Irish Distillers is looking for graduates in this region to join the 2020/21 Jameson International Graduate Programme. Now in its 28th year, the Jameson International Graduate Programme provides an opportunity to work in one of over 50 countries across the…

Sligo University Hospital has launched a new app to help children prepare for surgery, and reduce their anxiety before having to stay in hospital. The "Little Journey" virtual reality app provides 360-degree views of all the areas children will visit in the…

Westport is set for a big economic boost this summer as the new Saltwater festival comes to the grounds of Westport House on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. The brand new festival is set to become the Mayo equivalent of Bundoran’s Sea Sessions and will…

Castlebar and Belmullet both enjoyed success last night at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards in Kilkenny. Castlebar scooped the prestigious Rising Star accolade in recognition of the town's commitment to community, retail and tourism…

An orange weather alert has been issued for eight counties as Storm Atiyah heads our way. Met Éireann says the system will track between Iceland and Ireland on Sunday bringing very strong winds and the possibility of coastal flooding. Mayo, Galway, Sligo,…

The Irish Farmers' Association is blockading the Lidl distribution centre in Charleville, Co. Cork this morning. It comes after yesterday's protest at the Aldi distribution centre in Naas, Co. Kildare, where farmers picketed for 12 hours. Meat Industry…

Ballinrobe in not a disability friendly town with poor access on footpaths for people in wheelchairs and with prams. That's the view of local Fine Gael councillor Patsy O'Brien. He raised the issue at the monthly Claremorris/ Swinford Municipal District and…

A Ballina man, whose son died by suicide, has hit out at the pre-Christmas advertisements for cheap alcohol, as supermarkets vie with each other to see who can provide the best value. TV, radio, print and social media are currently running campaigns for cheap…

Beef farmers from across the region are among the IFA members continuing to blockade Aldi's main distribution centre in Naas, Co. Kildare this evening. The German retailer says it received no request for engagement from the Irish Farmers' Association, before…

The Government has agreed to delay new cuts for community pharmacists, which were due to come into effect in the New Year. The proposed cutbacks would have removed €45 million from pharmacies, on top of cuts made during the recession. Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara…

302 people were recorded as homeless in Galway in October. Figures published by the Department of Housing also show that in the rest of the western region, 34 were recorded as homeless in Mayo and four in Roscommon during the period. Meanwhile, there was an…

One of the country's largest retail distribution centres is being blockaded by farmers in a protest over beef prices. The Irish Farmers' Association has begun a 12 hour protest outside the Aldi nationwide warehouse in Naas, blocking access to delivery trucks.…

The misuse of drones in the Foxford area is going to be highlighted at tomorrow’s Mayo Joint Policing Committee meeting. Fine Gael Councillor Neil Cruise raised the matter at yesterday’s Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District as he wanted to know what…

The Government has backed down on a new law that critics say would have caused bingo halls to close around the country. Last night all parties in the Dáil passed a Sinn Fein amendment to the Gaming and Lotteries Bill. It increases the cap on prize money given…

A Status Yellow Wind Warning is in place across County Mayo this morning and will remain in place until 6pm this evening. Met Eireann say there will be Mean speeds of 50 to 65 km/hr with gusts of 90-100km/h.

Galway woman Lorraine Walsh says she resigned as a patient representative on the cervical check steering committee, due to questions she had over the accuracy of the report released into the controversy. She says she's "upset and concerned", and stepped down…

Construction work is to start tomorrow on the new Mary Robinson Centre on the banks of the River Moy in Ballina. Mayo County Council has confirmed that the contract for the €3.1 million museum, archive and educational facility has been signed with Mayo-based…

Funding of almost €180,000 has been allocated for two Mayo islands. The Minister with responsibility for the islands Sean Kyne has approved over €92,000 for Clare Island and €86,300 for Inishturk. The funding is part of a Government investment of over half a…

The HSE has responded to a query from Midwest News in relation to the closure of the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, as the final two residents are being transferred today to Aras Máthair Pól - a community nursing home in the town. There are 24 staff employed at…

Today marks the 19th anniversary of the disappearance of Mayo's Sandra Collins, and her family are again appealing to anyone with information to come forward so they can bring her home for burial. Originally from Fotish, Crossmolina, Sandra - who was 29 at…

The Irish Farmers Association says it's disappointed to walk away from today's Beef Market Taskforce meeting without a price increase for beef farmers. The group called for an immediate and significant price increase to the amount they are being paid for beef…

The new system introduced to reverse the 2012 cuts in State pension have not made a significant difference for many of the people affected-that's according to Galway West TD Eamon O'Cuiv. The Fianna Fail TD claims some people lost over €50 per week due to the…

A man has been airlifted to hospital following a single car road traffic collision has occurred on the N26 near Tullybawn. A stop go system has been put in place on the Ballina Foxford road. Emergency services are at the scene and a man has been airlifted to…

2019 continues to be a disappointing year for the Irish motor industry, with new car registrations since January down 7% on the same period last year - according to a new report from the Society for the Irish Motor Industry. New car sales in Mayo and Galway…

Funding of over €118,000 has been approved today under the Dormant Accounts Fund for sports hubs and other sporting programmes in Co Mayo, according to the Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring. €35,000 has been approved for the Ballinrobe…

The battle to save the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea is over, as the last two residents are being moved out tomorrow. A campaign has been ongoing over the past five years to retain the unit, which accommodates people with dementia and other mental health…

A man in his 70's who was arrested on Sunday following an alleged assault in Connemara has been released without charge. A post-mortem examination has been carried out on a 64-year old man who died following the alleged incident. It's reported that deceased…

Yesterday Mayo county council increased the commercial rate for businesses across the county in 2020 by 4 percent, and according to the Fine Gael Whip on the local authority Peter Flynn it’s a hammer blow to local businesses. He says it will impact directly…

A new county Mayo based business has achieved a quality mark signifying that it meets the highest standards of service and trust.Laura Kinsella of LMK Skin with clinics in Castlebar and Westport was awarded the All-Ireland Lifestyle Leader in Aesthetics…

A six year community campaign to get the R312 road, the road that links Erris to Castlebar upgraded, has yielded little more than undelivered political promises. That’s according to the R312 Road Action Group Chairman Brendan Lavelle. The road was given…

The Housing Minister faces a motion of no-confidence in the Dáil this evening. The Social Democrats moved the motion saying Eoghan Murphy has failed to get to grips with the housing crisis. The government will need the support of several independents in order…

Fees to attend minor injury units, a facility available at Roscommon University Hospital, are expected to be cut by 25 euro as part of new measures to control the trolley crisis. The Health Minister Simon Harris is to introduce the plans as a way to convince…

The Beef Market Taskforce is to meet this morning. It was due to meet in October but was called off due to protests, while last week hundreds of farmers took to the streets of Dublin - grinding parts of the city centre to a halt. Farmers and representatives…

A Ballyhaunis emigrant in America has donated $10,000 dollars towards outdoor gym equipment in his native town. Pat Mulligan from Devlis, Ballyhaunis and his wife Norma, who live in San Francisco, also gave a previous allocation of $5,000 dollars towards the…

Mayo County Councillors have agreed the 2020 Budget, at a third Budget meeting this afternoon. There was considerable discussion last week as the council executive sought a 3% increase in rates, while proposing to cut the GMA funding - the General Municipal…

49 new Garda graduates are being stationed across the North West region, but none are being sent to Mayo. The Garda Press Office has confirmed that 6 new Gardai will be attached to the Sligo / Leitrim division, with 4 going to Sligo and two to Carrick on…

A new President has been appointed to the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. Dr Orla Flynn has been appointed President of GMIT. Dr Flynn is currently Vice-President for External Affairs and Cork IT and has 20 years experience in education management roles…

Challenges and costs in the Childcare sector must be tackled according to Mayo Senator Rose Conway Walsh. The Sinn Fein Senator says the Government cannot continue to ignore the challenges and costs in the childcare sector like costs, pay scales, recruitment,…

A post-mortem examination is due to take place later today on the body of a man who died in Connemara yesterday morning following an alleged assault. Emergency services were called to a house in Baile na hAbhainn shortly after 9am yesterday morning, and a man…

The Co Mayo village of Straide won a special award at the 2019 Pride of Place awards over the weekend. This is the 17th year of the awards, organised by Co-Operation Ireland and local authorities to acknowledge the work being done every day by communities…

The long awaited extension to the Emergency Department of Mayo University Hospital is at a standstill, as hospital management awaits funding approval from government for the development. That’s according to the General Manager of Mayo University Hospital,…

There are reports this morning of problems with the traffic lights at Bunree Bridge in Ballina.Motorists in the area say that the traffic lights are showing green to drivers on both sides of the junction at the same time.Gardai are advising motorists to take…

Thousands of doctors working in public hospitals who are members of The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) are to begin voting from today for strike action. The IMO says it’s seeking a mandate from its 3,500 consultant and non-consultant hospital doctor members…

A new report shows a lack of urgency by local authorities in Galway to address serious health and safety issues for travellers in the county A series of protests are being planned today, as the report highlights deplorable conditions which show little sign of…

A man in his 70s remains in garda custody this morning in connection with the death of a man in County Galway yesterday Emergency services were called to a house in Baile Na hAbhann in Connemara shortly after 9 o'clock yesterday morning, following reports of…

A man in his 60s has died after an alleged assault at a house in County Galway. Gardai were called to the home in Ballinahown, Connemara shortly after 9am, where Ambulance Service personnel were treating him. He was removed from the scene by Ambulance to…

Projects in Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon have been awarded funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland to support fisheries conservation and protection initiatives, and to give the public greater access to fishing sites. In total, €1 million is being allocated to 25…

NUI Galway is a University of Sanctuary following three years of campaigning from the university’s Students Union. The University of Sanctuary initiative aims to make third level institutions more inclusive to refugees, asylum seekers and members of the Irish…

Co Galway has the highest proportion of people living 10 km or more from a 24-hour Garda station or from a local authority fire station. These are among the findings in a new CSO study, measuring distances to everyday services in Ireland. The survey shows how…

Aurivo has received the 2019 Most Sustainable Business Award from the Compass Group, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to sustainability and the environment. The announcement was made at the Compass Group's 9th annual "Food That Works" Summit at…

There's a lack of understanding and knowledge about antibiotic use among college students in the West of Ireland. That's according to a study carried out this year of over 500 students from across all five GMIT campuses. The study shows there's a misuse of…

The N59 Westport to Leenane road has reopened to traffic following a two vehicle collision at Carrowkennedy. The collision occurred shortly after 11am this morning and emergency services attended the scene. Midwest News understands that up to three people…

Hundreds of people are registered to take part in the Memorial Walk in Knock this afternoon for the Mayo / Roscommon Hospice. The walk starts from St John's Rest & Care Centre at Knock Shrine at 5pm, and people can still register for the event between 4 and 5…

There's no guarantee that money will be available next year to commence construction of the long-awaited new 50-bed unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon. Prior to the 2016 general election, €9 million was announced for a replacement 50-bedroom unit…

St Mary's Secondary School in Ballina will see the construction of a new 650 pupil school on a greenfield site. The new school building project has gone to tender having gone through the planning permission stage. As one the Government's Capital Programme…

Three Galway projects will receive €47,920 in funding as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme administered by the Department of Community and Rural Development. Gort River Walk Development Group and Gort Tidy Towns are to receive €19,760 for…

Asylum seekers in Ballinamore in Co. Leitrim are being welcomed by a new local group. 'Ballinamore Says Welcome' was set up last month, following protests that 130 people would be housed in a Direct Provision Centre in the town. Yesterday it was confirmed…

Ireland is set to be colder than Iceland on Sunday night as a cold snap grips the country. Met Eireann is forecasting temperatures to plummet to minus 2 degrees tonight and as low as minus 3 degrees on Sunday night. The Midlands will experience the coldest…

The annual Belmullet Christmas market and festival of lights gets underway this afternoon. The festivities will be up and running by two o'clock with up to 24 stalls to browse along the market until six o'clock this evening. Silver world karate medallist…

A Mayo Councillor is concerned about delays facing some medical card patients in getting an appointment with their local GP. Castlebar Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne raised the matter at the recent HSE Regional Forum meeting, where he was told that…

€100,000 euro worth of drugs has been seized in Co Roscommon. The cannabis was recovered after a Garda operation in Ballyleague yesterday. The discovery was made as part of an investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in the Roscommon area. There have…

There are hopes a Roscommon respite centre for people with disabilities may not close permanently. The Irish Wheelchair Association shut the Cuisle centre yesterday, with the loss of up to 48 jobs. However, local TDs are involved in talks with a state agency,…

Mayo company Atlantic Photonic Solutions won the Best New Start Category award and a cash prize of €50,000 at the InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Competition. The Castlebar company has developed a harmless fish-friendly light, that aims to remove sea lice from…

The third annual Mayo on Ice Skating rink at the Mall in Castlebar will get underway this evening. The event will open this afternoon, and run for five weeks up until Sunday, January 5th. Behind the venture is Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, backed by Mayo…

Students are taking to the streets of Dublin again this lunchtime demanding immediate climate action. This is the second massive protest planned in Dublin, after over 20,000 people protested over climate change on the 20th of September, saying climate action…

Funding of €100,000 has been allocated for the enhancement of five walking trails in Co Mayo. €20,000 goes to each of five trails - including the Nephin Trailwalk in Laherdane, Brackloon Woods in Westport, the Pullathomas Loop Walsk, Killeen Walks and the…

Mayo County Council has won the Age Friendly Initiative Award at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards. The 16th annual Awards ceremony was held in association with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and showcases…

The founder of Maximum Media, Castlebar native, Niall McGarry, has stepped away from his executive role in its Irish business. The publishing group operates here under banners such as Joe.ie and Her.ie. It's after it was alleged that some of the groups…

A respite centre for people with disabilities will close today, with the loss of 48 jobs. The Irish Wheelchair Association is shutting the Cuisle centre in Donamon, Co Roscommon because of funding issues. More than 1,500 people protested against the plans…

Campaigners are welcoming revised plans for a direct-provision centre in Co Leitrim. Round-the-clock protests were held recently against a proposal to house up to 130 asylum-seekers in Ballinamore this month. The Immigration Minister David Stanton now says…

Ballina native Mary Robinson received the Distinguished Leadership Award today at the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland annual Thanksgiving lunch in Dublin. Presenting Ireland's former President with the award, Taoiseach Leo Varadker said Mary Robinson has…

Someone in the public sector will have to be held responsible for the Dáil printer controversy, according to Sligo TD Marc McSharry. It was revealed this morning that the entire cost of buying and installing a new printer in the Oireachtas was more than 1.8…

Court injunctions against two beef farmers for protesting outside a pet food company in Co Longford are to be struck out. C&D Petfoods had brought the action against Fine Gael Cllr Paraic Brady and local carpenter Colm Leonard after its plant in…

Irish Water says a Do Not Use water notice, which was put in place earlier this week for a number of businesses at the Liosbaun Industrial Estate in Galway has now been lifted. The alert was issued earlier this week for 40 businesses in the Kilkerrin Park…

A Canadian man, whose houseboat washed ashore near Belmullet three years ago, has been located in Vancouver. The solar powered enabled craft washed up on Drum Beach in 2016. It has emerged that the man responsible for building the boat, Rick Small, lives in…

Councillor Aisling Dolan will contest the next General Election in the Roscommon-Galway constituency as a Fine Gael candidate. At a meeting of Fine Gael’s Executive Council last night, Cllr Dolan was added to the constituency ticket to run alongside Senator…

The Chair of the Oireachtas Sports Committee says funding should be restored to women's and youth football. FAI funding has been suspended while an independent audit of the organisations finances was carried out. The final report has been sent to Gardaí to…

Engineering Design Consultants for the long-awaited Ballina Flood Relief Scheme are set to be appointed in January 2020. This news has been confirmed this morning by Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil Dara Calleary. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform…

A Sligo Councillor has questioned why Search & Rescue helicopters cannot transfer patients between hospitals at night in emergency situations. The issue was raised at this week's HSE Regional Forum meeting was Sligo Fianna Fail Councillor Donal Gilroy, who…

Westport Gardai are investigating after the traffic warden in the town was involved in an altercation with an owner of a vehicle. The altercation occurred on James Street shortly before midday when the owner of a vehicle is alleged to have reacted angrily…

Mayo and Sligo were among eight Garda divisions where investigations were carried out two days last week as part of Operation Quest - targeting the demand for sexual services and to enforce legislation which criminalises the purchase of such services. The two…

Gardai in Castlebar are investigating after a man in his 20’s was stabbed in the town yesterday. The assault occurred at a house on the Thomas Street area in the town. The male received minor injuries and was taken to Mayo University Hospital for treatment.…

A motion calling on the HSE Executive to ask the board of the Irish Wheelchair Association to abandon the proposed closure of the Cuisle holiday centre in Donamon, Roscommon was carried unopposed at yesterday's meeting of the HSE Regional Health Forum in…

A farmers protest is continuing for a second day in Dublin - disrupting traffic and public transport in the city centre. The independent group of farmers organising the protest had insisted yesterday that they meet with the Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.…

A farmers protest is continuing for a second day in Dublin - disrupting traffic for morning commuters in the city. The independent group of farmers organising the protest had insisted they meet with the Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. Without prior…

GAA's director-general Tom Ryan is set to intervene directly in the ongoing row over Mayo GAA funding, and meet with US-based Tim O'Leary. The Irish Independent reports that Croke Park officials have already met with the Mayo executive and were briefed on the…

A risk assessment is to be carried out, after a patient at Mayo University Hospital exited through a window to a flat roof, and fell about 30 foot, sustaining serious injuries. The incident happened a month ago, and the man involved was subsequently treated…

As the farmers protest continues in the capital, a Roscommon TD is calling for the Beef Market Taskforce to be reconvened, as a matter of urgency. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice is calling on the chair of the taskforce Michael Dowling and the Agriculture…

A protest by farmers is continuing outside the Dáil this morning, and looks set to escalate. The group say they're highlighting the challenges in the sector, and won't leave until the Agriculture Minister meets them. Yesterday saw traffic chaos in the area as…

Almost 14,000 euro in LEADER funding has been secured for Ballina Fringe Festival. Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin says the funding is for the purchase of audio and sound equipment, and for marketing and printing, for the Ballina Fringe Festival, which is…

All farmers who applied for the Organic Farming Scheme should avail of the scheme- that’s according to Sligo/Leitrim TD Eamonn Scanlon. Fianna Fail’s Eamonn Scanlon says that farmers were misled in applying for the scheme, with some investing up to €5000…

A national conference on violence against women took place yesterday at the Knockranny House Hotel in Westport- marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Safe Ireland organised the conference, and outlined a strategy to make…

Average family farm incomes in Ireland rose by about 7% last year, according to a new Teagasc survey. Economists say a key driver of the increase has been a reduction in animal feed use on dairy, beef and sheep farms, as well as additional subsidy supports…

The Minister for Health is being asked to intervene in the case of a Co Roscommon boy with autism, who may have to wait four years to avail of services. Roscommon-Galway Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy says the 7-year old boy from north Roscommon is currently in…

A Mayo woman won €29,000 on the Winning Streak TV gameshow at the weekend - 24 years after her mother appeared on the programme. Emer O'Grady from Westport, who works in Allergan, was delighted with her winnings of €29,000. Her mother Anne appeared on the…

Work is to start next month on flood relief works in the Carraholly area outside Westport. A number of homes in the area were flooded during severe weather conditions almost 5 years ago, and since then, a campaign has been underway to replace the barrier that…

Buses and tractors are leaving from across the West this morning, as farmers travel to Dublin for a protest outside Leinster House. A tractorcade will converge on the city at around noon. The farmers protest is being organised by the Individual Farmers of…

Plans for new speeding penalties will be brought before cabinet this morning. The changes would see drivers fined - depending on how much over the speed limit they are. Anyone breaking the limit by more than 30 kilometres an hour could be prosecuted and fined…

The Oireachtas Health Committee is calling on the Irish Wheelchair Association to defer the planned closure of the Cuisle respite centre in Co Roscommon until the new year. The Cuisla facility in Donamon is set to close its doors this week with the loss of 48…

A verdict of death from natural causes was returned by the Coroner for Mayo, Pat O’Connor yesterday into the death of a 48-year-old Garda, who collapsed while on a leisure cycle on the Swinford to Kiltimagh road last May. John McCallion, Carnacross, Swinford,…

Sligo IT is holding a CAO information evening in the Great National Hotel in Ballina at 7pm this evening. The event is free to attend and will provide information to leaving cert students and their parents on the CAO process and college choices regardless of…

Mayo County Councillors failed to approve the 2020 budget for the county today, as the annual budget meeting was adjourned without agreement - for a second time. Council management is seeking a 3% increase in rates, and is proposing to cut the General…

A Do Not Use notice has been issued on the water supply in a section of the Liosbaun Industrial estate in Galway city. Irish Water has issued a Do Not Use notice for 40 commercial properties located in the Kilkerrin Park section of Liosbaun Industrial Estate…

A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison for killing a Galway athlete over two years ago. Noel Lenihan from Cardinal Cushing Road, Mervue, Galway had been charged with the murder of 38-year old Christopher McGrath on 12 March 2017. He…

Cosmetic Creations Ltd, has today announced that 90 jobs are to be created between its operations in Mayo and Cork, following an investment of €7.5million into the company. Forty jobs are earmarked for the company’s Mayo head office in Claremorris, increasing…

Less than one-third of patients at Mayo University Hospital were admitted to a ward from the Emergency Department within the HSE's target waiting time of 6 hours. That's according to the findings of the National Inpatient Experience Survey carried out by…

A national tractor protest will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) outside the Dail, on Kildare St in Dublin.. Farmers from across this region will be travelling to the capital to take part and voice their concerns over the future of farming. Aontú candidate in…

A new survey on car and motorcycle tyre recycling in Ireland has shown that 97% of tyres produced in 2018 were recycled. Welcoming the findings of a review into the first year of the Tyre Disposal Scheme, Galway based, Minister of State at the Department of…

The Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring has confirmed that 26 Mayo schools will be enhanced under the Government’s Summer 2020 Works Scheme. The work will be focused on three main areas; the upgrading of safety systems, surfacing of play…

Portwest , in partnership with Connacht Rugby, has launched a new road safety for all campaign, Be Bright on Safety, which also aims to set a new World Record. Portwest, headquartered in Westport designs and manufactures protective and safety clothing The…

Gardai in Sligo are investigating a break-in that occurred in Expert Electrical store in the early hours of yesterday (Sunday) morning. Thieves entered the store by breaking through the front door of the premises located at Cleveragh Retail Park in Sligo.…

The death has occurred of one of Swinford’s best known business men, Jimmy Greaney of Church View House. Jimmy and his late wife Eileen were the founders of Greaney’s Supermarket in the town centre. He is survived by his daughters Marian and Bernie, sons…

Voting gets underway today for the 16th IFA national president and will conclude on Friday, December 13. The new president will replace Galway based farmer Joe Healy. The contenders are John Coughlan from Cork, Tim Cullinan from Tipperary and Angus Woods from…

The death has occurred of well known county Roscommon solicitor Gerard (Gerry) Gannon. He passed away on Saturday at University Hospital, Galway, after a short illness. Mr. Gannon, who lived at Balindrimley, Castlerea. is survived by his wife, Nell, their…

A man is due to be sentenced later this morning for killing well-known Galway athlete Christopher McGrath three years ago. Noel Lenihan of Cardinal Cushing Road in Mervue, Galway was initially charged with murder but his plea to manslaughter was accepted by…

HSE and Tusla Staff in Mayo have launched their annual Bronntanas Appeal for Christmas 2019. Now in its 17th year, the Bronntanas project sees children from less fortunate families receive a Christmas gift anonymously during the festive season. Bronntanas…

The proposed new traffic management plan for Ballinrobe is currently available for public consultation, and a local councillor is urging people to view the plan, and make their submissions before Christmas. The plan aims to improve traffic flow in Ballinrobe,…

The Winter Healthcare Plan, published recently by the HSE, has been described as "a sham plan" by a Mayo Fianna Fail TD. The Saolta Hospital group admitted to Midwest News last week that, despite the additional funding provided for the Winter Plan in the…

Despite much debate, little has been done by Government to alleviate the increasing cost of insurance for businesses and motorists. That's according to Mayo Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers, who will host a public meeting next Monday night in the Ivy Tower Hotel,…

Gaeltacht Minister Sean Kyne TD launched a public consultation process for a new national policy for Ireland’s offshore islands today. It marks the first cross-Government policy developed for the islands in 23 years and aims to set a roadmap for their…

The “Achill Says Welcome” group says some of the women who were due to move to Achill have now been given places elsewhere. In a Social Media Post the Group says on behalf of the people of Achill, they have apologised to the women for the distress they have…

New home buyers are spending a quarter of their salaries on mortgages. New figures from the Central Bank also show that many have to get exemptions from strict lending rules to be able to secure a mortgage. Borrowers in and around the capital typically have…

The heart and stroke charity CROI has scooped three top awards for Irish Healthcare this week. Among its prize-winning projects was a student research study on the effects of severe obesity as a barrier to travel. CROI CEO Neil Johnson says their efforts in…

A public rally in Roscommon town today, will call for the closure of a wheelchair accessible holiday centre to be reversed. The #SaveCuisle Support Group has organised the demonstration over plans to shut Cuisle Donamon next Friday. It'll also lead to the…

A woman whose two sons were murdered by their father in Mayo says the government isn't doing enough to protect women's lives. Kathleen Chada's 5 and 10 year old sons were found in murdered in their father's car at Rosbeg in Westport on 29 July 2013. Her…

A Mayo girl was one of four young carers of the year at the Family Carers Ireland awards. 11-year-old Hailey Golden from Balla was honoured with the award for the help she gives to her three brothers with special needs. She has learned ‘Lámh’ and Picture…

Gardai are at the scene of road collision on the N60 near Breaffy National School. Emergency services are at the scene and traffic is down to one lane. There are no reports of any injuries at present. Traffic is very heavy in both directions.

Three men are due before a sitting of Castlebar court today charged in connection with theft and fraud offences, after gardai on patrol in Ballina overnight stopped their car. At 2.30am this morning gardai arrested the three men on McDermott street in Ballina…

The Mayo People of the Year Awards take place in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar tonight. Now in its 27th year, the awards honour young and old, individual and groups, for their contribution to their communities. The awards are co sponsored annually by The…

A new study for the Saolta Hospital Group concludes that a new acute hospital should be built on the Merlin Park site in Galway. The external assessment and options appraisal process conducted by KPMG and Scott Tallon Walker Architects looked at existing…

The countdown to Christmas gets underway officially in Castlebar this evening, with the switching on of the Christmas lights at 5pm at Market Square. The Castlebar Town Band and Santa Claus will be there to add to the atmosphere, and speaking to Midwest News…

Mayo company The Big Red Barn has been shortlisted in three separate categories of the National Small Business Awards 2020. The SFA National Business Awards celebrate the achievements of small businesses in Ireland, and recognise the vital contribution of the…

Strandhill in Sligo has been named as the Irish winner of the 2019 EDEN - European Destination of Excellence Award. Of the four Irish destinations shortlisted, Strandhill was named Best Health & Wellbeing Tourism Destination in Ireland. The award goes to…

Community pharmacists could be hit by cuts of between €20,000 and €25,000 each- under plans by Government to decrease the fees paid to pharmacists from the 1st January next. That's according to the Fianna Fail deputy leader Dara Calleary, who raised the…

The Government is planning to house nearly 5,500 asylum seekers in new direct provision centres across the State at a cost of more than €320 million over the coming years. According to today’s Irish Times, tender documents show the Department of Justice is…

Three Romanian men have been brought before a special sitting of Roscommon District Court today, to face charges in connection with recent attacks on sex workers. The proceedings follow a number of arrests at addresses in west Dublin on Tuesday. The arrests…

A female pedestrian was taken to hospital this afternoon following a collision on Doctors Road, Ballyhaunis. It appears the woman was walking from the Annagh Medical Centre towards Main Street, when she was struck by a van shortly after midday. The pedestrian…

The National Museum of Country Life at Turlough, Castlebar has won a prestigious Sandford Award for excellence in heritage education. The awards assess the education programmes at museums, galleries, historic houses and gardens across the UK and Ireland,…

Ballina native Norah Patten was among the winners last night at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2019. Norah won the Specsavers Children's Book of the Year award for her book "Shooting for the Stars - My Journey to Becoming Ireland's First Astronaut". The awards…

The Agriculture Minister has launched the Bord Bia Beef Market Tracking Tool. It was devised in response to requests at the beef talks in September for enhanced market transparency. The tracking tool is based on three components - cattle price index, beef…

Gardai are appealing for any information on a White Volkswagen Tiguan 191 Wicklow Reg vehicle which was observed acting suspiciously in the Claremorris Balla Area inside the past hour. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gardai at Claremorris on…

The Gardai in north Mayo are advising of an emergency exercise that is taking place this morning at the Corrib Gas terminal in Bellanaboy at 11am. Gardai, fire services, ambulances and all the emergency services in the area will be involved. Listeners are…

The ongoing traffic congestion on the Foxford side of Ballina looks likely to be relieved with initial plans now in place to provide a link road from the N26 on the Foxford side of the town to the N59 Crossmolina road. That’s according to Ballina Fianna Fail…

The Irish Wheelchair Association would 'fail' people with disabilities if it closed a centre in Roscommon, according to Sinn Féin. The organisation intends shutting the Cuisle Holiday Centre at Donamon on November 29th, with the loss of 48 jobs. The IWA will…

Three men will appear in court in Roscommon this morning, in connection with a string of targeted attacks on sex workers. It follows searches in West Dublin on Tuesday. As part of Operation Quest, detectives have been investigating a number of attacks on sex…

The Boil Water Notice for Knock Airport Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Mayo County Council are pleased to confirm that the Boil Water Notice for the area…

There is no sign of the long promised modular build extension to the Emergency Dept at Mayo University Hospital, despite often severe overcrowding in the department, with patients left on trolleys along the corridor for extended periods waiting for admission…

A major public rally to try and save the Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon will take place in Roscommon Town this Saturday. The Save Cuisle Support Group has organised a march from the new Roscommon County Council Civic Headquarters at 1pm on Saturday,…

Over €405,000 in Sports Capital grant aid has been announced today for two regional sports projects in Co Mayo. The funding is part of a €2.5 million package of funding allocated for 15 projects across the country. GMIT Mayo will get €225,000 for all-weather…

Representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association are due to come before TDs and Senators at the Oireachtas Health Committee tomorrow to explain their decision to close the Cuisle centre at Donamon in Co Roscommon. The centre has been a holiday facility for…

Despite additional funding being allocated for the National Winter Health Plan, no additional beds will open this Winter at either Mayo or Galway University Hospital. That's according to the Chief Operations Officer with the Saolta Hospital Group. Additional…

A man in his 60s has died in a road traffic collision in Co. Sligo. The collision, involving a van and a jeep, occurred at about 7 o'clock yesterday evening at Jinks Cross, Carraroe. The driver of the jeep was pronounced dead at the scene, while the…

The son of a Roscommon-born Garda, who was shot by paramilitaries during a bank raid in Dublin in 1970, says new evidence means the inquest should be reopened. Richard Fallon - a native of Kilrooskey in Co Roscommon -was shot twice and died at the scene of a…

The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring says the signing today of the contract for the National Broadband Plan "heralds a new dawn for people living and working in rural Ireland". The Mayo-based Minister says access to high-speed broadband…

The emergency department at Mayo University hospital had in excess of thirty people on trolleys waiting for a bed on more than two occasions in the past week. Midwest News spoke to a person who was in the ED at the Castlebar hospital on Sunday and again…

Today's signing of the contract to proceed with the national broadband plan is "one of the defining days in the history of our country and will be the turning point for the revitalisation of rural Ireland" - that's according to former Communications Minister,…

Germany stands one hundred percent behind Ireland and the backstop and the Good Friday Agreement, as the UK brexit debate continues, that was the strong message from the German Ambassador to Ireland Dieke Potzel when she visited Castlebar yesterday. The…

An Bord Pleanala has rejected plans for a Japanese knotweed facility near Ballyhaunis. A company called Pollution & Construction Solutions Ltd - trading as The Japanese Knotweed Company - has applied for permission for a recovery facility for soil and stone…

Gardai in Ballina are advising businesses and the general public that there are poor quality counterfeit 10 euro notes in circulation in the area at present.The dud notes were tendered in business premises and in restaurants in Ballina over the weekend.…

"Something dramatic" has happened with the administration of parking fines in Westport town this year with a five-fold increase in revenue collected from the fines, according to local Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn. On street car parking charges were…

A Sligo man has been found guilty of murder after he stabbed a talented Sligo musician to death. According to today’s Irish Independent, Keith Brady (32), of Cartron Estate, Sligo, had denied murdering Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan on August 2 or 3, 2015, at Mr…

The National Broadband Plan contract looks set to be signed today. The deal is to get approval from the cabinet after the EU ruled the contract complies with state aid rules. Cabinet Ministers are meeting at the earlier time of 7.30 this morning to sign off…

Visiting restrictions have been put in place on C Ward at Mayo University Hospital following a number of suspected cases of Norovirus - the vomiting bug. To assist staff in curtailing the spread of the virus, hospital management says it's imperative that only…

The rising cost of insurance cover is putting the Galway Community Circus in jeopardy. The not-for-profit youth and social circus school in Galway city is the latest organisation to fall victim to Ireland's mounting insurance crisis. Failure to secure…

Gardai are reminding the public to be on alert for potential frauds in the run up to Christmas. Text and online loan scams are on the rise at this time of year, and Gardai are advising consumers to be on alert for text messages, emails or phone calls…

Work is now underway on two landmark buildings in the heart of Castlebar Town. That's according to local FG Councillor Ger Deere, who has welcomed the start of enhancement works on the Castlebar Voluntary Social Services building in the Castle Street carpark,…

As the 24.7 silent vigil outside the Achill Head Hotel in Keel is continuing, there is as yet, no news on an arrival date for asylum seekers to the facility where the Dept of Justice plans to set up an emergency accommodation centre. The dept of Justice has…

Mayo and Galway University Hospitals are among the most-overcrowded in the country today. Figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation show there are almost 560 patients on trolleys at hospitals across the country - with University Hospital Limerick…

Christmas shoppers can look forward to free afternoon parking in the council-owned carparks in Ballina from next Monday 25th November. The Christmas lights in Ballina will be officially switched on next Sunday evening, with the free car parking for shoppers…

Power has been restored to 1500 homes in the Belmullet area. The supply went down in at 8:17 this morning according to the ESB. It was caused by a low voltage section of line according to the ESB. Crews restored power fully to the area around 9 o'clock.

A fee being charged by Mayo County Council, for a water sample on a brewery in Murrisk, Westport is “absurd”, according to Independent Westport Councillor Johno O’Malley. He raised the 760 euro fee, quoted by an agent for the local authority to Mescan Brewery…

Mayo footballers Paddy Durcan and Diarmuid O’Connor are encouraging walkers, runners and strollers to come out in support of the Christmas jumper walk, run and stroll on December 8 around Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. The fun, family friendly event, now in its…

The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has issued a statement supporting Fr Oliver O'Reilly the county Cavin Parish Priest and the position he has adopted in relation to the recent attack on Mr Kevin Lunney. “We admire his courage in speaking the truth in…

Motorists are advised of potentially difficult driving conditions this morning due to a cold snap which has left a sharp frost with icy patches on roads and areas of freezing fog. A status yellow temperature warning remains in place for this region this…

As the silent vigil outside the Achill Head Hotel in Keel is continuing, there is as yet, no news on an arrival date for asylum seekers to the facility where the Dept of Justice plans to set up an emergency accommodation centre. The dept of Justice has told…

The failure of Facebook and the Gardai to act on facebook posters that have been online for years against the executive of the Quinn Holding Group, was raised by Westport Independent councillor Christy Hyland with the Garda Commisioner Drew Harris when the…

A Mayo Fine Gael Senator has called Tesco’s new plans for an upgrade of their existing store in Ballina inadequate and disappointing. Michelle Mulherin is calling on Tesco Ireland to alter these new plans to address serious shortcomings in their latest…

Fianna Fail is accusing the government of "playing politics" over an economic impact report into the Mercosur trade deal. Under the agreement, 99,000 tonnes of beef will be imported into the EU from South America each year - a move that's been heavily…

Protests on the streets of Haiti stopped Gena Heraty from travelling to Dublin to collect her humanitarian of the year award at last night Irish Red Cross awards. The Westport woman has spent the past 26 years caring for vulnerable young people with…

Independent TD Denis Naughten has confirmed that a new back-up air ambulance service is to be based beside Roscommon University Hospital from next week to replace the down time of the Air Corps based helicopter in Athlone. The move follows a decision by the…

New planning regulations will deter developers from building new houses, at a time when the housing list in Mayo is growing. That's according to Castlebar-based FG Councillor Cyril Burke, who says developers need to be encouraged to build new homes in the…

St. Peter’s National School in Snugboro near Castlebar has been granted funds under the Additional Accommodation Scheme. The accommodation approved includes one classroom, two special Educational rooms and one disabled access Wheel Chair toilet. Minister…

Gardaí attended the scene of a two vehicle RTC that occurred on the N60 (Breaffy Road), Castlebar, yesterday evening. The collision occurred at approximately 6pm in evening near the Cottage Road junction. No injuries were reported after the incident.

The provision of a new fire station for Crossmolina was raised in the Seanad this week. Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin says a new facility is a number one priority for Mayo County Council. Senator Mulherin says the Department has given a commitment that…

Irishtown National School and St Dymphna’s School have been named County winners in the Someone Like Me national art competition, winning the junior and senior county titles respectively. Supported by the National Disability Authority, the competition…

A man and a woman arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Leitrim, have been released without charge. Patrick Heeran was last seen in Mohill Co. Leitrim in October 2011. The missing persons investigation turned into a murder inquiry in 2016. A man…

A Mayo woman has been nominated for Humanitarian of the Year at the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards. Gena Heraty moved to Haiti almost three decades ago and is known all over Haiti for challenging prejudice against people with physical and intellectual…

Claremorris Gardai are investigating a further two break-ins to properties in the Ballindine area last night. Cash and jewellery were stolen in the raids. This follows on from a spate of burglaries in recent days in the Claremorris, Charlestown and Knock…

More than 1300 children are on hospital waiting lists to see a specialist at Mayo University hospital at present. Mayo Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh says the Department of Health figures released to Sinn Féin this week, showing that there are 1323…

Mayo man Jason Walmsey has graduated from The Insurance Institute’s first ever Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship. Jason, along with 32 other apprentices from all over Ireland, graduated at an awards ceremony in IT Sligo. The Insurance Practitioner…

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, has said that sports clubs and organisations across Mayo are set to benefit from €1,143,493 investment in 36 local projects through the 2019 Sports Capital Grants. Michael Ring has made the announcement to…

Dawn Meats has become the first food processor to achieve the Business Working Responsibly (BWR) Mark across all of its plants nationally, including Ballyhaunis . The Mark is audited by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). The Waterford-based…

Almost 139,000 euro has been announced for Ballina Library. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has announced funding to enable the My Open Library service to be provided in Ballina Library. It will allow the public to access and use the…

Two people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the murder of Patrick Heeran. The 48 year old man was last seen in Mohill in Leitrim eight years ago. He disappeared without a trace in 2011, but the case was upgraded to murder five years…

Considerable traffic delays are continuing through Foxford town centre and out the N26 Ballina road, as far as O’Hara’s Bakery, and will remain in place until after Monday next at the earliest. The stop / go system for traffic will remain in place.…

Tomorrow (Friday) from 11am, students, staff parents and the wider community of Louisburgh will celebrate the centenary anniversary of the opening of the town’s secondary school by the Sisters of Mercy, back in 1919. It’s a double celebration tomorrow, as the…

571 patients are waiting on trolleys at hospitals across the country. University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected with 62 people awaiting beds, according to the INMO. That's followed by 44 at University Hospital Galway and 38 at Cork University…

Former MEP Marian Harkin has confirmed she will not be running for Fine Gael in the next General Election. The Sligo woman had been at the centre of speculation in recent weeks, as the party seeks a running mate to partner Boyle based Senator Frank Feighan in…

A Castlebar Councillor has again highlighted the need for public water stations at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar. Given the number of people walking, running and cycling around the lake, and also using the Greenway, local FG Councillor Ger Deere believes the…

No organisation should have any gaps when it comes to safeguarding our children. That's the message from Galway based Fianna Fail TD Anne Rabbitte, who has called for a statutory inquiry into historical abuse allegations toward Scouting organisations. It…

A Mayo Fianna Fail TD has expressed her disappointment that despite the approval of the Spinraza drug last June for children with SMA only three of the 25 waiting have received access to this drug. Lisa Chambers said when she questioned the Health Minister…

Claremorris Gardai are investigating following a spate of burglaries which have occurred in their district since last Thursday evening. Four break-ins took place at residential premises on Saturday between 4pm & 10pm. Two of the break-ins were in Ballindine…

There is a major power outage in the Ballina area this afternoon. There are 3,935 ESB Customers without power today. ESB say they are currently working to repair the fault and hope to have power restored to all affected customers by 6pm this evening.

A spokesperson for Iarnrod Eireann has confirmed to Midwest News today that while 150 million euro has been approved by government for the purchase of 41 new rail carriages, to be in place by the end of 2021 – all of these new carriages will be based in…

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health is to call in the Directors and CEO of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) in an effort to have the decision of the Association to close the Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, county Roscommon reversed. The closure…

Gardai in Castlerea are holding a coffee meeting for the public in the garda station in the town tomorrow morning (Thurs) between 11am and 3pm. All proceeds will go towards the Mayo Roscommon Hospice foundation. Everyone is welcome.

Musician Laoise Kelly from Westport has been chosen as TG4's 'Musician of the Year', and is one of the youngest recipients of the main award to date. Laoise will be awarded the title at TG4's Gradam Ceoil gala concert which will take place in Belfast's…

29 separate collisions have taken place on the N84 Headford to Galway road over the past three years, according Independent Galway Cllr. James Charity. The cllr says the gardai have confirmed this figure to him and he says the vast majority of the collisions…

Harassment, threats and physical violence are often the result when a public figure negatively comments on immigrants. That's according to the Immigrant Council of Ireland, which says yesterday's claims by Galway West TD Noel Grealish in the Dáil were…

36 towns and villages across the country are releasing raw sewage into the environment everyday. The Environmental Protection Agency says half of the raw sewage comes from just three areas - Arklow, Cobh and Kilmore Quay. Mayo areas highlighted in the report…

Farmers from across Ireland are planning a national tractor protest in Dublin later this month to campaign against what they term as “the Government’s continued discrimination of farming communities and rural Ireland”. The tractor protest will be held on…

Westport councillor, Peter Flynn is calling for clarity on how GMA in the West Mayo Municipal District is to be halved next year, when revenue from car parking charges is up 45 percent this year. The General Municipal Allocation (GMA) budget for the West Mayo…

Up to fifty people have gathered at a property in Strokestown, Roscommon to oppose any attempt by a bank to re-possess a farmhouse. Last month KBC Bank secured an injunction compelling members of the McGann family to leave the property at midday today,…

Independent Cllr Seamus Weir has received confirmation that James Connolly Street is set to reopen before Christmas. The Ballina Town Street has been closed due to a fire at a premise on their last March. The closure of the street has led to traffic…

The Funeral service took place today of JP Duffy who passed away on Saturday, while taking part in the Westport Sea 2 Summit Challenge. Large crowds attended the funeral service this afternoon in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Curry. Mr Duffy from…

In Mayo, rents were on average 8% higher in the third quarter of 2019 than a year previously. The average listed rent is now €762, up 47% from its lowest point. In Connacht, rents rose by an average of 8.9% in the year to September 2019 and are now 26% above…

After a refusal and extensive debate, Mayo Chief Executive Peter Hynes eventually agreed to provide a report to councillors on all properties and lands in the ownership of Mayo County Council at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Mayo county Council. Fine Gael…

Local Mayo Business Vaughan’s Shoes has won the national online retailer of the year award at the AIB Retail Excellence awards over the weekend. Vaughan’s Shoes won the best in Ecommerce award for excelling in the sale of goods online. Their site scored the…

Irish farmers are demanding price rises as China expands its international import markets for meat to replace the millions of pigs killed by African swine fever this year. IFA president, Galway based Joe Healy, insists that access to Chinese markets must…

Representatives of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities addressed the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council yesterday. They had been invited by councillors to attend, as a critical decision on a licence / certification for Mayo power Ltd in Killala…

Tributes were paid to late Joe Loftus who died last week at today's Mayo County Council meeting Joe had retired two years ago after 40 years of service as a senior council official. Sympathies were extended by Councillors to Joe's wife and children. He was…

A new initiative which will see pupils in St Muredach’s College, Ballina and St Coman’s Wood PS, Roscommon learn the Irish language during PE It is part of a new pilot being rolled out to 19 Primary and Secondary schools nationwide in an integrated learning…

Heroin has been detected by gardai in Ballina recently, and while the detection is very welcome it indicates the strong need for more resources in the Mayo Garda Drug Unit, according to Independent Westport councillor Christy Hyland. The councillor raised his…

Met Éireann is warning of sub-zero temperatures and wintry showers this week. Unsettled weather is forecast over the coming days with sleet and snow on higher ground on Wednesday and Thursday. Night time temperatures will fall to as low as minus two degrees.…

A silent, 24.7 vigil is continuing outside the Achill Head Hotel in Keel where asylum seekers are due to be housed in emergency accommodation. News of the hotel becoming an emergency accommodation centre for asylum seekers came as a surprise to islanders on…

The ongoing controversy between Mayo GAA county Board and Mayo GAA International Supporters Foundation looks set to be raised at today’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council. Ballina Independent councillor Mark Duffy , intends to raise the matter in the…

While the number of gardai assigned to the traffic corps in the Mayo garda division has doubled over the last three years, the number of gardai assigned to the drugs unit over the same period has remained the same, according to Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara…

A 54-year-old county Sligo man died suddenly after taking part in the Westport Sea 2 Summit challenge on Saturday. JP Duffy, Bunnacranagh, Curry, Co. Sligo, a successful entrepreneur, became ill on the latter stages of the endurance challenge. His funeral…

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris urged elected councillors in county Mayo if they are on the receiving end of online threats and abuse on social media to immediately inform gardai. Commissioner Harris told a meeting of Mayo Joint Policing Committee (JPC) in…

A 3-year delay in approving planning permission for a house in south Mayo has been criticised by a local councillor. At this week's meeting of the Claremorris / Swinford Municipal District, FG Councillor Patsy O'Brien proposed a part 8 planning for a four-bed…

A national discussion is needed on our approach to preventing eating disorders and supporting young people who suffer from an eating disorder, according to Mayo Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin. Senator Mulherin raised her concerns in the Seanad after data…

Broadband operators say they will challenge the National Broadband Plan if the government signs off on a multi-million euro rural internet scheme. Some operators say they will bring a challenge on state aid grounds if the homes and businesses they serve…

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris attended a meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee in Castlebar yesterday. This was the first time ever that a commissioner attended a JPC meeting in Mayo. Commissioner Harris discussed the new Garda operating model, which…

A Mayo Fianna Fail TD is highlighting the massive under-spend in rural schemes, despite a number of announcements in recent weeks of successful projects across Co Mayo. While welcoming any funding for Mayo communities, Deputy Dara Calleary says there's often…

The role of women in the struggle for Irish Independence will be discussed today. A conference is taking place at NUI Galway focusing on the years 1918 to 1924. John Cunninhgham from NUI Galway's department of history says they'll also focus on the emergence…

An event is taking place in Co Leitrim tonight to welcome plans for a direct-provision centre in the town. Proposals to house more than 100 asylum-seekers in apartments in Ballinamore have been 'paused' after local opposition. But tonight's event in the town…

Free farmer health checks will be available at Balla Mart and Roscommon Mart later this month. The Irish Farmers Journal is offering farmers the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked, receive exercise and lifestyle advice, a completed personal…

A proposal to cut the GMA funding allocated to Mayo's four municipal districts by half next year has caused heated exchanges at council meetings in Claremorris and Castlebar this week. The executive of Mayo County Council has proposed to halve the allocation…

A Galway West TD wants the Government to reconsider strengthening the law so appellants to An Bord Pleanala are clearly identifiable. The Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government Eoghan Murphy rejected Deputy O’Cuiv’s call to change the current…

A Mayo Senator is calling for Government action to help Downpatrick families who have been without a water supply for over ten years. Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin raised the issue of 17 Downpatrick families who must go to a pump in Ballycastle for…

The general manager of a Sligo hotel has secured a temporary High Court injunction, preventing what he claims is a flawed disciplinary hearing against him from proceeding. The injunction was secured by Fergal Ryan, general manager of the Clayton Hotel in…

SIPTU representatives will meet this afternoon with the Irish Wheelchair Association to seek details reasons for the proposed closure of the Cuisle accessible holiday resort in Dunamon. The IWA announced to staff at the Co Roscommon facility last Friday that…

The Dail ethics committee has decided to proceed with an investigation into the four Fianna Fail TDs caught up in the voting controversy - including Mayo's Lisa Chambers. The Irish Times reports that the Members' Interests Committee met yesterday and agreed…

A number of Mayo food businesses were among the winners at the 2019 Food Awards Ireland, presented in Dublin earlier this week. The awards recognise the achievements of local suppliers, wholesalers, restaurants and chefs - among others involved in the…

A woman who was injured when she was hit by the wing mirror of a minibus as she crossed a road in Galway has been awarded more than €192,000 by the High Court. Ms Justice Bronagh O'Hanlon said there had been "a stark transformation" in Aideen O'Kelly's…

It's eight years since a modular extension was proposed for the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital, but the Government has not yet approved the plan - according to Mayo Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers. Due to ongoing overcrowding in the Emergency…

Councillors in the Castlebar Municipal District have unanimously opposed plans to cut by half their GMA - General Municipal Allocation. The executive of Mayo County Council has proposed to halve the allocation to the four Municipal Districts - from €2.1…

A Sligo TD has called on the Government to pay farmers the majority of their agricultural payments which are now overdue. Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon raised the issue in the Dail in regards to the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and the Basic Payments…

Teams from Ballinrobe Community School and Davitt College in Castlebar will represent Mayo in the Bank of Ireland Money Smarts Challenge grand final in Dublin next April. The Ballinrobe and Castlebar students won the Mayo final in Breaffy House Hotel earlier…

Many of the issues facing the Traveller community in the workplace will be highlighted at an event in Sligo this Saturday. The Fórsa trade union will launch its Traveller Equality Network in Sligo Town Hall at 11am on Saturday morning, and the event will be…

A Charlestown Councillor has welcomed the N17 Knock to Collooney Project but has stated that it needs to be a dual carriageway as opposed to a single carriageway. Improvements to the existing N17 Knock to Collooney National primary route have been established…

Solicitors from across the region have gathered in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar for a legal conference taking place over today and tomorrow. Over 130 local solicitors are attending the Connaught Solicitors' Symposium, which is organised by the Law Society…

A Roscommon TD says he's not too hopeful for the future of the Cuisle Centre in Donamon, after raising the issue on two occasions yesterday with the Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath. Minister McGrath met yesterday afternoon with Oireachtas members…

Five projects from four schools in Mayo have qualified for the 2020 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. This will be the 57th year of the event, which takes place at Dublin's RDS in January. Nationally, 550 projects involving over 1100 students have…

A new premises is being sought in Castlebar for the Alzheimers Day Care Centre. Currently, the day care centre operates 5 days per week from a rented house at Gladesville in Castlebar, but the lease is up next March, and a suitable building is now being…

Ballina native Dr Norah Patten is among the writers shortlisted for the 2019 An Post Irish Book Awards for her book "Shooting for the Stars - My Journey to Becoming Ireland's First Astronaut". Norah's book is one of 6 shortlisted in the Children's Book of the…

Overlay works will start this morning on the N26 Ballina road out of Foxford, which will cause significant delays to traffic, according to Foxford-based Councillor Neil Cruise. Crews will begin work this morning on the stretch of road from the bridge on the…

A Leitrim woman has told a trial that she awoke twice from a drunken blackout to find two men raping her. The alleged rapes took place at the end of a party in a flat in a Co. Leitrim town. The two Leitrim men have pleaded not guilty to rape at a place in the…

There has been no increase over the past 8 years in the number of personnel assigned to the drugs unit in the Mayo Garda Division. Only 5 Garda personnel are assigned to the unit, according to Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary, who claims drugs are…

A new photography and film exhibition will be officially opened tomorrow at the Galway City Museum , which tells the story of a number of vulnerable people from the Mayo and Galway areas who have overcome challenges to lead a life of their own choosing in the…

Sligo University Hospital is the 4th most-overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 42 patients on trolleys. There are 21 patients on trolleys at both University Hospital Galway and Portiuncla in Ballinasloe, with 13 people waiting for a bed at Mayo…

Roscommon-Galway TD Eugene Murphy’s Oireachtas meeting into the Cuisle Centre reveals Government shock over the facilities closure by the Irish Wheelchair Association. Minister Finian McGrath revealed at a special meeting of the Oireachtas this afternoon that…

Roscommon Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a break-in at the home of an elderly couple in Ballaghadereen. An elderly resident in the Kilcolman Estate noticed noises while watching TV last Saturday at 8:40pm. The intruder has been described as a male…

Aran Islands RNLI responded to consecutive calls for help today, carrying out two medical evacuations. The volunteer crew were first asked to launch their all-weather lifeboat David Kirkaldy, at 11.25am by the Irish Coast Guard. An elderly man required…

Gardai have confirmed that a teenager missing from her home in Galway city has been located safe and well. An appeal was made last week, and again yesterday, for information on the whereabouts of 17-year old Linda Mhelembe, who was missing since 23rd October.…

Sligo University Hospital is the 4th most-overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 42 patients on trolleys. There are 21 patients on trolleys at both University Hospital Galway and Portiuncla in Ballinasloe, with 13 people waiting for a bed at Mayo…

Two people are due in court, after 170,000 euro worth of drugs was seized in Roscommon town yesterday. Searches were conducted at a number of houses in Roscommon under warrant, and Gardaí found cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value of over…

A man has gone on trial for the murder of Martin "Matt" Kivlehan in Sligo four years ago. 32-year old Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo is charged with murdering Mr Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. Mr Brady…

Mayo and Galway companies were among the winners at the Irish Times Innovation Awards last night. PEL Waste Reduction Equipment based in Balla won the award in the Manufacturing & Design category for its innovative solar-powered street bin. The award in the…

Funding of almost €6.5 million is being announced today for three major projects in Co Mayo, under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The Mayo-based Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring will today announce a national package of…

Gardai in Galway are seeking assistance from the public in tracing a 63-year old man who missing from his home in Rahoon. Kevin McGrath was last seen on Sunday week last 27th October in Eyre Square, Galway. He's described as 5' 10" in height of slim build,…

Two people are still in Garda custody this morning, after 170,000 euro worth of drugs was seized in Roscommon town yesterday. Searches were conducted at a number of houses in Roscommon under warrant, and Gardaí found cannabis and cocaine with an estimated…

Gardai in Galway are renewing their appeal for information about a 17 year old girl missing since October 23rd. Linda Mhelembe was last seen in the Doughiska Road area of the city. She is described as 5 foot 6 inches in height, of a medium build, with short…

A book of condolence has opened at City Hall in Galway , following the death of broadcasting legend Gay Byrne yesterday. The Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard opened the book of condolence this morning, and it's available for people to sign at City Hall on College…

National schoolchildren from Foxford are today visiting an Argentine naval ship, as part of celebrations to remember Admiral William Browne, founder of the Argentine navy. The Libertad - one of the largest tall ships in the world, is currently docked at St…

Today is the worst day of this year so far for hospital overcrowding. There are 679 patients on trolleys at hospitals across the country - the highest daily figure in 2019, and the second-highest ever recorded. That's according to the Irish Nurses & Midwives…

The Criminal Assets Bureau with the assistance of the Regional Armed Support Unit, Western Region conducted a search operation in Tuam this morning. The search was focused on targeting the assets and activities of an individual member of an organised crime…

A man is still being detained in a Tipperary Garda station over a suspected arson attack on a Leitrim TD's car. The vehicle of Sinn Féin's Martin Kenny went on fire outside his home in Aughavas, county Leitrim, on Monday of last week. It's was only days…

Students looking to go to college next year can set-up their online CAO account from midday today. The application is 30 euro if set up before January 20th, and from then it's 45 euro up to the closing date of February 1st. Once up and running, students can…

Today, Ballindine native Pippa Hackett becomes the Green Party's only senator as she enters Leinster House. The Green Party's spokesperson on agriculture lives on a farm outside Geashill, Co Offaly. Ms Hackett and her husband, Mark, run a mixed organic farm…

A vote of confidence in the Mayo GAA executive and board was “resoundingly passed by all delegates” at last night’s meeting of the Mayo County Board, where media were excluded. That’s according to a statement released by the board this morning. However, there…

The department of Justice is not open enough and transparent in communicating with rural communities ahead of deciding to locate direct provision centres. That’s the view of Tuam based Minister of State Sean Canney. The Minister of State for Community and…

Gardai in Co Leitrim, investigating an incident of criminal damage last week in which a car was set on fire outside the home of Sligo/ Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, have arrested a man in his mid 40's today. He's being detained at Thurles Garda Station in Co…

A group of 38 retired nurses from the Castlebar area finally arrived home last night, after their flight from Krakow in Poland was cancelled on Friday. The group had organised their annual trip with the Holiday Department, and were due to fly back to Dublin…

The Cuisle centre in Donamon, Co Roscommon is to close at the end of this month. The centre is operated by the Irish Wheelchair Association, and provides accessible holidays and respite breaks for people with physical disabilities. However, staff were…

RTE Broadcaster Gay Byrne has died at the age of 85. Born in 1934, Gay Byrne went on to forge a legendary career in Irish broadcasting, which touched the lives of millions. Starting out with a 15 minute slot on Radio Eireann, he also worked in the UK for both…

A teenager, who had been reported missing in Athlone last week, has been found safe and well. Gardai had issued an appeal for information on the whereabouts of 14-year old Ronan Quinn who was missing from his home in Athlone since Sunday week last 27th…

The Gardai have confirmed that an Athlone teenager who had been missing for some days has been located safe and well14 year old Shane Kelly was reported missing last Sunday week, October 27th.The Gardai have thanked the public for their assistance in the…

It’s a continuing crisis that is unfair to patients and staff at University Hospital Galway today where there are 71 patients waiting on trolleys for admission to the facility. That’s the view of Headford based Fianna Fail councillor Mary Hoade. According to…

More than 200 Argentine military personnel, together with 100 members of the Irish Navy were in Foxford yesterday to honour the founder of the Argentine navy, Admiral William Brown. The Naval officers attended a memorial Mass in St Michael’s Church before…

The decision by the Irish Wheelchair Association to close the Cuisle Centre in Donamon, county Roscommon by the end of this month, has come as a shock to the area, according to local councillor Liam Callaghan. The Fine Gael councillor is now calling on the…

An estimated 44,000 euro of cocaine was seized by gardai in Westport over the weekend in two separate house raids. Two people were arrested in connection with the searches. Gardaí from the Mayo Drugs Unit supported by members of the Community Engagement Team…

While homeowners in county Mayo are not facing a hike in their local property tax bill this year, almost a million homeowners nationally will pay extra property tax in 2020. It's after a record number of local authorities increased their rates, including…

Supermacs founder Pat McDonagh is a guest speaker at a forum on insurance costs, which takes place in the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon next Monday evening 4th November. The insurance forum is being organised by Roscommon-Galway Fianna Fail TD Eugene Murphy who…

The price of plastic shopping bags is set to increase. The plan will see a three cents increase to plastic bags to 25 cents, while larger reusable bags could jump from 70 cents to 95 cents. According to the Sunday Independent, the environment minister hopes…

The Archbishop of Tuam's says the state needs to be fully transparant with locals over plans to house asylum seekers on Achill in Co. Mayo. Michael Neary's comments follow protests on the island last week over reported plans to house asylum seekers at a hotel…

Jamesie Maughan of Castlebar Foroige club was presented with the award for ESB Best Steam Project at the 2019 ESB Creative Tech Fest, which took place in the Convention Centre Dublin on Wednesday. The young Castlebar man’s 'Steam Caravan' work earned him the…

38 retired Mayo nurses on a return flight to Dublin, which was supposed to take off at 15:15 yesterday, are now on a ten hour journey to Munich airport from Krakow. The group has had to make arrangements with their travel company and pay for accommodation…

Failte Acla will host a coffee morning at 12 noon tomorrow in Keel Hall as protests continue at the Achill Head Hotel. Some members of the community began protesting at the proposed emergency accommodation site which was due to house 13 female asylum seekers.…

Revenue officers have been given court permission to hold on to 80,000 euro while they investigate if it's linked to crime. The cash was seized during the planned search of a house in Mayo yesterday. Revenue detector dog Bailey also led officers to illegal…