Cloonacool to Tubbercurry road closed to traffic following single vehicle collision

Oct 30, 2020

6 deaths and over 700 new cases of Covid 19 reported

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 6 additional deaths related to COVID-19. As of midnight last night (Thursday) the HPSC has been notified of 772 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 2pm today 325 COVID-19 patients are…

Oct 30, 2020

R313 road in Belmullet closed to traffic ahead of tomorrow's storm

The R313 at Bunduaile in Belmullet has been closed for the weekend in anticipation of Storm Aiden in the next 24 hours. Mayo Co Council closed the road at 2pm this afternoon as the county prepares for stormy weather which has resulted in the issuing of a…

Oct 30, 2020

Taoiseach does not rule out apology to survivors of Mother and Baby Homes

The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes report, a 4,000 page document, was submitted by the Commission to Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman this afternoon. Micheál Martin said it is his intention to have the report published as soon as…

Oct 30, 2020

Bishops nationwide to mark All Souls day this Sunday at 3pm

This Sunday 1st November, the eve of All Souls’ Day, the bishops and priests of Ireland will lead a short service of prayer at 3pm to dedicate the month of November to ‘Remembrance of the Dead and Prayer for the Bereaved’. The Bishops invite the whole country…

Oct 30, 2020

Road users urged to take due care in stormy weather

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the weekend as Met Eireann has issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings for strong winds. Drivers are being warned that on top of recent heavy rainfall and…

Oct 30, 2020

Attorney General to be given Commission of Investigation report after government

A four thousand page report into Mother and Baby Homes will be handed over to the government later today. However, it's expected the Commission of Investigation report won't be made public for a number of months. It will be handed over to the government, and…

Oct 30, 2020

50% failure rate first time around at NCT tests in 2019

Half of cars failed the NCT first time around last year. But the CSO says 97 per cent passed after one or more inspections. Nearly 1.4 million cars under the NCT in 2019. Of the 186,000 driving tests conducted last year, nearly 54 per cent passed.

Oct 30, 2020

Mayo company says it has supplies available for schools following departmental recall

A Mayo-based company says it has supplies available for schools following the recall of around 50 sanitary items by the Department of Education yesterday. Cosmetic Creations in Claremorris manufactures the hand sanitiser Airmedica among other Covid related…

Oct 30, 2020

Shrule householders and businesses set to secure a better water supply

Irish Water, working with Mayo County Council, is replacing approximately a kilometres of problematic, old watermains in Shrule that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage which caused water supply disruptions for customers in the area. The mains are…

Oct 30, 2020

Ireland's Best Hotel Spa title secured for a fifth year for Ashford Castle

The Spa at Ashford Castle has been named ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ in the 2020 World Spa Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Michelle Ryan, Spa Manager at Ashford Castle says they are thrilled that so many people have once again voted for The Spa at…

Oct 30, 2020

Minister urges pet owners to keep pets/ animals safe on Halloween night

Halloween can be a frightening time for animals, as sudden loud noises and flashing lights from fireworks and bangers can be very disturbing for them. That’s according to the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett has warned.…

Oct 30, 2020

Deputy condemns student exploitation over prepaid rent during Covid Restrictions

Third level students cannot continue to be exploited by paying for accommodation they are prevented from using, according to Mayo TD Rose Conway Walsh. The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education has published the results of a student…

Oct 30, 2020

Status Orange wind alert issued for Mayo, Galway and Sligo

Met Eireann has issued two status orange wind warnings for tomorrow as Storm Aiden is set to make landfall. The warning will be in effect across Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Donegal and Clare from 8am tomorrow morning until 4pm tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning…

Oct 30, 2020

Galway City Central has a 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in excess of 1,000 per 100,000 people

The country's estimated 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 has fallen for a third day in a row. It now stands at 292 per 100,000 people. Ballyjamesduff remains the local electoral area with the highest Covid-19 14-day incidence rate in the country. The area in…

Oct 30, 2020

Education Minister says there's no evidence recalled school sanitiser products are unsafe

The Education Minister says there's no evidence that over 50 hand sanitisers, soaps, sprays and wipes being withdrawn from school suppliers are unsafe. The Department of Education is taking them out of circulation because of a "technical licencing issue".…

Oct 30, 2020

Headford Councillor elected first female President in 120 years of the AILG

Headford based councillor Mary Hoade has been elected, unopposed, as the first female President in 120 years, of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG). AILG is a national representative organisation for the elected members of Ireland's thirty one…

Oct 30, 2020

Galway Deputy calls for helpline to be set up to coincide with the completion of The Mother and Baby Homes Commission report today

Galway East deputy Sean Canney has called for a helpline to be set up in tandem with the publication of the final report on the Mother and Baby Commission of Investigation Report being published. The report is due to be completed today (Friday) but there is…

Oct 30, 2020

Mayo University Hospital provides package drop off service for patients

Patients at Mayo University Hospital can receive packages dropped off for them by family or friends at the hospital’s reception area. Due to the ongoing visiting restrictions it is not possible for family members to visit patients in the hospital, other than…

Oct 29, 2020

866 new cases of Covid-19 with six further deaths

866 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed and six further deaths. The 14 day incidence of cases per 100 thousand people is now estimated to be 292. 242 of the cases are in Dublin, 166 in Cork, 56 in Donegal, 54 in Galway, 44 in Meath and the remaining 304…

Oct 29, 2020

HSE still apprehensive about the spread of Covid-19

The head of the HSE says they remain "very apprehensive" about the spread of Covid 19 heading into the winter months. 330 people are currently being treated in hospital with the virus, with 28 admissions since yesterday, while there are 42 patients in…

Oct 29, 2020

Funeral arrangements confirmed for Mother & Son who died tragically last week

The mother and son who died tragically in Dublin last week will be laid to rest in Ballina this Saturday. Nicola Coleman nee Keane and her baby son Henry died tragically last Thursday. The funeral Mass will take place on Saturday morning at 11:30am in St.…

Oct 29, 2020

Small outdoor concerts will be held on the grounds of Nursing Homes

Small, outdoor concerts will be held on the grounds of nursing homes as part of a new government wellbeing plan. The Keep Well campaign has a number of resources aimed at helping people get through lockdown. It includes socially distant concerts at care…

Oct 29, 2020

Man who died in Tuesday's Road Collision near Shannonbridge has been named locally

The man who died in Tuesday evenings road traffic collision near Shannonbridge on the Roscommon/Offaly border has been named locally as James Greaney from Oughterard in Galway. He was the driver of a car which was involved in a collision with a truck at…

Oct 29, 2020

Despite voting for industrial action over Covid concerns, ASTI insist teachers want schools to remain open

Second level teachers, members of the ASTI, voted yesterday for industrial action because of concerns arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, yet the General Secretary of the ASTI insists teachers want schools to remain open. Rapid Covid testing in schools,…

Oct 29, 2020

Cases of Covid-19 confirmed at a Galway nursing home

A number of residents and staff at a nursing home in south Galway have tested positive for Covid-19. The Health Service Executive has confirmed the outbreak. In a statement, it said it is working with the facility to support management in delivering care to…

Oct 29, 2020

Met Eireann warns of very unsettled weather over Hallowe'en weekend

Met Eireann is warning of very unsettled weather over the Hallowe'en weekend. The forecaster has issued a weather advisory, as a series of vigorous Atlantic weather systems pass close to Ireland over the weekend. Spells of heavy rain will lead to surface and…

Oct 29, 2020

Farming groups call for limited number of ring-side buyers to be allowed at marts

40% of livestock marts around the country have a poor broadband service - according to the Government's own website. It shows marts in Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Sligo are among 19 marts included under the National Broadband Plan to have their service…

Oct 29, 2020

Survivors of Mother and Baby Homes to be allowed access their personal information, according to government clarification

The government was pushed by the outcry of the general public to provide the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes the clarification, that they will be allowed access their personal information. That’s the view of long time campaigner Breeda Murphy, of the Tuam…

Oct 29, 2020

Deadline this Saturday to apply to Mayo Co Co for Restart grants

Uptake of the Restart grants have been strong in Mayo to date, but the deadline for applying is this Saturday. Mayo County Council says almost 2,000 Mayo businesses have received funds from the Restart Grant and the Restart Grant Plus, to a total value of €15…

Oct 29, 2020

Drop in new cases of Covid-19 across Connacht

The national 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 per 100,000 people has fallen below 300 for the first time in over a week. 6 more deaths were reported last night from the virus, along with 675 new cases - the lowest daily figure in almost three weeks. This…

Oct 29, 2020

Status yellow rain and wind warnings for Mayo & Galway

Gardai are reporting very wet roads across the West this morning, and are advising motorists to slow down and keep well back from other road users. A status yellow rainfall warning is now in place for the Connacht counties, with heavy and persistent rain…

Oct 28, 2020

675 new cases of Covid-19 & six additional deaths

There has been a further six covid related deaths and 675 new confirmed cases. It's the lowest number of daily cases in nearly three weeks. 199 are in Dublin, 104 in Cork, 67 in Meath, 50 in Limerick and 41 in Kildare and the rest in 20 other counties. There…

Oct 28, 2020

Number of Covid-19 clusters in nursing homes has tripled this week

The number of new Covid-19 clusters in nursing homes has tripled this week. The latest HSE figures show 15 have been recorded, up from 5 on the previous week. There are 19 new clusters in childcare facilities, an increase of 12, while there has been a further…

Oct 28, 2020

ASTI members vote for industrial action over covid concerns

Secondary teachers with the ASTI have voted for industrial action over covid concerns. The union says the government has to address issues including the need for a comprehensive testing programme. They want a 24 hour test turnaround, a redefinition of close…

Oct 28, 2020

Ireland West Airport Knock to close for 4 weeks, as Ryanair suspends operations from 14th November

Ryanair have announced they're suspending all flights operations from Ireland West Airport Knock - and the other regional airports - from Saturday 14th November, for a 4-week period. The airline has announced the suspension of flights from the regional…

Oct 28, 2020

Councillor Patsy O'Brien to challenge decision to expel him from Fine Gael

Mayo Councillor Patsy O'Brien is to challenge the decision by Fine Gael to expel him from the party. The Robeen-based Councillor was suspended from FG in March pending an investigation into allegations against him. Midwest News revealed yesterday evening…

Oct 28, 2020

Call for Loughglynn ambulance base to be properly resourced

The West Roscommon ambulance base at Loughglynn is currently understaffed and under-resourced, providing only a part-time ambulance service. That's according to Roscommon-Galway Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane, who says the Loughglynn ambulance base only operates…

Oct 28, 2020

Mayo Senator welcomes agreement on pay for school secretaries & caretakers

Around 1,000 school secretaries and caretakers on low pay with no job security are to have their conditions of employment "regularised" under a preliminary agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission yesterday evening. The dispute centres on a…

Oct 28, 2020

33 patients on trolleys today at Mayo University Hospital, as new modular unit arrives

There are 33 patients on trolleys at Mayo University Hospital today - up from 22 yesterday. The latest figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation show 285 patients admitted to hospitals across the country are waiting for beds today - including 33…

Oct 28, 2020

Modular unit arrives at Mayo University Hospital

Access to Mayo University Hospital - except for ambulances - is disrupted this morning due to the arrival on site of the long-awaited modular unit. This temporary unit is part of the Covid Emergency Works at the Castlebar hospital, and will increase capacity…

Oct 28, 2020

Roscommon Gardai seek witnesses following fatal collision near Shannonbridge

A man in his 30's died in a road collision on the borders of Roscommon, Galway and Offaly yesterday evening. The collision involving a car and a truck took place between Ballinasloe and Shannonbridge shortly before 7pm. A man in his 30's died at the scene and…

Oct 28, 2020

Heavy & persistent rain from tonight till Friday morning across Connacht

Met Eireann is warning of heavy and persistent rain from tonight until Friday morning, with a status yellow rainfall warning in place for Connacht and 5 other counties along the western seaboard. The forecasters says the heavy rain will lead to some flooding…

Oct 28, 2020

Gardai continue to support victims of domestic violence during Covid pandemic

There's been an 18% rise in the number of domestic violence-related calls to Gardaí so far this year, compared with 2019. Gardai are today starting another phase of Operation Faoiseamh - which will see Gardai prioritise people who are vulnerable to, and…

Oct 28, 2020

47 new cases of coronavirus in Galway and 23 in Mayo

The Chief Medical Officer says the recent dip in Covid-19 figures can't yet be called a trend. Last night, 720 new cases were confirmed and 5 additional deaths. This includes 47 new cases in Galway, 23 in Mayo, 6 in Sligo and less than 5 in both Roscommon and…

Oct 27, 2020

Latest Covid-19 figures across Connacht

The Department of Health has confirmed 5 further deaths from Covid-19, with 720 new cases of the virus confirmed this evening. In this region, there are 47 new cases in Galway, 6 in Sligo, 23 in mayo, and less than 5 in both Roscommon and Leitrim.

Oct 27, 2020

Councillor Patsy O'Brien expelled from Fine Gael party

Mayo County Councillor Patsy O'Brien has been expelled from the Fine Gael party. The Robeen-based Councillor had previously been suspended from the party last March, pending an investigation by FG into an allegation made against him. Mr O'Brien subsequently…

Oct 27, 2020

Yellow rainfall warning for Connacht on Thursday & Friday

A status yellow rainfall warning has been issued for all of Connacht as well as counties Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick from tomorrow night. The alert will come into effect from the early hours of Thursday morning until 6am on Friday. Met Eireann…

Oct 27, 2020

Minister appoints new review board into final report on Rescue 116 crash off Mayo coast

The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has appointed a new review board into the Air Accident Investigation Unit's (AAIU) final report on the Rescue 116 helicopter crash. The review experienced a setback last month when the technical adviser Philip Hanson, an…

Oct 27, 2020

Mayo Senator defends controversial Mother & Baby Homes Bill

A Mayo Senator is defending the controversial Mother & Baby Homes Bill which was signed into law over the weekend. Protests have taken place in recent days in relation to the Bill, with claims that it will seal testimony from survivors of Mother & Baby Homes…

Oct 27, 2020

Sligo & Galway continue to have above-average rates of Covid-19

Sligo and Galway continue to have 14-day incidence rates of the virus that are higher than the national average. Currently, the 14-day rate nationally is 309 per 100,000 people. Cavan has the highest rate - over three times the national average - at 967…

Oct 27, 2020

15-year old boy stabbed in Church grounds in Galway

Gardaí in Galway have appealed for witnesses after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed during an altercation in a church grounds yesterday evening. The teenager was injured after being approached by a male who was unknown to him and an altercation followed. The 15…

Oct 27, 2020

Belmullet Golf Club to stage the Irish PGA Championship in 2021

There’s good news for north Mayo- Belmullet Golf Club will stage a major PGA tournament next August. The Carne Golf Link in Erris will play host to the Irish PGA Championship between the 4-7th of August 2021. Over 200 golfers and their families will descend…

Oct 27, 2020

Patients to be moved from Ballina District Hospital so staff can be redeployed to a nursing home with a Covid outbreak

Patients will be moved from Ballina District Hospital temporarily so that staff can be redeployed to a residential facility for the elderly in north Mayo currently experiencing a Covid-19 outbreak. That’s according to Mayo Fianna Fail Deputy Dara Calleary,…

Oct 27, 2020

Modular unit for Mayo University Hospital due to be delivered tomorrow

There's some good news today for Mayo University Hospital, as it's been confirmed that the new modular assessment unit will be delivered this Wednesday morning. This temporary unit is part of the Covid Emergency Works at the Castlebar hospital, and will…

Oct 27, 2020

Sligo-Leitrim TD urges people to take part in Health Ireland survey

7,400 random people will receive a letter this week, inviting them to take part in the Healthy Ireland survey. It's the 7th time members of the public will be asked about their opinions and behaviours on the health service. They'll also be asked to outline…

Oct 27, 2020

Oireachtas Committee to discuss the impact of the pandemic to the aviation sector later

The Irish economy needs people back flying more than any other country in Europe-- but air traffic here has been slowest to recover. That's what the Irish Aviation Authority will tell TDs and senators later when it briefs them on the impact of the pandemic…

Oct 27, 2020

Gardaí seize €15,000 of drugs and quantity of cash in Sligo at the weekend

Gardaí uncovered drugs and cash following the search of a premise in Sligo at the weekend. Drugs to the value of approximately €15,000, including Cannabis, MDMA, amphetamines and cocaine (subject to analysis) were seized along with a large amount of cash. The…

Oct 27, 2020

Mayo woman holds vigil calling for seal to be lifted on Mother and Baby Home documents

A Mayo woman held a vigil outside the courthouse in Castlebar yesterday calling for the seal to be lifted on documents relating to Mother and Baby Homes. Grainne De Barra ran as a candidate in the General election and she came out in protest of the…

Oct 26, 2020

Three further deaths & 939 new cases of Covid-19

The Department of Health has been notified of 939 new cases of Covid-19, while three further deaths have also been recorded. The figures come as the number of people with the virus in hospitals across the country reached its highest level since 20 May. 262 of…

Oct 26, 2020

Highest number of people with Covid-19 in hospital since May

The number of people with Covid-19 in hospitals across the country has reached its highest level since May. There are 344 people with the virus being treated in hospitals today, an increase of 25 on the last count, which stood at 319, according to the…

Oct 26, 2020

55% of people would take Covid-19 vaccine

Just over half of us will get the Covid 19 vaccine once its gets official approval. A new survey carried out by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association has found that a third of people are unsure about whether or not they'd get the vaccine, while 12…

Oct 25, 2020

1,025 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed, with no further deaths

1,025 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed and there are no new deaths reported. It means the death toll from the virus in the country remains at 1,882 and there have been 57,128 confirmed cases.. 255 cases are in Dublin, 147 in Cork, 77 in Galway, 54 in…

Oct 25, 2020

Mayo farmer wins national accolade at the Women and Agriculture awards

A South West Mayo farm has won a national accolade at the Women and Agriculture awards this week. Catherine O'Grady Powers of Glen Keen Farm and Visitor Centre took home top honours in the Innovation on Farm category. The sheep farm at the foot of the…

Oct 25, 2020

Roscommon Deputy calls on the Minister to lift ban on buyers at marts

Roscommon Deputy Michael Fitmaurice is calling on the Minister for Agriculture to 'step up to the mark' and lift the ban on buyers at marts. It comes after online sales at 15 marts across the country were halted yesterday after the app used to arrange video…

Oct 25, 2020

Over 100,000 sign petition to remove the seal on Mother and Baby Homes records

A petition demanding survivors who testified to the Mother and Baby Homes Commission be given copies of their records has gathered over 118,000 signatures. It follows an outcry over a records bill passed earlier this week which sends a database it creates to…

Oct 25, 2020

Fine Gael records best polling result since the 2011 General Election

Fine Gael has scored its best polling result in almost a decade in the latest political poll. Today's Red C survey of a thousand voters for the Business Post puts Tánaiste Leo Varadkar's party on 37 per cent -- up two on the last in the series. Fianna Fáil…

Oct 25, 2020

Clocks went back this morning as Winter Time begins

You may have to put back your clock by an hour this morning if you didn't do it last night. Today is the last Sunday of October - when Daylight Savings ends and Winter Time begins. There have been calls to do away with the practice in recent years and…

Oct 25, 2020

Rapid Covid-19 testing could be rolled out to schools next month

Rapid-result antigen testing for Covid-19 could be rolled out in schools next month. The HSE and NPHET are considering the move in a bid to reassure teachers that outbreaks are quickly being detected, according to the Sunday Times. 'Dedicated schools teams'…

Oct 25, 2020

Supermarket group to build drive-thru booths for shoppers

Supermarket group Musgrave is planning to build special drive-thru booths, in the style of the model used by fast-food chains. The Business Post reports that the service will aim to give customers a contactless option to pick up groceries. Musgraves say the…

Oct 24, 2020

Over 80,000 people sign petition calling for the seal to be lifted on mother and baby home records

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the seal to be lifted on an archive containing records on mother and baby homes. Over 80,000 people have signed the petition, which was set up yesterday by adoptee rights group Aitheantas. Archives and…

Oct 24, 2020

Four more deaths and 859 new cases of Covid-19

The Department of Health has reported a further 859 cases of Covid-19 and four more deaths from the virus. There has been a slight rise in the number of people in hospital with the virus, which now stands at 312 this morning, which is up from 302 at 8pm last…

Oct 24, 2020

Road safety appeal issued ahead of the clocks going back tomorrow

The clocks go back at 2am next Sunday morning, which will mean the days getting shorter, as darkness falls earlier. Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office is urging pedestrians and cyclists to make themselves more visible on roads during the dark Winter…

Oct 24, 2020

Call for West of Ireland nominations for the annual Business to Arts Awards

Business to Arts launched the call for Mayo nominations for the annual Business to Arts Awards. The Awards champion businesses, artists and arts organisations across the country that work together in areas such as sponsorship, commissioning and CSR…

Oct 24, 2020

Nursing Homes Ireland says staffing remains the biggest issue in the fight against Covid-19

Nursing Homes Ireland says staffing remains the biggest issue in the fight against Covid-19. It says 40 of the country's 570 residential facilities currently have clusters of the virus. A nursing home in Galway appealed for help earlier this week folowing a…

Oct 24, 2020

Consumers advised not to use any ViraPro products

The Department of Agriculture has extended the ViraPro recall to include all of the company's sanitary products. It comes after hand sanitiser had to be pulled from use, as tests show it could cause irritation and possibly headaches. The Agriculture Minister…

Oct 24, 2020

NPHET says people's behaviour is changing in relation to Covid-19

A member of the National Public Health Emergency Team says people's behaviour is changing in relation to Covid-19. It comes as those testing positive for the virus has declined in the last seven days from 8.9 to 5.8 percent. New figures from the CSO show the…

Oct 23, 2020

Wet and windy night ahead for the West

Met Eireann is warning of a wet and windy night ahead for the south and west of the country - with wind speeds of up to 110 km/h. A yellow wind warning comes into effect at 10pm for Mayo, Galway, Donegal, Clare and Kerry - until 7am tomorrow. While a second…

Oct 23, 2020

7 more deaths and 777 new cases of Covid-19

777 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed and 7 further deaths. Of the new cases, 182 are in Dublin, 81 in Galway, 44 in Wexford, 42 in Meath and 41 in Cork. The 14 day incidence of the virus per 100 thousand people has increased to 306. The Chief Medical…

Oct 23, 2020

Covid outbreak at a Mayo residential facility for the elderly

HSE Community Healthcare West has confirmed an outbreak of Covid-19 in an older persons' community residential facility in north Mayo. Midwest News understands that a number of residents and staff have tested positive for coronavirus in recent days.…

Oct 23, 2020

Parish Priest says there is a great sense of Shock following the death of a young woman and her infant son

The body of a woman found dead in Dublin yesterday morning has been named locally as Ballina native Nicola Keane. A post mortem was carried out today on the body of the pediatric nurse. Her death and the discovery of the body of a baby boy in Lucan are being…

Oct 23, 2020

Galway Senator says HSE Covid response team needs to ramp up

There’s an urgent need to ramp up the HSE Covid response team to immediately deal with a crisis in staffing that can occur in a nursing home when more than 90 percent of residents and staff at a facility contract Covid 19. That’s the view of Ballinasloe based…

Oct 23, 2020

Ballina Gym owner says he is reopening tomorrow despite Government restrictions

A Ballina Gym owner says he is reopening tomorrow despite the Government restrictions in place. Stephen Geddes who owns the "The Gym" in Bunree, Ballina says he feels he has to do something for his members, his family and the locality and try to effect…

Oct 23, 2020

Sligo-Strandhill LEA has highest rate of Covid-19 infection in Sligo

The Connacht County with the highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 is Sligo at 397 per 100,000 people. The worst Local Electoral Area in the county is Sligo-Strandhill with an incidence rate of 582. Mayo has the lowest incidence rate in the province at…

Oct 23, 2020

New Bill that transfers database of records into Mother and Baby homes to Tusla - "an affront to democracy"

The only difference between those who incarcerated our people in the past in institutions like the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, is that those who do so now, are in suits in parliament. That’s the view of Breeda Murphy, the PRO of Tuam Mother and Baby Home…

Oct 23, 2020

Postal voting, due to Covid, for election of IFA officers

Due to Covid-19, the Irish Farmers Association is to allow postal voting for the election of officers at national and county level. The IFA's National Council has voted to allow postal ballots, and has also extended the deadline for branch AGM's by four…

Oct 23, 2020

Priests and Clergy Exempt from 5km Level 5 Restrictions

Priests and clergy are exempted from regulations around the 5km travel limit under Level 5 Covid Restrictions. That was confirmed this morning by the Minister of State at the department of Health, Frank Feighan. The Roscommon based Minister says he secured…

Oct 23, 2020

Mother and Baby Homes legislation passes through the Dail

TDs have approved a controversial bill that sends a database created by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission to Tusla - which is raising concerns about accessibility. The Government's been criticised for not opening the records to survivors. Children's…

Oct 23, 2020

Status Yellow weather warning for Mayo and Galway this evening

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow rainfall and wind warning for counties Mayo and Galway from this evening. Rain this evening through to Saturday morning could lead to accumulations of 20 – 40mm, with higher accumulations in mountainous areas. This will…

Oct 23, 2020

NHI decribes outbreak of Covid-19 at Galway facility as 'very disturbing'

Nursing Homes Ireland is describing as 'very disturbing' the major outbreak of covid 19 in a nursing home in County Galway. 25 of 27 residents at the Nightingale Nursing home in Ahascragh were confirmed to have the virus and one person has died. The HSE says…

Oct 23, 2020

Mayo woman found dead in Lucan yesterday has been named locally

The body of a woman found dead in Dublin yesterday morning has been named locally as Ballina native Nicola Keane. A post mortem will be carried out today on the body of the pediatric nurse. Midwest News understands that Nicola moved from Ballina to live in…

Oct 22, 2020

1,066 new cases of Covid-19 with three more deaths

1,066 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Republic. Three more patients have died. 244 of today's cases are in Dublin, with 104 in Galway, 98 in Cork, 92 in Meath and 528 more spread across every other county in the country. There are 36 new…

Oct 22, 2020

Status Yellow wind and rain warning for Mayo and Galway from tomorrow evening

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow rainfall and wind warning for counties Mayo and Galway from tomorrow (Fri) evening. Rain on Friday evening through to Saturday morning will lead to accumulations of 20 – 40mm, with higher accumulations in mountainous…

Oct 22, 2020

Galway secures the title of Most Friendly City in Europe

Galway has been named the Most Friendly City in Europe. That's according a survey carried out by Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Galway took the top spot and was followed by Dublin at number 2. Other European cities named in the top ten include Lisbon, Athens…

Oct 22, 2020

Minister instructs nurses and support staff to assist East Galway nursing home in Covid crisis

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has this afternoon announced that nursing staff and support staff from Roscommon University Hospital are to be sent to the East Galway Nursing Home that is at present dealing with a serious outbreak of Covid 19.…

Oct 22, 2020

A Mother, originally from Mayo and her infant son found dead today in Lucan, Dublin

Gardai are treating the deaths of a mother and her seven month old son in Dublin this morning as a family tragedy. Midwest News understands the woman is a native of county Mayo. Her body was found at Lower Road in Strawberry Beds after she was seen acting…

Oct 22, 2020

Dail hears of Covid-19 outbreak at nursing home in the West

A major COVID-19 outbreak has occurred at a private nursing home in county Galway, infecting most of the residents and staff. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice raised the matter this afternoon in the Dail where he said 25 out of 27 residents in the home have…

Oct 22, 2020

Mayo TD not in favour of fining people who travel beyond 5km limit

The Government has agreed to introduce a new graduated system of fines for people breaching the level 5 restrictions. The fines will apply to those organising or attending house parties, and also to those who travel outside the 5km limit from their homes,…

Oct 22, 2020

Free nasal flu vaccine for children aged 2-12

While much of the current focus is on Covid-19, efforts are also continuing to reduce the spread of flu this Winter. For the first time, children aged between 2 and 12 are being offered the flu vaccine free of charge this Winter. GPs and pharmacists can give…

Oct 22, 2020

Students in St Mary's Secondary School in Ballina are glad schools are open despite Level 5 Restrictions

Across the country, Covid 19 outbreaks in schools doubled again last week. There were 46 outbreaks officially recorded, compared to 25 the week before. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in schools since term began to 119 out of 4,000 primary and…

Oct 22, 2020

305 people in hospitals today with Covid-19

There's been a drop in the number of people with Covid-19 in Irish hospitals today. There are 305 people with the virus in hospitals across the country this morning - down from 323 last night - with 35 of these patients in intensive care. There are still 8…

Oct 22, 2020

Pedestrian dies following collision with a car on N5 near Strokestown

A pedestrian has died following a collision with a car on the N5 near Strokestown overnight. Emergency services were called to the scene of the collision shortly after 5am on a stretch of the N5 on the Longford side of Strokestown. The male pedestrian, who…

Oct 22, 2020

Contract signed for long-awaited Cloongullane Bridge project in Mayo

The contract has been signed for a new bridge at Cloongullane, between Swinford and Foxford. Transport Infrastructure Ireland have confirmed that BAM construction have been awarded the contract for the Cloongullane Bridge and road realignment project. The…

Oct 22, 2020

More Garda checkpoints as part of Level 5 restrictions

Gardaí will introduce more static and rolling checkpoints from today as part of the level 5 restrictions. The extension of Operation Fanacht will see Gardai continue their policy of policing by consent with enforcement only being used as a last resort.…

Oct 22, 2020

Level 5 restrictions now in place, with 71 new cases of Covid-19 in Galway and 36 in Mayo

Level 5 restrictions are now in place nationwide in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. It comes as the national 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 is now 291 - while Cavan's is in excess of 1,000. 3 further deaths were confirmed last evening, and 1,167…

Oct 21, 2020

Three further deaths & 1,167 new cases of Covid-19

There have been three further Covid-19 related deaths and 1,167 new cases. 263 of the latest cases are in Dublin, 142 in Meath, 137 in Cork and 86 in Cavan, the remaining 539 are spread across all other counties. There are 71 new cases in Galway, 36 in Mayo,…

Oct 21, 2020

Mayo school honoured for water conservation efforts

Green-Schools moved its annual Water Awards ceremony online today, with a virtual ceremony shown on screens in 24 schools around the country. Postponed in May due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony celebrates the winners of the annual Water School of the…

Oct 21, 2020

Ballina councillors totally reject lowest-ever allocation proposed under GMA funding for their area

Ballina Councillors have totally rejected the lowest allocation ever proposed under GMA funding for their area. The issue was discussed at today's monthly meeting of the authority, where Crossmolina-based FF Councillor Michael Loftus physically ripped up the…

Oct 21, 2020

Urgent cash injection needed for Knock Airport, says Mayo TD

The Department of Transport must not turn its back on Ireland West Airport Knock during this time of unprecedented turmoil in the aviation industry. That was the plea made by Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary in a Dáil debate last night. Last week, Ryanair…

Oct 21, 2020

8 patients with Covid-19 currently being treated at Mayo University Hospital

323 people are being treated for Covid-19 in Irish hospitals today. It's up from 315 yesterday, and is a 38 percent rise on the number of patients with the virus in hospitals last week. HSE figures show there are currently 8 patients with Covid-19 being…

Oct 21, 2020

Level 5 restrictions will decimate marts, says Roscommon TD

The Level 5 restrictions will decimate trade at livestock marts, according to Roscommon-Galway Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. While online sales can still go ahead, Deputy Fitzmaurice says this cannot replace buyers around the ring, and says the…

Oct 21, 2020

Body found in search for missing Achill man in the UK

A body has been found in the search for a missing Achill man in England. 72-year old Joseph Cafferkey - a native of Achill Island and living in York - was last seen on Wednesday 30th September, and searches for him had entered their third week, when North…

Oct 21, 2020

Mayo TD to meet Minister Simon Harris over GMIT Castlebar campus

Mayo FG Deputy Alan Dillon is to meet with the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris this week to discuss the latest developments at the Castlebar campus of GMIT. It comes following the recent decision to close the business department at the Mayo campus.…

Oct 21, 2020

Thousands of people Covid-positive will be asked to do their own contact tracing

Thousands of people who tested positive for Covid-19 over last weekend will be asked to do their own contact tracing. The HSE is to send a text to 2,500 people in the coming days to tell others they've been in close contact. HSE contact tracers faced an…

Oct 21, 2020

Level 5 restrictions come into effect at midnight tonight

Level five Covid restrictions will come into effect for the whole country at midnight tonight. People will not be allowed further than 5km from their home unless it's essential or on compassionate grounds, with fines to be introduced in the coming weeks for…

Oct 20, 2020

13 deaths reported this evening from Covid-19, and 1,269 new cases

13 additional Covid deaths have been confirmed this evening, and 1,269 additional cases of the virus. 221 of the cases are in Meath and 203 in Dublin. In this region, there are 74 new cases in Galway, 28 in Mayo, 27 in Sligo, and less than 5 in both…

Oct 20, 2020

Number of vehicles involved in collision on Ballina-Crossmolina road

Emergency services are attending the scene of a road collision on the Ballina to Crossmolina road. It's understood a number of vehicles were involved in the collision. Gardai are at the scene, and motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible. The road is…

Oct 20, 2020

Water supplies restored to most customers in Ballina following earlier burst

Irish Water says water supplies have been restored to the majority of customers impacted by the burst water main on Emmet Street, Ballina earlier today, by isolating the section of main where the burst has occurred. However, due to the complexity of the…

Oct 20, 2020

Galway Gardai seize cannabis worth estimated €20,000 in Eyre Square

Gardai in Galway have seized cannabis worth an estimated €20,000, and have arrested a man in connection with the seizure. Members of the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit stopped and searched a man at Eyre Square shortly after 6 pm yesterday evening, and recovered…

Oct 20, 2020

Owner of hair and beauty salon in Castlebar pleas with people to spend locally this Christmas - as Lockdown hits from midnight tomorrow night

Please support local business this Christmas was the plea today from Joan Rowland of Petals Hair and Beauty salons in Castlebar and Westport. Petals is just one of the many extremely busy hairdressers and beauticians across the region that are very busy…

Oct 20, 2020

Level 5 restrictions will reduce capacity to 25% on public transport

Bus Eireann is advising that, under the level 5 restrictions from tomorrow night, Bus Eireann and Expressway services will only operate at a 25% capacity. Under Government advice, all travel should be limited within a 5km radius, unless travel is essential…

Oct 20, 2020

New fines for people organising house parties during Covid-19 restrictions

New fines are being introduced in for people organising house parties, as part of tougher coronavirus laws. The Cabinet has today agreed to bring in a system of graduated penalties for those breaking the rules. It's expected people not wearing face masks in…

Oct 20, 2020

Target of lockdown is to reduce the R rate of the virus, says Taoiseach

The Taoiseach Míchéal Martin has said getting the reproductive rate of the virus consistently below one is the target of the new lockdown. The exit strategy involves getting the R rate as low as 0.5 if possible. Some tweaks have been made to the plan this…

Oct 20, 2020

25 people will be allowed attend a funeral under Level 5 Restrictions

The number of people who can attend funerals is to be increased after a decision by the cabinet this morning. Under level 5 restrictions it was due to be just 10 people - but will now be increased to 25 in line with weddings. One of the big criticims of the…

Oct 20, 2020

Existing NCT appointments will go ahead under Level 5 Restrictions

Only existing NCT appointments will be allowed to go ahead under Level 5 restrictions. The Government's list of essential services includes mechanics being allowed to continue to carry out repairs on cars - however dealerships will not be permitted to open.…

Oct 20, 2020

Public reminded visiting still not permitted at Mayo University Hospital

Visiting patients in hospital has been ruled out since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Mayo University Hospital is again reminding the public that visiting is still not permitted - other than in exceptional circumstances, and end of life situations.…

Oct 20, 2020

Some businesses remain unclear whether or not they are deemed "essential" under Level 5 Restrictions

There are businesses today (Tues) unsure whether they are deemed “essential services” under the latest Level 5 Covid Restrictions. The Castlebook store on Castle Street in Castlebar is one such business. David Brennan says that in addition to his general…

Oct 20, 2020

Queues today but devastation again for Barbers, Hairdressers and Beauticians as Level 5 Restrictions hit

Hairdressesers, beauticians and barbers are all closed again for six weeks from midnight tomorrow night (Wed). It is another devastating blow to the businesses and is also causing consternation for clients. Kelly's Barbers in Castlebar is booked out until…

Oct 20, 2020

Mayo funeral director says Level 5 restrictions on services will cause 'divides in families'

The impact of Level 5 restrictions on families grieving the loss of a loved one are not being taken into consideration by the Government. That’s the view of Mayo funeral director David McGowan, who says restricting attendances further will cause divides in…

Oct 20, 2020

Up to 300 properties affected by a burst watermain in North Mayo

Up to 300 properties in Ballina are facing disruption to water supply today following a burst watermain on Emmet Street. Irish Water and Mayo County Council are carrying out repair work on the ground to restore water supply to properties in Emmet Street,…

Oct 20, 2020

A Status Yellow rainfall warning remains in place today

A status yellow warning for rainfall remains in place nationwide until three o'clock this afternoon. Heavy rain will continue at times throughout the day with a risk of spot flooding. Rainfall totals of around 30-50mm are expected, with possibly higher…

Oct 20, 2020

PUP payments to be restored to original rates under increased restrictions

The higher rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is being restored to 350 euro. Those who were earning 400 euro a week or more before the pandemic will be eligible to receive the original rate. A total of 244 thousand people will receive the PUP tomorrow,…

Oct 20, 2020

New system of fines for breaching Covid restrictions to be discussed by Cabinet

A new system of fines for breaching COVID restrictions will also be discussed by Ministers today. Cabinet will likely give approval to a series of graduated fines for things like breaking the 5km travel limit and not wearing a facemask in certain settings.…

Oct 20, 2020

Sligo now has the fifth highest incidence rate of Covid-19 nationally

Sligo now has the fifth highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in the country. They have 330 cases per 100,000 people and is followed in Connacht by Galway on 288, Leitrim on 237, Roscommon on 232 and Mayo has the lowest incidence rate in the province at…

Oct 20, 2020

The entire country will move to level 5 Covid-19 restrictions for six weeks

The government has approved moving the country to level five restrictions from midnight on Wednesday. A six week lockdown will be put in place following a recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency team. The measures put in place will be…

Oct 19, 2020

1,031 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening

1,031 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening, while there have been no further deaths. 235 cases are in Dublin and 232 in Cork. In this region, there are 60 new cases in Galway, 30 in Sligo, 27 in Mayo and 10 in Roscommon. There's now a total…

Oct 19, 2020

Cabinet discussing moving the country to Level 5 restrictions for a period of six weeks

The Cabinet is to consider moving the country to Level 5 restrictions for a period of six weeks. It comes after senior Government Ministers met with health officials today to finalise the details of new restrictions for the country. It had been expected a…

Oct 19, 2020

Inquest abandoned today at Ballina court after man in the public gallery refused to leave despite Covid restrictions on numbers

An inquest into the death of a 17-year-old Leaving Certificate student who died ten days after allegedly being admitted to a Covid-19 ward of Mayo University Hospital was abandoned this afternoon after a man refused to identify himself in court and disobeyed…

Oct 19, 2020

Roscommon Senator says GAA matches should not have gone ahead over the weekend

A Roscommon senator believes it was a grave mistake allowing GAA inter-county games to go ahead over the weekend, and is calling on the GAA - even at this stage- to postpone matches for a number of weeks. While not taking from Roscommon's win at the weekend…

Oct 19, 2020

Cabinet meeting at 4pm to decide on tighter Covid-19 restrictions

A Cabinet meeting gets underway at 4pm to sign-off on tighter restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19. An official announcement is expected later this evening or tonight. It's expected that schools will stay open, but most non-essential retail will close…

Oct 19, 2020

Primary Teachers have 5 requirements to keep schools open under increased Covid Restrictions

The INTO, representing primary teachers, has set out five clear requirements for schools to operate safely as community infection rates rise and the number of positive tests in schools increase. The INTO is growing increasingly concerned that public health…

Oct 19, 2020

Petition underway nationally to make gyms "essential services"

A petition to classify gyms and fitness centres as 'essential services' has reached over 27,000 signatures. The group, called Independent Gym Owners Ireland, has called for them to remain open during Covid restrictions. The petition raises concerns that a…

Oct 19, 2020

Repairs are being carried out on a burst watermain in Roscommon

Repairs are currently being carried out to a burst watermain in Roscommon to restore water supply to approximately 300 customers in Mount Delvin, Cloonfad and surrounding areas. Irish Water expects the repair works to be completed by 2pm today and it may take…

Oct 19, 2020

Cabinet due to meet at 4pm re increased Covid Restrictions nationally

Further COVID restrictions are being discussed by a number of senior Ministers this morning. It's expected the country will move to level four plus for a number of weeks. A meeting between the coalition party leaders, a number of senior ministers, the Chief…

Oct 19, 2020

Lotto ticket sold in Boyle worth over €339,000

There was Lotto luck for one player in Co Roscommon over the weekend. While there was no winner of the overall jackpot of over €4.4 million on Saturday night, one player matched 5 numbers plus the bonus, to win a prize of over €339,000. The winning ticket was…

Oct 19, 2020

Blanket closure of some businesses under new restrictions, not acceptable according to gym owner Andy Moran

As gyms are set to close under higher Restrictions – a blanket closure of some businesses by government is not acceptable, according to gym owner, Mayo All star Footballer, Andy Moran. Andy of The Movement Gym, Castlebar says the second closure of gyms in…

Oct 19, 2020

Tesco progressing plans for upgrade of Ballina store

Tesco Ireland say their plans are progressing for upgrading their store in Ballina's Market Square, and they hope to apply for planning permission early in the New Year. That's according to Ballina-based Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary, who says this upgrade-…

Oct 19, 2020

Teachers want schools to stay open but not at any cost, according to Galway ASTI rep

Teachers want schools to remain open as Covid Restrictions look set to increase later today, but not at any cost, that’s according to ASTI representative for second level schools in Galway, Tuam and east Galway, Ritchie Bell. While the TUI, representing…

Oct 19, 2020

Kiltimagh-Knock road reopens to traffic following single vehicle collision

The Kiltimagh Knock road, the R323, has reopened to traffic following a road traffic collision this morning. Gardaí attended the scene of the single vehicle crash. The incident happened at around 8am and involved a jeep with a livestock trailer. Midwest News…

Oct 19, 2020

Mayo has the sixth lowest 14-day incidence rate from Covid-19 nationally

Mayo has the sixth lowest 14-day incidence rate from covid-19 in the country at 149 per 100, 000 people. Sligo has the highest incidence rate in Connacht and sixth highest in the country at 295 per 100,000 people. Galway has a 14-day incidence rate of 274,…

Oct 19, 2020

Gardaí are at the scene of a road traffic collision in East Mayo this morning

Gardaí remain at the scene of a road traffic collision on the Kiltimagh Knock road, the R323. The incident happened at around 8am this morning. The road is closed to traffic as Gardaí conduct their investigation. Midwest News understands that a vehicle…

Oct 19, 2020

South Mayo Councillor calls for Government funding to redevelop a 'dangerous junction'

A South Mayo councillor is calling on the Department to provide money for the redevelopment of a dangerous junction near Cong. Robeen-based Councillor Pasty O'Brien has called on the Department of Transport to make funding available to the project under the…

Oct 19, 2020

Galway West TD calls on transport companies to prepare for Brexit

A Galway West TD is calling on transport companies to get ready for Brexit. Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton is urging them to switch to direct routes from this country to the Continent. She says they have to be prepared as Brexit will lead to…

Oct 19, 2020

Government expected to announce blend of Covid-19 restrictions this evening

New nationwide COVID restrictions will be announced by the government this evening. Cabinet Ministers are expected to sign off on a plan that will merge aspects of level four and five of the current roadmap. Meetings continued through the day yesterday…

Oct 19, 2020

A Status Yellow rainfall warning is in place across the region

A Status Yellow rainfall warning came into effect across the entire country overnight. The warning will remain in place until 7pm on Tuesday evening. Persistent and occasionally heavy bands of rain will cross the country today and tomorrow. While some areas…

Oct 19, 2020

A man from this region infected 56 people with Covid-19 after failing to isolate after returning from abroad

One man from this region infected 56 others with Covid-19 after not restricting his movements after returning from abroad. This example of how Covid-19 can quickly spread within the community was revealed in a report published by the Department of Public…

Oct 18, 2020

New record amount of Covid-19 cases confirmed and three deaths

There are a record 1,283 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 and three more deaths. It brings the death toll from the virus to 1,852, while a total of 49,962 cases have been confirmed in the country. There are 408 new cases in Dublin, 156 in Cork, 88 in Kildare,…

Oct 18, 2020

Status Yellow rainfall warning issued for the country

A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued for the entire country by Met Eireann. The warning comes into effect at midnight tonight and will last until 7pm on Tuesday evening. Persistent and occasionally heavy bands of rain will cross the country over…

Oct 18, 2020

Support for Government parties remains steady in latest poll

Support for the government parties is holding steady in the latest Behaviour and Attitudes Poll for The Sunday Times. Fine Gael is up one point to 31 per cent, Fianna Fail is unchanged on 19 per cent, while there's no change to the Green Party at 5 per cent.…

Oct 18, 2020

Restauranteurs will welcome tough short covid restrictions in order to reopen for Christmas

The restaurant industry is happy to take the "short, sharp pain" of tougher Covid 19 restrictions in order to re-open at Christmas. The Restaurants Association of Ireland says it would welcome a few weeks of stringent measures. However it says it's keen to…

Oct 18, 2020

UK Minister says a no-deal Brexit is better than an unfavourable deal

UK Minister Michael Gove has said crashing out of Europe is more favourable to him than striking an unfavourable Brexit deal. Mr. Gove's comments echo those of Boris Johnson, who said on Friday that a 'fundamental change in approach' from the EU was needed to…

Oct 18, 2020

Government decision on new restrictions expected tomorrow evening at the earliest

It will be tomorrow evening at the earliest before we know whether a second lockdown will be approved by the government. Lengthy meetings yesterday broke up without any agreement on whether or not to implement NPHET's advice. After more than eight hours of…

Oct 18, 2020

Sligo remains the Connacht County with the highest incidence rate of Covid-19

Sligo is the Connacht County with the highest incidence rate of Covid-19 per 100,000 people. The county has 304 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Galway on 263, Leitrim on 218, Roscommon with 200 and Mayo has the lowest incidence rate of the virus at 131…

Oct 17, 2020

Government won't decide until Monday if it will move to Level 5

The government won't decide until Monday at the earliest if it's going to put Ireland to level five public health restrictions. Talks at government buildings have wrapped up for the night after hours of briefings from senior public health officials. Speaking…

Oct 17, 2020

A record 1,276 new cases of Covid-19 and eight further deaths

A record 1,276 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed in the Republic and there are 8 more deaths. 278 cases are in Dublin, with 149 in Cork, 108 in Meath, 107 in Galway, 80 in Wexford, and the remaining cases are spread across 21 counties. There are 16…

Oct 17, 2020

EirGrid to host webinars on new electrical line in Mayo

EirGrid is hosting a series of webinars next week on the North Connacht 110 kV project, a new electricity line that will run from Ballina to Ballaghaderreen. The company is encouraging people who have questions about the project and it’s route to register…

Oct 17, 2020

CMO briefs party leaders over Level 5 recommendations

Senior health officials are briefing the leaders of the three coalition parties this afternoon as they prepare to decide whether to move the country to level five restrictions. But there have been some some indications that the government may reject the…

Oct 17, 2020

Disappointment expressed that student nurses & midwives are still not getting paid despite promises

Aontú representative for Mayo, Paul Lawless, has expressed his disappointment that student nurses are still not getting paid for their work on the frontlines. Mr Lawless says that back in March the then Minister for Health Simon Harris announced that student…

Oct 17, 2020

Gardai increasing the number of checkpoints in place across this weekend

Gardaí are increasing the number of checkpoints in place across the country this weekend with an enhanced focus on crime prevention and detection. An Garda Síochána's new "high visibility", nationwide policing plan is also focusing on support for the…

Oct 17, 2020

HSE wants to take over up to 40% of activity in private hospitals

The HSE wants to take over up to 40 per cent of activity in private hospitals, to deal with further surges in Covid-19 cases. The Irish Times reports that under a new agreement, private hospitals would provide complex medical and surgical treatment for public…

Oct 17, 2020

Luke Flanagan accusing the British Prime Minister of "brinkmanship" over a post-Brexit trade deal

An Irish MEP's accusing the British Prime Minister of 'brinkmanship' over a post-Brexit trade deal. It's after Boris Johnson said trade talks with the EU 'are over' and it's time to prepare for a no-deal scenario. Talks were planned for London on Monday, but…

Oct 17, 2020

Security company that attended a house repossession in Roscommon ordered to pay fines of €3,000

A security company that attended a house repossession in Roscommon has been ordered to pay fines of 3,000 euro. A court found the Armagh company guilty of six breaches of the Private Security Services Act. In December 2018, a farmer's house in Falsk,…

Oct 17, 2020

Government ministers meeting today to discuss tighter restrictions

The leaders of the three coalition parties will meet later today to discuss placing the country back into a six week lockdown. NPHET has recommended Level 5 restrictions for the entire country. 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 and three more deaths were confirmed…

Oct 16, 2020

Man taken to hospital in Sligo following road traffic collision in Gurteen

A man in his 40’s was airlifted to hospital this evening following a road traffic collision in Gurteen, Co. Sligo. Gardaí attended the scene of a single vehicle collision which occurred in Gurteen at approximately 5pm. The driver of the car, a male aged in…

Oct 16, 2020

One thousand new cases of Covid-19 with three more deaths confirmed

There are 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic, and three more deaths. 254 of the cases are in Dublin, with 102 in Meath, 88 in Cork, 81 in Cavan and 75 in Galway. The remaining 400 are spread across 20 different counties. Elsewhere, in this region…

Oct 16, 2020

Gardai in the West appeal to the public to continue to follow public health guidelines

Gardaí in the North Western Region are appealing to the public to continue following public health regulations and guidelines for the next number of weeks. An Garda Síochána in Counties Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Longford, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan,…

Oct 16, 2020

Taoiseach says government is giving "very active consideration" to moving to level 5

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the government is giving "very active consideration" to moving the country to level five restrictions. NPHET has recommended a six week lockdown of the country to combat the increasing spread of the virus. The leaders of the…

Oct 16, 2020

18 grades increased after Leaving Cert appeals

The Leaving Cert appeals process has finished, with only 18 students marks upgraded. Seven of these students had not lodged an appeal, but had a grade brought up following quality assurance checks. More than 33 thousand individual subject records belonging to…

Oct 16, 2020

As NPHET again call for Level 5 restrictions today, the Tanaiste says Ministers are not due to meet today

The Tanaiste says he's not surprised NPHET has recommended the whole country move to level 5. Public health officials believe a six week lockdown is necessary to suppress the virus. It's predicting that case numbers could reach as high a 2,500 a day by…

Oct 16, 2020

Tribute paid to the late Fr Colm Kilcoyne by former colleague and friend Terry Prone

"The late Fr Colm Kilcoyne had human warmth in spades", according to his former colleague and friend, nationally known communications guru, Terry Prone. Priest, writer and broadcaster Fr Colm Kilcoyne passed away yesterday morning in Castlebar, aged 86. He…

Oct 16, 2020

NPHET again recommends moving the entire country to Level 5 restrictions

NPHET has made another recommendation to move the entire country to level five restrictions. Public health officials have said the lockdown should last for six weeks. This recommendation from NPHET wasn't unexpected in Government Buildings. Public health…

Oct 16, 2020

16 additional beds to open at Swinford District Hospital

Recruitment is underway for additional staff at Swinford District Hospital, which will result in the opening of up to 16 beds now closed at the facility. That has been confirmed today by Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary. Speaking to Midwest News today…

Oct 16, 2020

LISTEN: Dementia - Understand together initiative (Part2)

We are partnering with the HSE and the Dementia: Understand Together initiative to help get Ireland talking about dementia where it matters most – in our own communities. Tommy Marren speaking to Antoinette Larkin who is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in…

Oct 16, 2020

Public health advice would be sought on schools remaining open in Level 5

The Education Minister says if the country goes to level 5 Covid-19 restrictions she would seek public health advice in relation to schools remaining open. It comes amid warnings from the Chief Medical Officer that the country's contact tracing system can't…

Oct 16, 2020

Dental Clinic in Roscommon to be located in Primary Care Centre from RUH

The dental clinic which operates from Roscommon Hospital is to move to a permanent new location in Roscommon Primary Care Centre, according to deputy Denis Naughten. The deputy had been contacted by parents concerned that the service had been transferred…

Oct 16, 2020

700 new jobs created at DPD Ireland

DPD Ireland is to expand its nationwide operations, creating 700 new jobs before the end of the year. Up to 150 positions will be based in their headquarters in Athlone and the remaining 550 drivers and operational personnel will be required to service…

Oct 16, 2020

Special meeting of Mayo County Council called to discuss GMIT Castlebar campus developments

Mayo county councillors have called for a special meeting of the authority to discuss developments at the Castlebar campus of GMIT. It follows the recent announcement that Business Dept at the Castlebar campus of GMIT is to close. GMIT Mayo campus business…

Oct 16, 2020

€414,000 spent on private ambulance costs at Mayo University Hospital in the first six months of the year

The HSE spent nearly 4.5 million euro on private ambulance costs in the first six months of this year. A further 14.3 million euro was also spent on taxis in the same time frame. The National Ambulance Service's main role is to help people with serious or…

Oct 16, 2020

Household visits banned nationwide as new restrictions come into effect

Household visits are banned nationwide as new restrictions came into effect overnight Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal are now under level 4 restrictions, meaning shops that sell non-essential items are not allowed to open for four weeks. In addition, no more than…

Oct 16, 2020

Concern over Covid-19 incidence rate in urban areas like Galway City

Ballyjamesduff in Cavan has the highest 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate per 100,000 than any other local constituency in the country with a rate of over 651. It's the highest figure recorded in the country - while Lifford Stranorlar in county Donegal has risen…

Oct 16, 2020

Sligo is the Connacht County with the highest incidence rate of Covid

A record number of 1,205 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the country yesterday, and there were three more deaths. 288 cases are in Dublin, with 173 in Cork, 123 in Meath and 97 in Galway - with remaining cases spread across all other counties. Elsewhere,…

Oct 15, 2020

LISTEN: Dementia - Understand together initiative (Part1)

Tommy Marren speaking to Frances Maloney who is Operations Manager at Community Action on Dementia in Mayo. We are partnering with the HSE and the Dementia: Understand Together initiative to help get Ireland talking about dementia where it matters most – in…

Oct 15, 2020

1,205 new cases of Covid-19 with three more deaths

There are a record 1,205 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic, and three more deaths.288 cases are in Dublin, with 173 in Cork, 123 in Meath and 97 in Galway - with remaining cases spread across all other counties. Elsewhere, there are 24 new cases in Mayo &…

Oct 15, 2020

Water restrictions in place on Achill Island later this evening

Irish Water and Mayo County Council wish to advise customers in parts of Achill Island that overnight water restrictions will be in place tonight and tomorrow night due to operational improvement works at the water treatment plant. The restrictions will be in…

Oct 15, 2020

The death has occurred of priest, broadcaster and author - Fr Colm Kilcoyne

The death has occurred of well known priest, writer and broadcaster Fr Colm Kilcoyne. Aged in his eighties, Fr Kilcoyne passed away this morning. Born in Castlebar in 1934, Colm Kilcoyne was ordained in 1959 and initially served in the Monastery in…

Oct 15, 2020

Rise in number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals

The head of the HSE says hospitals are coping, but are anxious for what lies ahead. 238 people are currently hospitalised with Covid-19 including 29 in intensive care. A quarter of those hospitalised are under the age of 25. HSE CEO Paul Reid says staff…

Oct 15, 2020

Major power outage across Roscommon this afternoon

There is a major power outage across Roscommon this afternoon. ESB crews have been mobilised to restore power to over 12,000 customers in Roscommon town, Ballygar and Glenamaddy. A spokesperson for the ESB says a fault fed through the network in Athlone has…

Oct 15, 2020

Fort Wayne Metals assist MUH during the pandemic

Castlebar based company Fort Wayne Metals has designed and produced a set of eye-catching Covid-19 awareness material for Mayo University Hospital. At the height of the pandemic in April, the company offered practical help to hospital management, and has…

Oct 15, 2020

Ryanair cuts flight schedule by 80% this Winter at Ireland West Airport Knock

Ryanair is cutting its flight schedule by 80% this Winter at Ireland West Airport Knock. The airline announced today that they're closing their bases at both Shannon and Cork airports this Winter, due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, while the news for…

Oct 15, 2020

Pamela Scott to close 12 shops, including Sligo

Pamela Scott is to close half of its stores with the loss of 104 jobs. The clothing chain is shutting 12 shops across the country in a bid to secure the company's future - including the store in Sligo, as well as Grafton Street, Frascati Centre, Swords and…

Oct 15, 2020

Hollymount farmer wins Aurivo Milk Award

Louis Macken from Hollymount has been acknowledged for his contribution to dairy farming excellence at the Aurivo Milk Quality Awards. Now in its 13th year, the awards recognise the standard of excellence in dairy farming by Aurivo milk suppliers, as well as…

Oct 15, 2020

Achill Community Covid 19 Response Centre advise 20 active cases of the virus on the island rus

It is understood there are over 20 active cases of Covid 19 on Achill Island at present, with more suspected cases awaiting results, according to an update issued today by the Achill Community Covid-19 Response Centre. In a statement the community group state…

Oct 15, 2020

Mayor of Galway City explains decision to cancel Christmas Markets

The Mayor of Galway City says it's disappointing that this year's Christmas Markets are cancelled, but says the popular markets could not go ahead due to the Covid-19 restrictions currently in place, and the uncertainty going forward. Galway has confirmed 449…

Oct 15, 2020

Upgrade of Lough Talt water treatment plant on track to be completed by year end

There's some good news for residents in south Sligo, as works on the long-awaited Lough Talt water treatment plant are on track to be completed by the end of this year. Irish Water says the upgrade works will benefit some 13,000 people, who are currently…

Oct 15, 2020

Chief Justice to meet Seamus Woulfe later over "Golfgate" controversy in Clifden

The Chief Justice is expected to meet Supreme Court judge Seamus Woulfe later to discuss the fallout from the 'golfgate' controversy. There were 81 people at the now infamous Oireachtas golf society dinner in Clifden last August, which breached Covid-19…

Oct 15, 2020

Chief Justice to meet Seamus Woulfe later over "Golfgate" controversy in Clifden

The Chief Justice is expected to meet Supreme Court judge Seamus Woulfe later to discuss the fallout from the 'golfgate' controversy. There were 81 people at the now infamous Oireachtas golf society dinner in Clifden last August, which breached Covid-19…

Oct 15, 2020

Galway Christmas Market cancelled due to Covid-19

This year's Christmas Market in Galway has been cancelled due to the pandemic. The market has been running from early November to mid December for a number of years, attracting significant visitor numbers to the city. But Galway City Council says that in…

Oct 15, 2020

5 patients being treated for Covid-19 at Mayo University Hospital

The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 came down last night from 234 to 214 while the number of patients in intensive care remained at 30. Of the 214 confirmed cases in hospitals across the country, there are 5 being treated at Mayo University…

Oct 15, 2020

50 new cases of Covid-19 in Galway and 13 in Mayo as Taoiseach announces further restrictions

5 further deaths and 1,095 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed yesterday evening - a record daily figure. This includes 50 additional cases in Co Galway, 13 in Mayo, 14 in Sligo, 8 in Roscommon and less than 5 in Leitrim. The 14-day incidence rate nationally…

Oct 14, 2020

Covid 19 forces adjournment of all cases at Tralee District Court today

All of today's cases in Tralee District Court in Co. Kerry have been adjourned and the courtroom closed, after a garda said he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Judge David Waters was notified at around 1pm, during the day's proceedings, that a senior…

Oct 14, 2020

Announcement expected tonight on whether additional Covid restrictions will be imposed on border counties

A record number of Coronavirus cases have been recorded in the north in the last 24 hours. There were 1217 new cases of Covid 19 and four additional deaths. A four week 'circuit breaker' lockdown will come into effect in Northern Ireland on Friday. The…

Oct 14, 2020

Many family carers worse off after yesterday's budget according to FCI

Many family carers are worse off after Budget 2021 as the budget fails to deliver on Programme for Government promise of 'support and recognition' for family carers. That’s according to Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement with Family…

Oct 14, 2020

DojoMór2020 takes place virtually on Saturday week (Oct 24th)

GMIT is delighted to be a partner in hosting DojoMór2020, an exciting and fun online coding event for young people aged 7 to 17, where in one day (Saturday 24 October 2020), right across Ireland, they learn to create a simple game, build a website, and…

Oct 14, 2020

Minister says Ireland West Airport Knock will benefit from Budget funding

Ireland West Airport Knock, along with Donegal and Kerry airports, will benefit from over €21 million euro announced in the Budget for regional airports. That's according to Galway's Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State with responsibility for international…

Oct 14, 2020

Mayo and Sligo two of four locations nationally where new Memory Assessment Units are to be located for early detection of dementia

Mayo and Sligo are to be two of the four locations nationally for new Memory Assessment Units, for the early detection of alzheimers and dementia. It follows yesterday’s Budget in which almost 13 million euro was announced for dementia services nationally.…

Oct 14, 2020

GP working as a locum on Achill warns locals of the spread of Covid 19 on the island

A GP that was working as a locum doctor on Achill island over the past number of days took to local media last night to warn the people of the island that Covid 19 is rampant in the area. Dr Noreen Lineen-Curtis last night tweeted: Folks it’s rampant. Achill…

Oct 14, 2020

Decision not to increase pension age from next January welcomed

The Government confirmed yesterday that plans to increase the pension age to 67 from next January will not be going ahead. Roscommon-Galway Independent TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the decision that the pension age will be retained at 66. He says Minister…

Oct 14, 2020

Discharge of raw sewage into Killala Bay to end within weeks

The practise of discharging raw sewage into Killala Bay will end within weeks. Irish Water has confirmed it will commence operation of a new wastewater treatment plant in the coming weeks, which will stop the discharge of untreated wastewater into Killala…

Oct 14, 2020

39 new cases of Covid-19 in Galway, and 9 in Mayo as CMO warns of widespread community transmission

The Chief Medical Officer has warned Ireland is now dealing with 'widespread' community transmission of Covid-19. Dr Tony Holohan says it has become 'a whole population issue' and has appealed to every individual, family, household and workplace to act on…

Oct 14, 2020

Cost of cigaretts, petrol and diesel increased overnight

The cost of cigarettes and motor fuel increased overnight as a result of Budget 2021. 50 cent has been added to the cost of a box of cigarettes, with other increases on related products. AA Ireland says the carbon tax increase will only push up living costs…

Oct 13, 2020

Repairs completed following major water burst in Ballina

Repairs have now been completed following a major water burst in Ballina town today. The burst watermain at the Dunnes Stores roundabout impacted on water supply for a number of customers in the area, and traffic restrictions were in place to allow emergency…

Oct 13, 2020

Mayo Chair of the VFI welcomes reduction in VAT announced in today's budget

The reduction in the VAT rate in today’s budget is welcome, according to the Mayo Chair of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Alan Gielty Yesterday, Alan spoke to Midwest News about the need in today’s budget for the VAT rate to be reduced from 13.5 to 9%,…

Oct 13, 2020

Connolly-Sligo train cancelled this afternoon, following incident in Dublin

The 1pm Dublin Connolly to Sligo train this afternoon was cancelled following a serious incident near Castleknock station in Dublin. Emergency services remain at the scene after a person was struck by a train earlier. Irish Rail says Maynooth services remain…

Oct 13, 2020

Carbon tax increase will hit motorists from tomorrow

Drivers will pay an average of two euro more to fill their car with petrol or diesel from tomorrow due to the carbon tax hike, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry. Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI, says drivers will be paying more for…

Oct 13, 2020

Budget changes to social welfare

In terms of social welfare, rates are to be maintained in 2021. Child benefit increases by 5 euro for children over 12, and €2 for children under 12. The Carers Support grant is up by €150 to €1850 per year. There's a €5 increase in the living alone…

Oct 13, 2020

Highlights of Budget 2021

The Finance Minister has unveiled a 17.7 billion euro budget package. Minister Paschal Donohoe said the budget has been framed with both Covid and Brexit in mind. There will be a 3.4 billion euro recovery fund aimed at increasing employment. The fund will be…

Oct 13, 2020

Mayo postmaster is 'delighted' social welfare payments are reverting to back to weekly instalments

A Mayo postmaster has welcomed the decision to revert social welfare payments back to weekly allocations from fortnightly. John Pat Scott of Scott’s XL and Post Office in Aghagower has welcomed what he says is an ‘unexpected decision’ from Government. The…

Oct 13, 2020

Mayo Senator welcomes EU agreement on traffic-light system for travel

A Mayo Senator has welcomed today's agreement between EU countries to coordinate international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic. At present, countries have different rules when it comes to travel, but Ministers from the 27 member states have now agreed a…

Oct 13, 2020

Burst water mains in Ballina is disrupting water supply in the town today

A burst water main in Ballina is disrupting supply in the area today. Irish Water and Mayo County Council are advising customers in the town that their water supply has been impacted as a result of a burst water main at the Dunnes Stores Roundabout. Crews are…

Oct 13, 2020

Mayo is the only Connacht county with a 14-day incidence rate of less than 100

Mayo is the only county in Connacht with a 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus at less than 100 per 100,000 people - and currently has the fourth lowest incidence rate nationally. Latest HSE figures show 11 additional cases of the virus were confirmed in…

Oct 13, 2020

Foxford based food company takes second national title since the start of the month

Gluten free toffee popcorn produced in a food company based in Foxford has secured a second national food award in two weeks. The Gold Award at this year’s annual FreeFrom Food Awards was won by the product Specially Selected Extra Buttery Luxury Toffee…

Oct 13, 2020

€195,000 funding allocated to six Mayo projects under the Town and Village Accelerated Measures

€195,000 in funding has been allocated to six Mayo projects under Round 3 of the Town & Village Accelerated Measures. Ballina, Castlebar and Westport will benefit from E40,000 each, while Claremorris, Islandeady and Parke will be awarded E25,000 each under…

Oct 13, 2020

WHO rule out herd immunity for Covid-19 as 'unethical'

The head of the World Health Organisation has ruled out using herd immunity, to stop the spread of Covid-19. It is the term to describe what happens when the population becomes immune through vaccination or mass infection. For measles the herd immunity point…

Oct 13, 2020

Many children in care across the northwest are without an up-to-date care plan

295 children who are in care do not have an up-to-date care plan. According to Tusla's latest figures, the highest amount is in Cork, while there are also large numbers across the northwest region. As of June, there were 5,957 children care across the…

Oct 13, 2020

Galway hotel has liquor license renewed despite garda investigations

The hotel at the centre of the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner has had its alcohol licence renewed. Two garda investigations are ongoing into what happened at the Oireachtas golf society dinner in August. 81 people attended the event with a partition placed in…

Oct 13, 2020

Chief Justice to meet Seamus Woulfe later to discuss review findings from Clifden Golf dinner

The Chief Justice will meet with Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe later to discuss the fallout from the golfgate controversy. The Supreme Court judge attended the Clifden dinner event in August which breached Covid-19 restrictions. 81 people attended the highly…

Oct 13, 2020

Budget 2021 is expected to be the largest in the history of the state

People on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment WILL be paid the social welfare Christmas bonus if they've spent at least four months on the income support. The measure was one of the last agreed last night during final negotiations on Budget 2021, which will be…

Oct 13, 2020

Continued rise in Covid-19 cases across all Connacht counties

The National Public Health Emergency team will make a call on Thursday on whether or not Level 3 is working. The national 14 day incidence rate is now 167 per 100 thousand people, a 43 percent increase in the past week. 825 cases were confirmed yesterday…

Oct 12, 2020

Scam alert re Restart Grant Plus

the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation It has come to the attention of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation that a fraudulent email is in circulation inviting applications for the Restart Grant Plus. Under no circumstances…

Oct 12, 2020

Galway Mayor reaches out to lonely and isolated during Level 3 Restrictions

The Mayor of Galway, Mike Cubbard has come up with an initiative to help ease loneliness and isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Cubbard has been reaching out to people in his community by writing letters with a personal touch. The response is said…

Oct 12, 2020

Gardai investigate cattle rustling in county Mayo

Gardai in Claremorris are investigating the theft of 6 cattle from a family farm in the Shrule area last week, after the cattle were retrieved in a field 30 km away in the early hours of last Saturday morning A gang of cattle rustlers appeared to vanish in a…

Oct 12, 2020

A TY class in county Mayo sent home today following Covid 19 Incidence

Midwest News understands that a Transition Year (TY) class in a county Mayo school has been sent home this morning due to a Covid 19 incidence. It comes as there's been a significant increase in the 14 day incidence rate of Covid 19 nationally. The World…

Oct 12, 2020

Just a handful of pubs now open in Mayo, according to the Mayo Chair of the VFI

There aren’t a handful of pubs in Mayo open now under Level 3 Covid Restrictions, according to the Mayo Chairperson of the Vintners Federation, Alan Gielty. Alan is the owner of Gielty's Bar and Restaurant on Achill Island, and has, like most publicans in the…

Oct 12, 2020

Sligo Councillor calls for IWAK to receive urgent support as part of Budget 2021

The Government must provide urgent support for Ireland West Airport Knock as part of Budget 2021 tomorrow. That's according to the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Dara Mulvey. The Coolaney-based councillor made the call following a meeting with the head…

Oct 12, 2020

Over 1,000 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Galway since the start of the pandemic

814 more people tested positive for Covid-19 in the country yesterday, and there were two more deaths. 64 of the cases were confirmed in Galway with the latest county by county breakdowns showing over a thousand covid-19 cases in the county. As of midnight on…

Oct 12, 2020

Multi-billion euro fund for Covid and Brexit expected in Budget 2021

The leaders of the three Government parties will meet today to finalise tomorrow's Budget. A five-billion euro fund for Covid-19 and Brexit is expected to be signed-off on, and there will be a 150 euro boost for carers in their Support Grant, according to the…

Oct 12, 2020

Restauranteurs want a 'circuit breaker' lockdown to save Christmas trade

The Restaurant's Association want a 'circuit breaker' lockdown to save the industry's Christmas. The Tanaiste Leo Varadkar had described the idea of a short shutdown as experimental last week, however yesterday said it may be needed. Meanwhile, Taoiseach…

Oct 12, 2020

Over 20% of pubs in need of significant supports to meet lockdown costs

Over a fifth of Irish pubs need up to 2,000 euro per week to meet costs while they have no income during lockdown. That's the finding of a new Drinks Industry Group of Ireland report as it calls for a cut in excise tax in the Budget This reports shows one in…

Oct 12, 2020

Sligo man wins the Wild Atlantic Words short story competition

The winners of this year’s Wild Atlantic Words literary festival short story competition have been announced. First prize went to Chris Kennedy of Curry, Co. Sligo for his story, ‘Farmer Wife’. The runners-up were Ryan Wiles of Co. Antrim for ‘A Bit Part’ and…

Oct 11, 2020

814 new cases of Covid-19

814 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Republic, and two more patients have died. The country's top public health official is warning the rates of infection in 22 counties have more than doubled in the last week. Chief medical officer Dr…

Oct 11, 2020

Taoiseach not ruling out moving to level 4 this week

The Taoiseach says a second lockdown "may not be a short one" if it's brought in to control the spread of Covid 19. Michael Martin hasn't ruled out moving the country to Level 4 restrictions in the coming week - but says it'd be "very severe and create a lot…

Oct 11, 2020

Government Minister says no plan to extend school closures at mid term

A government minister says there's 'no plan' to extend school closures at mid term as part of measures to tackle Covid-19. It had been mentioned at cabinet earlier this week that closing them for two weeks as opposed to one at Halloween could help slow the…

Oct 11, 2020

Gardai investigating potential breach of Covid-19 regulations in Roscommon

Gardaí are investigating a potential breach of Covid-19 regulations in Boyle in County Roscommon. It follows a call out to a premises yesterday where it is understood a GAA gathering was taking place. After engaging with Gardaí, a group of people agreed to…

Oct 11, 2020

Government finalising Budget 2021 this weekend

The Government is finalising Budget 2021 this weekend. It's expected to be the largest budget package in this history of the State. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe revealed on Friday that there will be a 21 billion euro budget deficit this year - a huge sum…

Oct 11, 2020

Ireland could be facing a new lockdown within ten days

Ireland could be facing a new lockdown within 10 days if coronavirus cases continue to rise. A senior government source has told the Sunday Independent the move now looks increasingly possible. It comes after the Tanaiste previously admitted a 'short, sharp'…

Oct 10, 2020

Over a thousand new cases of Covid-19

There are 1,012 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 and three further deaths. 241are in Dublin, 112 in Cork, 80 in Cavan, 72 in Meath, 66 in Galway, and the remaining 441 cases are spread across 21 other counties.

Oct 10, 2020

60 thousand people have been laid off in the last week

60 thousand people have been laid off in the last week due to Level 3 of coronavirus restrictions. The extra measures were brought in across the country to deal with the rising number of coronavirus cases. It led to a ban on indoor dining with only businesses…

Oct 10, 2020

Cattle stolen in South Mayo have been recovered

Six cattle which were stolen from land in South Mayo earlier in the week have been found over 30 kilometres away in field outside Balla. The six cattle were taken from a farmyard near Shrule sometime between Monday and Tuesday of this week. Claremorris Gardai…

Oct 10, 2020

35 new cases of Covid-19 in Galway

Hospitals admissions for Covid-19 are now at a 4 month high, after 18 new admissions in the past 24 hours. 194 people are receiving treatment in the acute hospital system, the highest figure since June 2nd. Health officials are calling on people to take…

Oct 09, 2020

"Huge concern" over Covid cases presenting in hospitals nationally

The head of the HSE says there's "huge concern" over the Covid 19 trends in hospitals. 30 people are being treated in intensive care with the disease, the highest figure since early June. That includes 8 admissions in the last 24 hours. The overall numbers in…

Oct 09, 2020

Garda investigation underway into the theft of 6 cattle from a Mayo farmyard

Claremorris gardai are investigating the theft of six cattle from a farm yard in Shrule, earlier this week. The incident was reported to gardai on Wednesday last, October 7th, Sometime between Monday (5th Oct) at 5 pm and 4pm the next day Tuesday(6th) the six…

Oct 09, 2020

Cloghan Hills NS student makes international presentation on Coding

A pupil in Cloghans Hill National School, Tuam represented Ireland at the live streamed Digital Launch of EU Code week yesterday. Tiernan Managan, a 4th class student was invited to take part in the event to speak about the coding work Cloghans Hill NS are…

Oct 09, 2020

New street art unveiled to coincide with start of the Ballina Fringe Festival

A new piece of street art has been completed in Ballina town centre, to coincide with the start of the Ballina Fringe Festival. Renowned Dublin-based street artist Maser has created a vibrant abstract installation on a large site on Hill St - to the rear of…

Oct 09, 2020

No decision yet on extending mid-term break for schools

The Department of Education says no decision has been taken yet on extending mid-term breaks for schools. It follows reports that the Government is looking at the idea of extending the break so that schools would close for two weeks over Halloween from…

Oct 09, 2020

Deputy wants clarity on the appointment of a new CE of Mayo County Council

Deputy Michael Ring had queried when the position of Chief Executive of Mayo Council will be filled following the retirement of Mr. Peter Hynes. Deputy Michael Ring says he was informed that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage received a…

Oct 09, 2020

GP calls for investment in Belmullet District Hospital

As pressure increases on acute hospital beds during the Covid-19 pandemic, an Erris doctor is calling for investment in Belmullet District Hospital, which would allow more beds to open at the hospital, and relieve some of the pressure on Mayo University…

Oct 09, 2020

Archbishops seek meeting with Taoiseach about Covid-19 restrictions

Ireland's four Archbishops have called for a meeting with the Taoiseach, to discuss allowing people to return to Mass, under level 3 Covid restrictions. Religious services have moved online under the current restrictions. In a letter to the Taoiseach, the…

Oct 09, 2020

Further delay in publication of report into fatal R116 crash off Mayo

A key member of the team reviewing a report into the fatal R116 helicopter crash off the Mayo coast in 2017 has resigned due to a conflict of interest. RTE reports that the resignation of Phillip Hanson, a senior manager at the UK Coastguard, and the…

Oct 09, 2020

Cabinet sub-committee meets today to consider fines to enforce Covid regulations

The Cabinet Covid-19 subcommittee meets today to consider introducing graduated fines to enforce Covid-19 restrictions. The National Public Health Emergency Team wrote to Government last night to say they remain deeply concerned about the rising number of…

Oct 09, 2020

Total Covid-19 cases passes the 40,000 mark - with over 900 now in Galway

The National Public Health Emergency Team says the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is growing 'exponentially' - and is now a quarter of the way to April's peak. The chairman of its modelling group says an average of 13 patients are being admitted…

Oct 08, 2020

More than 500 new cases of Covid 19 confirmed nationally

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of one additional death related to COVID-19. As of midnight last night (Wednesday) 506 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported. Of the 506 new cases of the virus 91 are in Dublin, 76 in…

Oct 08, 2020

Two Mayo locations connected as Broadband Connection Points

The first group of Broadband Connection Points, a key element of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, have been connected. The two Broadband Connection Points which have been connected in Mayo so far are located in Killasser Community Centre and Taugheen…

Oct 08, 2020

No country on the green list for safe travel from Monday

There will be no countries on the green list for safe travel from Monday. The Department of Foreign affairs say Ireland continues to work with EU partners to finalise negotiations on co-ordinating travel within the union. It's referred to as the traffic light…

Oct 08, 2020

Minister for Health to be questioned in the Dail tonight over who knew what when over NPHET recommendation to go to Level 5 restrictions

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will face questions in the Dáil tonight about his handling of NPHET's level 5 recommendation. It's after it emerged the Minister was briefed by the Chief Medical Officer about his views ahead of NPHET's meeting on Sunday. The…

Oct 08, 2020

32 discarded shopping trolleys taken from the water around Castlebar town so far this year

You would have a better chance of hooking a shopping trolley than a fish from the Castlebar Town River and Lough Lannagh, according to local Fine Gael Cllr Ger Deere. Cllr Deere is member of Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee and made the claim after volunteers…

Oct 08, 2020

Increase in Covid 14-day incidence rates across Connacht

The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today to discuss what's described as the "concerning rise" in Covid-19 cases across the country. Public health officials warned last night that Covid-19 cases could exceed 1,000 a day in a matter of weeks,…

Oct 08, 2020

Galway Senator disagrees with all public worship forced back online, under Level 3 Covid Restrictions

Galway Independent Senator Rónán Mullen has criticised restrictions on public worship as Level 3 Covid Restrictions are now in operation nationwide. Speaking in the Seanad earlier this week, the Senator Mullen said he questions the lack of discernment around…

Oct 08, 2020

Go-ahead given to appoint contractor for new St Mary's Secondary School, Ballina

There's good news for Ballina today, as St Mary's Secondary school has got the go-ahead from the Minister for Education to appoint a contractor for its new school building. The all-girls school will have a new campus constructed on a site adjacent to the…

Oct 08, 2020

Mayo's Road Safety Officer warns of driver distraction, after being involved in a crash

Mayo's Road Safety Officer narrowly escaped a head-on collision earlier this week, and is warning of the dangers of driver distraction. Noel Gibbons was driving at the Curraghline in Galway when he saw a car crossing over the white line on the road and…

Oct 08, 2020

Mairead McGuinness "will hit the ground running" as new EU Commissioner

Mairead McGuinness says she will "hit the ground running" early next week, after the European Parliament yesterday voted to approve the Midlands-Northwest MEP as the new EU Commissioner for Financial Stability. Ms McGuinness will replace former Commission…

Oct 08, 2020

Passenger numbers at IWAK in September down 92% on last year

The Covid-19 pandemic and current travel restrictions are continuing to have a devastating impact on Ireland West Airport Knock. Just 5, 752 passengers travelled through the Mayo airport last month - down 92% on September last year when over 76,000 passengers…

Oct 08, 2020

Westport Hotel Group to close until 28th October

The Westport Hotel Group - which operates the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport Plaza and Westport Coast hotels - is to close for three weeks. The hotels, which are run by the Corcoran family, will close until 28th October. The owners say it's with great…

Oct 08, 2020

Covid-19 cases could exceed 1,000 per day in a matter of weeks, warns NPHET

Public health officials say Christmas can be saved if the right measures are taken. The National Public Health Emergency Team meets again today and is warning that cases of Covid-19 could exceed 1,000 a day in a matter of weeks and says we are now in a period…

Oct 07, 2020

More than 600 new cases of Covid 19 confirmed in the last 24 hours

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 5 additional deaths related to COVID-19. As of midnight last night (6th October) 611 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported 218 of those cases in Dublin, 63 in Cork, 60 in Donegal, 35…

Oct 07, 2020

Wild Atlantic Way named on a list of the best places to visit in the world

Eight Irish tourist destinations have been named on a list of the best places to visit in the world. The Wild Atlantic Way is the highest new entry in Lonely Planet's Top 500. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches all along the west coast, from Donegal down to Cork…

Oct 07, 2020

Knock Masses revert to online only, during level 3 restrictions

As level 3 restrictions take effect, Masses and religious services have reverted to online only. Funerals and weddings can still take place, but numbers attending have been reduced from 50 to 25 people. At Knock Shrine, Masses will move back online, at 12…

Oct 07, 2020

Checkpoints across the region as level 3 restrictions come into effect

Garda checkpoints are in operation across the country since this morning, as new Covid-19 restrictions come into effect. People are being asked to stay in their county for the next three weeks and work from home where possible under the level 3 rules. No…

Oct 07, 2020

156 people currently in hospital with Covid-19

Latest figures show the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 remains relatively stable. 156 people are being treated for Covid-19 in Irish hospitals today- up from 142 yesterday. 24 of these patients are in ICU. There are currently no confirmed cases of…

Oct 07, 2020

Bus Eireann advice for customers during level 3 restrictions

Bus Eireann is reminding customers in Co Mayo that, under Level 3 restrictions, public services will operate at 50% capacity - the same as in level 2. However, travel should be limited to within your county - unless your travel is essential for work or…

Oct 07, 2020

€500,000 Euromillions Plus ticket sold in Co Roscommon

The winning ticket in last night's Euromillions Plus draw was sold in Co Roscommon. The ticket- worth half a million euro - was sold at Healy's Xpress Stop in Ballyfarnon, Boyle. Staff in the shop say they're in shock, but delighted for the lucky winner, and…

Oct 07, 2020

Theft of tools worth €14,000 from Mayo company

A Mayo company had power tools worth about €14,000 stolen from vans last week. The theft occurred between 9 and 11pm last Wednesday night in Co Kildare. The vans belong to the Big Red Barn - an East Mayo company that also manufactures and installs a range of…

Oct 07, 2020

Mayo TD concerned at closure of Business School at GMIT Mayo campus

Concerns have been expressed about the future of the GMIT Mayo campus, as the business department at the Castlebar campus is being closed. Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon says he's appalled at the decision, and has called on the Minister for Higher Education…

Oct 07, 2020

European Parliament to vote today on Mairead McGuinness appointment as EU Commissioner

The European Parliament will vote today to approve Mairead McGuinness' appointment as EU Commissioner for Financial Services. The Midlands-Northwest MEP was questioned by MEPs last week and is expected to receive their backing today. The outgoing MEP is due…

Oct 07, 2020

55 staff let go, as Castlebar business closes due to Level 3 restrictions

Mayo Leisure Point, Mayo Movie World and Hogs Heaven Bar in Castlebar all closed their doors last night, as level 3 Covid restrictions came into effect. 55 staff have been let go from the Castlebar business as a result, while the Castle Leisure Club will…

Oct 07, 2020

Level 3 Covid restrictions now in place across the country

Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions are now in place across the country for the next three weeks. People are asked not to travel outside their county, while dining inside restaurants and cafes is banned. Last night, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar told the Fine Gael…

Oct 06, 2020

Numerous Mayo County Council facilities set to close in Level 3

Mayo County Council have announced that all council libraries, museums and art centres will close from midnight tonight due to the level 3 covid restrictions. A call and collect service will remain in place for the county council libraries. Swimming pools and…

Oct 06, 2020

Gardaí investigate alleged assault outside Galway fast food premises

Gardaí attended the scene of an alleged assault at a fast food premises on in Galway at the weekend. The incident happened in Oranmore at 11.50pm on Saturday night. A man in his twenties was assaulted, but required no medical treatment at the time. No arrests…

Oct 06, 2020

Funding secured to increase medical card limits for over-70's

Medical cards will be made available to more people over the age of 70, from next month. The measure was announced in the last Budget, but had not yet come into effect. Today, the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced he has secured funding for a range…

Oct 06, 2020

Roscommon nun fatally injured in road collision in Athlone

The elderly woman who died in a road collision in Athlone yesterday was a native of Arigna in Co Roscommon. Sr Bernard Lynch, who was in her 90's, died when the car she was driving was involved in a single-vehicle collision near the Golden Island shopping…

Oct 06, 2020

Ballina a winner in Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards

There's good news for Ballina this morning, as the north Mayo capital has been named a winner in the 2020 Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards. The awards recognise business and community groups who have come together to support their local area in…

Oct 06, 2020

Mayo TD denies breakdown of trust between Govt and NPHET

Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary has denied an emerging rift between Government and the National Public Health Emergency team, after NHPET had recommended moving to entire country to level 5 restrictions, while the Cabinet last night agreed on the lower…

Cloonacool to Tubbercurry road closed to traffic following single vehicle collision

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