Cloonacool to Tubbercurry road closed to traffic following single vehicle collision

Jun 20, 2019

Baby girl spent four nights in hospital after being exposed to cryptosporidium on Sligo water supply

A baby girl spent four nights in hospital after she was exposed to cryptosporidium according to this morning’s Irish Independent. A campaigner from the Lough Talt Water Warriors in Sligo, Kellie Cadman said she was given permission by the baby's family to…

Jun 20, 2019

Irish Water confirms to deputy that it has no plans to develop a regional sludge hub in county Mayo

Irish Water has confirmed to Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara Calleary that it has no plans to develop a regional sludge hub in the county. The response comes as residents living close to the waste water treatment plant located in the Belleek area of Ballina,…

Jun 20, 2019

There's expected to be disruption for patients in the health service today, despite strike action being called off

There's expected to be disruption for patients in the health service today - despite a strike by 10 thousand support staff being called off. They were due to stage a 24 hour walkout in a row over the implementation of pay rises. However, SIPTU's confirmed the…

Jun 19, 2019

Tomorrow's strike by health workers has been deferred to allow for talks at the Workplace Relations Commission

Tomorrow's strike by health workers has been deferred to allow for talks at the Workplace Relations Commission. Siptu representatives have confirmed that a 24 hour workplace stoppage at 38 hospitals and healthcare facilities has been postponed at the request…

Jun 19, 2019

Celebrations in Foxford this Friday to mark 242nd anniversary of the birth of Admiral Brown

To celebrate the 242nd anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown of Foxford, a model of his famous ship “Hercules” will go on exhibition in the town’s Admiral Brown Museum from Friday next. Admiral Brown, a native of Foxford, was the founder of the…

Jun 19, 2019

Gardai urge homeowners to secure their property during Summer months

Gardai are urging homeowners to secure their properties during the Summer months, as one in four burglars enter the property through an open door or window. This is part of a European burglary prevention initiative, with 12 countries co-ordinating burglary…

Jun 19, 2019

Residents of The Quay in Ballina oppose plans for sludge hub in Belleek

Residents in The Quay area of Ballina are highlighting their opposition to a proposed sludge hub for the Belleek area of the town. Irish Water has confirmed that the existing wastewater treatment plant in Belleek is one of five sites nationwide being examined…

Jun 19, 2019

Finance Minister urges both sides in health workers' dispute to continue trying to avoid tomorrow's strike

The Minister for Finance is urging both sides in the latest health workers dispute to continue with efforts to avoid tomorrow's planned strike. 10,000 health support staff who are members of the SIPTU trade union are due to stage industrial action from 8am…

Jun 19, 2019

Mayo TD calls on Ministers for Health & Finance to work with SIPTU to try and avoid strike by health support staff

A Mayo TD is calling on the Ministers for Health & Finance to work with SIPTU to try and avoid tomorrow' strike by health support staff. 10,000 hospital staff will take part in a 24-hour strike tomorrow, with further strikes planned for the coming weeks, in a…

Jun 19, 2019

€17,500 allocated for eight community-based festivals and Summer Schools in Mayo

Government funding totalling €17,500 has been allocated for eight community-based festivals and Summer Schools in Mayo. The scheme is designed to assit local cultural events, which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger-scale grants, such as…

Jun 18, 2019

Inland Fisheries Ireland is warning that a number of salmon are returning to Irish rivers with an unknown skin disease with reports of affected fish in the River Moy

Inland Fisheries Ireland is warning that a number of salmon are returning to Irish rivers with an unknown skin disease. The fish show signs of bleeding, ulceration and haemorrhaging mainly along the area on the belly and on the head and tail. There were…

Jun 18, 2019

HSE support staff at hospitals across the West to strike on Thursday

HSE support staff at Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Sligo University Hospitals, as well as Merlin Park and Portiuncla hospitals, are due to take strike action on Thursday in a row over pay. Across the country, 10,000 staff - represented by SIPTU - are set to…

Jun 18, 2019

Funeral of woman found dead at her home in Westport will take place in Cork on Thursday

The funeral will take place in Cork later this week of Valerie Kilroy, nee French, who was found dead at her home in Westport last Friday. The body of the 41-year old mother-of-three was discovered by Gardai at her home in Kilbree, Westport and her husband…

Jun 18, 2019

IFA says targets set out in Govt climate action plan are very demanding for agriculture

The targets set out in the Government's climate action plan are very demanding for agriculture- that's according to the IFA's Galway-based President Joe Healy. The plan, launched yesterday, aims to cut Ireland's carbon emissions on a sustained basis up to…

Jun 18, 2019

Number plates for Bikes - as part of Mayo's National Bike Week efforts

National Bike week in Ireland gets underway from Saturday next, and according to the Road Safety Officer for Mayo County Council Noel Gibbons, the explosion in bike usage in recent years is good news for the environment and should also help to ease congestion…

Jun 18, 2019

Christy Hyland elected Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District

The four Councillors elected last month for the Westport electoral area, and the three councillors elected in Belmullet must work together - regardless of their political persuasion - to further develop the towns and communities from Louisburg to Belmullet.…

Jun 18, 2019

Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has spoken of his deep shock at the death of Valerie French Kilroy in Westport , saying it is a time of "immense trauma" for her family

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has spoken of his deep shock at the death of Valerie French Kilroy in Westport , saying it is a time of "immense trauma" for her family. The mother-of-three was found dead at her home in Westport last…

Jun 18, 2019

Death has taken place of Pakistani-born businessman Sher Mohammed Rafique who started Halal Meats in Ballyhaunis

The death has taken place of Pakistani businessman Sher Mohammed Rafique, who ran a number of meat plants across Ireland, and first brought Muslim workers to Ballyhaunis. Mr Rafique opened Halal Meats in the 1970's, with its headquarters in Ballyhaunis. The…

Jun 18, 2019

10,000 health support workers set to strike for 24 hours on Thursday

Health services are to be severely disrupted this Thursday as ten thousand health support staff are set to take strike action. A variety of support-staff grades, including chefs, porters and healthcare assistants, are involved in a pay dispute with the HSE.…

Jun 18, 2019

Cabinet will this morning consider a bill to set up an alternative process for women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy

Cabinet Ministers will this morning consider a bill to set up an alternative process for women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy. Health Minister Simon Harris will bring the heads of the bill to cabinet. This bill would set up a tribunal for women to…

Jun 17, 2019

Minister Bruton publishes Govt plan on Climate Change

A focus on electric cars and home retrofits, and the elimination of non-recyclable plastics are among the key elements of the Government's plan for dealing with climate change, which was published this afternoon. Minister Richard Bruton's new plan will…

Jun 17, 2019

Mayo cyclists to undertake 2,000 km cycling challenge from Lourdes to Knock

Three Mayo men will undertake a 2,000 km ultra-cycling challenge this week from Lourdes to Knock. Alan Heaney from Swinford, Gary Bigley from Kiltimagh, Jonathon Verry from Crossmolina and Maurice Dore from Co Westmeath will cycle over 400km per day during…

Jun 17, 2019

Surgery resumes at Mayo University Hospital after failed water pump was replaced

Surgery has resumed today at Mayo University Hospital, following a problem with a water pump last week which resulted in the postponement of a number of procedures. The failed water pump in the Sterile Services Dept was replaced late last week, and the Saolta…

Jun 17, 2019

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny honoured at DCU Alumni Awards

Former Taoiseach and Mayo TD Enda Kenny received a DCU Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Mayo-based former Taoiseach was presented with the Leadership award at The Helix in DCU on Friday. Enda Kenny is the longest-serving public representative in…

Jun 17, 2019

Minister announces 270,000 euro for Order of Malta Ireland

€270,000 to support the work of the Order of Malta Ireland has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring. The funding will be provided under his Department’s Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and…

Jun 17, 2019

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is being made available again this year

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is being made available again this year. The Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty is issuing the reminder to families. The Minister is urging families who are not automatically entitled to the Back to…

Jun 17, 2019

A psychiatric evaluation has been sought for the man charged yesterday with the murder of his wife in Westport

A psychiatric evaluation has been sought for the man charged yesterday with the murder of his wife in Westport. 46-year-old James Kilroy, with an address at Kilbree Lower, Westport, was brought before Judge Fiona Lydon at a special sitting of Castlebar…

Jun 17, 2019

The Government will sign off on its Climate Action Plan at a special cabinet meeting this morning

The Government will sign off on its Climate Action Plan at a special cabinet meeting this morning. It contains targets across every Government department to reduce emissions and meet climate change commitments. Richard Bruton's new document is modeled on the…

Jun 16, 2019

46-year-old man appears in court this afternoon charged with murder of his wife in Mayo

A 46-year-old man appeared in court this afternoon (Sunday) charged with the murder of his wife. James Kilroy, with an address at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co. Mayo, was brought before Judge Fiona Lydon at a special sitting of Castlebar District Court. He has…

Jun 16, 2019

Man due to appear in court this afternoon charged in connection with the death of Valerie French Kilroy

A man in his 40s will appear in court this afternoon charged in connection with the death of Valerie French Kilroy in Kilbree, Westport. The man in his 40’s is due to appear before a special sitting of Castlebar District Court at 2pm this afternoon. A murder…

Jun 16, 2019

Iarnród Eireann invites members of the public and interested organisations to participate in public consultation on Western Rail Corridor

Iarnród Eireann has invited members of the public and interested organisations to participate in a public consultation as part of a financial and economic appraisal of proposals to extend the Western Rail Corridor. The purpose of the appraisal is to establish…

Jun 16, 2019

Green Party gaining ground after its strong result in local and European elections

The Green Party's gaining ground after its strong result in the local and European elections. The latest Sunday Times/ Behaviour & Attitudes June Poll out today, shows the Greens are up 6 points to 11 per cent. It's bad news for Fine Gael, which has seen its…

Jun 16, 2019

Father's Day event to take place in Galway today to raise awareness of men's mental health

A Father's Day event will get underway at midday in County Galway to raise awareness of men's mental health. People are encouraged to fly kites at South Park next to the River Corrib. All proceeds from the day will go towards local youth mental health…

Jun 16, 2019

Murder investigation launched by Gardai following death of woman in Kilbree, Westport

A murder investigation has been launched by Gardai following the death of a woman in Kilbree, Westport on Friday. A post-mortem examination was completed yesterday afternoon on the body of 41-year-old Valerie French Kilroy at Mayo University Hospital…

Jun 15, 2019

Gardai continue to question a man in connection with the death of a woman near Westport

Gardai are continuing to question a man in his forties in connection with the death of a woman in Co. Mayo. The woman has been named locally as Valerie Kilroy, a 41-year-old mother-of-three. Her body was found at a house in the Kilbree area of Westport…

Jun 15, 2019

Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office is asking people to consider buying the father a practical gift reminding him to stay safe on the roads

As Father's Day approaches this Sunday, Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office is asking people to consider buying the father a practical gift reminding him to stay safe on the roads. Instead of the usual gifts of socks or CDs, they're urging people to…

Jun 15, 2019

Historic twinning agreement has been signed in Co Galway this morning between Ireland and Canada

A historic twinning agreement has been signed in Co Galway this morning between Ireland and Canada. Minister of State Séan Kyne laid a wreath this morning at Derrygimlagh Bog near Clifden - the site where the first-ever non-stop translatlantic flight landed…

Jun 15, 2019

Protest planned in Galway today in support of ambulance staff

Hundreds of people will take to the streets across Ireland today to support ambulance staff. Paramedics have been on strike for several days since January, as they lobby the HSE to recognise their union, Nasra. The campaign continues today with protests in…

Jun 15, 2019

Sligo TD calls for transparency in An Garda Siochána

An Garda Siochána says there were 91 findings of 'neglect of duty' against Gardaí last year. Details released under the Freedom of Information show 118 officers were found to have committed breaches of discipline in 2018. There were 25 discreditable-conduct…

Jun 15, 2019

Plans for a multi-million euro housing development in Galway

There are plans for a multi-million-euro housing development in Galway. The proposals involve 335 apartments in Knocknacarra District Centre in Rahoon. They've been lodged with An Bord Pleanála, under the new fast-track mechanism for large developments.

Jun 15, 2019

Man arrested in connection with the death of a woman in Westport

Gardai are questioning a man in his forties after the death of a woman in County Mayo. Her body was discovered yesterday morning at a house in the Westport area. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out later today. Garda inquiries got under…

Jun 14, 2019

Mayo Co Co notice on private drinking water supplies

Mayo County Council Comhairle Contae Mhaigh Eo PRIVATE DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN WATER SUPPLY AND THIS SUPPLY SERVES THE PUBLIC OR A COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY, THEN THIS WATER SUPPLY IS A SMALL PRIVATE SUPPLY (SPS) AND YOU NEED TO REGISTER IT…

Jun 14, 2019

Production to start next month at Achill Island Distillery, with creation of up to 25 jobs

The operators of a new whiskey distillery in Achill are hoping to start production next month. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring visited Bunnacurry this afternoon to officially open the new Achill Island Distillery. The company hopes…

Jun 14, 2019

Mayo University Hospital hopes to resume full schedule of surgery next week

Mayo University Hospital says they hope to resume a full schedule of surgery next week, after a number of procedures were postponed at the hospital this week, due to a problem with a water pump. The failed water pump in the hospital's Sterile Services…

Jun 14, 2019

Surgery still being postponed at Mayo University Hospital due to problem with water pump

Surgical procedures are still being deferred at Mayo University Hospital, due to a problem with a water pump which has led to the postponement of a number of surgeries over the past week. On Tuesday, the Saolta Hospital group confirmed to Midwest News that…

Jun 14, 2019

MEP Luke Ming Flanagan seeks meeting with EU officials over €100 beef support scheme

Midlands-Northwest MEP Luke Ming Flanagan is seeking a meeting with EU Commission agriculture officials to clarify details of the €100 million support scheme for the Irish beef industry. €50 million is being provided by the EU, with matching funds from the…

Jun 14, 2019

Mayo Co Co receives complaints about smell of slurry spreading

Mayo County Council is one of a number of local authorities that have received complaints over the last two years about farmers spreading slurry. The Irish Farmers Journal reports that almost 250 complaints nationally have been made - with the complaints to…

Jun 14, 2019

Minister Ring has two official engagements in Mayo today

The official opening will take place this morning of new classrooms at Knockrooskey National School near Westport. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring will be at the school at 11am this morning (Friday) to open the extended and…

Jun 14, 2019

Department of Education now actively involved in trying to solve issue around lease for accommodation for Newtownwhite Educate Together NS

The Department of Education is now actively involved in trying to sort out an issue with a lease, which is preventing work from progressing on new accomodation approved for Newtownwhite Educate Together National School. That's according to Mayo-based FG…

Jun 14, 2019

Issue which affected Vodafone services is resolved

An issue that affected some Vodafone mobile and data services yesterday afternoon has been resolved. Vodafone Ireland confirmed in a tweet yesterday evening that the issue that had affected some mobile and data services had been identified and resolved as of…

Jun 14, 2019

Sinn Fein appealing to community in Co Leitrim to co-operate with Garda investigation into violent attacks

A Sinn Féin TD is appealing to a community in County Leitrim to co-operate with a Garda investigation into violent attacks. It follows a suspected petrol-bomb attack, an arson attack and a shooting in Mohill recently. It's understood the incidents may be…

Jun 13, 2019

Vodafone connection problems with both mobile and fixed line services

Vodafone customers are experiencing connection problems this afternoon with both mobile and fixed line services. On Twitter the company says it's investigating 'potential disruption' that is reported to be affecting number of locations across the country. A…

Jun 13, 2019

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne elected Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District

The first meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District was held this afternoon. Seven Councillors were elected in Castlebar in last month's local elections - with three seats for Fianna Fail, 3 Fine Gael and one Independent - Michael Kilcoyne. Councillor…

Jun 13, 2019

Councillor Tom Connolly elected Cathaoirleach of new Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District

Further developing Ireland West Airport Knock, and the strategic zone around the airport to attract new industry and jobs is a key priority for the new Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris / Swinford Municipal District. The first meeting of the new authority took…

Jun 13, 2019

Another medical evacuation for Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat crew

It's been a busy week for the Aran Islands RNLI as the volunteer crew were called out to help a tourist who fell on rocky ground yesterday evening. The crew were asked to launch the all-weather lifeboat at 6pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to…

Jun 13, 2019

CCTV cameras installed at roadworks on N60 near Balla

As roadworks continue on the N60 on the outskirts of Balla, Mayo County Council has installed two high-definition CCTV cameras in a bid to crack down on motorists breaking traffic lights and speeding through the road works site. Two CCTV cameras have now been…

Jun 13, 2019

Erris Senator says many questions remain unanswered around Belmullet District Hospital, despite assurances from Ministers Daly and Ring

An Erris Senator has responded to assurances given by Minister for Older People Jim Daly and Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring in relation to Belmullet District Hospital. Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly told the…

Jun 13, 2019

Roscommon TD raises concerns over cuts to home help services in the Dail

A Roscommon TD has called for immediate action to ensure that the money provided by Dáil Éireann for home help is used to increase hours available to support older people in their homes, not spent on administration. Independent TD Denis Naughten raised the…

Jun 13, 2019

New figures show that ambulance response time targets were only met in 52% of cases in the west this year

On two occasions this year, it took an ambulance over an hour to arrive at a life-threatening emergency. New figures also show that response-time targets aren't being met in up to 50 per cent of such cases across the country. HIQA says ambulances should…

Jun 13, 2019

Minister Ring welcomes Minister Daly's assurances on Belmullet District Hospital

Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly told the Dail yesterday evening that Belmullet District Hospital will not be downgraded under his watch. It came as concerns over the facility and Aras Deirbhle were raised by Fianna Fail Deputy Leader,…

Jun 13, 2019

Miss Selfridge in Galway is one of six Irish stores earmarked to close

It's hoped some of staff in the Irish Ardcadia stores that are to close will be redeployed. It was confirmed yesterday that 23 outlets across Britain and Ireland are to shut, as part of a restructuring arrangement. Up to 100 staff in six Irish stores,…

Jun 12, 2019

Minister Daly tells Deputy Dara Calleary there will be no downgrading of Belmullet District Hospital while he is in office

A Mayo TD today raised concerns over Belmullet District Hospital and Aras Deirbhle on a topical issue in the Dail with Minister for Older People Jim Daly. Minister Daly assured Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary that there is no threat to the future of the…

Jun 12, 2019

SIPTU Health representatives accept invitation to attend exploratory talks at WRC

SIPTU Health representatives have today accepted an invitation to attend exploratory talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tomorrow at 2.30pm to discuss the dispute on job evaluation. The dispute has led to the scheduled strike action of 10,000…

Jun 12, 2019

Galway man collects Lotto cheque for over €4 million

A Galway man has claimed last weekend's Lotto jackpot of over €4 million euro. The winner collected his cheque at National Lottery offices yesterday, after winning last Saturday night's draw. He found out at 1.30 am Sunday morning that he had won, after…

Jun 12, 2019

Roscommon TD welcomes changes to Fair Deal, but says details of scheme need to be clarified

The Cabinet's approval of changes to the Fair Deal scheme which will assist farmers and small business owners are welcome, but the details of the changes need to be clarified, according to Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice. The current system sees farm…

Jun 12, 2019

Public meeting in Ballycroy tonight to try and save local playschool

A public meeting will be held in Ballycroy tonight at 8.30 pm to try and save the local playschool in the north Mayo village. Due to falling numbers of children attending the Naonra and after-school club, the facility is at imminent risk of closure, according…

Jun 12, 2019

Roscommon TD secures Dail debate tonight on home-help cuts

Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten has secured a Dáil debate tonight to seek a reversal of the HSE's decision to cut the allocation of home help hours to older people. Deputy Naughten says he secured the debate with the support of the Ceann Comhairle due…

Jun 12, 2019

Mayo company included in Top 50 list of Irish construction contractors

Ireland's top construction companies increased their turnover by 25% last year to €8.39 billion euro. € 5.9 billion of this activity took place in Ireland, while and almost € 2.5 billion was generated from exported construction services. John Sisk & Son was…

Jun 12, 2019

Oil spill on N59 from Bangor Erris to Crossmolina

Motorists in north Mayo are being warned of a serious oil spill on the N59 from Bangor Erris to Bellacorrick and on into Crossmolina. Mayo County Council and Belmullet Gardai are urging motorists to drive slowly on this road this morning.

Jun 12, 2019

Mayo TD calls for ambulance base to be provided in Ballinrobe to serve south Mayo

A Mayo TD is calling on the Health Minister Simon Harris to provide an ambulance base in the Ballinrobe area. Fianna Fail Deputy Lisa Chambers says the South Mayo area was promised an ambulance base by the last Government, but people in the region are still…

Jun 12, 2019

Woman gives birth on Galway-Dublin train

There was an unexpected arrival on the 3.04pm rail service from Galway to Dublin yesterday. The woman went into labour shortly after the train left Galway. After the alarm was raised, the train stopped at Kildare Station at around 5pm and emergency services…

Jun 11, 2019

Man fatally injured in road collision near Williamstown, Co Galway

A man in his sixties has died in a road crash in east Galway. It followed a single-vehicle collision in the Croagh Hill area of Williamstown, at 8 o'clock last night. The driver of the vehicle, who was sole occupant of the car, was pronounced dead at the…

Jun 11, 2019

HSE approves Spinraza for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The HSE has today approved the drug Spinraza for children with SMA -Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Following a long campaign to have the drug approved, the HSE has given the green light this afternoon. Two children from the south Mayo region - Grace O'Malley and…

Jun 11, 2019

Mayo Co Co to host climate action information evenings across the county this week

Mayo County Council is to host climate action information evenings in three locations across the county this week, following the launch of the Public Consultation Process for the draft Climate Adaptation Strategy. The public are invited to make submissions on…

Jun 11, 2019

Surgical procedures postponed at Mayo University Hospital due to problem with water pump

A number of surgical procedures have been postponed over the last few days at Mayo University Hospital, due to a problem with a water pump. The Saolta Hospital Group has confirmed to Midwest News that a problem with a water pump in the Hospital Sterile…

Jun 11, 2019

Funding of over €5.7 Million confirmed for Ireland West Airport

Funding of over €5.7 million has been confirmed for Ireland West Airport Knock. The airport has been approved capital expenditure of over 4.7 million public policy remit-Capital funding of a little under one million euro. €4.7 million will go towards the…

Jun 11, 2019

Gardai confirm to Midwest News that yesterday’s suspect device found in Ballina was an elaborate hoax and no danger to the public

Gardai have confirmed to Midwest News this morning that yesterday’s device which was found in Ballina was an elaborate hoax and of no danger to the public. A suspect device was discovered at approximately 3am yesterday outside a house in the Mount Assumpta…

Jun 11, 2019

Over 500 people pack in to public meeting over the Future of Belmullet Hospital as Mayo Senator says there was a lot of anger in the room last night

A huge crowd attended last night’s public meeting in the Talbot Hotel surrounding the future of the Belmullet District Hospital and Aras Deirbhle Nursing Home. Local Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh who organised the meeting, says it was evident last night…

Jun 11, 2019

Flag Raising ceremony to take place on Thursday at Rinroe Beach in North Mayo to mark the beach gaining the Green Coast Flag

A flag-raising ceremony will take place on Rinroe Beach near Carrowteigue in north Mayo this Thursday to mark the beach gaining the Green Coast Flag. This Summer, Mayo has achieved Blue Flag status for ten beaches and seven Green Coast Awards, with Rinroe the…

Jun 11, 2019

Roscommon TD says he's 'hopeful' that the Ceann Comhairle will suspend the Dáil later today to allow a debate on cuts to home help hours take place

Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten says he's 'hopeful' that the Ceann Comhairle will suspend the Dáil later today to allow a debate on cuts to home help hours take place. He says the move by the HSE to slash the allocation makes no sense as its cost is a…

Jun 10, 2019

Castlebar Chamber hosting special seminar this evening

Castlebar Chamber are hosting a seminar this evening so that members and other Community Stakeholders can hear more about the findings of a new report. In 2015 Chambers of Commerce and a group of Action Oriented Partners from nine western counties up to a…

Jun 10, 2019

Public meeting tonight to discuss the future of Belmullet Hospital

A Public meeting will take place tonight in the Talbot Hotel, Belmullet surrounding the future of Belmullet Community Hospital. A Public Meeting to oppose the cuts to Belmullet Hospital and Áras Deirbhle Nursing Home has been organised by Mayo Senator Rose…

Jun 10, 2019

Minister Shane Ross to open new visitor attractions this evening at Kylemore Abbey in Connemara

The Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Shane Ross will visit Connemara this evening, to officially open a new element in the visitor experience at Kylemore Abbey & Gardens. The new experience, called "From Generation to Generation-The Story of Kylemore…

Jun 10, 2019

Roscommon TD calls for Dáil to be suspended to debate cuts in home-help hours

The HSE's decision to suspend the allocation of new Home Help hours will hit the counties of Mayo, Galway and Roscommon hardest, as demand in the West is far greater than anywhere else in the country - that's according to Roscommon Independent TD Denis…

Jun 10, 2019

Army's EOD team leaves Ballina with suspect device, while roads reopen

Gardai and the Army's bomb disposal team have been dealing with a suspect device this morning in the Mount Assumpta area of Ballina. The Army's EOD team has now left the scene and taken the device with them for further examination to determine if it's viable.…

Jun 10, 2019

Army bomb disposal team dealing with suspect device in Ballina

Gardai and the Army's bomb disposal team are dealing with a suspect device this morning in the Mount Assumpta area of Ballina. Gardai say the area has been sealed off, and a number of residents were evacuated overnight and are being accomodated with…

Jun 10, 2019

Ballina ranked 6th place in Irish Business Against Litter survey

Ballina has returned to the Irish Business Against litter campaign with one of its best-ever results. The North Mayo capital is ranked in 6th place overall in the ranking of 40 towns and cities nationwide, and is described as "Cleaner than European Norms".…

Jun 10, 2019

Death has taken place in USA of former Mayo All-Ireland winning footballer Dr Padraig Carney

The death has taken place in the USA over the weekend of Dr Padraig Carney, also known as ‘The Flying Doctor’. Dr Carney was a member of the All-Ireland winning Mayo teams of 1950 & 1951. A native of Swinford, he was called "The Flying Doctor" after being…

Jun 10, 2019

Fire services attend house fire on outskirts of Ballyhaunis

Fire services were called to the scene of a house fire early this morning on the outskirts of Ballyhaunis. Gardai and fire services attended the scene on the Tooreen road. One person, who was in the house at the time, was taken to hospital for observation,…

Jun 09, 2019

Scientists have confirmed that bones found washed up on a Canadian beach are those of Irish Famine victims

Scientists have confirmed that bones found washed up on a Canadian beach are those of Irish Famine victims. The bones are believed to be from an 1847 shipwreck. The ship, which left Sligo with 180 passengers, sank off the coast of Gaspe, killing 150 of those…

Jun 09, 2019

The winning ticket for last night’s lotto draw was sold in Galway

The winning ticket for last night’s lotto draw was sold in Galway. The ticket worth over €4m was sold in Joyce’s Supermarket in Doughiska. The numbers drawn were 9, 10, 34, 37, 40, 47 and the bonus number was 7.

Jun 09, 2019

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

Mayo County Council has signed up to a partnership with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. At a ceremony during the Mayo Day event at Turlough House in Castlebar, then Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Blackie Gavin and Chief Executive Peter Hynes signed a…

Jun 09, 2019

Sinn Fein says Rockall Row is posing a risk to the livelihoods of Irish Fishing community

Sinn Fein says the Rockall Row is posing a risk to the livelihoods of the Irish Fishing community. It comes as an escalation this weekend sees Ireland and Scotland standing toe-to-toe over fishing rights around the tiny disputed rock in the North Atlantic.…

Jun 09, 2019

Homeowners with solar panels could earn up to €400 a year under new government initiative

Homeowners with solar panels could earn up to 400 euro a year under a new government initiative. A proposal under its climate action plan would allow for excess electricity generated to be sold to the national grid. The exact level of earnings would depend on…

Jun 08, 2019

Fáilte Ireland will invest €150million into developing major new visitor attractions of scale across the country

Fáilte Ireland will invest €150million into developing major new visitor attractions of scale across the country. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross today launched Fáilte Ireland’s new Platforms for Growth initiative which will…

Jun 08, 2019

Fans going to Metallica warned of traffic restrictions in Slane and airport style security checks

Metallica's first Irish show in a decade kick's off this evening at Slane Castle. The band arrive as part of their European Tour, with huge crowds making their way to the County Meath venue this afternoon. Traffic restrictions are in place around Slane…

Jun 08, 2019

Special Mass of Remembrance to take place tomorrow in Mervue for those who have experienced the death of a child

A special mass of remembrance will take place this Sunday June 9th in the Holy Family Church Mervue for parents and their families who have experienced the death of a child before birth, shortly after birth or at a later stage to remember their loved ones.…

Jun 08, 2019

Fianna Fail TD says row over fishing rights between Irish and Scottish governments has shocked fishermen here

A Fianna Fail TD says the row over fishing rights between the Irish and Scottish governments has shocked fishermen here and left them worried about what's to come. The row erupted last night after Scotland threatened 'enforcement action' against Irish vessels…

Jun 07, 2019

Minister says lessions have been learned from case of Direct Provision resident living in Galway, buried by the State without any of her friends' knowledge

The Minister for Justice says the case of a Direct Provision resident, who was buried by the State without any of her friends' knowledge, will not be repeated. Sylva Tukula, a transgender woman in her 30s who was living in an all-male Galway centre, died last…

Jun 07, 2019

Castlerea based Fianna Fail Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice elected Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council

Castlerea based Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice has been elected Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council today. A grouping of six Fianna Fail, two Fine Gael and two Independents backed Cllr Fitzmaurice in a vote earlier today to be elected…

Jun 07, 2019

Local TD welcomes announcement of funding of €450,000 for development of marina at Lake O'Flynn

Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the announcement of funding for the development of a marina at Lake O’Flynn. The marina, which will be developed by Ballinlough Development Association, will include berths for 24 angling boats, a floating jetty, a fishing…

Jun 07, 2019

Statement from Belmullet Hospital Action Committee following meeting today

A Belmullet Hospital Action Committee has been formed following a meeting of staff from Belmullet District Hospital and Aras Deirbhle yesterday. In a statement this evening the committee says it endeavours to maintain and improve current services at the two…

Jun 07, 2019

Belmullet Staff Hospital Action Committee formed following meeting yesterday

A Belmullet Staff Hospital Action Committee has been formed following a meeting of staff from Belmullet District Hospital and Aras Deirbhle yesterday. That was confirmed by local Fianna Fail Senator Keith Swanick, who chaired the meeting. Senator Swanick, who…

Jun 07, 2019

Councillor Brendan Mulroy elected Cathoirleach of Mayo County Council

Westport Fianna Fail Cllr Brendan Mulroy has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, following a hotly elected contest today. Fianna Fail, working with the Independents elected to the local authority have managed to strike a deal to…

Jun 07, 2019

A county Mayo student has been awarded a scholarship from UCD

A county Mayo student has been awarded a scholarship from UCD. Kayleigh Kanakis, from Killimor, outside Ballinrobe is in her second year of a Science degree at UCD. She has functional movement disorder and nummular headaches, and received a Cothrom na Féinne…

Jun 07, 2019

Pedestrian in her sixties fatally injured in Elphin yesterday evening

Roscommon gardaí are investigating a fatal road traffic collision at Kilmaryal, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. The collision occurred at approximately 8pm yesterday evening. A pedestrian, a female in her 60’s, was fatally injured when she was struck by a vehicle. She…

Jun 07, 2019

Mental Health Hub planned by HSE for Castlerea's Rosalie Unit

The HSE West has finally revealed its plan to change the current use of the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, that is controversially closing as a residential facility for people with dementia. A meeting took place earlier this week in Merlin Park, with Minister Jim…

Jun 06, 2019

Gardai and Department of Agriculture officials search farms in five counties, including Roscommon and Sligo as part of investigation into tampering of passports and microchips of horses

Gardaí and the Department of Agriculture searched farms in five counties this morning as part of an investigation into the tampering of identification passports and microchips of horses presented for slaughter. The Garda National Bureau of Criminal…

Jun 06, 2019

The HSE has refuted the accusation that no admissions will be made to Belmullet District Hospital amidst growing local concerns this week about developments at the facility

The HSE has refuted the accusation that no admissions will be made to Belmullet District Hospital amidst growing local concerns this week about developments at the facility. However, it acknowledges that due to changes in staffing operations the number of…

Jun 06, 2019

Searches taking place this morning across a number of locations including in Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim

This morning, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are conducting planned searches at locations in Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo,…

Jun 06, 2019

Aurivo currently accepting applications for Aurivo Gaffney & Mulleady Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Scholarship programme

Aurivo is at present accepting applications for the Aurivo Gaffney & Mulleady Agriculture, Food & Nutrition Scholarship programme. The scholarship programme is open to all students in Aurivo’s catchment area who are considering a level 7 or level 8 third…

Jun 06, 2019

Decision by HSE to close Home Help Scheme to new entrants will trap carers in their homes according to Roscommon TD

The decision by the HSE to close the Home Help Scheme to new entrants will trap carers in their homes and leave them unable to access a break from the 24/7 care they provide. That’s according to Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten who has warned that it…

Jun 06, 2019

Status yellow rain warning remains in place for 7 counties - including Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo

A status yellow rain warning remains in place for 7 counties until nine o'clock this morning. The counties affected include Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo. There will be showers across the country today, but some dry spells in…

Jun 05, 2019

24 hour strike to place later this month at 38 hospitals including MUH

A 24 hour strike will take place at 38 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country on June 20th. The action is being taken by hospital support workers in a row over pay increases linked to a job evaluation scheme. SIPTU claims the government has…

Jun 05, 2019

Sligo TD critical of proposal to return bankers bonuses

A proposal by the former governor of the Central Bank to return bankers bonuses has been slammed. In a letter to the Finance Minister, Philip Lane gave his support to an end to a cap on banker’s bonuses. However, member of the Public Accounts Committee and…

Jun 05, 2019

Teenager stabbed in Galway in the early hours of this morning

An investigation has been launched after a man in his late teens was stabbed in Galway overnight. The incident happened at around half three this morning in the St. Francis Street area of the city, not far from Eyre Square. A man in his late teens was…

Jun 05, 2019

The Communications Committee is to meet later today to discuss the National Broadband Plan

The Communications Committee is to meet later today to discuss the National Broadband Plan. It'll hear separately from KPMG, who were appointed in 2014 to advise on ownership options and the procurement process, and ComReg, the telecommunications regulation…

Jun 05, 2019

An estimated 350,000 cars on Irish roads have an illegally low thread depth

An estimated 350,000 cars on Irish roads have an illegally low thread depth. However, research by Continental Tyres shows just 450 drivers have been issued penalty notices for bald tyres over the last three years. Under road safety legislation, tyres must…

Jun 05, 2019

More than 54-thousand will sit the Leaving Cert and almost 63-thousand will sit the Junior Cert over the next three weeks

The State examinations begin today for some 124,000 pupils with a range of new measures aimed at reducing stress and anxiety levels. Youth mental health services such as Jigsaw have recorded a spike in the number of young people seeking support in the lead-up…

Jun 05, 2019

Just 182 applicants in Mayo have availed of Government’s Help to Buy Scheme, according to latest data

Just 182 applicants in Mayo have availed of Government’s Help to Buy Scheme Mayo ranks 12th in the list of counties with people availing of Help to Buy Scheme When it comes to housing reliefs and grants, the level of knowledge and awareness amongst the…

Jun 04, 2019

Major Power outage in Glenamaddy and Ballindine

There is a major power outage in the Glenamaddy, Ballindine and Ballyhaunis areas this afternoon. Over 2,500 ESB customers are affected and it’s anticipated that they should have power restored by 4.15pm this afternoon.

Jun 04, 2019

Flanagans Gastro Pub in Brickens has been awarded Just Ask Restaurant of the Month for June

Flanagans Gastro Pub in Brickens has been awarded Just Ask Restaurant of the Month for June. Selected by food writer Georgina Campbell and Bord Bia, the Just Ask Restaurant of the Month rewards eateries across Ireland that exhibit best practices in showing…

Jun 04, 2019

Rail passengers attempting to board the early morning train yesterday at Ballyhaunis found the station was closed when they arrived

Rail passengers attempting to board the early morning train yesterday at Ballyhaunis found the station was closed when they arrived. Passengers managed to access the train through an adjoining goods yard. Midwest News contacted Iarnrod Eireann today to ask…

Jun 04, 2019

Supermac boss blames judiciary for "compensation culture"

The judiciary is "letting the whole country down" in the way it handles compensation cases, according to the founder of Supermacs. Galway's Pat McDonagh believes the current system is not working. He wants a greater sense of urgency from politicians to tackle…

Jun 04, 2019

No new admissions to Belmullet District Hospital, and beds set to close as HSE ban the hiring of agency staff

Due to pressure on budgets, agency staff can no longer be engaged in Belmullet District hospital, according to the HSE and all temporary contracts will not be renewed when they expire. The direct impact of this is, that beds will be closed at both the…

Jun 04, 2019

Minister Ring announces 240,000 euro to support apprenticeship programmes in GMIT

€240,000 to support apprenticeship programmes in GMIT has been announced this morning by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring. €180,000 has been allocated to support motor apprenticeships while €60,000 has been allocated to support…

Jun 02, 2019

Yellow wind warning in place for Mayo and Galway

A yellow wind warning has been issued for Galway and Mayo this afternoon. Gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour are expected in parts of the west coast. Met Éireann has issued the warning from 2pm until 7pm this evening.

Jun 02, 2019

Roscommon Senator calling on her colleagues in Government to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces

A Roscommon Senator is calling on her colleagues in Government to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces. Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins has raised the issue this week with Taoiseach Leo Varadker and the Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe.…

Jun 02, 2019

Annual Esker Novena begins on Tuesday

The annual Esker Novena in Esker on Tuesday and runs until Wednesday June 12th. There will be daily sessions throughout the Novena at 8am, 10am, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm & 10pm on weekdays and at 8am, 10am, 12noon, 4.30pm, 6pm & 8pm on Sunday. Confessions will be heard…

Jun 02, 2019

Changes to legislation that govern dog-breeding establishments are in the pipeline according to Galway Minister

Changes to the legislation that govern dog-breeding establishments are in the pipeline in an effort to tackle over-breeding in often squalid and inhumane conditions. Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Galway based TD Sean Canney, also…

Jun 02, 2019

Ireland West Airport welcomes first scheduled service from Cologne with Ryanair

Ireland West Airport yesterday welcomed the first scheduled service from Cologne with Ryanair to the West of Ireland. Between June and September Ryanair will operate direct flights to and from Cologne every Tuesday and Saturday. Cologne is Germany’s fourth…

Jun 01, 2019

Mayo business Velvet Cloud featured at Bord Bia’s Bloom business breakfast, attended by 250 trade buyers this week

Mayo business Velvet Cloud featured at Bord Bia’s Bloom business breakfast, attended by 250 trade buyers this week. The Claremorris based company provides artisan dairy products made from sheep’s milk and is launching this season’s Rockfield sheep’s cheese at…

Jun 01, 2019

Mayo County Council’s Climate Action Department launches Public Consultation Process for draft Climate Adaptation Strategy – Climate Ready Mayo

Mayo County Council’s Climate Action Department this week launched their Public Consultation Process for its draft Climate Adaptation Strategy – Climate Ready Mayo. The draft policy was launched in Bridge Street, Castlebar last Wednesday by Director of…

Jun 01, 2019

Saolta Hospital Group in the process of holding interviews for additional consultants at Roscommon Hospital

The Saolta Hospital Group is in the process of holding interviews for additional consultants at Roscommon Hospital. Roscommon Independent TD Denis Naughten says this is a result of the investment he secured for the hospital in Budget 2018. One of the…

Jun 01, 2019

Plans for student accommodation for hundreds of people in Galway

There are plans for student accommodation for hundreds of people in Galway. Montane Developments Limited has lodged a planning application with An Bord Pleanála. The development would comprise 272 student bedspaces in Coolough Road, Terryland. The planning…

May 31, 2019

Rail services between Dublin and Sligo are disrupted this evening as a train has struck cattle on the line at Kilcock

Rail services between Dublin and Sligo are disrupted this evening as a train has struck cattle on the line at Kilcock. The line is blocked and services have been stopped both ways. It's affecting all Sligo services and any service running through Maynooth.…

May 31, 2019

The PNA says it plans to 'escalate' its current dispute with the HSE if a solution isn't found

The Psychiatric Nurses Association says it plans to 'escalate' its current dispute with the HSE if a solution isn't found. Over 500 ambulance service staff with the union are in the middle of a 24 hour strike in a row over union recognition. The PNA is…

May 31, 2019

Residents along the N17 near Charlestown will have a more reliable water supply due to a programme of works which gets underway next week

Residents along the N17 near Charlestown will have a more reliable water supply due to a programme of works which will commence next week. Irish Water, working with Mayo County Council is starting a programme of works to replace 700 metres of water main on…

May 31, 2019

Tuesday was one of the busiest days in history of Mayo Mountain Rescue Team - with exception of Reek Sundays

Tuesday last was one of the busiest days in the history of the Mayo Mountain Rescue Team - with the exception of Reek Sundays. The team dealt with three separate call-outs to incidents on Croagh Patrick, between 11am and 7pm. With the exception of Reek…

May 31, 2019

Gardai appealing to road users to take extra care this Bank Holiday Weekend

Gardai are appealing to road users to take extra care when using the roads this Bank Holiday weekend. Gardai say there will be an increase in the number of people using the roads with various events taking place and the start of the school holidays for…

May 31, 2019

Ambulance members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association holding the first of a series of 24-hour strikes today

Ambulance members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association are holding the first of a series of 24 hour strikes today. There have been six previous 10 hour strikes, as part of a long running campaign over trade union representation rights. The ambulance branch…

May 31, 2019

Man remanded in custody charged with murder of Co Galway pensioner

A man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a Co Galway pensioner. 54-year-old Michael Scott from Goranumera in Portumna has been charged with the murder of Chrissie Treacy from Portumna on April 27th last year. The 75-year-old lived along…

May 30, 2019

Man due in court this evening in connection with woman's death on Co Galway farm last year

A man is due in court this evening charged in connection with the death of a woman following an incident on a farm in Co Galway last year. On the afternoon of the 27th April 2018, a woman in her mid-70's died after being struck by an agricultural vehicle on a…

May 30, 2019

Bathing water quality "excellent" at 12 Mayo beaches, says EPA

The bathing water quality at 12 beaches in Co Mayo has been described as excellent in the latest EPA report. The 2018 EPA Bathing Water report examined bathing water quality during the long hot Summer of 2018, and found that - of 15 beaches tested - 12 had…

May 30, 2019

Mayo University Hospital apologises in High Court for standard of care provided to Castlebar woman

Mayo University Hospital has apologised in the High Court for the standard of care provided to a woman who allegedly suffered a delay in the diagnosis of her lung cancer. Mother of five and grandmother Marie McDonnell from Castlebar died in January of this…

May 30, 2019

Average family farm incomes fell by 21% last year - Teagasc report

Average family farm incomes fell by 21% last year -according to the Teagasc National Farm Survey. It shows that farmers across the board struggled to cope with the difficulties presented by severe weather conditions in 2018. The average farm family income…

May 30, 2019

Swimming ban put in place at a number of Galway beaches

A swimming ban has been put in place at three beaches in Galway, with an advisory notice on a fourth beach, due to high levels of harmful bacteria. The Galway City Council has placed Do Not Swim notices at Salthill, Silver Strand and Blackrock beaches, and a…

May 30, 2019

Status yellow rainfall warning for Mayo & Galway extended until tomorrow afternoon

The status yellow rainfall warning has been extended until tomorrow afternoon in counties Mayo, Galway and Donegal. Met Eireann says spells of persistent rain will continue this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow, with rainfall amounts of 25-35 mm in parts-…

May 30, 2019

2018 EPA Bathing Water report sets out bathing water quality for the summer of 2018

The 2018 EPA Bathing Water report, published today, sets out bathing water quality during the long hot summer of 2018. Overall, 94 per cent of the 145 identified bathing waters met the minimum EU standards last year, with over 100 beaches classified as…

May 30, 2019

Status yellow rainfall warning remains in place for five counties in the West and Northwest

A status yellow rainfall warning remains in place today for five counties in the West & Northwest. Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal can expect persistent and occasionally heavy rain for the rest of today and into tonight (Thursday). Met Eireann says…

May 30, 2019

Four seats are filled in Midlands Northwest European constituency

The final three seats in the Midlands Northwest European constituency were filled last night in the Royal Theatre in Castlebar. Sitting Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan was elected following the 13th count, after surpassing the quota with 121,824 votes.…

May 29, 2019

Status yellow rainfall warning for 5 counties in the West / Northwest

A status yellow rainfall warning has come in to effect for five counties in the West & Northwest. Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will be hit with persistent and occasionally heavy rain for the rest of today and all day tomorrow. Met Eireann says the…

May 29, 2019

FF's Brendan Smith eliminated in Midlands-Northwest constituency

On Day 4 of the European election count, FF candidate Brendan Smith has been eliminated in the Midlands-Northwest constituency. There are now just 4 candidates in the running for the remaining three seats. The result of the 12th count, which was the…

May 29, 2019

12th count now underway in Midlands-Northwest constituency

In the European elections, six of Ireland's 13 MEPs have now been elected. In the Midlands North West, five candidates are still battling for the three remaining seats. FG's Mairead McGuinness topped the poll and was elected on Monday afternoon. Since then, a…

May 29, 2019

Shannon Airport says "business as usual" next week during President Trump visit

Shannon Airport says it will be business as usual at the airport next week, during the visit to Ireland of US President Donald Trump. However, passengers travelling through Shannon Airport are being advised to allow an additional 15 minutes extra travel time…

May 29, 2019

Drug-drivers will be targeted by Gardai over June Bank Holiday weekend

Gardai will be targeting drug-drivers during the June Bank Holiday weekend road safety campaign. In the first four months of this year, there's been a 15% increase in the number of arrests for driving under the influence -which includes alcohol, drugs or both…

May 29, 2019

Asia's largest animation group takes majority stake in Galway based Telegael

Galway-based animation company Telegael has received a new backer - India's Toonz Media Group. It’s is one of Asia's largest animation and entertainment groups. Toonz has acquired a majority stake in the Emmy-winning production house based in Spiddal, with…

May 29, 2019

The northwest is becoming a hub for tech jobs as 100 new jobs announced by Allstate Sales Group

The northwest is becoming a hub for tech jobs, as 100 new jobs were announced yesterday for Sligo by the Allstate Sales Group. The provider of engineering and construction services is opening at IT Sligo Campus Innovation Centre. It comes as a new survey…

May 29, 2019

Midlands Northwest Count to resume this morning- with three seats still unfilled

Counting in the Midlands North West constituency for the European elections will resume this morning following the elimination of Green Party candidate Saoirse McHugh in the early hours of this morning. Saoirse was eliminated on the 11th count. Galway based…

May 28, 2019

American company to create 100 new jobs in Sligo

An American telecommunications services company is to create 200 new jobs in Waterford and Sligo over the next three years. Backed by IDA Ireland, the development by Allstate Sales Group (ASG) Inc will be the company's first operation outside of the USA since…

May 28, 2019

Glyphosate in Newport water - caution urged when spraying pesticides

People using weedkiller are being urged to be responsible, after an exceedance of the pesticide glyphosate was detected in the public drinking water supply in Newport. While the HSE says the levels do not represent a threat to public health, it's imperative…

May 28, 2019

Travellers in Galway continue to live in overcrowded, damp conditions, says new report

A new report shows Travellers in Galway continue to live in overcrowded, damp and mouldy accomodation, with overflowing sewerage, rat and fly infestations and no facilities for children.The #TravellerHomesNow monitoring report, published by the Galway…

May 28, 2019

Delays to train services following signal fault at Heuston Station

This morning's train disruption is one of the worst Irish Rail has ever experienced. Over 20 thousand passengers were delayed when services were suspended at Heuston Station. The signalling system - which ensures the safe movement of trains - suffered a major…

May 28, 2019

Ombudsman's Office received 75 complaints from Mayo last year

75 complaints from Co Mayo were lodged with the Ombudsman's Office last year. The Office examines complaints from people who feel they're unfairly treated by organisations that deliver public services. The annual report for 2018 shows the Ombudsman received a…

May 28, 2019

Ballymote-Gurteen road reopens, after lorry overturned earlier

Gardai have confirmed that the Ballymote to Gurteen road in Sligo has reopened. The road was closed for a time earlier this morning after a lorry overturned, emergency services attended the scene and diversions were in place. Gardai say no serious injuries…

May 28, 2019

Train services now operating in & out of Heuston station, but with delays

Train services operating in and out of Heuston Station in Dublin have resumed after being suspended earlier this morning. Thousands of passengers were delayed due to a major signal fault, which impacted on all Intercity services. Irish Rail says Westport and…

May 28, 2019

Live ESB line down in Drummin area of Westport - caution advised

Westport Gardai are advising that a live ESB line is down in the Letterbrook area of Drummin. ESB Networks are currently at the scene, and there will be some power outages in the area this morning while repairs are underway. The local road - the L1824 - may…

May 28, 2019

Counting resumes at 9am in Midlands-Northwest constituency

A third day of counting gets underway this morning in the European elections. In the Midlands-Northwest constituency, just one of the four seats has been filled - with FG's Mairead McGuinness elected on the first count yesterday afternoon. Four counts have…

May 28, 2019

No trains operating into or out of Heuston Station this morning

There are no trains operating into or out of Heuston Station in Dublin this morning, due to a major signalling fault. All Intercity services are affected- including services on the Mayo and Galway routes. Irish Rail says efforts are underway to resolve the…

May 27, 2019

Mairead McGuiness is first Irish MEP elected to European Parliament in Midlands Northwest constituency

Mairead McGuinness is the first Irish MEP to be elected to the European Parliament after voting on Friday. The Fine Gael MEP was returned after she topped the poll in the 4 seater Midlands North West constituency. Ms McGuinness was returned with 134,630 first…

May 27, 2019

Midlands North West European Election results

Votes Cast : 616,555 Invalid Papers :21,628 Valid Poll : 594,927 No of Seats : 4 Quota : 118,986 Candidates Party TALLY 1st Count 2nd Count 3rd Count 4th Count 5th Count 6th Count 7th Count 8th Count 9th Count Brennan – Cyril People BeforeProfit 8130 8226…

May 27, 2019

Books of Condolence for the late Garda John McCallion open at Ballina, Swinford & Claremorris Garda Stations

The Garda Representative Association has paid tribute to two Gardaí who died tragically over the weekend. 48-year-old John McCallion from Swinford was found unresponsive by his bike near his home in Co Mayo on Friday evening after going out for a cycle, while…

May 27, 2019

Mayo man and his wife have died following road collision in New York

A Mayo man and his wife have died following a road collision in New York. 33-year old John Heneghan, originally from Tourmakeady who was living in New York, was fatally injured after the car he was driving was struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk…

May 27, 2019

Counting concluded in the Ballymote / Tubbercurry electoral area

In Sligo, counting in the Ballymote / Tubbercurry area went on into the early hours of this morning before all 7 seats were filled. Fianna Fail's Paul Taylor was first elected, followed by Independents Joe Queenan and Michael Clarke and FG's Dara Mulvey, and…

May 27, 2019

Counting concluded in all three Roscommon electoral areas

In Roscommon, counting concluded in all three electoral areas yesterday- Athlone, Boyle and Roscommon. In the Roscommon electoral area, Fianna Fail's Paschal Fitzmaurice was first elected, followed by Independents Kathleen Shanagher, Tony Waldron and Nigel…

May 27, 2019

Counting in Tuam electoral area concluded in early hours of this morning

In Galway, seats in the Tuam electoral area were last to be filled at about 4am this morning - the 7 seats went to FG's Peter Roche, Donagh Killilea of FF, Joe Sheridan and Mary Hoade of FF, Independent Karey McHugh, Colm Keaveney of FF and Andrew Reddington,…

May 27, 2019

Counting concludes in all 6 electoral areas in Mayo

Counting has concluded in all of the local electoral areas in Mayo. In Mayo, Claremorris was the last area to finish up at 3.30am this morning - sitting FG Councillor Patsy O'Brien topped the poll in the 6-seater electoral area, followed by Fianna Fail's…

May 26, 2019

Teenage girl who had been missing in Galway found safe and well

A teenage girl who had been missing from her home in Knocknacarra, Salthill has been located. 14-year-old Julija Nedilskaja was last seen when she left her school in Taylor’s Hill, Galway on Friday at midday. Gardai confirmed on Sunday evening that she had…

May 26, 2019

Gardai in Galway appealing to public for assistance in tracing missing teenager girl

Gardaí in Salthill are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 14 year old Julija Nedilskaja, who is missing from her home in Knocknacarra, Salthill, Galway since Friday. Julija was last seen when she left her school on Taylors…

May 26, 2019

Divorce referendum passed by 82%

The Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the landslide result in the referendum on divorce. The vote passed by 82 percent to 18 in support of easing restrictions on divorce and recognising foreign divorces. Minister Flanagan says he is very…

May 26, 2019

Mayo Garda who died suddenly will be laid to rest on Tuesday

A minute's silence was observed at the start of the Connacht senior football championship semi-final between Mayo and Roscommon yesterday evening for John McCallion from Swinford who died on Friday, after becoming ill while out cycling. A serving member of An…

May 26, 2019

Day Two of counting in 2019 Local & European elections gets underway

Our election coverage here on Midwest Radio will resume at 11 am this morning. In Mayo, counting has concluded in the Castlebar, Swinford and Belmullet electoral areas. Counting of votes in the Westport area got underway at 10am, the Ballina count is starting…

May 25, 2019

Latest Election Results 2019

Mayo Galway Castlebar Electoral Area results Swinford Electoral Area results Westport Electoral Area results Claremorris Electoral Area results Belmullet Electoral Area results Ballina Electoral Area results Athenry/Oranmore Electoral Area results Ballinasloe…

May 25, 2019

Man who was found dead in Kinaffe, Swinford named as John McCallion

A man who was found dead on the side of the road yesterday evening at Kinaffe, Swinford has been named as John McCallion. 48-year-old Mr McCallion was a serving Garda and was a brother of Garda Robert McCallion, who died tragically while on duty in Donegal a…

May 25, 2019

Final tally results from Sligo

Sligo Strandhill Final Tally results Bree Declan - Independents 4 Change 1323Cosgrove Nessa - Labour 463Filan Finbarr - Renua Ireland 312Gaffney Blaine - Fine Gael 891MacManus Chris - Sinn Fein 944MacSharry Tom - Fianna Fail 1023Maguire Sinead - Fine Gael…

May 25, 2019

Galway Final Tally results

Galway Connemara North Final Tally Breathnac Criostoir - Non-Party 154Conneely Josie - Non-Party 625Healy Tom - Sinn Fein 560King Gerry - Fianna Fail 1303Mannion Eileen - Fine Gael 1344Walsh Seamus - Fianna Fail 998Welby Thomas - Non Party 2125 Galway -…

May 25, 2019

Belmullet Electoral Area final tally results

Belmullet Electoral Area Final Tally resultsCarey Sean - Fianna Fail 1599Coyle Gerry - Fine Gael 1798Grealis Breege - Fine Gael 639Heneghan Jay - Non-Party 225McNamara Paul - Fianna Fail 1693Whelan Teresa - Sinn Fein 1087

May 25, 2019

Ballina Municipal District final tally results

Ballina - Final Tally Duffy Mark Non-Party 1938Gill Kieran - FIne Gael 722Horkan Aileen - Fine Gael 536Loftus Michael - Fianna Fail 1310Moore Eamon - Fianna Fail 1102Munnelly Jarlath - Fine Gael 946Nolan Willie - Non Party 368O'Hara John - Fine Gael 1929Reape…

May 25, 2019

Swinford Electoral Area- final tally

Swinford Electoral area - final tally Caulfield, John FF 1,273 Cruise, Neil FG 1,481 Forkin, Sean NP 61 Horan, Tommy Aontú 638 Lavin, Tommy FG 1,108 Murray, Gerry SF 1,875 Smyth, Michael FF 1,550

May 25, 2019

Castlebar Electoral Area - final tally

Castlebar Electoral area - final tally Barrett, Harry 589 Burke, Cyril 1,180 Crowley, Aidan 162 Daly, Joe 428 Deere, Ger 1226 Farrington, Michael 316 Gavin, Blackie K 1,684 Kilcoyne, Michael 2,458 Loftus, Gerry 554 McCormack, Eugene 704 McDonnell, Al 1,494…

May 25, 2019

Man found dead on roadside near Swinford yesterday evening

Gardai have confirmed that a man was found dead on the side of the road yesterday evening at Kinaffe, Swinford. It's understood the man, who was in his 40's was cycling when he died suddenly. Emergency services attended the scene at about 7pm, and his body…

May 25, 2019

Election count update - 10am

Votes are being sorted in the local and European elections. Ballot boxes are being opened since 9am this morning at count centres across the region. Turnout in the elections up to 8pm yesterday evening was estimated at between 40 and 45%. Votes for the 6…

May 24, 2019

Turnout in the Elections mixed across the region

As polls close in less than three hours time, Turnout in the local and European elections is mixed across the country. Some polling stations are reporting higher turnout than last time around, with many others much lower. In Dublin turnout has been slow for…

May 24, 2019

Galway man has died while climbing Mount Everest

An Irish man has died while climbing Mount Everest. The 360 Expeditions group says Kevin Hynes from Galway passed away this morning. It's described the 56-year-old as "one of the strongest and most experienced climbers" on its team. Kevin's death comes just a…

May 24, 2019

Sick Fisherman on board a French Vessel off the Aran Islands brought to safety last night

Aran Islands RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew spent nine hours at sea last night to help bring a sick fisherman to safety. The crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.45pm last night and go to the aid of the sick…

May 24, 2019

New report shows increase in the number of people working locally across Mayo over the past decade

A new study shows that there was a notable increase in the number of people working locally in 5 of the 7 labour catchments across Co Mayo over the past decade, but there was a decline in those working in rural areas. The Westport, Ballinrobe, Claremorris,…

May 24, 2019

Voter Turnout across county Mayo this morning at approx 13 percent

Voting turnout across county Mayo was at about 13 percent up till noon time today. With Ballina coming in at about 15 percent, Castlebar and Foxford 12 % approx, Westport 13 %, Ballyhaunis and Claremorris 12 % approx Turnout was described as high in the…

May 24, 2019

Two Mayo companies have won a new contract to supply Aldi's 137 stores nationwide

Two Mayo companies have won a new contract to supply Aldi’s 137 stores through its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme. Their exciting products will now go on sale nationwide as part of an Aldi Specialbuys event, kicking off 6th June. The Little…

May 24, 2019

Mayo motorist caught driving at 208km per hour earlier this year

A motorist was caught driving at more than 208 kilometres an hour in Mayo this year. That's according to statistics released by the Gardaí to coincide with National Slow Down Day. Road deaths are up two on last year, while speeding detections have increased…

May 24, 2019

Don't bring ham sandwiches home from abroad, Minister Creed warns

People returning from holidays abroad have been asked to avoid bringing home pork-based food such as ham sandwiches to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). The Minister for Agriculture and Food Michael Creed said the introduction of African Swine…

May 24, 2019

MCC advises motorists to park legally around the Castlebar Count Centre this weekend

Mayo County Council is advising all motorist who will be in attendance at the European - Local - Referendum Count at the T.F Royal Hotel and Theatre from tomorrow (Saturday 25th of May ) to park legally. Motorists are asked to be aware of Wheelchair users ,…

May 24, 2019

Voting underway in 2019 Local and European elections and on the Divorce Referendum

Voting is underway in the 2019 Local and European Elections and on the Divorce Referendum. In Mayo there are 238 polling stations open today to accommodate more than 104,000 voters. Polling stations opened at 7am nationally this morning and will remain open…

May 23, 2019

Concerns raised over the large number on the disabled postal voter list in county Sligo

The local elections in county Sligo will go ahead tomorrow, despite a request by a local councillor to postpone them, due to the emergence of a high number of postal votes issued under disability status to voters in the county. Sitting Fine Gael councillor…

May 23, 2019

Almost 200 people eligible to vote today on Mayo's three offshore islands

Voting is continuing on the Mayo and Galway islands in the 2019 European and Local elections, and the divorce referendum. Islanders traditionally vote a day ahead of the mainland, to ensure that ballot boxes are returned to the count centre in time and are…

May 23, 2019

Aontú candidate calls on all Mayo councillors, after the election, to campaign for approval of Spinraza

Whatever the make-up of Mayo County Council following tomorrow's local elections, all elected councillors should make a united call on Government to approve a life-changing drug for children suffering from SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy. That's according to…

May 23, 2019

Proposed Community Car Scheme vital for rural areas, according to local candidate

The proposed Community Car scheme is vital for rural communities. That’s the view of Aontu election candidate in the Swinford area, Tommy Horan. The Community Car scheme would allow local drivers to run a community service bringing people to shops, post…

May 23, 2019

Extensive gorse fire in Ballycroy brought under control last night

The Air Corps was brought in to assist local fire crews in tackling an extensive gorse fire which broke out in the Ballycroy area yesterday afternoon. The fire was brought under control by about 7 o'clock yesterday evening. Local FG Councillor Gerry Coyle is…

May 23, 2019

Galway, Roscommon and Sligo among ten local authorities to roll out Wifi4EU hot spots in the coming months

Ten local authorities around Ireland are to roll out Wifi4EU hot spots in the coming months. In total 22 WIFI hotspots will be funded in Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Kilkenny, Meath, Monaghan, South Dublin, Westmeath and Wicklow. Under the scheme, the…

May 23, 2019

Mayo islanders vote today in the Local and European elections and on the referendum on divorce

Mayo islanders go to the polls today in the 2019 Local and European elections and to vote on the referendum to divorce. For more than 2,000 islanders living off the coasts of Mayo, Galway and Donegal - polling day is today. This is expected to be the last…

May 22, 2019

Air Corps en route to deal with gorse fire in Ballycroy

The Air Corps is en route to Ballycroy to deal with a gorse fire outbreak. That was confirmed by Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe, to Minister Michael Ring this afternoon. Minister Ring says he was notified by Cllr Gerry Coyle earlier today of a serious gorse…

May 22, 2019

Candiadte calls for better deal for households living within 7km of Oweninny Windfarm

Mayo County Council needs to ensure that part of the Operational Fund from the Owenniny Windfarm should be ring fenced for use by the immediate community in the Eskeragh and surrounding area, that’s according to Fine Gael Local Election candidate for the…

May 22, 2019

Investigations underway to reduce number of exits off the N5 between Bohola and Charlestown

A parallel road to the N5 road between Bohola and Charlestown may have to be constructed to accommodate the safe exit of traffic off the N5, to deal with an increasing number of fatal and serious collisions on this stretch of busy road. That’s the view of…

May 22, 2019

Green light for works at Aughamore graveyard

The tender will go out in the next number of weeks for phase one of the construction works around Aughamore graveyard outside Ballyhaunis. Local Fianna Fail councillor John Caulfield told Midwest News today that the news is very welcome as there had been…

May 22, 2019

Effort underway for a 100 percent turnout in the South Clew Bay are in local and European elections

#Votebeforenoon is an effort underway in the South Clew Bay area of county Mayo tomorrow and Friday to get the local electorate out and voting early and to show their support for Democracy. Louisburgh business man John Staunton is behind the community…

May 22, 2019

Ballycroy Visitors Centre to reopen today, following ventilation problem

The Ballycroy National Park was closed to visitors yesterday evening, following a ventilation problem at the Visitors Centre. Initially, it was thought a small fire had broken out in the plant room, but following assessment, it emerged that a ventilation…

May 22, 2019

Extra funding secured to ensure continuation of Rehab Care services

The threat hanging over the continuation of Rehab Care services has been lifted, after an extra €2 million funding has been secured. The agreement was reached yesterday evening during negotiations between the Rehab Group, the HSE, Health Minister Simon Harris…

May 22, 2019

FG candidates should be asked on the doorsteps about plans to extend ED at Mayo University Hospital

The general public should be asking Fine Gael election candidates on the doorsteps what the Government is doing about delivering a larger Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital. That's according to Castlebar Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne,…

May 22, 2019

Key aspects of National Broadband Plan to be examined by Oireachtas Commitee today

Senior officials from the Department of Communications will be in front of TDs and Senators later today to discuss the timeframe, cost and ownership of the National Broadband Plan. The Oireachtas Communications Committee is meeting to hear the views of those…

May 22, 2019

Man due in court in Strokestown today charged with assault

A man is due to appear in court in Co Roscommon today charged with assault during a house repossession in Strokestown. The alleged incident took place on December 11th last year. A man in his sixties has been summoned to appear at Strokestown District Court…

May 21, 2019

Verdict of misadventure returned at inquest into death of Mayo man in workplace accident four years ago

A verdict of misadventure was returned by a jury today at an inquest into the death of a 28-year-old man who was killed instantly in June 2015 while operating a stone crusher in a quarry at Aghamore, Ballyhaunis. The tragic death of Joseph Harrington,…

May 21, 2019

Verdict of misadventure returned at inquest into death of Mayo man in workplace accident four years ago

A verdict of misadventure was returned by a jury today at an inquest into the death of a 28-year-old man who was killed instantly in June 2015 while operating a stone crusher in a quarry at Aghamore, Ballyhaunis. The tragic death of Joseph Harrington,…

May 21, 2019

Bertra and Golden Strand beaches in Mayo narrowly miss out on Blue Flag status this year "due to stringent criteria"

The Mayo beaches of Bertra and Golden Strand only missed out narrowly on achieving blue flag status this year. That's according to Mayo County Council's Environment & Climate Change section, which says that - based on bathing water tests carried out between…

May 21, 2019

Ballyhaunis family will feature on TG4 programme this Sunday evening

A Ballyhaunis family will feature on this week's edition of the TG4 series Réalta agus Gaolta on Sunday evening. Ludmila Burcovschi and her daughters Victoria and Elizabeth are in the running to be crowned Ireland's most talented family. Seven families will…

May 21, 2019

Almost 1400 couples in Mayo applied for divorce between 2000 and 2017

Almost 1400 couples in Mayo applied for divorce between 2000 and 2017, according to new figures in the Irish Times. In 2017, there were 105 divorces in Mayo - up from 69 the previous year. In Roscommon, 46 couples divorced in 2017 - up from 43 the previous…

May 21, 2019

Galway Councillor calls for CPOs to be used to extend graveyards

A Galway Councillor is calling for compulsory purchase orders to be used for graveyards, as farmers ramp up prices for land. Fianna Fail Councillor Malachy Noone has expressed concern that landowners are looking for too much money, and says the council should…

May 21, 2019

Call for pedestrian crossing near new playground in Newport

A pedestrian crossing needs to be installed at a dangerous junction near the new playground in Newport. That's according to Independent local election candidate in the Westport electoral area Darragh McGee. Mr McGee claims this location poses a serious risk…

May 21, 2019

Road users urged to take extra care with increasing numbers of tractors and trailers on roads

The Road Safety Authority and Irish Farmers Association are urging road users to take extra care, as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery is increasing on roads, as farmers and contractors undertake the first cut of silage. Motorists are…

May 21, 2019

Government says the public is now beginning to tune into what is at stake for Friday's referendum

The Government says the public is now beginning to tune into what is at stake for Friday's referendum. Voters will be asked whether or not they want the separation period for divorces to be reduced. Currently a married couple must live apart for four out of…

May 21, 2019

IFA to meet with Minister for Agriculture today amid claims that the factories are cutting lamb prices

The IFA will meet with the Minister for Agriculture today amid claims that the factories are cutting lamb prices and plunging the sheep sector into an income crisis. IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy says lamb prices and hogget prices are down €1.50…

May 21, 2019

LEADER Funding of over €270,000 confirmed for 13 Mayo Community projects

LEADER funding of over €270,000 has been confirmed for 13 Mayo community projects. The funding has been confirmed by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring. Funding of €93,000 has been granted to Distinctive Woodwork Ltd, Partry for the…

May 21, 2019

Tánaiste to brief Cabinet colleagues today on the state of play on Brexit

The Tánaiste is to brief Cabinet colleagues today on the state of play on Brexit. Officials say Simon Coveney will bring a memo to discuss planning with ministers for the UK's EU exit. It comes amid growing pessimism in the Government about the prospects of a…

May 20, 2019

Burst Water Mains in the Achill area today

There is a major water outage on Achill Island today due to a burst pipe. The Water mains burst affecting Cashel and the Upper Achill area. Council Crews are working on fixing the problem and hope to have water restored later tonight or by the latest tomorrow…

May 20, 2019

FG MEP Mairead McGuinness not permitted to take part in election interview on Midwest Radio

Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness is not being permitted to take part in European election interviews on Midwest Radio. The European candidates running in the Midlands-Northwest constituency are being interviewed individually on the Tommy Marren show in the…

May 20, 2019

Two Mayo beaches lose their Blue Flag status

Two Mayo beaches have lost their Blue Flag status this year. Mayo has today been awarded 10 Blue Flags, but Bertra beach in Westport and Golden Strand in Achill have lost their blue flag status in 2019. The Blue Flag is an international award for beach…

May 20, 2019

Fishing boat stolen from Westport Quay was later found off Achill coast

A fishing boat, which was stolen from Westport Quay over the weekend, was later located off the coast of Achill Island. The Aingeal na Mara fishing boat was taken from Westport Quay sometime between 7pm Saturday evening and 6.30am yesterday morning, and its…

May 20, 2019

Bus Eireann to introduce double-decker buses in Galway city

Bus Eireann has returned to financial stability, and is today announcing ambitious plans for the future. The company achieved an operating profit last year of €1.6 million - compared with a loss of €6.8 million in 2017. It also reduced its deficit from €23.7…

May 20, 2019

Ballinrobe & Castlerea Musicial Societies nominated for 2019 AIMS awards

Ballinrobe and Castlerea Musical Societies have both been nominated for two AIMS awards for 2019. The Association of Irish Musical Society award winners will be announced at a gala banquet in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney on Saturday 15th June. Ballinrobe…

May 20, 2019

Motorist arrested in Co Roscommon after testing positive for cocaine, cannabis

A motorist in Co Roscommon was arrested on Saturday, after being detected driving under the influence of drugs. The Roscommon Division Roads Policing Unit stopped the driver and carried out an oral fluid test at the roadside. The motorist tests positive for…

May 20, 2019

Severe shortage of creche places for under threes, due to success of free childcare scheme for 3-5 year olds

There's a severe shortage of creche places for babies and toddlers as a result of the free childcare scheme for 3-5 year olds. The government funded scheme now caters for 120-thousand children a year more than double the 52-thousand 600 figure in 2009.…

May 20, 2019

Less staff employed in Mayo Mental Health services at present than a decade ago, despite increase demand, according to councillor

Despite government promises to enhance mental health services, the reality is that there are less staff employed by the HSE in mental health services in Mayo at present than there was ten years ago. That was confirmed by HSE management in response to a…

May 20, 2019

341,000 announced in Sports Capital Funding for Mayo

Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring has announced the allocation €341,000 to clubs and organisations throughout Mayo under the Sports Capital Programme. Minister of State for Sport, Brendan Griffin says the funding will benefit people in…

May 19, 2019

Roscommon-Galway TD calls on Government to have a golden share in National Broadband Plan

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice is calling for the government to have a 'golden share' in the National Broadband Plan. The Roscommon-Galway TD wants a number of safeguards to ensure the project doesn't become another fiasco. He wants an oversight committee…

May 19, 2019

Minister Creed announces details of funding to coastal projects by FLAGs

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed today announced details of EMFF grants of €4 million, awarded by Ireland’s 7 Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) to 274 coastal based projects, supporting total investment of €6.4 million. The…

May 19, 2019

Defibrillators should be installed on all passenger trains, to assist people who may suffer a heart attack while travelling

Defibrillators should be installed on all passenger trains, to assist people who may suffer a heart attack while travelling. That's the view of Kieran Gill, Fine Gael local election candidate in the Ballina area, who's written to Irish Rail on the matter.…

May 19, 2019

Annual National Famine Commemoration taking place in Sligo this afternoon

The annual National Famine Commemoration is taking place in Sligo this afternoon. It's the third state commemoration of the event to be held in Connacht, and will be attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Heritage Minister Josepha Madigan. It gets under way…

May 19, 2019

Climate change has been put firmly on the agenda for next week's local and European elections

Climate change has been put firmly on the agenda for next week's local and European elections. Two political opinion polls out today show a significant bounce for the Green party - which is up four points in both. The polls also show there's very little…

May 18, 2019

N84 road at Ballintubber has reopened to traffic this evening

The N84 road at Ballintubber has reopened to traffic this evening following a collision earlier today. Gardai say the road has reopened in the past hour. The incident was a two car collision, which Gardai describe as serious.

May 18, 2019

Community CCTV system is needed in Claremorris town, so residents feel safer according to local election candidate

A community CCTV system is needed in Claremorris town, so residents feel safer. That's according to local Sinn Fein election candidate Natasha Wards, who feels the installation of CCTV cameras would deter people involved in illegal dumping and in anti-social…

May 18, 2019

Huge basking shark making waves in Achill

A huge basking shark is making waves along the Wild Atlantic Way. The massive plankton eating fish has become a regular visitor to Keem Bay on Achill Island in County Mayo. Seán Molloy from Achill Tourism says the bay was once home to one of the largest…

May 18, 2019

Annual Afri famine walk taking place today from Louisburgh

The man who penned 'The Fields of Athenry' will today walk in the footsteps of Nobel peace prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Singer songwriter Pete St. John will join the annual Afri famine walk in County Mayo - which was lead by Desmond Tutu during a…

May 17, 2019

Knock Marriage Introductions, formerly Knock Marriage Bureau to close after over fifty years

Knock Marriage Introductions, formerly Knock Marriage Bureau, is to close after over fifty years. Knock Marriage Introductions has been responsible for introducing couples, many of whom went on to become husband and wife over the past fifty years. In that…

May 17, 2019

Design Team appointed by the HSE for new 7 million residential care home in Tuam

A design team has been appointed for the proposed new 50 bed HSE residential care home in Tuam. That’s according to local Fianna Fail councillor Daragh Killalea. The councillor is a member of the HSE West Forum and earlier this week he raised progress on the…

May 17, 2019

Minister to officially open Kilkelly Town Park this afternoon

The official opening takes place this afternoon of Kilkelly town park. The new facility will be officially opened this afternoon at 3pm by the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring. All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be…

May 17, 2019

Thousands of hospital staff around the country are expected to announce today their intention to strike

Thousands of hospital staff around the country are expected to announce today their intention to strike. SIPTU has been balloting workers in health-service support grades in 36 hospitals, in a dispute over pay. The result of the vote will be revealed this…

May 17, 2019

HSE apologises to patient left in excess of 5 hours in an ambulance waiting to be admitted to the ED of Mayo university Hospital last April

On one evening last April, seven ambulances were backed up at Mayo University Hospital waiting to get their patients admitted to the emergency dept of the hospital. The situation was highlighted here on Midwest News by local Independent councillor Michael…

May 17, 2019

An inquest was told that a microlight plane crash near Ballina last year was "not survivable" for the pilot

An inquest was told yesterday that cockpit video evidence showed that a 59-year-old pilot was ‘incapacitated’ when his microlight aircraft departed from straight and level flight and plunged to the ground near Ballina, Co. Mayo, last May. The hearing into the…

May 16, 2019

Hollymount student tells Taoiseach rural broadband service is not fair

A 12 year old girl from county Mayo has challenged the Taoiseach to make sure everyone in rural Ireland has access to broadband. Aoibheann Mangan from Hollymount got a chance to speak to Leo Varadkar at the Inspire Fest in Dublin earlier today. The Taoiseach…

May 16, 2019

Cllr pleads with landowners not to burn gorse at night

The fire crews were busy throughout the night last night dealing with gorse fires that ranged over a broad area of Straide, Foxford and Swinford. While fire crews in county Roscommobn battled a gorse fire between Frenchpark and Castlerea. In county Galway…

May 16, 2019

Talks open between Mayo County Council and EIB re investment in Mayo capital projects, according to Cllr Murray

Charlestown based Sinn Fein councillor Gerry Murray has welcomed the commencement of preliminary negotiations between Mayo County Council and the European Investment Bank(EIB) with a view to drawing down major investment loans for capital projects across the…

May 16, 2019

Firefighters are battling a forest fire between Frenchpark and Castlerea again this morning

Firefighters are battling a forest fire between Frenchpark and Castlerea again this morning. Ballaghaderreen, Boyle and Elphin brigades are back out at the blaze, after battling it into the early hours of this morning. They also have air support from one…

May 16, 2019

Tuam based Councillor says it's a disaster for patients and their carers that there is a shortage of medical/sanitary/incontinence supplies from the HSE

It’s a disaster for patients and their carers living at home or in residential private care that there is a real shortage of medical / sanitary / incontinence supplies from the HSE at present. That’s according to Tuam based Fianna Fail councillor Donagh…

May 16, 2019

€100m compensation fund for beef farmers has been secured

A €100m Brexit compensation fund for beef farmers has been secured. Agreement on a €50m support package from the European Commission was agreed yesterday. It is understood the deal will see the Irish Government match this with €50m of State funding, to bring…

May 16, 2019

Firefighters battled major forest fire between Frenchpark and Castlerea yesterday evening

Firefighters battled a major forest fire between Frenchpark and Castlerea yesterday evening and into the early hours of this morning. The fire service from Ballaghaderreen battled the blaze from early yesterday evening and they were joined by brigades from…

May 15, 2019

Funding allocated for additional classrooms at Newtownwhite Educate Together school, Ballina

Funding has been allocated for additional accommodation at Newtownwhite Educate Together National School in the Ballina area. The school - which became an Educate Together school in 2014 - has been approved for two new mainstream classroms and a prefab…

May 15, 2019

Mayo TD welcomes NHS decision to approve Spinraza for SMA sufferers in England

Today's decision by the NHS in England to approve the drug Spinraza for patients with SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy - will put further pressure on the Irish Government to approve the drug here. That's according to Mayo Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers. The NHS…

May 15, 2019

Almost 1.5 million euro was raised in car parking charges at Galway University Hospital in 2017

Almost 1.5 million euro was raised in car parking charges at Galway University Hospital in 2017, the hospital’s car park is operated by a private company. At Mayo University Hospital , car parking charges are in the hospital’s control and 340,000 was…

May 15, 2019

PNA ambulance personnel to protest outside Dáil today

Ambulance personnel who are members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association will protest outside Leinster House this afternoon, as part of their campaign to be represented by the union of their choice. PNA ambulance personnel have already staged strikes at a…

May 15, 2019

Further calls for early-morning train service from Ballina to Dublin

A Mayo TD is again calling on Irish Rail to consider running an early-morning train from Ballina to Dublin. Fianna Fail Deputy Dara Calleary met recently with the Chief Executive of Irish Rail to discuss a number of issues - including an early-bird service.…

May 15, 2019

Govt announces €20m this year for scheme to repair homes in Mayo & Donegal damaged by pyrite

There's good news for householders in Mayo whose homes have been affected by pyrite damage. The Government has agreed to provide €20 million euro this year for a scheme to repair homes affected by pyrite and mica in Mayo and Donegal. Some 350 homes in Mayo…

May 14, 2019

Mayo Senator disappointed no decision yet on Spinraza for children with SMA

A Mayo Senator says it's very disappointing that the Government has not yet decided whether to provide the Spinraza drug for children suffering from SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy. A decision was expected today, but that has now been deferred, according to…

May 14, 2019

Tributes paid to four Mayo councillors retiring from local politics

Tributes were paid at yesterday's monthly meeting of Mayo County Council to four councillors who are retiring from local politics, having decided not to contest next week's local election. Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Councillor Blackie Gavin led the…

May 14, 2019

Funding allocated to install carbon monoxide alarms in homes of elderly and isolated people

Funding has been allocated to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly, isolated and vulnerable people in rural areas. The Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring has allocated €115,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund to supply…

May 14, 2019

Coillte & Dept of Agriculture warn of risk of forest fires during warm spell

The Department of Agriculture has issued a warning about the risk of forest fires during the current warm spell - the orange alert remains in place across the country until Friday. Coillte's communications manager Pat Neville has also urged the public to be…

May 14, 2019

New Superintendent appointed to Castlerea Garda District

A new Garda Superintendent has been appointed to the Castlerea District. The Garda Press office has confirmed that Supt Goretti Sheridan has been assigned responsibility for the Castlerea Garda district. This is one of ten new Superintendent appointments,…

May 14, 2019

Castlebar candidate Joe Daly calls for support for youth School Strike Day on May 24th for climate change cction

Young people across the country are planning to hold a School Strike on May 24th calling on all political candidates and parties to support radical action to halt runaway climate change and prevent environmental disaster. Joe Daly the local election candidate…

May 14, 2019

INHFA host public meeting with European Candidates in Tubbercurry this Thursday

A public meeting with European Election candidates will take place this Thursday evening (May 16th) at 8pm in St. Bridget's Hall, Tubbercurry. The meeting is organised by the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA). Among the topics that will be…

May 14, 2019

Loam Restaurant in Galway has been named Best Restaurant, at the 2019 Irish Restaurant Awards

Loam Restaurant in Galway has been named Best Restaurant, at the 2019 Irish Restaurant Awards. The awards were announced last night at a gala dinner in Dublin, with Loam Restaurant winning the national award. This is the 11th year of the Irish Restaurant…

May 14, 2019

Extensive gorse fires in Dooyork were brought under control yesterday evening

Extensive gorse fires raged across Dooyork in Erris over the weekend and were only eventually brought under control yesterday evening. Many people were frightened, as the blaze threatened homes, according to local Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle. Speaking to…

May 14, 2019

The annual Afri famine walk takes place this Saturday from Doolough Valley into Louisburgh

The annual Afri famine walk takes place this Saturday - as the event enters its fourth decade. Composer of the world-famous song "The Fields of Athenry" Pete St John will take part in this year's walk, to highlight the issue of climate change. Oisín Coghlan,…

May 14, 2019

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland have strongly criticised the Government for "abandoning rural communities."

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland have strongly criticised the Government for "abandoning rural communities." Their comments come following changes to the drink-driving legislation, introduced last October. They say there hasn't been thought put into…

May 13, 2019

N5 Castlebar-Westport road closed following collision - diversions in place via Newport

The N5 road between Castlebar and Westport has been closed, following a serious traffic collision. Mayo County Council has confirmed that the road has been closed following a collision in the Dooncastle / Sheeaune area. Diversions are in place via Newport for…

May 13, 2019

Cash & jewellery taken from car near Louisburg

Westport Gardai are investigating the theft of cash and jewellery from a car yesterday afternoon. Between 3pm and 3.20, a car was broken into at Doolough, Louisburg - about 2km from Delphi Adventure Centre. A substantial amount of cash and jewellery was taken…

May 13, 2019

Orange Forest Fire warning issued by Department of Agriculture

An orange Forest Fire Warning has been issued by the Department of Agriculture. The warning has been issued due to the high temperatures and low humidity levels being forecast over the coming days. It will remain valid 12pm on Friday. Fire risk is likely to…

May 13, 2019

West to enjoy the best of this week's warm weather

Met Eireann is forecasting a warm week ahead. Temperatures will reach 20 to 21 degrees from tomorrow, and the warm spell is expected to continue until Friday. The best of the weather will be in the west of the country, according to Met Eireann.

May 13, 2019

Minister Kyne launches fund for third-level students to live with Gaeltacht families for 3 months

Galway-based Chief Whip and Minister of State Séan Kyne has today announced a new fund worth €250,000, to provide third-level students with an opportunity to live with Gaeltacht families for three months, while attending a third-level course for an entire…

May 13, 2019

Emergency services attend collision on Castlebar-Westport road

Emergency services are attending the scene of a crash on the N5 Castlebar-Westport road. The 2-vehicle collision occurred near the Tip Top filling station and Gardai and ambulance crews are at the scene. Motorists can expect delays between Castlebar and…

May 13, 2019

No staff on duty this morning at Castlebar Railway Station when passenger needed a ramp

There was no one on duty at Castlebar railway station at 10am this morning when a woman confined to a wheelchair arrived to board the train. That’s according to Castlebar Independent candidate in the local elections, Aidan Crowley. The woman in the wheelchair…

May 13, 2019

Tributes paid to Roscommon woman who campaigned for cervical cancer drug

Tributes are being paid to a Roscommon woman who campaigned for equal access to a new drug for women suffering from cervical cancer. Tracey Brennan from Four Mile House and formerly of Clover Hill, Roscommon, was battling stage four cancer and passed away at…

May 13, 2019

NCBI warns election posters can impact on safety of visually impaired

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has today launched a nationwide awareness campaign urging people not to place obstacles in the way of people who are blind and vision impaired. The sight loss agency has released a video showing the…

May 13, 2019

Woman warns the public about an attack by a ram on Down Patrick Head yesterday

A ram is described as having attacked a woman on Down Patrick Head, Ballycastle yesterday evening. The woman from Claremorris was with her sister and two visiting students at about twenty to 6 yesterday evening when the incident occurred. At the time the…

May 13, 2019

Priest died in the hit and run in Keadue on Saturday night last

The elderly man who was fatally injured in a hit and run in Keadue, Co Roscommon on Saturday night has been named as Fr Michael Guckian, who lived with the Oblate order in Inchicore in Dublin. According to the Irish Independent, Fr Guckian (81) had been…

May 13, 2019

Lack of affordable/ local authority housing in Ballina is a major problem, according to local election candidate

The lack of affordable and local authority housing in Ballina is one of the biggest issues for the local electorate, according to Independent candidate in the local elections Mark Duffy. Mark insists that to solve the problem Mayo County Council must deliver…

May 13, 2019

The third National Patient Survey is underway in hospitals across the region

The third National Patient Experience Survey is now underway covering hospitals across the country. This annual survey ,the largest of its kind in Ireland, according to Tracey O'Carroll of HIQA, offers patients the opportunity to share their experiences in…

May 13, 2019

Rents in Mayo up 12 percent since last year, according to latest Daft.ie survey

The number of homes to rent nationally has reached its lowest level since 2006. According to the latest quarterly rental report from Daft.ie just 2,700 homes were available to rent nationwide on 1 May this year. The shortage of supply has pushed up average…

May 13, 2019

3,000 euro of equipment stolen from a construction site in Foxford on Friday afternoon last

Gardai in Ballina are seeking public assistance in locating an item taken from a construction site in Foxford last weekend. Works are being carried out at Clossagh Road, Foxford, on a new sewerage scheme. The company that are carrying out these works had a…

May 12, 2019

Man presents himself to gardai in connection with Keadue fatal hit and run last night

A 20 year old man has presented himself to Gardaí in relation to a fatal hit and run in county Roscommon last night. A pedestrian in his 80s was killed when he was struck by a car which failed to remain at the scene in Keadue after 11pm. The driver of the…

May 12, 2019

FF's Brendan Smith describes lack of funding for home support services as "deplorable"

A Fianna Fail TD has described the lack of funding for home support services in the midlands and North West as "deplorable." Brendan Smith ,Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monghan ,says constituents have told him that they've not been receiving Home Support Home…

May 12, 2019

Fáilte Ireland to start offering quality certs for properties used as short-term holiday lets on sites like AirBnB

Fáilte Ireland will start offering quality certificates for properties used as short-term holiday lets on sites like AirBnB. People who host visitors in their own home won't be able to apply - the scheme is aimed at secondary properties. The Sunday Business…

May 12, 2019

Man in his 80's has died after a hit and run in Roscommon

A man in his 80s has died after a hit and run in Roscommon. It happened at around 11 o'clock last night. The incident happened in Keadue, Co. Roscommon when a pedestrian was hit by a car. The man - who was in his 80s - was pronounced dead at the scene. The…

May 11, 2019

Belmullet to be officially given the status of a Tourism Destination Town by Failte Ireland

Belmullet is to be officially given the status of a Tourism Destination Town. This news has been confirmed by Fine Gael Cllr. Gerry Coyle who has praised Mayo County Council and Failte Ireland for promoting Belmullet on this platform. Cllr. Coyle told Midwest…

Cloonacool to Tubbercurry road closed to traffic following single vehicle collision

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