The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 2,605 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 487 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 99 are in ICU. 

A date for the trial arising out of what has been dubbed "golfgate" has been set for early next year. Galway Independent TD Noel Grealish and former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy were served with summonses in relation to an alleged breach of Covid-19…

Ireland West Airport has today welcomed the news that Aer Lingus will increase capacity, to a daily service, on its London Gatwick route for summer 2022. Welcoming today’s announcement, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport said: “We are…

Over 60s will start being given booster vaccines from next week. People who were given AstraZeneca will get a Pfizer dose. Over 60s will be given their shots in mass vaccination centres while over 70s will be done in GPs. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says…

The Taoiseach says Government's been given no specific advice from NPHET on children limiting their activities. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn asked parents to consider cutting down on what their children are doing for the rest of the midterm.…

A new digital hub in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht will be officially opened this evening. gteic@Ceantar na nOiléan will be officially opened by the Chairperson of Udarás na Gaeltachta in Leitir Mór. The hub encompasses 13 workspaces across 3 separate…

Elective surgeries may have to be cancelled if the number of people in ICU continues to rise. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said the Government doesn't have a red line of hospitalisations that will lead to increased Covid restrictions. He says the…

Delays continue for patients presenting at Emergency Departments across the region today. There are 48 patients on trolleys waiting for admission to University Hospital Galway , the second highest number on the country, according to the latest INMO Trolley…

Castlebar is set to become a University Town. A new Technological University has been announced for the north-west. It'll be the 4th of its kind across the country and follows an application from Galway-Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny ITs. The Higher Education…

Representatives of the forestry sector are staging protests this week outside the offices of TD's across the region, to highlight the severe economic and environmental impact of the crisis in the forestry sector, due to the backlog in the granting of forestry…

Abortion rights campaigners will gather outside the Dail today to remember Savita Halappanavar, who died 9 years ago. The 31 year old, who was originally from India, died following complications with an incomplete miscarriage at University Hospital Galway in…

Sex-offenders failed to tell the Gardai where they live 76 times over the past year. Over 1,700 sex-criminals have to update the force within seven days if they change address. They could face a fine of 10,000 euro, or five years in jail, if they fail to do…

The conditions in the Emergency department of Mayo University Hospital for weeks now are very severe, according to Anne Burke, Industrial Relations Officer with the INMO. There are in excess of 20 patients on trolleys in the ED waiting for admission to the…

The World Health Organisation says Ireland should consider local restrictions if Covid cases continue to surge. The seven-day moving average has increased by 80 per cent in the past three weeks, and now stands at 2,043. 101 Covid patients were in intensive…

From midnight tonight, the Aviva Stadium will be a designated venue under ticket touting law. The means tickets for events there can't be re-sold for above face value. It follows tickets for the sold out Ireland v Portugal international emerging on re-sale…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 1,631 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 503 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 101 are in ICU. There has been a total of 5,436 deaths related to COVID-19 notified…

Tickets will be required for nightclubs and late night events from tomorrow. At a meeting with Government officials today, industry representatives were told there will be no grace period for implementing them, as the sector had requested. Guidelines…

499 admitted hospital patients are waiting on trolleys today, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. University Hospital Galway has the highest number of patients on trolleys at 54. There are 25 patients on trolleys at Mayo University…

Mayo Senator Paddy Burke has proposed putting a proper weir system in place on three Castlebar lakes, as a means to hold back the flow of the water that leads eventually into the River Moy, in an effort to alleviate a flooding problem downstream. Senator…

The delays for patients at the Emergency Dept’s of hospitals across the region continue today. There are 54 patients on trolleys today waiting for admission to University Hospital Galway. That’s the highest number nationally, according to the latest Trolley…

Tributes are being paid today to Bonniconlon native, Dublin based, the late Paddy Moran. He died last night at the age of 78, following an illness. Paddy was a man devoted to his native county and everything connected to it. He was long-time member of the…

The Health Minister says the number of Covid-19 cases over the past week is the fourth highest since the start of the pandemic, and says a national effort is now needed to bring the numbers under control. The 14 day incidence rate is around 500 cases per…

Mayo native Adrian Flannelly has been acknowledged for his work with the Irish Diaspora in the United States. The Attymass native has been presented with a 2021 Presidential Distinguished Service Award. Adrian Flannelly has been a leading member of the Irish…

An Bord Pleanala has given the go-ahead for a 15-metre telecommunications mast near Croagh Patrick. The board has overturned the recommendation of its own inspector in allowing the Eircom mast to go ahead. Following the decision in April by Mayo County…

The death has taken place of long-time member of the Mayo Association in Dublin Paddy Moran. A native of Bonniconlon, Paddy was a former Chairman and President, and current committee member with the Mayo Association. He lived in Beaumont in Dublin, but passed…

40 new jobs have been announced for the Galway Gaeltacht. ÉireComposites has secured a multi-million euro contract with Spirit AeroSystems to provide structural components for business jets and commercial airliners. As a result, the company looking to create…

The Chief Medical Officer says the health service is under 'significant pressure', due to the worsening Covid-19 situation. Dr Tony Holohan says he's 'increasingly worried' about the rise in cases across the country. The five-day moving average now stands at…

A threat of gun violence made to the office of Sinn Féin's Justice spokesman Martin Kenny has been referred to Gardai. It is understood the Sligo / Leitrim TD’s office was contacted by phone yesterday by a caller who said they were on their way to Leinster…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2,193 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 513 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 97 are in ICU. Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health says he…

Kelly’s Butchers Newport has secured another national award. It has taken the title of Family Food/Drink Producer of the Year at the 2021 Energia Family Business Awards. The awards provide a platform for businesses at home and abroad to be recognized for…

Two five-year plans, aiming to cut Irish greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade, have been released. The Climate Change Advisory Council is targeting cuts of 4.8pc a year up to 2025, followed by 8.3pc annually for a further 5 years. Climate…

The need for permits to fish on the River Suck is damaging local tourism, according to a Roscommon County Councillor. Ballintubber-based Councillor Anthony Waldron is calling on the local authority to liaise with Minister Eamon Ryan and Inland Fisheries…

The number of Covid-positive patients in Irish hospitals has gone above 500 for the first time since March 1st. 513 people with the virus are currently receiving treatment - an 8 percent increase on last Tuesday. Latest figures show there's 99 people with…

Medtronic is partnering with the GMIT’s School of Design and Creative Arts to commission a public artwork commemorating the collaborative effort of the local community and Medtronic employees in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. The competitive process is…

Long delays can be expected again today for patients waiting in the Emergency Departments of hospitals across the region. There are 41 patients on trolleys waiting for beds at University Hospital Galway, 29 patients on trolleys at Sligo University Hospital,…

13.5% of all drivers in counties Mayo and Roscommon currently have penalty points on their licence for speeding. The figure is higher in Galway at 15% of drivers, and just over 11% in Sligo and Leitrim. The Road Safety Authority figures show motorists in…

Gardai and the emergency services attended the scene of a road collision in Roscommon Town this morning. The 2-vehicle crash occurred on Circular Road in the town shortly after 7.30am. The driver of one of the vehicles - a woman in her 70's - was injured and…

In Mayo, at present, people almost have a better chance of winning the lotto than getting through to their GP or securing a hospital bed. That’s the view of Castlebar councillor Michael Kilcoyne and he says it’s a frightening and distressing reality. There…

It's understood a syndicate of employees from Baxter Healthcare in Castlebar were the winners of over half a million euro in Saturday night's Lotto draw. While there was no winner of the overall jackpot of over €19 million, two tickets - one sold in Castlebar…

Mayo County Council has refused planning permission for a controversial mast overlooking Lough Lannagh in Castlebar. Eircom Limited had applied in early September for permission for a 15-metre telecommunications monopole with antennae, a dish and associated…

The number of Covid-19 patients being treated in hospitals across the West has increased over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Nationally, there were 500 Covid-positive patients in hospital last night - with 99 of these patients in intensive care. In this region,…

Gardai have confirmed that the body of a woman in her late 50's was recovered from Lough Mask in Ballinrobe in the early hours of this morning. Gardai, the fire service and ambulance personnel attended the scene, after a vehicle was found on the pier at…

A man in his forties has been seriously injured following a hit and run in Co Galway yesterday evening. The collision occurred near Furbo Church at about 8.30 pm when the pedestrian was struck by a car. The man was taken to University Hospital Galway where…

A top level meeting to discuss carbon budgets aimed at dramatically reducing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions gets underway today.The Climate Change Advisory Council will consider signing off on a series of carbon budgets, which will set a ceiling for…

The Fine Gael health spokesperson in the Seanad is calling on the HSE to make Flu vaccines free coming into winter.It comes after CMO Dr Tony Holohan expressed concerns about the high incidence of Covid-19, urging the unvaccinated to come forward and get…

Final guidelines for live events and nightclubs are due to be finalised tomorrow.Pubs with live music and no dancing will not be ticketed.However nightcubs and other events will be, valid ID and a covid passport will also be required for entry,Ian Redmond…

1,845 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported today.497 people are being treated in hospital for the virus.99 people are now in intensive care units across the country's hospitals, up 2 since yesterday.Meanwhile, the number of people signing up for COVID-19…

Gardaí are appealing for information on a ‘serious incident’ which occurred in Collooney in the early hours of Saturday morning. A man was assaulted at his home in the Cloonmahon area by two intruders demanding money. Gardaí would like to hear from anyone who…

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the Mayo man whose body was found in a river in Georgia. A murder investigation is underway after the body of 28-year old Tom Kennedy from Lahardane was found in a river in Gori earlier this month. His remains will…

The Department of Health has reported 1,725 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today. As of 8am today, 473 people were hospitalised - an increase of 23 since yesterday. 97 people with COVID-19 are in the country's Intensive Care Units - that's an increase of…

The latest political poll has found a record level of popular support for Sinn Féin. The main opposition party has climbed to 33% and is now eight percentage points clear of Fine Gael. The Red C poll for today's Business Post has Fianna Fáil on 12%, the Soc…

A leaked government memo warns that power cuts cannot be ruled out over the winter. The Sunday Independent reports a confidential briefing note informed ministers that energy suppliers could be forced to introduce emergency measures, to cope with high demand…

The Music and Entertainment Association says the ticketing decision for nightclubs shouldn't have been thrown in at 'the very last minute'. It says the requirement for people to buy tickets to get into nightclubs wasn't discussed at Friday's meeting. The…

Pressure is mounting on the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to approve the rollout of booster jabs for healthcare workers. It comes as HSE boss Paul Reid warned that 2,000 health workers will soon be out of work with the virus. According to today’s…

Over 75 cases of a new variant of COVID-19 have been detected here. The strain, known as Delta Plus, was first detected in Ireland in June, according to the Sunday Independent. There are concerns it may be the most transmissable variant of the coronavirus to…

There's been an increase in the number of people who have been hospitalised for Covid 19. Latest figures show 473 people are now being treated in hospital for the virus - an increase of 23 since yesterday. 97 people with COVID-19 are in the country's…

A Lotto player in Mayo scooped €595,521 in last night’s draw. A player in the Castlebar area and an online player in Dublin both came astonishingly close to the jackpot after matching five numbers and the bonus to share a boosted prize fund of almost €1.2m.…

The National Lottery are continuing to urge Lotto players all over the country to check their tickets from Wednesday night’s draw after thirty players came to within just one number of the €19.06 million jackpot on offer. The selling locations where each of…

Irish Water working in partnership with Galway County Council has successfully completed repairs following a burst to a watermain impacting customers in Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Aughrus, Fountainhill and surrounding areas in Co Galway. Dedicated water service…

Irish Water has identified a burst to a watermain in the Ballina area and is working with Mayo County Council to restore water as quickly as possible to impacted customers. Areas affected include Bunree, Greenhills Estate, Ballina and surrounding areas in Co.…

Construction on a new airborne wind energy project in north Mayo is set to start before the end of the year. The Mega Airborne Wind Energy project, will be based in Bangor Erris and has received in excess of €12 million from Europe in the form of Interreg NWE…

A Bill proposing that credit unions be allowed provide more modern-day financial services was introduced in the Dail on Thursday by Sligo/Leitrim deputy Marian Harkin. It coincided with World Credit Union Day. The Independent deputy says, with many banks…

A Galway priest has been placed on indefinite leave after posting videos on social media featuring innuendo and joked about playing songs like 'Highway to Hell' at a funeral Mass. In a statement to be read to parishioners in Gort this weekend, Bishop Brendan…

The Department of Health has confirmed a further 2,427 cases of Covid 19 today. It's the second highest daily total since late January. There are 449 patients hospitalised with the virus - a decrease of six on yesterday. 93 patients are in ICU with the virus…

Irish Water has identified a large burst to a watermain in the Cleggan area and is working with Galway County Council to restore water as quickly as possible to impacted customers. Areas affected include Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Aughrus, Fountainhill and…

Ashford Castle has much to celebrate this week, as the opulent hotel was named Best Hotel Spa in Ireland by the World Spa Awards 2021. The stunning 800-year-old castle on the Galway/Mayo border has picked up the award for six years in a row – every year that…

The five-day moving average of Covid-19 cases has risen by 26 per cent in the past week. It now stands at 2,123 - compared to 1,685 a week ago. The chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, says people should be careful as they socialise over the bank holiday…

The Government has been accused of a 'shambloic approach' to the re-opening of the late night entertainment sector. Last night it was announced that from next weekend late night venues would have to be ticketed, in advance. The Licenced Vintners Association…

People will have to buy tickets to go to night-clubs and late-night venues, under new guidelines published this evening.Culture and Arts Minister Catherine Martin says regulations for this will be in place next week.Tickets must be secured in advance.It comes…

The highest number of Covid-19 cases in nine months has been reported this evening. 2,466 people have tested positive, bringing the five-day moving average to 2,123. 457 Covid patients are in hospital - up nine from yesterday - with 90 in intensive care, up…

Irish Water and Galway County Council are advising customers on Inis Oírr that essential overnight water restrictions in place on the public water supply have been lifted. Water restrictions have been in effect on the Island nightly between 11pm and 7am since…

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a young woman was struck in the face by a firework in Eyre Square in Galway City overnight. It happened shortly after midnight and gardai say it's understood the firework had been launched from close to the Tourist…

Late night entertainment returns today, with venues allowed operate at full capacity when they reopen tonight. Nightclubs are back and pubs and restaurants no longer have to close at half 11. People still can't drink at the bar counter under new rules that…

Two local electoral areas in Mayo have an incidence of Covid-19 above the national average. The Castlebar LEA had a rate of 664 per 100,000 and Swinford’s LEA had a rate of 550 per 100,000 over the 14-day period that ended on Monday. This represents 199 cases…

Pierce Gordon, Value Centre, Moneen Industrial Estate, Castlebar, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national industry award in the annual ShelfLife Grocery Management Awards. The Awards recognise and honour management excellence. Pierce, who has been…

There are 42 patients waiting on trolleys today waiting for admission to Galway University Hospital. That’s the second highest number nationally. Letterkenny University Hospital has the highest number of patients on trolleys today at 49. That’s according to…

76,000 euro in funding, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has been announced today for four outdoor projects in Mayo, as follows:- Project Name Description of Project Location Funding Awarded The Calicaun Bay Trail and viewing point The…

Supermac’s is appealing to its customers in the region to support overseas development agency, Trócaire, in rolling out lifesaving Covid-19 vaccines to vulnerable communities in Somalia, East Africa. The family food group is asking customers in to donate in…

Belmullet Local Electoral Area continues to have the lowest 14 day incident rate of Covid 19 nationally. On Monday, the country's 14 day incidence rate was 493 per 100,000 people, Belmullet's incident rate was 119. Two Local Electoral areas in Connemara were…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2,029 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 448 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 88 are in ICU. The 5-day moving average is 1,906. Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer,…

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has identified Mayo County Council as a local authority that implements good practice in terms of the accessibility and navigability of planning application documentation In its latest Case Study Report the OPR…

The Minister for Health needs to intervene now and ensure that local pharmacies are part of the HSE plans for its upcoming Covid 19 vaccine booster campaign. That’s the view of Tuam based pharmacist, Darragh O'Loughlin, Secretary General of the Irish Pharmacy…

Joyce Country & Western Lakes GeoEnterprise has secured the National Heritage County Award for Mayo. The winners were announced at a virtual ceremony presented by RTÉ broadcaster, Anne Cassin and attended by Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan. The…

Minister Eamon Ryan says the families of the R116 helicopter crew who died off Blacksod in north Mayo during a rescue mission in 2017 won't face large legal bills. RTE reported yesterday that the relatives of the helicopter pilot, co-pilot and winchman face…

From the 1st of next month (November) restrictions on visits from partners at all stages of pregnancy, at Maternity wards will no longer be in place. Support partners are to be allowed access to maternity units between 8am and 9pm daily. While 24 hour access…

Up to 100 homeowners from across Co Mayo, whose properties are damaged by pyrite, gathered today in Crossmolina, to put further pressure on Government to outline the terms of the revised compensation scheme without further day. The demonstration is taking…

A walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinic takes place at Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar over this October Bank Holiday Weekend, to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated. The clinics are open to anyone aged 12 or over and will provide first…

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics are taking place at Breaffy House Resort Vaccination Centre, Castlebar this weekend to make it as easy as possible for anyone who has yet to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, to get vaccinated. The clinics…

It's not good enough that insurance companies are pocketing the savings from lower personal injury payouts, rather than passing them onto their customers. That's according to Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten, after a report published this week showed a 40%…

Extra Garda checkpoints can be expected across the region today, as National Slow Down Day is underway since 7am. The annual campaign by the Road Safety Authority and Gardai calls on motorists to reduce their speed, and will focus in particular on rural…

Galway is to benefit from a new jobs announcement this morning. Grant Thornton is creating 1,000 new jobs across the country over the next three years. It's increasing staff numbers at all seven of its offices in Galway, Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Belfast,…

The National Public Health Emergency Team says there has been an extremely worrying rise in the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care. 84 patients are now in ICU - with an additional 14 admitted over the past 24 hours. Galway University Hospital now…

The Chief Medical Officer has warned that compliance with basic public health measures will be critical in the weeks ahead, as restrictions ease and infection rates remain high. Dr Tony Holohan was speaking as 2,148 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed yesterday…

New operational guidelines for bars, nightclubs and live venues are expected to be published today. They'll cover rules around table and bar service, and whether people can stand at live events. It's comes ahead of the easing of restrictions for venues from…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2,148 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 464 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 86 are in ICU. There has been a total of 5,369 deaths related to COVID-19 notified in…

A new organisation is being set up in Ballinrobe, to help the town capitalise on post-Covid opportunities for digitalisation and remote working. Among the aims of the new group are to market Ballinrobe as an ideal location for remote working, and supporting…

The future of the Mayo Local Employment Service is currently in doubt, following a Government proposal to replace the service for jobseekers with a new regional service, possibly run by private companies. This could lead to jobs losses at the Local Employment…

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency that has responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, has launched public consultation on the future management of the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme. The state agency…

A 24-hour National Slow Down Day gets underway from 7am tomorrow morning until Friday morning. Speeding on rural roads is set to be targeted as part of this year's National Slow Down Day. Gardai and the Road Safety Authority are urging motorists to reduce…

LYNOSLIFE, the Irish health, wellbeing and cosmetics manufacturer, has today announced the appointment of Barry Connolly as Associate Director. LYNOSLIFE employs a team of 120 across their Claremorris and Cork campuses. The company offers a diverse range of…

The Minister for Education Norma Foley says that a decision is imminent on whether or not a second school will be built on the site already approved for the building of Holy Trinity National School in Westport. This long running saga was raised in the Dail…

Over 1200 people are waiting for a driving test in Ballina and Castlebar at present. Figures provided under Freedom of Information show nearly 58,000 people are on the waiting list nationally for a driving test - including 763 people in Castlebar and 494 in…

The Saolta Hospital group is advising that the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital is extremely busy today, with many patients experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Dept to an acute bed in the hospital. There are 34…

Work has started on the site of a former hotel in Ballina, for the construction of a new Aldi store. Ballina-based Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary has welcomed the start of site preparations works for the new discount foodstore, on the site of the former…

"Be Safe and Be Seen" is the message to all road users across Co Mayo, as the clocks go back later this month, and the days are getting shorter with darkness falling earlier. In a move to reduce the death toll on roads, all Garda cars in Co Mayo will carry a…

The highest number of Covid cases since January 22nd was recorded yesterday, with 2,399 new cases confirmed. 473 Covid patients are in hospital, which is a drop of 11 from the previous day with 74 patients in ICU. The number of Covid patients being treated at…

Failte Ireland is expected to publish its updated guidelines for the hospitality and entertainments sectors today. They're being changed to take into account yesterday's Government announcement on easing further Covid restrictions. Covid Certs will continue…

Over 2,000 customers in Achill were without power for a time last night, following a fault. ESB Networks confirmed a power outage shortly before 10pm, affecting 2,374 customers in Achill. Work got underway to repair the fault, and power supplies were restored…

The highest number of Covid cases since January 22nd has been recorded today. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of 2,399 cases. 473 Covid patients are in hospital, which is a drop of 11 from yesterday. 74 people are in ICU, up one on…

The world's largest aircraft touched down in Shannon Airport this afternoon. The Antonov AN-225 arriving from China, carrying a consignment of cargo for distribution to the Irish retail sector. Shannon Airport is the only airport in Ireland capable of…

A verdict of medical misadventure was returned by a coroner today at an inquest into the death of a talented young student and footballer from an extremely rare and serious condition. Adam Mulchrone, Sandyhill, Westport died at Mayo University Hospital, on…

The Cabinet has approved the easing of some restrictions from this Friday, but mask wearing, social distancing and the use of vaccination passports have been extended until February 2022. Nightclubs will be allowed to re-open on Friday, and the 11.30pm…

There was a significant increase over the weekend in the number of people admitted to hospitals across the West with Covid-19, according to the Saolta Hospital Group. There are 41 patients with the virus currently being treated at the Galway hospital - up…

The planned re-opening of nightclubs and other sectors can go ahead on Friday with Digital Covid Certs in place. Capacity limits on weddings and other religious services will lift on Friday. 10 adults will now be allowed at a table when dining indoors, up…

Mayo homeowners impacted by pyrite in their homes will stage a demonstration in Crossmolina this Thursday. The event will be held at the home of Noel O'Boyle in Crossmolina - a house severely damaged by pyrite which has been approved for demolition. This is…

In farming news, advance payments under the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme have commenced. The payments are worth €738 million to 114,600 farmers across the country. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says 70% advance payments are commencing today, and will…

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has approved the use of booster Covid-19 vaccines for people over 60. It was confirmed at a meeting with ministers late last night. Up to now only those over 80 or over 65s in nursing homes have been able to avail…

Up to 30 new jobs are being announced this morning in Ballina. TELUS International AI Data Solutions - formerly Lionbridge AI - has started hiring for up to 30 new roles following its acquisition late last year. The company's premises on Emmet Street in…

There's some progress reported this morning in relation to the planned extension of the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital. Mayo FG Deputy Alan Dillon says the HSE Capital & Estates office has confirmed that they have commenced the procurement…

University Hospital Galway is currently dealing with Covid-19 outbreaks on two wards, with a further two wards being used to care for Covid-positive patients. This is having a significant impact on critical care services at the hospital, according to the…

Cabinet Ministers will meet this morning to decide whether an easing of Covid restrictions will go ahead on Friday. NPHET briefed the Government yesterday as the number of new Covid cases and hospitalisations continues to increase. It's understood NPHET is…

Gardaí have charged a man in relation to an incident of theft that occurred on Markievicz Road in Sligo on Sunday. Midwest News understands that the man, in his twenties, was allegedly intoxicated and found to be in possession of a stolen ring buoy. He is due…

Gardai are clamping down on speeding, drink driving, and unaccompanied drivers as part of a new campaign. It comes as there's been a 19 per cent increase in driver deaths this year. Operation Teorainn will also focus on rural roads with limits of 80…

The Taoiseach says Covid certs could remain in place for longer than expected following the recent surge in virus cases. NPHET is meeting this afternoon and the government will consider its advice tomorrow ahead of a decision on the easing of restrictions.…

The boil water notice on the Glenamaddy public water supply has been lifted with immediate effect, and Irish Water says the water is safe to drink. The boil notice was issued almost 3 weeks ago, due to a deterioration in raw water quality at the Glenamaddy…

An inquest was told today that a retired priest, who was found dead close to a railway line near Ballyhaunis last January, died from natural causes. The Coroner for Mayo Pat O’Connor heard that there was no evidence of foul play in the death of 73-year-old…

Almost 55,000 adults are currently on the outpatient waiting list at Galway University Hospital. That was confirmed to Galway East Independent TD Sean Canney, who says that in excess of 19,000 of these people have been waiting longer than 18 months for an…

The Taoiseach is officially opening the N4 between Collooney and Castlebaldwin today and he is also turning the sod on the N5 road project between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue. This is a hugely significant day for Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, according to Mayo…

Ballina has ranked 13th place out of 40 towns and cities in the latest Irish Business Against Litter survey. Portlaoise comes top of the list for the first time, with Leixlip and Ennis in 2nd and 3rd place. Ballina is described as "clean to European norms",…

482 Covid-19 patients are in hospital this morning, an increase of 76 in past 48 hours. There are 74 patients in intensive care, up one over the same period. Galway University Hospital is currently treating the second highest number of Covid patients…

The Taoiseach will officially open the €140 million road upgrade of the N4 between Collooney and Castlebaldwin this afternoon. Micheál Martin will unveil a plaque dedicated to the memory of all those who died on the stretch of road. Sligo County Council and…

12 pop up clinics are being opened for students at colleges today so they can receive their second vaccine. The Higher Education Minister's announced Vaccination Week is being extended. Pop-up vaccination centres were set up across 15 college sites two weeks…

NPHET will meet today to advise the government on the further easing of Covid-19 restriction this Friday. So-called 'Freedom Day' would see many of the last remaining rules lifted, such as limits on large gatherings and night-time openings for pubs and…

Litter in Ireland’s cities has worsened to levels “not seen in 10 years”, a new survey has found. The first post-lockdown survey by Irish Business Against Litter has shown that while the majority of Ireland’s towns have been cleaned up over the past 12…

The Department of Health has today reported 1,380 additional Covid cases. 459 patients are in hospital with the virus. While 74 people are being treated in the country's intensive care units.

Five percent of the country's pubs have closed their doors since the beginning of the pandemic. That's according to joint analysis from the pub trade's representative bodies. Cork's the worst affected, it's lost 37 while Dublin and Donegal have each seen 33…

The postponed Connacht GAA Scór Sinsear final of 2020 will take place in the Town Hall Theatre in Claremorris on Sunday, 24th October. GAA clubs from across Connacht will descend upon the Mayo venue to battle it out for bragging rights and the chance to…

Mayo TD Michael Ring officially turned the sod on a major development for Newport National School on Friday. The West Mayo primary school has been granted funding to extend their premises due to increasing enrolment. Deputy Ring says “Schools are continually…

The Vintners Federation says it's 'disappointed to see the confusion again' over extending the use of covid passes. It says people have made a lot of preperations for being fully opened next weekend. The use of covid passes to dine indoors was meant to be…

A public health expert is asking the Government to use 'every measure open to it' to bring case numbers under control. DCU Professor Anthony Staines says however, this must be done without closing everything 'till Christmas. It comes after 2,180 new cases of…

A new opinion poll has shown a majority of the population is in favour of the continued use of Covid vaccine certs after next Friday. The majority of restrictions had been due to be lifted then, but rising case numbers look likely to lead to a more cautious…

2,180 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 -- the most new infections reported in one day since late January. 406 people are being treated in hospital for the virus, 71 of them receiving intensive care.

A Mayo woman was left ‘shocked’ at having to show proof of her disability to get accessible tickets to a gig through Ticketmaster. Achill native Catherine Gallagher says this was not always the case, claiming that the process came in ‘under the radar’ during…

An application for funding has been made to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the N26/N58 Foxford bypass. The proposed infrastructure would involve the construction of approximately 3.5 km of new off-line road to link the two national primary routes.…

Hospitals will be 'very pressurised' if Covid admissions continue to rise, according to a leading HSE official. They've risen by 18 per cent over the past week, with 399 people getting inpatient care at the moment. The five-day moving average of new cases has…

An LGBT+ Pride Flag raising ceremony is taking place in Claremorris this afternoon. This event is in response to the destruction of rainbow flags in the town at the end of July, at a time when there were similar incidents in Sligo and Waterford. OutWest, with…

Restaurants around the country have said they're happy to continue asking customers for their Covid pass, if they're allowed to trade normally. The use of the passes to access indoor hospitality had been due to be scrapped on the 22nd of October. However, a…

ISME says the Government cannot react to every shift in Covid-19 case numbers. The business group believes the easing of restrictions on October 22nd should proceed as planned. They argue that ICU numbers should be the parameter for any change in Government…

The Galway Christmas Market has been given the green light to return next month. Galway City Council has issued a license for the event, which will run from the 12th of November to the 22nd of December. A mainstay in the festive calendar since 2010, the event…

The resumption of the emergency pipe works at Lough Funshinagh is merely ‘limited good news’. That’s according to the Roscommon IFA Chairman Jim O'Connor, who says the new proposed emergency works would see no more than 2 million cubic metres of water removed…

1,914 new coronavirus cases are being reported this afternoon, that's up 287 on yesterday's figures. There are 413 patients being treated for the disease in hospital, with 73 in ICU. The five day moving average is 1,685 cases.

Mayo County Council and the Road Design Office has agreed to meet residents at Breaffy Castlebar whose homes are located adjacent to the new bridge under construction along the new N5 dual carriageway. Two of the residents directly impacted by the ongoing…

The planned reopening of society next Friday is likely to be delayed if Covid cases continue to rise very rapidly. The five-day moving average has increased by 50 per cent in the past week - and now stands at 1,580. The government will make a decision next…

A steel beam lift will take place today and again on Tuesday for the new River Moy Bridge as part of the N26 Cloongullane Realignment Project, on the road between Foxford and Swinford. The beam lift will be carried out using a Liebherr LR 1600/2 Crawler Crane…

There is no premises in Mayo connected under National Broadband Plan to date, according to Mayo Sinn Fein deputy Rose Conway Walsh. She has expressed deep frustration that Mayo is still waiting for the first home, business or farm to be connected under the…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 1,627 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 415 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 70 are in ICU. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer,…

Acclaimed novelist, Mayo native Sally Rooney made a welcome, surprise appearance at this year's Wild Atlantic Words festival in Castlebar, last weekend. Capacity audiences and first class events marked this year's festival that included a programme of…

The HSE is currently in the process of recruiting four additional neurology nurses for Galway University Hospital, which is the western regional centre for neurology. This has been confirmed to Roscommon/ Galway deputy Denis Naughten. He says that investing…

There are a lot of unanswered questions for publicans/ restauranteurs and their patrons as to the extent of the proposed further lifting of Covid restrictions on Friday week, October 22nd. That’s the view of the Mayo Chair of the Vintners, Alan Gielty who…

Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara could become a strategic hub for the floating offshore windfarm sector with the potential of creating up to 900 jobs, according to a new report. The report, commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta, was launched this morning by the…

Hundreds of customers were impacted by short power outages this morning in the Swinford and Ballina areas. ESB Networks is reporting a power outage for more than a thousand ESB customers in the Swinford area this morning. The outage occurred at 10.22 am, but…

Further visiting restrictions have been introduced at Roscommon University Hospital, due to an outbreak of Covid-19. The visiting restrictions remain in place at St Teresa's Ward, and have been re-introduced at St Coman's ward. No visitors are being allowed…

The Bishop of Achonry has signalled his willingness to consider women being made cardinals, and says the Church needs to reflect on the issue. Bishop Paul Dempsey, who's the youngest Catholic Bishop in the country at 50, was ordained Bishop of Achonry last…

Two adults have been charged after a child was reported missing from the West of Ireland earlier this week. The two-year-old girl was reported missing on Tuesday. She was later located safe and well. A man and woman in their 30s were arrested, and are due…

There is still no date for the completion of a long promised sea wall that would prevent flooding and allow people in the Bundoola area of Belmullet to sleep in peace in their beds this winter. That was confirmed by council management at yesterday’s monthly…

There were 44 assaults in Castlerea Prison last year. New figures show a total of 320 assaults in Irish prisons in 2020. 250 involved prisoners attacking other inmates - with 64 in Cork jail, 44 in Castlerea in Roscommon, and 29 in Midlands Prison in…

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, is continuing his consultation tour on the Common Agriculture Policy in the west today. He was in Maam Cross Mart yesterday evening. The Minister will speak at Balla Mart today at 2.30pm…

A member of NPHET is expressing concern about plans to ease almost all restrictions tomorrow week - October 22nd. It comes as Covid cases have increased by 43 per cent over the past week, with 2,066 further cases reported yesterday. There are currently 408…

There are 2,066 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed by the Dept of Health this evening in the Republic. 26 additional virus-related deaths have been reported over the past week. 408 Covid patients are in hospitals nationally with 69 of these patients in intensive…

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, is continuing his Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Consultation Tour in the west. He will be in Maam Cross Mart this evening (Wed) at 7.30pm. The Minister will speak at Balla Mart tomorrow…

Harps Alive Lá na Cruite takes place this Saturday (October 16th) online and in person all over the world. For the fifth year in a row, harpers everywhere are invited to join in celebrating Ireland’s 1000-year-old harping tradition. This year Mayo Harper,…

The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is self-isolating with mild Covid-19 symptoms. The Minister has been given a 'not detected' result on a Covid test. However, in line with public health advice he's continuing to work from home. +++

Agriculture was abandoned in yesterday’s 2022 Budget. That’s the view of Roscommon / Galway Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. The deputy claims there was nothing new from the Minister for Finance yesterday for farmers. The carbon tax will immediately impact…

The Tanaiste says some restrictions may remain next week as our so called Freedom Day approaches. Most Covid 19 rules are to be relaxed on Friday the 22nd of October, while the vaccine cert for restaurants and pubs is set to be removed. However, there are…

The introduction of free contraceptives for women aged 18 to 25 in yesterday’s budget is a very welcome development for women’s health, according to Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers. She says the measure announced in yesterday’s budget is focused on a…

The family of a Mayo man, who body was recovered from a river in Georgia, say they're devastated at his loss. A murder investigation is underway after the body of 28-year old Tom Kennedy from Lahardane was found in a river in Gori last Saturday. Police in…

Waterford, Carlow and Donegal currently have the highest Covid-19 rates nationally, while Galway is now the only county in Connacht with a 7-day rate above the national average. Galway has recorded 568 new cases of the virus over the past week, with a rate of…

Intensive Care units around the country are treating people as young as 17 years old who are sick with Covid-19. 402 people are currently in hospital with the virus, 73 of whom are in intensive care. This includes 19 Covid patients in University Hospital…

Castlebar author Sally Rooney has confirmed that she will not sell translation rights to her bestselling new novel "Beautiful World, Where Are You" to an Israeli publisher, in solidarity with a boycott of Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. Her first…

There's some good news for motorists in the Dunmore area of Co Galway, as work is expected to start next week on a road-widening project at an area known locally as Twenty Minute Hill. A stop-go traffic light system has been in place at this location between…

The Minister for Agriculture will visit Balla Mart tomorrow, as part of his Common Agricultural Policy consultation tour. Minister Charlie McConalogue is currently travelling around the country, to hear directly from farmers as part of the consultation…

A Child Rescue Alert was stood down last night after a young child taken earlier in the day from Co Mayo was located safe and well in the Dublin area. Gardai issued a Child Rescue Ireland Alert shortly before 6pm yesterday evening, appealing for information…

A murder investigation is underway after the body of a Mayo man was discovered in a river in Georgia. The body of 28-year old Tom Kennedy from Lahardane was found in a river in Gori last Saturday. Efforts are now underway to repatriate his body to Ireland,…

The Department of Health has reported a further 1,466 further cases of Covid-19 this evening. 402 people are currently in hospital with the virus, of whom 73 are being treated in ICU. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Ronan Glynn, has expressed concern over…

Gardai have issued a Child Rescue Alert after a two year old child was taken from a health centre in County Mayo today. At about 10 past 10 this morning, 2-year old Aoife Haynes Murphy was taken from the Swinford Health Centre in contravention of a court…

Mayo Sinn Fein spokesperson Rose Conway-Walsh says that, while social welfare increases in the Budget are welcome, the Government is giving with one hand, but taking away with the other....

Listen now - Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary welcomes investments outlined in today's Budget.....

A Broadband Connection Point (BCP) has gone live at Sooey Community Hall, in county Sligo today. Sligo Drumcliffe Cllr Thomas Walsh says National Broadband Ireland have today confirmed to him that the connection for fibre broadband has gone live. The BCP will…

In relation to social welfare, there are 5 euro per week increases in weekly welfare payments and the State pension, along with the weekly fuel allowance from midnight tonight, while thousands more carers are in line to receive the Carer's Allowance . A…

There is no record of the number of people seeking affordable housing in Mayo, as there is no place where anyone can register for such housing and that’s not acceptable, according to Castlebar councillor Michael Kilcoyne. The Independent councillor raised the…

The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath are announcing details of Budget 2022 this afternoon. The total budget package is 4.7 billion euro -which includes 4.2 billion on expenditure and half a…

Investigations are underway into an arson attack at Galway Bohemians Football Club which occurred around 9pm on Saturday night. Club members and the local community raised the alarm to ensure crews were on-site very quickly. Severe damage was done to a…

Trolley numbers are on the increase once again today at hospitals across the country. The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation is reporting 506 patients on trolleys - the highest figure since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes 30 patients on…

Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire at the weekend. The incident happened at approximately 10:30pm on Friday night. Members of the Westport Fire Brigade attended the scene. Midwest News understands a small van was set alight in a…

Nearly one in every three 12 to 15 year olds haven't been registered for a Covid vaccine. 68 per cent of this age-group have been signed up, and 60 per cent are fully vaccinated. Nearly 92 per cent of the adult population are fully protected, which is the…

Work is underway on a €9 million euro major upgrade of the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant, to increase its capacity and in turn facilitate development across counties Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. The treatment plant, serving the Lough Mask Regional Water…

Traveller sites tend to be associated with increased levels of crime, violence, anti-social behaviour, illegal dumping and burning. That's according to the County and City Management Association, which represents local authorities. It'll tell an Oireachtas…

Half price public transport for young people, a hike in the fuel allowance, and a rise in pensions are among the measures to be announced in today's budget. The 1.5 billion euro in additional spending will be largely aimed at addressing the rising cost of…

24 gardai have been suspended from duty so far this year. Justice Minister Heather Humphreys says 41 officers were suspended in all of last year, and 21 in 2019. There's been an increase since Drew Harris was appointed Garda commissioner three years ago.…

Primary school children in Mayo are being urged to sign up to support a nationwide campaign that’s aiming to plant tens of thousands of trees in a single day, to combat climate change. Schools that support the initiative will receive a native Irish tree…

1,358 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. The five-day moving average has risen to 1,578. The counties with the highest incidence rates are Longford, Waterford and Carlow, according to the latest figures, while Mayo has the lowest 7-day…

The HSE says a final Covid-19 vaccination clinic will take place in Belmullet on Friday next. The clinic will be open from 1-5 pm on Friday 15th October at the Belmullet Civic Centre. Anyone who has received their first dose in Belmullet and will be due their…

A rescue operation took place in Kilcummin Harbour in north Mayo yesterday, after a diver got into difficulty. The Irish Coast Guard has confirmed to Midwest News that the alarm was raised at about 11.15 yesterday morning, when a diver was reported as feeling…

The winner of a Lotto prize of €250,000 in north Mayo last week has come forward. The National Lottery has confirmed that the Lotto Plus 2 top prize winner from last Wednesday's draw has come forward, after buying their ticket at Bangor Erris Post Office,…

A petition with up to 200 names calling on Mayo County Council to address the speed of traffic on the Creagh Road in Ballinrobe was handed into the local authority by councillor Patsy O’Brien at the October monthly meeting of the Claremorris/ Swinford…

Independent Councillor Mike Cubbard says it’s frustrating to see car enthusiasts staging unofficial car meets in Galway City. 'Galway Car Scene' had organised an event to take place in Salthill on Sunday through Facebook, which caused outcry from locals and…

There's a jobs boost for Co Leitrim today, as 100 new jobs are being announced at VistaMed in Carrick on Shannon. The company is a leading catheter and extrusion provider to the global medical device industry. VistaMed already employs over 500 people in…

Today sees the highest number of patients on hospital trolleys in one day since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation is reporting 477 patients on trolleys - including 87 at University Hospital Limerick. In this region,…

The number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 has risen to 400 today, according to the latest figures. It is the highest number since 8 March. 74 of these patients are in intensive care. HSE CEO Paul Reid says the number of people in intensive care units…

The increasing number of unauthorised developments in Castlebar, where property owners are converting houses into flats or apartments needs to be addressed. That’s the view of Castlebar Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere. The councillor has called on Mayo county…

The country is under a status yellow fog warning this morning. Met Eireann says fog formed overnight will become dense in parts and leading to poor visibility, in particular in the midlands. The warning is due to be lifted at 11 o clock this morning.

The Rural Independent Group says the closure of 88 Bank of Ireland branches, including three in Mayo, is a significant blow to the country. It's describing it as a 'whittling away' of rural services. Leader of the Rural Independent Group, Deputy Mattie…

A government TD's calling for a full public inquiry to finding out who's culpable for the use of defective mica blocks. Fine Gael's Joe McHugh says a state redress scheme should extend to all homes with the building blocks. Officials have estimated the total…

Mayo native Anne Kavanagh has been named ‘Solicitor of the Year – Private Practice’ by the Law Society of England and Wales. The Ballina woman, who is a Partner with the Irwin Mitchell firm in Sheffield, won the award for her work with women and children…

Gardai in the Enniscrone area are advising homeowners in the sub-district of a number of burglaries over the weekend. The incidents happened over the course of Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday morning. Gardaí are seeking assistance from the…

The Department of Health has reported a further 1,384 new Covid cases today. There are 382 patients with the virus in hospital. 74 of those are in an intensive care unit.

Mayo based writer, Edel Burke, has been selected by Words Ireland to receive professional literary mentoring over the next eight months from an acclaimed Irish writer of their choice.Mayo County Councils Arts Service funded this literary mentorship along with…

Family Carers Ireland has launched a nationwide call for nominations for its Netwatch ‘Family Carer of the Year Awards’. The national charity is calling on members of the public to help shine a light on Ireland’s forgotten frontline by nominating family…

An online lotto player from Sligo won over €1.2 million euro in last night’s draw. Lotto players across the country still have the chance to become the largest Lotto jackpot winner ever seen in Ireland as there was no winner of the huge €19.06 million amount…

A Fine Gael MEP says not enough is being done to help prevent serious mental health issues in young people around the EU. Maria Walsh was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg where mental health issues were discussed this weekend by young people…

Gardaí in Leitrim have charged one man in relation to a drug seizure in Ballinamore yesterday. Cannabis herb and cocaine with an estimated street value of 55,000 euro were seized. One man, aged in his twenties, was released without charge last night, and a…

Creches and childcare facilities could be offered more money to improve staff pay, in return for a freeze on fees for parents. The Sunday Independent reveals that the new scheme is due to be announced in the Budget on Tuesday, It reports that Children's…

The Government expects the bill to the exchequer for compensation to Mother and Baby Homes survivors to reach over 1.5 billion euro. According to the Mail on Sunday, there's little confidence that Churches will contribute significantly based on previous…

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a two vehicle collision this evening, at Knockanillaun in Ballina.The collision, involving a van and a car, occurred on the N59 road at approximately 5.30pm. The four occupants of the car, all male, were…

Gardaí in Leitrim have seized drugs with a combined value of €55,000 and arrested two men following a search this morning. At approximately 9am, Gardaí attached to Ballinamore Garda Station, with assistance from the Armed Support Unit executed a search…

The Department of Health has reported 1,940 new covid cases today. It's a small decrease on yesterday's figure. There's 352 Covid patients in hospital, with 74 in ICU. It was also announced today that 92 percent of adults in Ireland are fully vaccinated…

Students feel misled regarding access to third level campuses. That’s the view of Mayo Deputy Rose Conway Walsh. The Sinn Fein spokesperson on Further and Higher Education says it’s welcome that third-level students have returned to campus after studying…

NUI Galway has said additional software will have to be installed on the university's IT systems as part of an ongoing effort to deal with a cyber attack. Internet traffic into and out of the college network has been disabled since last week after the initial…

Childcare, pensioners and people working from home look set to get a boost in the upcoming Budget. The Budget White Paper, released last night by the Department of Finance, confirmed a deficit of thirteen billion euro for this year, meaning the government has…

20 schools from Mayo were awarded the Green Flag this week for their dedication to sustainability and protecting their environment. Despite two school years with closures and challenges posed by COVID-19, 526 schools across Ireland were awarded Green Flags…

The Mica Action Group says the Government has been 'kicking the can down the road' for the majority of 10 years on the Mica problem. It comes after thousands of homeowners and supporters marched through Dublin city yesterday, calling for 100 per cent redress…

A public health expert says a quarter of the country is not yet vaccinated. Trinity College Dublin Associate Professor Tomás Ryan says this is because children have not received a vaccine. He says Ireland has an R number of around 1, after a jump to 2,002 new…

The Department of Health has this evening been notified of 2,002 new Covid-19 cases. As of 8am today, 354 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 73 are in ICU. The five-day moving average is 1,242. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn said:…

Residents in Crossmolina are on alert for the next 24 hours as heavy rain is forecast for this evening putting the town at an increased flooding risk. A Status Yellow weather warning for rain remains is in place today for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim,…

A Mayo woman has today been highly commended in the solo business woman of the year category at the Network Ireland Awards. Elaine Kennedy from Hawthorn hand care based in Partry on the shores of Lough Carra was today announced as the winner. After living in…

A third of Bank of Ireland branches will shut their doors for the final time today. 88 branches are closing as part of a move towards online transactions. While other services will be offered via the Post Office. In Mayo, branches will close their doors for…

Farmers from across Connacht are out in numbers, many on tractors, on the street in Roscommon this lunchtime. They are taking part in a protest rally organised by the IFA. It’s one of four regional rallies being held today in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and…

Irish Water and Mayo County Council are working to restore water supply to customers in Mulranny. Crews were mobilised this morning when raw water quality deteriorated following heavy rainfall. Irish Water and Mayo County Council say they regret any…

People from across the region are in Dublin this lunchtime taking part in a pyrite/mica protest. Thousands of campaigners have gathered at the Garden of Remembrance and will proceed down to the Customs House in the city to demand that the government commit to…

A Status Yellow weather warning for rain remains is in place today for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Sligo,Donegal, Cork and Kerry. Met Eireann is warning that rain is expected to be heaviest and most persistent later this evening, with significant…

People from across the region are heading to Dublin this morning to take part in a pyrite/mica protest. Campaigners will arrive in the capital to demand that the government commits to 100% redress. A draft report estimates that the total cost of the Redress…

Farmers from across Connacht will converge in Roscommon Town this morning (Friday) for a rally organised by the IFA. This is one of four regional rallies being held today in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and Cork, to protest against CAP cuts, climate change…

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar is in both Leitrim and Sligo today. He will officially open the Shed Distillery Experience, a €3.5m investment by the makers of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and will also turn the…

88 Bank of Ireland branches across the country will close their doors for the last time today. The bank is ceasing services at approx a third of all of its branches. It claims that over the last three years, there has been a 60% drop in the number of…

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 1,207 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. 355 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of which 69 are in ICUs. The five day moving average of the virus now stands at 1,052

A Mayo native reached number one on the iTunes Charts for Ireland yesterday with her debut single. Nicola O’Haire of Ballinrobe, and her cover of the folk song ‘Orphan Girl’ surpassed stars like Ed Sheeran and Elton John to the top of the 100-song chart.…

A Status Yellow weather warning for rain remains is in place for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Sligo,Donegal, Cork and Kerry. Met Eireann is warning that rain is expected to be heaviest and most persistent later tomorrow (Fri), and significant accumulations…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the vast majority of Irish businesses won't be impacted by the Government entering a new deal on a global minimum corporation tax rate. It's expected Ireland will confirm it's joining the OECD deal after a Cabinet meeting this…

Eight food producers from Co Mayo are among the winners in the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2021, which were held virtually once again this year. This is the 14th year of the awards, which recognise the best Irish food and drink products. Awards are presented in…

 A new exhibition entitled “Our Irish Chair:Tradition Revisted “ has opened at the National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, and displays a group of Irish chairs, which have been collected by the Museum for almost a century, and are…

There was one winner of the last night’s Lotto Plus 2 prize of 250,000 Euro. The winning ticket was bought in Bangor Erris Post Office in North Mayo. Mandy Carrabine of Centra in Bangor Erris which operates the Post Office says there is palpable excitement in…

Trolley numbers remain high across the region today. The latest figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation show 49 patients on trolleys at Galway University Hospital, 25 at Mayo University Hospital, 26 at Sligo University Hospital and 15 patients…

People from across Co Mayo who are impacted by pyrite damage in their home, or who know anyone in this situation, are being urged to travel to Dublin tomorrow to take part in a national demonstration. Campaigners are seeking 100% compensation for the cost of…

Sinn Fein is the most popular political party in the Connacht / Ulster region, according to the latest Irish Times/ IPSOS / MRBI poll. Sinn Fein is on 35% support in this region, with 23% for Fine Gael and 21% for Fianna Fail. The poll was carried out between…

A new van will be presented tomorrow to the O'Dwyer Cheshire Home in Bohola from funds raised during a Christmas lights display last year. The Coolegrane Lights near Foxford - organised by Kevin and Brendan Hughes -are one of the country's largest displays of…

A special Mass will be held at Knock Shrine next month in memory of all who died on the island of Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. The issue was discussed this week at the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference in Maynooth, where the bishops reflected on the…

A Mayo Deputy has voiced his frustration with the passport service citing a severe backlog in the system and a lack of response to queries. There are 1,232 passport applications from Mayo currently in the system and Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary says this…

There was no winner of last night's Lotto jackpot of 19 million Euro. The top prize was last won in July. There was one winner of the Lotto Plus 2 prize of 250,000 Euro. The winning ticket was bought in County Mayo.

A Status Yellow Weather Warning's in effect for five western coastal counties. Up to 50 millimetres of rain's forecast for parts of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal over the next 48 hours. A similar alert's due to take effect in Cork and Kerry from…

31 people have died after contracting Covid-19 in the past week. It brings the total number of deaths related to the virus in Ireland to 5,280. 984 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported to the Department of Health in the last 24 hours. Latest figures show…

The Attorney General is looking at ways to penalise quarries which sold defective mica blocks. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said he believes those responsible should play a role in fixing the problem. The Minister hasn't ruled out a 100 per cent…

A Status Yellow Rainfall Warning has been issued by Met Eireann which will come in to effect at Midnight. The weather advisory is for Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal and will remain in place until 3am on Saturday as heavy rain and flooding are…

Residents in some housing estates in Castlebar are terrorised and living in fear because of the anti-social behaviour of their neighbours, and in a number of these cases the perpetrators are housed by Mayo County Council in private residences. The issue was…

The contract is being signed today for the €200 million N5 road project from Ballaghadereen to Scramogue. It involves 34 km of new single carriageway road, extending from the western end of the existing N5 Ballaghadereen bypass to the townland of Scramogue in…

An IFA rally will take place in Roscommon town this Friday at 12.30. This is one of four such rallies being held across the country on Friday, under the title "Save Irish Farming". IFA President Tim Cullinane will attend all four rallies in Cavan, Roscommon,…

The death has taken place of Sligo-born Jimmy Neary, a well-known publican and restaurateur in New York. A native of Tubbercurry, Jimmy Neary emigrated to America in 1954 at the age of 24 and went on to establish the legendary Neary's restaurant on East 57th…

Ireland will continue to see Covid-19 cases for many months to come, but a NPHET member says the country is currently "in a good place" in the fight against the disease. Professor Philip Nolan said "people should not be fearful, but they should be careful" as…

There's good news for Westport this morning, as approval has been given for the construction of 17 age-friendly apartments. The new units will be constructed on the former Convent of Mercy site on Altamont Street, which has fallen into disrepair in recent…

A new €1 million fund has been announced to develop sensory gardens, to benefit children and adults with disabilities. Galway East TD, and Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte has launched the €1 million fund, which is open to organisations…

Today is Tyre Safety Day, and the Road Safety Authority, Gardai and the Irish Tyre Industry Association have teamed up to remind all road users to check their tyres to ensure they're roadworthy. It's estimated that defective tyres are contributory factor in…

Galway has been included in a list of the top ten Best Small Cities in the world. Over 800,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveller filled out a survey for the 2021 Readers' Choice Awards, with Galway making it to number 9 in the top ten list. In its citation, the…

1,124 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. The five-day moving average of cases has continued to fall, for the fourth day in a row. Meanwhile, latest figures show there are 349 Covid-positive patients in hospitals nationally, which is 16…

It's hoped the contract will be awarded before the end of this year for the new Coast Guard Station in Westport. That's according to Mayo FG Deputy Michael Ring, who sought an update on the project from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Deputy…

Heavy rain is expected over the western half of the country this Thursday and Friday. Met Eireann has issued a weather advisory for the Connacht counties, as well as Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Donegal. The forecaster says a band of rain is approaching…

A man was evacuated from Inishbofin island overnight by Achill Island RNLI. He was brought to Cleggan Pier in Galway and brought to University College Hospital Galway for treatment. The volunteer lifeboat crew of six with Dave Curtis as Coxswain, left Achill…

The exclusion of the Western Rail Corridor and the N26 road project should not be seen as the Government turning its back on the West -that's according to the Minster of State for Business Damien English, who says only projects at the end of reviews and…

The Achill Island RNLI was involved in a night-time medical evacuation from Inishbofin overnight. The volunteer lifeboat crew left Achill shortly before 10pm last night in the all-weather lifeboat, travelling 20 nautical miles to reach the casualty on…

Management at University Hospital Galway are warning that patients attending the Emergency Department are facing lengthy waiting times, due to the high number of people attending. The Saolta Hospital Group says there's pressure on bed availability in the…

The Irish Hospice Foundation is holding a two-day forum to examine our relationship with death and bereavement. The online event will include discussions on how we care for people at the end of their lives, and how best to support someone experiencing grief.…

€981,000 in funding has been announced for CAMHS services across the region and perinatal services in Galway. That’s according to the Minister for Disabilities and Fianna Fail TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte. The Department of Health details says an…

A Planetarium and an Observatory are two exciting, well advanced new developments planned for Mayo’s only National Park - whether it’s called Ballroy National Park or Wild Neiphin National Park or Wild Neiphin Ballycroy National Park. Details of both projects…

The National Parks & Wildlife Service has committed to “looking again” at its decision to rename Mayo's only national park. The decision by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to rename “Ballycroy National Park” to– “Wild Nephin National Park”, has evoked…

110 homeowners in Mayo have qualified for the Pyrite Redress Scheme , however, the number of premises with defective blocks in the county is set to be significantly higher. That was outlined yesterday at a Special Meeting of Mayo County Council.…

The Department of Health has reported 892 new cases of Covid-19 this evening. It's a 15% decrease on yesterday's figure, and the lowest daily figure reported since the 14th of July. There are 333 people in hospital with the virus, of whom 64 are being treated…

Visiting restrictions introduced last week at Roscommon University Hospital following an outbreak of Covid-19 have now been lifted on two wards. The visiting ban no longer applies to St Bridget's Ward or St Coman's Ward, but visiting to both wards will still…

Two Mayo TDs have expressed anger that there's no firm commitment to the Western Rail Corridor in the revised National Development Plan launched today by the Taoiseach and Government leaders in Cork. The plan outlines €165 billion euro in spending, which…

It’s almost impossible at present for ordinary people to rent a house, or even room in Mayo and buying a house is completely out of the reach of many. That’s according to Westport based Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn. The councillor says the situation could…

The Government must put more investment into University Hospital Galway to tackle waiting times for children in need of MRI scans. That’s according to Independent Galway East TD Sean Canney, who received confirmation that children are waiting up to 24 months…

A popular family entertainment centre in north Mayo is to close its doors permanently, with the loss of up to 20 jobs. Gateway Leisure in Belmullet, which is in business since 2009, is closing next Sunday, due to rising insurance costs. The business consists…

Ballaghaderreen native Vincent Roddy is the new President of the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA). His election was ratified at the organisation’s National AGM which was held in Donegal last Thursday. Roddy will lead a new team consisting of…

Baboró, Ireland’s International Arts Festival for Children, will celebrate twenty five years in existence with a very special festival beginning in Galway from today. This unique event had at its heart a vision of access to the arts for all children, inspired…

Modh Eile House, the new home of COPE Galway’s domestic abuse services for women and children in Galway, has secured an Irish Council for Social Housing Allianz Community Housing award for 2021. COPE Galway says all of Galway can take pride in this…

The Government will launch its revised, 165 billion euro National Development Plan this afternoon. Cabinet Ministers are gathering in Cork to sign off on the plan for capital spending over the next decade. Among the commitments expected is a BusConnects…

The HSE's urging people who need the flu jab to get it, as there's more chance the virus will spread this winter. Covid-19 restrictions around travel, social distancing and masking has cut flu levels across Europe to much lower levels than normal. People with…

Tributes have been paid following the death of former Mayo County Councillor Vinnie Munnelly. He served two consecutive terms on Mayo County Council as a Fine Gael elected representative for the Killala area. Mr Munnelly was first elected in 1979 and was a…

There are 1,051 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today - a decrease of 535 on yesterday's figure. 319 people are in hospital with the virus, up from 298. 60 Covid patients are in ICU.

Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh has hit out at those responsible for vandalising a plaque remembering Mayo hunger striker Michael Gaughan in Ardnaree. The Provisional Irish Republican Army hunger striker died in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight in…

A public health expert says the toll of post-viral symptoms after contracting Covid-19 will hit the poor hardest. Professor of Health Systems at DCU, Anthony Staines, says up to a tenth of that number will require medium or long-term care for "Long Covid". He…

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced the creation of a Taskforce to tackle Hospital waiting lists. In a letter to the recently resigned members of the Slainte Care Implementation Advisory Council, Minister Donnelly said waiting lists were…

319 Covid-positive patients are being treated in Irish hospitals today - the highest for more than two weeks. Figures show there's a rise from 298 since yesterday, while the total has increased by 7 percent. Latest figures from the HSE show there are 56…