patients…

There has been a further 397 Covid-19 cases. 54 people are in hospital with the virus, an increase of 3 in 24 hours. 16 are in ICU, which is up two over the same period.

Motorists are advised of a bad oil spillage on the Ballyhaunis to Claremorris road this afternoon close to the Bekan turn off. Motorists are advised to reduce their speed as a result of the greasy road conditions.

The company that offers Covid-19 tests at Ireland West Airport Knock is now promising to provide results to a PCR test in just 12 hours. RocDoc currently offers both PCR and antibody tests are Knock, Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. The company has now…

A ban on ticket touts re-selling tickets for large concerts and sporting events well above face value is set to become law before the end of this month. Uner the Sale of Tickets Bill, sellers found guilty of reselling tickets for profit can face two years in…

Vaccine passports may be used to ensure the return of live events including gigs as well as indoor dining. From next week, Digital Covid Certs will start to be issued to fully vaccinated people. People who have had Covid-19 and wish to travel internationally…

There's hardly a house to be bought or rented at present in Westport, Newport or Louisburg. That's according to Westport-based Fine Gael Councillor Peter Flynn, who says housing shortages are no longer confined to Dublin, and the situation needs to be…

Around 1.8 million fully vaccinated people are set to start receiving their Digital Covid Certs in the coming days. The certs can be used for international travel and will either be emailed or posted out to people. Work is also underway to use them as the…

A new Covid-19 vaccination centre opens today in Clifden. The new satellite centre is based at Clifden Community School, and vaccination teams will provide vaccines to the public on one or two days per week, depending on demand. The HSE says this will improve…

The outdoor swimming pool in Castlerea will open tomorrow ( Wed) for the Summer season. It's good news for the local community, as the heated outdoor pool did not open last Summer due to the Codi-19 pandemic. The pool will be open from Wednesday to Sunday…

Almost half of all cannabis growhouses detected by Gardai last year were in the West of Ireland. At a recent meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee, Gardai confirmed that 40% of such growhouses were detected in the West - with 15% of them in Mayo, 18%…

53 people died in workplace-related accidents last year, according to the Health & Safety Authority - an increase on the 47 fatalities the previous year - despite significant changes in workplaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 28 of those who lost their lives…

Groups from the hospitality industry are to consult with their members this week on proposals to get indoor dining reopened. Representatives of the restaurant and pub sectors met Government officials yesterday to devise a plan that would allow for the safe…

Over half of the adult population will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 today. Brian MacCraith , chairman of the vaccination taskforce, says the landmark will be reached this morning. Under-35s will continue to receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in…

The Chief Medical Officer is warning of the risk the Delta variant poses to the unvaccinated, or those waiting for a second dose. Dr Tony Holohan says this strain now makes up over 70% of all Covid cases. The five-day moving average has increased by 32 per…

The Taoiseach says NPHET will not change its advice on indoor dining "anytime soon". Indoor dining in pubs and restaurants was due to return today, but was pushed back due to fears over the Delta variant. Industry representatives, who met with the Government…

There are 365 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening. The HSE says 51 patients are now in hospital with the virus - which is the highest number in two weeks - with 14 of these patients in intensive care. The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says…

The success rate in detecting those involved in drug dealing in Mayo is high, but shows that the drug trade is thriving. That's according to Garda Superintendent Joe McKenna, who says that while Gardai know a lot of the drug dealers operating in the county,…

Pharmacists across the region have today begun administering Covid-19 vaccines to young people aged between 18 and 34. 21 pharmacies in Co Mayo are offering the service, and a list of participating pharmacies in each county are available on the HSE website.…

The National Novena at Knock Shrine is being postponed until later this year. The Novena was due to take place from 14th to 22nd August, but has been called off given increasing concerns over the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19. This is the second…

With Mayo and the West coast proving very popular with staycationers once again this Summer, Mayo County Council is calling on people living in Mayo, and those visiting the county, to "Keep Mayo Wild and Beautiful". The local authority has launched a public…

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon is recovering following a cycling accident over the weekend. On Friday evening, the Fine Gael TD was on his bike when he was involved in a collision with an SUV. He sustained a serious knee fracture, which required surgery, and…

Sligo and Roscommon are in the top 5 counties nationally in terms of their 14-day incidence rates of Covid. Donegal, Waterford and Limerick have the highest 14-day rates, followed by Sligo and Roscommon. In the two weeks up to the 1st July, Sligo recorded 109…

"Normal People" - based on the novel by Castlebar author Sally Rooney - was the big winners at last night's virtual Irish Film & Television Academy Awards, winning 9 awards in total. The awards included the Best Script Award for Sally Rooney, Best Drama, Best…

Pharmacies across the region are due to begin vaccinating people aged 18 to 34 against Covid-19 from today. 120 thousand Johnson and Johnson jabs will be distributed to chemists over the next week. 21 pharmacies in Co Mayo are offering the service, and a list…

The number of people allowed to attend wedding receptions increases to 50 from today. Parish Priest of Knock, Father Richard Gibbons says he's pleased about this easing of restrictions. However, Fr Richard says the restrictions not allowing baptisms at this…

Following a spike in cases in Roscommon Town, a ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 test centre opens in the county town this morning, for 2 days. Free tests are offered without appointment from 11:00am to 05:00pm at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Circular Road in Roscommon…

High level talks will take place today between representatives from the hospitality sector and the Government on the reopening of indoor dining. Today's planned reopening has been postponed due to NPHET concerns about the Delta variant of Covid-19. This led…

Health officials have confirmed 562 new cases of covid-19 - the highest daily total in nearly a month. There are 48 patients in hospital with the virus, up 6 since yesterday. While there are 14 people in ICU, unchanged on yesterday.

Additional ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 testing will be available in Roscommon town on Monday July 5th and Tuesday July 6th. The pop-up test-site will offer free testing without appointment from 11:00am to 05:00pm at Roscommon Arts Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42…

A Lotto player in the Clifden area of Galway was just one number shy of winning the €4,903,530 jackpot on offer in last night’s draw. The West of Ireland ticket holder matched five numbers and the bonus to win €56,230 after purchasing their winning Quick Pick…

The head of the HSE says it's looking at "all options and scenarios" when it comes to administering Covid-19 vaccines to 12-15-year-olds. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee's set to issue updated advice on its use on teenagers shortly. It's after EU…

The Minister for Disabilities, Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, will be in Ballina tomorrow where she will visit a number of local groups and organisations. Minister Rabbitte starts with a visit to the Praxis Care Day service in Ballina, which supports service…

Pharmacies that are low on stock of the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine won't get fresh supplies until the middle of next week. The Irish Pharmacy Union says its members have received an overwhelming level of interest from people aged 18 to 34 who want…

Unvaccinated people are set to be given access to indoor dining if they get a negative Covid-19 test. NPHET has recommended indoor service in pubs and restaurants should only be open to fully vaccinated people. But the Business Post reports the government is…

Galway Gardai are appealing for help in tracing a missing 44 year-old man. Bernard Ward was last seen in the College Road area of the city at around 9 o'clock on Wednesday night. He's described as 5' foot 9" in height, of stocky build with dark brown hair and…

Health officials have confirmed 448 new cases of Covid-19 this evening. 42 patients are currently in hospital with the virus, down 4 on yesterday's figures, while the number of people in ICU remains unchanged at 14.

"Save our Summer", "Stop the Nonsense", "Save Our Jobs" - just some of the slogans carried on placards in Ballina today, during a protest over the delay in reopening hospitality. Pub, restaurant and cafe owners were among a large gathering organised to…

A new pilot project aimed at saving small rural schools will get underway in September. Education Minister Norma Foley has announced that the pilot project will involve clusters of three to five schools sharing resources. One issue likely be explored is…

80 per cent of the HSE's computer servers have now been unlocked, after the recent cyber attack. It's a 10 per cent increase on last week, while 70 per cent of hospital outpatient appointments are now going ahead. It comes seven weeks after ransomware…

200,000 people are set to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 up to two months early, according to a Government minister. It's due to the accelerated programme, which will allow 18 to 34 year olds get a Johnson and Johnson vaccine in a pharmacy from Monday.…

The Tanaiste says he doesn't believe there will be a lockdown due to the Delta variant of Covid-19. Leo Varadkar has told the Irish Independent that the country will "weather through" a spike in cases by ramping up vaccinations and keeping the current…

A protest is taking place in Ballina today over the delay in the reopening of indoor hospitality. Publicans and restaurant owners will hold a peaceful demonstration on Pearse Street in Ballina at 12 noon. They're angry over the Government's decision not to…

Covid-19 hotspots have been identified in Down, Donegal and Waterford, but there are also areas of this region that have recorded high case numbers in the last two weeks of June. The Ballymote - Tubbercurry area recorded 59 new cases of the virus between 15…

512 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported today - the highest daily total in nearly a month. 46 patients are in hospital with the virus - up two from yesterday. The ICU figure is unchanged, at 14.

The deputy Chief Medical Officer says the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine will likely be offered to 18 to 34 year olds in just over a week. It was announced today that people in this age group can now sign up to get the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine from…

Lidl Ireland has welcomed the decision from An Bord Pleanala to grant permission for a new store in Claremorris, and will invest over €6 million in the project. 35 new permanent jobs will be created in the new Claremorris store, and up to 80 people will be…

Two men are being detained at Ballina Garda Station following drug seizures yesterday evening. Members of the Divisional Drugs Unit and Gardai from Ballina carried out a planned search of a house in the Knockmore area. Cannabis worth an estimated €15,000 was…

Drugs worth over €713,000 have been seized across the Mayo Garda division since the start of this year. The figure was given by Superintendent Joe McKenna at today's meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee. He outlined that, in addition to the drugs…

Irish Rail is reporting extremely high booking levels for this weekend. Most services on the Dublin to Westport and Dublin to Galway routes are sold out, as well as trains from Galway to Limerick. Public transport is still operating at 50% capacity due to…

18 to 34 year olds will be able to get a Covid-19 vaccine in pharmacies from next Monday. The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that pharmacists can begin administering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine to this age group from the start…

Mayo County Council needs to step in, to ensure that the connections between Co Mayo and Argentina are protected into the future. That's according to Foxford-based Councillor Neil Cruise, who says the Admiral Browne Museum in Foxford has had to close. Admiral…

18 to 34 year olds will be able to get Covid-19 vaccines in pharmacies from next Monday. The official advice from NIAC is under 50's should get an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer where possible. However, 18 to 34 year olds who want an earlier vaccination will be…

A man has died after falling from a cliff in Co Sligo. Members of the Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue team recovered the man's body yesterday evening, after he fell from cliffs in the Gleniff Horseshoe area. A 27-year old Spanish woman was rescued from the…

The Eating Disorder team in Galway and Roscommon will be further strengthened with the addition of nine new posts. That's according to Galway-based Minister Anne Rabbitte, who has confirmed the addition of nine new posts for the Eating Disorder team which…

Inland Fisheries Ireland is asking anglers in Mayo and the general public to report any sightings of Pacific pink salmon. Also known as "humpback salmon", pink salmon were very rare in Irish waters until 2017, and are believed to have originated from stocking…

Another extension to driving licences has been announced, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Licences that are due to end over the next four months will have 10 months added to the expiry date. This will only apply to licences that haven't already been extended.…

There's no stopping a Delta wave of Covid-19 in Ireland, according to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan. The proportion of cases of the strain has risen to an estimated to be as high as 70 percent. The National Public Health Emergency Team is…

Ireland's Covid-19 death toll has reached 5,000, with two further fatalities reported today. 448 new cases have also been confirmed this evening. Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence rate in the country, at 250 cases per 100,000 people, while there are…

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says NPHET's advice has always been that communions and confirmations shouldn't go ahead. The further cancellation wasn't included in the Chief Medical Officer's advice to Government this week. There was anger among parents and some…

Cash, vehicles, documents and a small amount of drugs have been seized following a search operation in Sligo this morning. The Criminal Assets Bureau in conjunction with Sligo Gardai, the Regional Armed Support Unit, Garda dog unit and Revenue dog unit…

There is great confusion and some frustration among priests and families since the government announced yesterday that Baptisms are cancelled, and further clarity on the matter is now called for. That’s the view of the Parish Priest of Knock, Fr Richard…

A group of 30 cyclists will cycle from Dublin to Castlebar this Saturday, to raise funds for the Mayo / Roscommon Hospice. The West End Tour is the title of the charity event, which involves a number of Mayo people living in Dublin. They're hoping to raise…

Gardai are making the public aware of recent fraudulent transactions targeting Agri businesses. Incidents have been reported in counties Roscommon, Donegal and Laois, and the latest incidents occurred in county Cavan. In the first case in Cavan, an individual…

The contract has been signed for a new 5-year contract for the provision of a ferry service to Clare Island. Following pressure from islanders for a more frequent service, the new service will provide for 4 return sailings per day, all year round, between the…

There are 30 patients on trolleys today awaiting admission to University Hospital Galway. That’s the second highest number nationally of patients on trolleys today, according to INMO trolley watch figures. There are 3 patients on trolleys awaiting admission…

A Mayo TD has accused the Government of failing to tackle skyrocketing childcare costs. In the Programme for Government agreed last year, the coalition announced a series of reforms of the childcare sector, but one year on, not only have childcare fees not…

The Tourism Minister Catherine Martin will this evening launch the latest Westport Tourism Survey. "Westport-Where Visitors Feel at Home" - is the title of the report by Fr Michéal MacGréil, which is the latest in a series of tourism surveys conducted in the…

Representatives of the hospitality sector said they had a "constructive" meeting with the Taoiseach and Government ministers yesterday, following the decision to delay the reopening of indoor hospitality. A special group is to be formally established before…

Bank of Ireland has issued a warning to the public advising extra caution around fraudulent text messages in circulation this week. The bank says there's been a spike in "smishing" -where fraudsters send fake text messages appearing to come from Bank of…

There has been a further 452 Covid-19 cases confirmed this evening in the Republic. 44 people with the virus are in hospitals nationally and 14 of these patients are in ICUs.

Gardai have confirmed this evening that a Limerick man that had been reported missing, last seen in Galway city at the weekend, has been located safe and well. Ian Lynch of Castleconnell, Limerick was reported missing on Friday last. Gardai have thanked the…

Neil Cruise is the new Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. The Foxford-based Fine Gael councillor takes over at the helm from Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry Murray. Ballyhaunis Fine Gael Councillor John Cribbin is the new…

The frequency of meetings to deal with the mica and pyrite controversy in Donegal and Mayo are set to increase in the coming weeks. Campaigners today met the housing minister and officials online, to discuss the defective block compensation scheme. Eileen…

A government spokesperson has confirmed Confirmations, First Communions and Baptisms are suspended. There had been confusion after the Tanaiste said they were off but there was no official update on the Government's website. A government spokesperson says…

Guests at Ashford Castle can enjoy a new al fresco dining option this summer with the launch of the hotel’s Perfect Picnics, made up of local and Irish produce. Named after characters from the Quiet Man, which was filmed in Cong and on the Ashford estate,…

The government should not have made the decision it made yesterday, pausing the re-opening of indoor hospitality. That’s the clear view of Mayo Fine Gael deputy Michael Ring. The former Minister insists that if he was still a Minister he would not have agreed…

The Tanaiste says a Covid pass could mean avoiding another lockdown if there's a fourth wave of Covid 19 here. Leo Varadkar will meet with representatives from the hospitality industry this afternoon later, over growing anger about keeping indoor dining…

Publicans and restaurateurs across the region are still reeling from the announcement yesterday by the Taoiseach that the government has paused the re-opening of indoor hospitality, with no definitive date in place for its re-opening at this stage. In…

The Covid-19 test centre at MacHale Park in Castlebar will have reduced opening times this Saturday and Sunday, due to GAA activity. The test centre will be open from 9am to 11.30 on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, and will resume its regular hours again…

There's more good news for the Dough Bros - based in Galway city. Big Seven Travel has included the restaurant in its list of the 50 Best Pizzas in Europe. The Dough Bros are in 27th place on the list, out of thousands of pizzerias across Europe - and is the…

An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission, with conditions, for a new Lidl store in Claremorris - overturning an earlier decision by Mayo County Council to refuse permission for the development. Last Summer, the local authority had refused permission…

75 % of domestic septic tanks inspected in Mayo last year failed the inspection. That's according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency, which shows that, nationally, over half of domestic waste water treatment systems failed inspection,…

A working group, set up to tackle the mica and pyrite building blocks controversy, will meet for the first time later. The 12 person group includes affected homeowners from Mayo and Donegal, local authority representatives from both counties and the…

Representatives from the hospitality sector will meet senior Government ministers later today over the decision to delay reopening indoor dining. Customers were due to be allowed indoors in bars and restaurants from next Monday, but that has been pushed back…

The Taoiseach has said he sees the contradictions in the Government's plans to re-open indoor dining. They're developing a system to allow fully vaccinated people or those who've recovered from Covid to dine indoors. However younger, unvaccinated people will…

There has been a further 351 Covid-19 cases confirmed this evening. 46 people are currently in hospital with the virus - up 7 on this day last week. 16 of these patients are in ICU.

More priests are needed to assist in the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage next month. This year, the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage is being extended across the month of July, from Wednesday to Saturday each week. A number of priests are needed to climb the Reek on…

The Taoiseach’s announcement that indoor hospitality has been delayed, and when it does re-open it will require those dining/drinking inside to show proof of vaccination or already having had Covid 19, has been described as “brainless” by Roscommon / Galway…

The General Manager of Galway racecourse says he's “hopeful” that this year’s festival could have spectators back at the annual event, pending Government approval. Current restrictions have a cap of 200 spectators at a racing event, which is due to increase…

Indoor dining in pubs and restaurants has been further delayed. Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed in an address at lunchtime that indoor drinking and dining - which was scheduled to reopen next Monday - is being further delayed, with no new date given,…

Bar One is a multi-award winning pub/restaurant in Castlebar and prior to the pandemic, owner Mark Cadden employed 30 staff, now he’s down to 16 and concerned that it will be difficult to retain these people due to the uncertainty about when indoor dining and…