Funding of over €5.7 Million confirmed for Ireland West Airport

Nov 20, 2019

Boil Water Notice for Knock Airport Public Water Supply has been lifted

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

Nov 20, 2019

Saolta confirms no formal funding approved for long awaited modular ED extension at MUH

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

Nov 20, 2019

Public rally in Roscommon Town on Saturday to try and save Cuisle centre

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

Nov 20, 2019

Over €405,000 Sports Capital grants for two regional sports projects in Mayo

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

Nov 20, 2019

IWA due before Oireachtas Committee tomorrow over plans to close Cuisle centre in Co Roscommon

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

Nov 20, 2019

No additional beds to open this Winter at Mayo or Galway University Hospitals

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

Nov 20, 2019

Man in his 60's dies in Co Sligo collision

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

Nov 19, 2019

Family of Roscommon Garda call for reopening of inquest into his death in 1970

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

Nov 19, 2019

Minister Ring welcomes signing of contract for National Broadband Plan

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

Nov 19, 2019

Conditions at the ED of MUH described as "dreadful" and "third world" yesterday

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

Nov 19, 2019

National broadband contract includes over 36,000 premises in Mayo

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

Nov 19, 2019

In Castlebar yesterday the German Ambassador to Ireland pledges 100 percent support for Ireland in Brexit fallout

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

Nov 19, 2019

Plans for Japanese knotweed facility near Ballyhaunis rejected by An Bord Pleanala

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

Nov 19, 2019

Gardai in Ballina warn of 10 euro counterfeit notes in circulation

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

Nov 19, 2019

Revenue from car parking fines in Westport up five-fold this year over last

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

Nov 19, 2019

Sligo man given life sentence for murder of a Sligo musician in 2015

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

Nov 19, 2019

The National Broadband Plan looks set to be signed today

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

Nov 18, 2019

Visiting restrictions on C Ward at Mayo hospital due to suspected vomiting bug

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

Nov 18, 2019

Lack of insurance cover puts Galway Community Circus in jeopardy

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

Nov 18, 2019

Gardai remind public to be on alert for scams in run-up to Christmas

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

Nov 18, 2019

Work now underway on two landmark buildings in Castlebar town centre

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

Nov 18, 2019

Majority of Mayo public representatives deny recent engagement with Dept of Justice on Achill Emergency Accommodation Centre

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

Nov 18, 2019

38 patients on trolleys today at both Mayo & Galway University Hospitals

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

Nov 18, 2019

Christmas shoppers can enjoy free afternoon parking in Ballina from next Monday

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

Nov 18, 2019

Power has been restored to 1500 homes in the Belmullet area

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

Nov 18, 2019

Councillor wants clarification from MCC on fee being charged for a water sample to a Brewery at Murrisk

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

Nov 18, 2019

Christmas Jumper Walk at Lough Lannagh on December 8th

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

Nov 18, 2019

ACP support Cavan Priest on his "courageous" sermon following attack on Kevin Lunneyy

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

Nov 18, 2019

Yellow temperature warning in place across the region until 10am this morning

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

Nov 18, 2019

Dept of Justice says its officials are engaging with local public representatives over planned emergency accommodation centre in Achill

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

Nov 17, 2019

Independent Councillor wants Gardaí to tackle 'incitement of hatred' against the Quinn Holding Group

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

Nov 17, 2019

Mayo Senator calls Tesco Ballina's new upgrade plans 'inadequate'

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

Nov 17, 2019

Fianna Fail calls for earlier publication of the Mercosur Deal economic report

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

Nov 17, 2019

Protests in Haiti prevent Westport woman collecting her Humanitarian of the year award

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

Nov 16, 2019

Roscommon University Hospital to base back-up air ambulance

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

Nov 16, 2019

Councillor says new planning regulations will deter developers from building houses

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

Nov 16, 2019

St Peter's National School receives funding under Additional Accommodation Scheme

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

Nov 16, 2019

No injuries reported after a two vehicle collision on the N60 yesterday

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

Nov 15, 2019

Mayo Senator raises provision for new fire station in Crossmolina

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

Nov 15, 2019

Two Mayo schools to compete in the final of the Someone Like Me art competition

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

Nov 15, 2019

Man and a woman released without charge in relation to the murder of a Leitrim man

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

Nov 15, 2019

Mayo woman nominated for Humanitarian of the year at Irish Red Cross Awards

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

Nov 15, 2019

Gardai investigating break-ins at two houses in Ballindine last night

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

Nov 15, 2019

More than 1300 children await appointments with specialists at MUH

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

Nov 15, 2019

Mayo man among first graduates of Insurance Practioner Apprenticeship

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

Nov 15, 2019

Over One Million announced for 36 local projects through the 2019 Sports Capital Grants

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

Nov 15, 2019

Ballyhaunis among Dawn Meat Plants nationally to achieve the Business Working Responsibly (BWR) Mark

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

Nov 15, 2019

139,000 for Ballina Library to become a self -service library open 365 days a year

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

Nov 15, 2019

Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Leitrim man

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

Nov 14, 2019

Stop/Go traffic system in operation in Foxford town as two separate contracts underway

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

Nov 14, 2019

Double celebrations tomorrow at Sancta Maria College Louisburgh

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

Nov 14, 2019

32 patients on trolleys today at Mayo University Hospital

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

Nov 14, 2019

Marian Harkin confirms she will not be running for Fine Gael in next General Election

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

Nov 14, 2019

Castlebar Councillor highlights the need for public water stations at Lough Lannagh

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

Nov 14, 2019

Galway Fianna Fail Deputy says Scouting Ireland is not equipped to carry out review of complaints into historical abuse allegations

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

Nov 14, 2019

Mayo Fianna Fail TD expresses anger at delay in rolling out Spinraza Drug

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

Nov 13, 2019

Claremorris Gardai investigating a spate of burglaries

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

Nov 13, 2019

Major Power outage in Ballina this afternoon

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

Nov 13, 2019

Despite promise by Iarnrod Eireann to Mayo - all new train carriages to be based in the greater Dublin area

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

Nov 13, 2019

Cuisle bosses to go before Oireachtas Committee on Health over proposed closure

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

Nov 13, 2019

Castlerea Gardai host Coffee Meet tomorrow for Hospice

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

Nov 13, 2019

Westport's Laoise Kelly named TG4's 'Musician of the Year'

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

Nov 13, 2019

Cllr highlights the number of collisions recorded along the N84 Headford to Galway road over three years

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

Nov 13, 2019

The Immigrant Council of Ireland "disappointed" with remarks by deputy Grealish in the Dail yesterday

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

Nov 13, 2019

Newport and Killala among areas highlighted by EPA where raw sewerage continues to enter waterways daily

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

Nov 13, 2019

Public meeting in Knock tonight ahead of national tractor protest at the end of the month

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

Nov 13, 2019

Councillor asks how GMA in West Mayo Municipal District to be halved as car parking revenue up 45% in 2019

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

Nov 12, 2019

Up to fifty people gather at a farm outside Strokestown to oppose a repossession

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

Nov 12, 2019

Independent Councillor welcomes progress to the reopening of a Ballina Street

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

Nov 12, 2019

Large crowds attend the funeral of local entrepreneur JP Duffy today

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

Nov 12, 2019

Rents have risen across the region by up to 8% since last year

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

Nov 12, 2019

Councillor succeeds in call for report by CE of Mayo County Council on all properties owned by the authority

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

Nov 12, 2019

Vaughan's Shoes wins national online retailer of the year award

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

Nov 12, 2019

IFA President says Irish farmers are demanding price rises for exports to China

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

Nov 12, 2019

Commission for Regulation Utilities to decide on certification for Mayo Lower Ltd, Killala in the next few weeks

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

Nov 11, 2019

Tributes paid to the late Joe Loftus at today's Mayo County Council meeting

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

Nov 11, 2019

New Irish language PE pilot will be rolled out at two schools in this region

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

Nov 11, 2019

Councillor calls for more resources in the Mayo Garda Drugs Unit, after heroin is detected in Ballina

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

Nov 11, 2019

Met Eireann warns of sub-zero temperatures this week

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

Nov 11, 2019

Achill Says Welcome - meet to ensure the message goes out that everyone is welcome on the island

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

Nov 11, 2019

Mayo GAA row to be raised this afternoon at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council

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

Nov 11, 2019

Deputy wants increase in the garda drugs unit in Mayo

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

Nov 11, 2019

Sligo man died after taking part in Westport Sea 2 Summit Challenge at the weekend

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

Nov 11, 2019

Commissioner urges councillors to report online abuse and threats against them to the the gardai

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

Nov 10, 2019

Three year delay in approving planning permission for a house in South Mayo criticised by Councillor

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

Nov 10, 2019

Mayo Senator calling for national discussion on eating disorders

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

Nov 10, 2019

Broadband Operators ready to challenge the National Broadband Plan

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

Nov 09, 2019

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says there will be more frontline Gardai in this region as part of new policing model

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

Nov 09, 2019

Mayo Fianna Fail TD highlights massive under-spend in rural schemes

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

Nov 09, 2019

The role of women in the struggle for Irish Independence to be discussed today in Galway

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

Nov 09, 2019

Event taking place in Ballinamore tonight to welcome plans for a direct-provision centre in the town

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

Nov 08, 2019

Free farmer health checks in Balla and Roscommon Marts this month

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

Nov 08, 2019

Mayo Councillor proposes increased savings instead of GMA cuts to the Claremorris Municipal District

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

Nov 08, 2019

Galway TD wants to change the laws of appeal to An Bord Pleanala

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

Nov 08, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for Government action to help families without a water supply

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

Nov 08, 2019

Manager of Sligo hotel secures temporary High Court injunction against disciplinary hearing

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

Nov 08, 2019

SIPTU to meet IWA today following decision to close Cuisle centre in Donamon

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

Nov 08, 2019

Dáil ethics committee to proceed with investigation into voting controversy

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

Nov 08, 2019

Mayo winners at Food Awards Ireland 2019

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

Nov 08, 2019

High Court awards over €192,000 to woman hit by minibus wing-mirror in Galway

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

Nov 08, 2019

Eight years after modular extension proposed for Mayo University Hospital, the HSE is "still considering the application"

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

Nov 08, 2019

Castlebar Municipal Councillors unanimously oppose plans to cut GMA funding for next year by half

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

Nov 07, 2019

Sligo TD calls for the provisional payment of overdue agricultural schemes to farmers

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

Nov 07, 2019

Students from two Mayo schools are through to the Money Smarts Challenge final

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

Nov 07, 2019

Forza will launch a Traveller Equality Network in Sligo to highlight issues facing the community

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

Nov 07, 2019

Sinn Fein Councillor calls for proposed N17 Knock to Collooney project to be a dual-carriageway

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

Nov 07, 2019

Solicitors gather for two-day legal conference in Castlebar

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

Nov 07, 2019

Roscommon TD "not hopeful" for future of Cuisle centre in Donamon

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

Nov 07, 2019

Five projects from 4 Mayo schools qualify for BT Young Scientist Exhibition

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

Nov 07, 2019

New premises sought in Castlebar for Alzheimers Day Care Centre

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

Nov 07, 2019

Ballina native Dr Norah Patten among writers shortlisted for 2019 Irish Book Awards

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

Nov 07, 2019

Works start this morning on N26 road out of Foxford - delays can be expected

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

Nov 07, 2019

Two men plead not guilty to raping woman at a party in Co Leitrim

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

Nov 07, 2019

No increase in personnel assigned to Mayo drugs unit in past 8 years

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

Nov 06, 2019

Exhibition in Galway to showcase local people overcoming challenges

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

Nov 06, 2019

Sligo University Hospital is the 4th most overcrowded in Ireland today

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

Nov 06, 2019

IWA called upon to meet Government Officials to discuss the Cuisle Centre's closure

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

Nov 06, 2019

Roscommon Gardai appeal for witnesses to Ballaghaderreen break-in

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

Nov 06, 2019

Aran Islands RNLI respond to two medical evacuations on different islands

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

Nov 06, 2019

Missing Galway teenager found safe and well

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

Nov 06, 2019

42 patients on trolleys today at Sligo University Hospital

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

Nov 06, 2019

Two people due in court following Roscommon drugs seizure

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

Nov 06, 2019

Man goes on trial for murder of Matt Kivlehan in Sligo in 2015

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

Nov 06, 2019

Mayo & Galway companies among winners at Irish Times Innovation Awards

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

Nov 06, 2019

Almost €6.5 million allocated for 3 Mayo projects under Rural Regeneration Funds

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

Nov 06, 2019

Galway Gardai appeal for information on 63-year old missing man

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

Nov 06, 2019

Two arrested following drugs seizure in Roscommon town

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

Nov 05, 2019

Galway Gardai renew appeal for information on missing teenager

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

Nov 05, 2019

Book of Condolence open at City Hall in Galway following death of Gay Byrne

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

Nov 05, 2019

Foxford schoolchildren visit Argentine naval ship in Dublin today

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

Nov 05, 2019

Today is worst day of the year so far for hospital overcrowding - INMO

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

Nov 05, 2019

CAB and gardai search a premises in Tuam this morning

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

Nov 05, 2019

Man remains in custody over a suspected arson attack on Deputy Martin Kenny's car last week

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

Nov 05, 2019

CAO accounts can be set up online from 12 noon today for college places in 2020

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

Nov 05, 2019

Ballindine native takes up her Green Party's Seanad seat today in Leinster House

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

Nov 05, 2019

Vote of confidence in the Mayo GAA executive and Board passed by delegates at last night's county board meeting

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

Nov 05, 2019

Minister Canney calls on dept of Justice to communicate with communities ahead of deciding on the location of direct provision centres

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

Nov 04, 2019

Man arrested following fire attack on car outside TD's home in Co Leitrim last week

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

Nov 04, 2019

Group of retired nurses from Castlebar finally arrived home last evening, after flight from Krakow cancelled on Friday

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

Nov 04, 2019

Cuisle centre in Donamon, Roscommon to close at the end of this month

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

Nov 04, 2019

Legendary broadcaster Gay Byrne has died at the age of 85

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

Nov 04, 2019

Teenager reported missing in Athlone has been found safe & well

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

Nov 04, 2019

Missing Athlone teenager located safe and well

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

Nov 04, 2019

71 patients are waiting on trolleys at the ED of University Hospital Galway today

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

Nov 04, 2019

Foxford students will be guests on the ARA Libertad docked in Dublin tomorrow

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

Nov 04, 2019

Cllr calls on IWA to reverse it's decision to close Cuisle Centre in Donamon

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

Nov 04, 2019

Two people arrested after 44,000 euro of cocaine was seized by gardai in Westport over the weekend

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

Nov 04, 2019

Hikes in LPT in Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim in 2020

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

Nov 03, 2019

Supermac's founder to speak at insurance forum in Roscommon

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

Nov 03, 2019

The price of plastic items are set to increase in move towards non-plastics

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

Nov 03, 2019

Archbishop of Tuam calls for transparency on asylum seeker process

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

Nov 02, 2019

Castlebar Foroige member wins ESB Best Steam Project 2019

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

Nov 02, 2019

38 retired Mayo nurses are caught up in the Ryanair flight cancellations

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

Nov 02, 2019

Failte Acla will hold a meeting in Keel tomorrow to 'bring the community together'

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

Nov 02, 2019

Revenue officers hold on to €80,000 after search of Mayo home

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

Nov 02, 2019

GMIT Mayo are holding their Open Morning until 1 o'clock

GMIT Mayo is opening its doors to the public today until 1pm to showcase its range of full and part-time courses across the departments of Nursing & Health Sciences, and Social Care, Business, Humanities and Technology Business, and the unique Outdoor…

Nov 02, 2019

Department of Agriculture extends closing dates for BEEP applications

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed has announced an extension to the closing dates for Beef Environmental Efficiency Policy applications. BEEP applicants now have until the 8 November to weigh their animals, and weight data is to…

Nov 01, 2019

Three Mayo companies fined for health and safety breaches following young electrician's death

Three companies were fined a total of €32,000 by Judge Rory MacCabe at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar today for health and safety related breaches following the death of a young electrician last year. Lorcan Deasy (31), Errew, Castlebar, sustained…

Nov 01, 2019

A Ballindine native became the sole Green Party Senator today

A Ballindine native was elected to the Seanad today as the sole Green Party representative. Pippa Hackett who was elected as the first ever Green Councillor in Offaly earlier this year replaces her colleague Grace O'Sullivan who was elected to the European…

Nov 01, 2019

Retired priest dies after his car entered the sea in Kinvara yesterday

A man who died after his car entered the sea in Kinvara has been named locally as Fr. Anthony Minniter. Fr. Minniter was a native of Co. Clare served as a priest in the South Galway area for almost a decade. Fr. Anthony Minniter was well-known in the…

Nov 01, 2019

Four men appear in court charged in connection with the Strokestown incident

Four men have appeared in court charged with assault, false imprisonment and criminal damage as well as animal cruelty in Roscommon last year. There was a significant Garda presence at Castlerea District court today for their appearance in connection with an…

Nov 01, 2019

Two men in court today charged with damage and assault outside Stokestown last year

Two men have been arrested in connection with an incident that occurred in Roscommon on the 16th of December, 2018. The criminal damage and assault happened at a house at Falsk. The men - who are in their 40s and 50s - will appear before Castlerea District…

Nov 01, 2019

New Irish language for technology campaign launched by Minister Kyne

Minister for the Gaeltacht, Galway based Sean Kyne has launched a new campaign at the Irish language festival, Oireachtas na Gaeilge, which aims to ensure new technology services and products are available through Irish. ‘Míle Glór’, a thousand voices, is an…

Nov 01, 2019

Vigil continuing today outside the Achill House Hotel and will continue until a resolution is found, according to local spokesperson

A silent vigil is continuing in Achill this morning following the statement released yesterday evening by the Department of Justice, that plans to house Asylum Seekers in Emergency Accommodation in The Achill Head, Pollagh have been put on pause. The…

Nov 01, 2019

Changes to car insurance renewal regulations

People buying car insurance are being given longer to shop around for a better price. From today, new Central Bank rules mean the renewal notification period for policyholders is being extended from 15 days to 20. Insurers must also clearly display the…

Nov 01, 2019

Extra two weeks paid leave for new parents from today

New parents are to get an extra two weeks paid leave from today. Up to 60,000 working parents of new born babies or newly adopted children are to benefit from the time off. It means the amount of paid leave for mothers will go from 26 weeks to 28, while a…

Nov 01, 2019

Vigil continued outside Achill House Hotel last night, as plans to house asylum seekers postponed

A plan to house asylum seekers at a hotel on Achill Island has been postponed. 13 female asylum seekers were due to arrive at the Achill Head Hotel today but the Department of Justice confirmed yesterday evening it had postponed their arrival again. A 24.7…

Nov 01, 2019

Man dies after his car went unto the sea at Kinvara yesterday evening

A man in his seventies died after the car he was driving went into the sea at Kinvara, in county Galway yesterday evening It happened at around eight o'clock yesterday evening at The Quay area of Kinvara. He was brought to University Hospital Galway in a…

Oct 31, 2019

Dept of Justice postpones plans to accommodate asylum seekers in Achill

The Department of Justice has postponed plans to accommodate asylum-seekers in Achill. In a statement to Midwest News in the past half an hour, the Department said it had hoped to transfer 13 vulnerable women to the Achill Head Hotel for emergency short-term…

Oct 31, 2019

Meats plants in Ballyhaunis and Athleague approved for exporting beef to China

Dawn Meats, Ballyhaunis and Kepak in Athleague are among 14 additional beef plants that have been approved for exporting beef to China. The list of approved Irish meat plants was published today by the General Administration of Customs in China. It follows an…

Oct 31, 2019

9 Mayo communities to receive funding under Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Nine communities in Mayo are to share funding of almost €840,000 under the Government's Town & Village Renewal Scheme. The Mayo-based Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring was in Killawalla this afternoon to announce details of the scheme…

Oct 31, 2019

Gardai in Athlone seek public assistance in locating missing teenager

Gardaí in Athlone are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 14 year old teenager. Ronan Quinn has been missing from the town since last Sunday (27th October). When last seen Ronan was wearing a blue jacket, dark tracksuit bottoms,…

Oct 31, 2019

261 patients on trolleys this month at Mayo University Hospital

University Hospital Galway was the third most overcrowded hospital in the country during the month of October, according to new figures from the INMO. Over the past month, 885 patients were on trolleys at the Galway hospital - with only the University…

Oct 31, 2019

Contract signed for €241 million N5 road from Westport to Turlough

The contract has been signed this week for the construction of the new N5 dual carriageway from Westport to Turlough. It follows the recent decision by Cabinet to approve funding of €241 million for the road project. The contract has been jointly awarded to…

Oct 31, 2019

Gardai appeal for information on Boyle woman missing from her home in Cork

Gardai have renewed their appeal for information on the whereabouts of a Co Roscommon woman who's been missing from her home in Cork for over a week. 47-year old Majnoon Yehudie, previously known as Catríona Chapman who's a native of Boyle, has been missing…

Oct 31, 2019

Manadarin Chinese among new Leaving Cert courses on offer from next year

Students across the region and nationally will be able to choose Mandarin Chinese as a leaving cert subject from September next. The first exam in the subject will be in 2022, according to the Irish Independent. It's one of four languages being added to the…

Oct 31, 2019

Legal restraints prevent delegates of Mayo County Board getting any answers on issues raised by the Mayo Supporters Foundation last night

Due to legal restraints, those who attended last night’s Mayo County Board meeting were told, in a prepared statement, that it could not respond to issues that have been raised by the Mayo Supporters Foundation. No questions were allowed by delegates to the…

Oct 31, 2019

Man charged yesterday with possession of cannabis for sale and supply in the Ballina area

A Sligo native has been remanded to Harristown prison following a sitting of Sligo District court yesterday charged with possession of cannabis for sale and supply in the Ballina area. Gardai made a seizure of suspected cannabis resin with an estimated street…

Oct 31, 2019

13 female asylum seekers will take up emergency accommodation at The Achill Head Hotel tomorrow

The community of Achill believe the dept of Justice has failed them and the people seeking asylum on the island from tomorrow. 13 female asylum seekers will be the first of a group of 38 asylum seekers, to take up emergency accommodation at The Achill Head…

Oct 30, 2019

Young Man dies following road collision in county Mayo over a week ago

The funeral will take place next weekend of 22 year old Jack Etherington, Keelogues Old, Ballyvary, Castlebar. He died at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin at the weekend from injuries sustained in a road collision about a week ago in the Castlebar area. He is…

Oct 30, 2019

Protest planned outside the Dept of Justice this evening over emergency accommodation centre planned for Achill

Yes to Migrants but no to the system that is Direct Provision is the theme of the 24.7 vigil that is continuing in the village of Pollagh, Achill where residents found out last week that the government and property owner of the Achill Head Hotel had entered…

Oct 30, 2019

Foxford welcomes the crew of the Argentine ship ARA Libertad to the town this Sunday

This Sunday, the community of Foxford will welcome the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland, Laura Bernal, together with 200 members of the Argentine Navy - the Captain, Officers and Crew of ARA Libertad ship. The visit is being hosted by Mayo County Council in…

Oct 30, 2019

Deputy Hildegarde Naughten has stepped aside from an Oireachtas committee examining the "votegate" controversy

Galway deputy Hildegarde Naughten has stepped aside from an Oireachtas committee examining the votegate controversy. The investigation is examining complaints about TDs voting for members who were not in the chamber at the time. The Fine Gael deouty recused…

Oct 30, 2019

Castlebar Gardai issue warning about using illegal fireworks on Halloween

Ahead of Halloween tomorrow, Castlebar Gardai have issued a warning about the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, and the kind of injuries that can result. Gardai say the problem with buying illegal fireworks is that there's no quality control, and they can…

Oct 30, 2019

Department of Justice officials to meet community representatives in Achill this evening

The Department of Justice has confirmed to Midwest News that a private meeting will take place this evening between Department officials and local community representatives in Achill, in relation to plans for an emergency accommodation centre at the Achill…

Oct 30, 2019

Mayo GAA apologise for choice of songs during Underdogs match

Mayo GAA has apologised to the chairman of the Mayo GAA International Supporters Foundation Tim O'Leary over the choice of songs played as part of the half-time entertainment in last Saturday's match between a county team selection and the Underdogs, in…

Oct 30, 2019

Children in north Mayo will be without Occupational Therapist for 12 months, says Mayo TD

It's unacceptable that parents in the north Mayo area have been told the Occupational Therapist service available to their children under the HSE's Early Intervention team, has been suspended for the next 12 months - that's according to Mayo Fianna Fail TD…

Oct 30, 2019

Gardai on patrol across Mayo will hand out hi-vis vests to cyclists and pedestrians

Hi-vis vests will be distributed to Garda stations across County Mayo under a new initiative by Mayo County Council, Gardai and the Road Safety Authority. Gardai on mobile patrols will hand out the high-visibility vests to pedestrians and cyclists who are not…

Oct 30, 2019

15 serious complaints made by prisoners in Castlerea Prison last year

The number of serious complaints made by prisoners in Castlerea Prison increased by 60% last year. According to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act, prisoners in Castlerea made 15 serious complaints in 2018 - up from 9 in 2017. The data…

Oct 29, 2019

Only 18 Garda recruits deployed to Mayo over past 5 years

The Mayo and Roscommon / Longford Garda divisions have seen the smallest number Garda recruits being deployed over the past 5 years. New figures in the Irish Times show 18 probationer Gardai were deployed to Mayo and 18 to Roscommon / Longford since 2015 -…

Oct 29, 2019

Medal marking 40th anniversary of Papal visit presented to Knock Shrine

A gold medal, marking the 40th anniversary of the visit of Paul John Paul II to Ireland and to Knock was donated today to Knock Shrine. The Dublin Mint Office has produced a range of medals to celebrate the anniversary of the historic Papal visit. Knock was…

Oct 29, 2019

The Reception and Integration Agency agrees to meet Achill community representatives ahead of tomorrow's arrival of 20 asylum seekers

The Reception and Integration Agency has today confirmed to Achill based councillor Paul McNamara that a meeting with representatives from the community will take place prior to the commencement of The Emergency Accommodation on the site of The Achill Head…

Oct 29, 2019

Cllr McNamara seeks meeting with dept of Justice officials today ahead of arrival of asylum seekers to Keel hotel tomorrow

Councillor Paul McNamara has sought a meeting today with officials from the dept of Justice to voice local concerns on Achill Island and to seek further clarity on the dept’s plan to house 38 asylum seekers at the Achill Head Hotel in Keel. 20 asylum seekers…

Oct 29, 2019

Apparent attack on Deputy Martin Kenny's car condemned by SF colleague MEP, Matt Carthy

Sinn Fein MEP for this region, Matt Carthy says he hopes those behind a fire attack on the car of a County Leitrim TD are brought to justice. The apparent attack happened outside the home of his party colleague, TD Martin Kenny at Aughavas, near Ballinamore…

Oct 29, 2019

Significant seizures by gardai of cannabis and fireworks in the North Mayo area over the weekend

40,000 euro worth of cannabis was seized by gardai in a planned operation in Ballina town yesterday (Monday) evening. Gardai attached to Ballina garda station stopped a number of vehicles on the Sligo Road in Ballina yesterday, Bank Holiday Monday. As a…

Oct 29, 2019

Cllr highlights concerns about new pedestrian crossing at Springfield, Castlebar

The recently installed pedestrian crossing at Springfield in Castlebar town can only be described as “a mongrel”, according to Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere. The old pelican crossing at this location, was replaced recently by “a supposed to be” zebra…

Oct 29, 2019

Gardai appeal for public assistance in tracing missing Galway teenager

Apparent arson attack on Sligo/Leitrim deputy’s car last week,condemned by politicians of all parties Gardaí in Galway are seeking assistance from the public in locating a teenager missing from the Doughiska Road area of Galway since last Wednesday (23rd…

Oct 27, 2019

Mayo Senator questions Fianna Fail Leader's commitment to Ireland West Airport Knock

The commitment of the Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin to Ireland West Airport Knock and its development must be seriously questioned, according to Mayo Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin. The Senator is reacting to statements made by Mr Martin, and…

Oct 27, 2019

Train services affected by track renewal works today

Iarnród Éireann services across the country are affected by track renewal works today. DARTS are suspended between Bray and Greystones in County Wickow, with bus transfers in place. There are also bridge works between Athenry and Galway, with bus transfers.…

Oct 27, 2019

Latest Red C Poll shows Fine Gael have pulled sharply ahead of Fianna Fail

The latest Red C poll for the Sunday Business Post shows Fine Gael has pulled sharply ahead of Fianna Fail after this month's 'VoteGate'. It's likely to tempt the Taoiseach to call an early General election, after his party climbed three points to 32 percent…

Oct 26, 2019

Part 8 planning application approved for works to be carried out on Croagh Patrick

Councillors in the Westport / Belmullet Municipal District have approved a Part 8 planning application for works to be carried out on the pilgrimage path on Croagh Patrick, to make it sustainable for generations to come. The application came before…

Oct 26, 2019

Roscommon TD concerned number of people waiting for a nursing home place will increase in coming months

A Roscommon TD is concerned that the number of people waiting for a nursing home place under the Fair Deal scheme will rise sharply with the onset of Winter. Last month, the number of people waiting for Fair Deal rose from 525 on 17th September to 686 on 30th…

Oct 26, 2019

Ballindine native set to become a Green Party Senator next month

Councillor Pippa Hackett of the Green Party will become a senator next month after no other candidate was nominated to contest the byelection for the Upper House. The Ballindine native, who is an Offaly councillor and the party’s agriculture spokeswoman, was…

Oct 26, 2019

Speed Camera staff have begun 72-hour strike

Speed camera staff have begun a 72-hour strike this morning. At least half of Go Safe's employees will down tools in a row over working conditions and union recognition. However, the company says safety cameras will continue to be operational over the entire…

Oct 25, 2019

Property worth over €30,000 recovered in searches for stolen goods by Claremorris Gardai.

Claremorris Community Engagement Gardaí acting on information received regarding persons involved in handling stolen goods in Ballyhaunis Town put an operation in place last Tuesday resulting in a vehicle being stopped and searched. The search resulted in the…

Oct 25, 2019

In another twist in the Mayo GAA financial dispute, New York Businessman Eugene Rooney claims he is owed just shy of 20 thousand dollars

Another twist has occurred in the Mayo GAA financial dispute. The owner of the Oldcastle Irish Pub in New York Eugene Rooney has written to the County Board claiming he is owed just shy of 20,000 dollars dating back to 2013. In the letter seen today by…

Oct 25, 2019

38 males to avail of the Emergency Accommodation in the Achill Head Hotel in Keel and will arrive from Wednesday

The Reception and Integration Agency has confirmed to Achill based councillor Paul McNamara that there will be 38 males availing of the Emergency Accommodation in the Achill Head Hotel in Keel. They will arrive in two groups from next Wednesday. The ages of…

Oct 25, 2019

Ulster Bank confirm all delayed credits have been processed to customer accounts

Ulster Bank's confirmed all delayed credits have been processed to customer accounts. It's after a technical glitch resulted in some account holders not receiving payments that were due to them. 10,000 social welfare payments were among the transactions…

Oct 25, 2019

Councillor calls for private company to be contracted in Galway to enforce dog fouling penalties

There are calls for a private company to be contracted in Galway to enforce dog fouling penalties. It's after just five fines have been issued for dog fouling in the past two years in the whole county. It's proposed that a clamping style operation would be…

Oct 25, 2019

Rail passengers will need to "pre-book" on more Mayo to Dublin journeys in the future

Commuters won't have to start confirming all of their journeys but Irish Rail says it is looking at adding more 'pre-book only' services. Passenger numbers are currently at record levels causing overcrowding on a number of routes, including the Mayo to Dublin…

Oct 25, 2019

Ulster Bank is having problems processing payments for some customers today

Ulster Bank says it is having problems processing payments for some customers. In a series of tweets, the bank says there are delays applying credits to some accounts. Ulster Bank says it is investigating the issue. It's not yet clear how many customers have…

Oct 25, 2019

Calls to retain court sittings in Roscommon town as county court house is renovated

A Roscommon TD is calling on the Courts Service to ensure that court sittings are retained in Roscommon Town, despite plans to renovate the courthouse. Major refurbishment of the courthouse is planned under the Government's capital building programme, which…

Oct 25, 2019

Tesco plans to upgrade it's Ballina store

Tesco Ireland is entering discussions with Mayo County Council with a view to seeking planning permission for a store upgrade in Ballina. The supermarket chain intends to carry out an external store upgrade, and significantly enhance the interior of the…

Oct 25, 2019

Dublin Mint office to donate Pope John Paul II medal to Knock to mark 40th anniversary of his visit

A ceremony will take place at Knock Shrine next Tuesday, when the Dublin Mint Office will donate a medal to the Shrine, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Ireland. Knock was one of the destinations visited by the Pope…

Oct 25, 2019

MEP Maria Walsh defends vote yesterday against stepping up search and rescue for refugees in the Mediterranean

Fine Gael MEPs are defending voting against a proposal for the European Union to step up search-and-rescue operations for refugees in the Mediterranean. All four of Fine Gael’s MEPs – Mayo’s Maria Walsh, Mairead McGuinness, Frances Fitzgerald, and Sean Kelly…

Oct 25, 2019

FF's Mark MacSharry urges talks today ahead of 72 hour strike action by Go Safe van workers

Fianna Fáil is calling for last-minute talks to prevent speed-camera staff going on strike this Bank Holiday weekend. More than half of Go Safe's vans will be off the road for 72 hours from tomorrow (Sat) morning at 9 o'clock. It's the second round of…

Oct 24, 2019

Lisa Chambers one of four TDs who have formal apologies to the Dáil over voting errors

The Fianna Fáil TDs involved in last week's "votegate" controversy - including Mayo deputy Lisa Chambers - have made formal apologies to the Dáil. It comes after an initial report into the incident recommended no further sanctions against the TDs. A further…

Oct 24, 2019

Plans to accommodate asylum seekers at Achill Head Hotel paused

Plans to accommodate up to 70 asylum seekers temporarily at a hotel in Achill have been paused, following a public meeting last night. Over 200 people attended the meeting in Cashel, which was called at short notice after it emerged yesterday that up to 70…

Oct 24, 2019

Galway nurse presented with 2019 Florence Nightingale medal

A Galway nurse is today being presented with the 2019 Florence Nightingale Medal, in recognition of her work in Iraq. Vivien Lusted, a native of Loughrea who trained at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, is one of only 5 Irish nurses to have received the honour…

Oct 24, 2019

Midwest Radio retains top rating in latest listenership survey

Midwest Radio has retained its top rating in the latest listenership survey. According to the Ipsos / JNLR / MRBI survey, Midwest Radio has again recorded an impressive 62% "Listened Yesterday" figure, while the station has also recorded an increase in…

Oct 24, 2019

Deputy Calleary welcomes inquiry into voting irregularities in Dáil

An inquiry into voting irregularities in the Dáil recommends no disciplinary action against Fianna Fail TDs, but has recommended an overhaul of the Dáil voting system. The Dáil clerk's report says Fianna Fail's Niall Collins was of the belief that his…

Oct 24, 2019

Councillor highlights slow pace of progress in developing Bertra to Lecanvey Greenway

The slow pace of progress in developing the Bertra to Lecanvey greenway was raised at this week's monthly meeting of the Westport / Belmullet Municipal District. Almost a year ago, Minister Michael Ring announced funding of half a million euro towards…

Oct 24, 2019

Over 200 people attend public meeting in Achill last night over news that there is to be an emergency accommodation centre opened in the area

Over 200 people attended a packed public meeting in Achill last night over proposed plans that there is to be an emergency accommodation centre opened in the Achill Head Hotel. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Paul McNamara told Midwest News this morning that no…

Oct 24, 2019

It took nearly four hours for an ambulance to arrive at a life-threatening emergency in Mayo

It has taken an ambulance at least an hour to arrive at a life-threatening emergency more than 120 times this year. On one occasion, it was nearly four hours before a patient was attended to. According to guidelines from the Health Information and Quality…

Oct 23, 2019

Confusing response from Dept of Justice re Asylum Seekers being housed in Achill

The response from the Dept of Justice to Midwest News query this evening as to whether or not Achill Head Hotel in Keel is to house up to 70 migrants from tomorrow (Thurs), as generally rumoured today. In early September 2018, demand for accommodation…

Oct 23, 2019

Questions over the possible use of an Achill premises by the dept of Justice

Following a number of calls from listeners this afternoon to Midwest News about a rumoured development at a hotel on Achill Island – that up to 70 migrants are to be housed from tomorrow (Thurs) by the Dept of Justice at the Achill Head Hotel, Keel, Midwest…

Oct 23, 2019

Minister Ring insists he was in the Dail anytime a vote was recorded in his name

Minister for Community and Rural Affairs Michael Ring insists he was in the Dail chamber anytime ever a vote was recorded in his name. The fallout is continuing into what’s being termed the “phantom voting” controversy last week that has resulted in three…

Oct 23, 2019

Fáilte Ireland announces €3.9 million new Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House

Fáilte Ireland has announced funding of €3.9 million euro for a new National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House in Co Roscommon. Minister of State for Tourism Brendan Griffin was in Strokestown today to announce the investment. The existing famine museum…

Oct 23, 2019

Gardai investigation underway into alleged assault of 74-year old patient on trolley at UHG

The Taoiseach has confirmed that a Garda investigation is under way into the alleged drunken assault of a 74-year-old woman on a trolley in University Hospital Galway who was subsequently found on the floor “screaming in pain” with a broken hip. Independent…

Oct 23, 2019

Mayo Senator says it's "beyond belief" that children with SMA are not yet being treated with Spinraza

It's beyond belief that children suffering from SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy - are still awaiting treatment, four months after the drug Spinraza was approved in Ireland. That's according to Mayo Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh, who says the families of…

Oct 23, 2019

Body of man missing in Clifden has been recovered

Gardai have confirmed that the body of a young man reported missing from the Clifden area of Co Galway last week has been recovered. An appeal was issued over the weekend for information on the whereabouts of 23-year old Cathal Whelan, from Carrigallen, Co…

Oct 22, 2019

Mayo Senator urges parents to have their say on RSE proposed changes, ahead of Friday deadline

A Mayo Senator is urging parents to have their say in relation to how sex education is taught in schools. A public consultation is currently underway on changes to RSE - Relationships and Sexuality Education - in schools, and Fine Gael Senator Michelle…

Oct 22, 2019

Irish Rail advises of some disruption to train services this weekend

Train passengers are advised of some service disruption this October Bank Holiday weekend, due to works taking place on the track. On Saturday and Sunday, track renewal works will take place in the Newbridge area, affecting all services to and from Heuston…

Oct 22, 2019

Roscommon council CEO awaiting report before decision on Castlerea Fire Station

The CEO of Roscommon County Council is awaiting the results of a report he commissioned into fire services in the Castlerea area, before making any decision on the reopening of the Castlerea Fire Station. That's according to the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon…

Oct 22, 2019

Funeral takes place today and tomorrow of late Sligo councillor Joe Shannon

The removal takes place this afternoon of former Sligo county councillor Joe Shannon, who died suddenly at the weekend. Originally from Cloonloo, Gurteen, in Sligo, Joe Shannon, who was in his 50s, moved to Jamestown, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, where he…

Oct 22, 2019

Taoiseach due to apologise today on behalf of the state for failing to inform woman given incorrect results from cervical screening

About 80 women with cervical cancer from this region and across Ireland will travel to Dublin today to hear the Taoiseach apologise to them on behalf of the state. That represents nearly half of the members of the 221-plus patient support group who are still…

Oct 22, 2019

Lonely Planet names Galway as fourth best city on the planet to visit in 2020

Galway is the fourth best city on the planet to visit in 2020, according to Lonely Planet. The "brilliantly bohemian” city features as one of the Top 10 cities for travellers in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2020, an annual collection of travel destinations,…

Oct 22, 2019

82 year old woman was dead for almost three months when her body was discovered in her Knock home

An 82-year-old private, reclusive and deeply religious woman had been dead for almost three months when her body was discovered in her house at Knock, Co. Mayo, an inquest in Castlebar was told yesterday (Monday). A neighbour raised the alarm with gardai…

Oct 21, 2019

Water disruption this evening in Foxford

The town of Foxford is without any water supply this evening, following a leak on the watermains. The disruption is expected to continue for several hours yet, as the water supply had to be shut off to allow repairs to the pipe on the Swinford road. That's…

Oct 21, 2019

Mayo Rape Crisis Centre marks 25 years of providing services to victims of sexual violence

A tree-planting ceremony took place at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar today, to mark 25 years of the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre providing services to victims of sexual violence across the county. The Centre was established in 1994 and provides free services -…

Oct 21, 2019

Missing elderly Mayo man located safe and well

An elderly man who was reported missing in north Mayo has been found safe and well. Gardai had issued an appeal for public assistance in tracing 87-year old John Lockwood from Lissadrone, Ballycastle who was last seen at his home in the early hours of…

Oct 21, 2019

N60 Balla-Claremorris road reopens following serious collision

The Balla to Claremorris road has now reopened to traffic, following a two-car collision this morning. Emergency services attended the scene of the serious crash outside Balla. Diversions were in place via Kiltimagh, but Gardai have confirmed that the N60…

Oct 21, 2019

500,000 euro additional funding announced for Leader in Mayo

A half a million euro has been secured as a bonus for LEADER funding in county Mayo. The bonus was announced this morning by the Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring. Nationally the top ten performing counties for Leader funding have been…

Oct 21, 2019

Deputy Chambers says "hands up, I made a mistake" in voting in the Dail for her party colleague who was not in the chamber

Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Lisa Chambers says she holds her hands up and is sorry that she “mistakenly” voted last week in the Dail for Dara Calleary who was not in the chamber at the time. She told Midwest News today that it was “Thursday” and she was “tired”…

Oct 21, 2019

Ballycastle man remains missing from his home - search is continuing

Gardaí in Killala are again appealing for public assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 87-year-old John Lockwood from Lissadrone, Ballycastle. John was last seen in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday)at his home. Despite ongoing searches…

Oct 21, 2019

Two car collision closes the Claremorris Rd, just outside Balla this morning

Gardai are advising motorists this morning that the Claremorris road outside Balla is closed to traffic this morning, following a two car collision. Emergency services are at the scene. Anyone travelling between Castlebar and Claremorris should divert through…

Oct 21, 2019

The Ballyvary to Manulla road remains closed this morning following a collision yesterday evening

The Ballyvary to Manulla road remains closed to traffic this morning following a road collision that occurred yesterday evening. The collision involved a car and a tractor and one person was removed from the scene to Mayo University Hospital with what were…

Oct 20, 2019

Gardai in Killala looking for assistance in locating missing 87-year-old man

Gardaí in Killala are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 87-year-old John Lockwood from Lissadrone, Ballycastle, Co Mayo. John was last seen in the early hours of this morning at his home. Despite ongoing searches throughout…

Oct 20, 2019

Ballina Councillor calling for improvements to road network around the town

Councillors in the Ballina area have again expressed their concerns that there are no improvements being currently planned for the N26 Ballina to Foxford road. At the monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District this week Fine Gael Councillor John O’Hara…

Oct 20, 2019

Minister Ring welcomes nearly €300,000 for works on Mayo Islands

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has welcomed the announcement of funding of €295,250 to Mayo County Council to carry out works on Inishturk Island, Inishbiggle Island and Clare Island. Minister Ring stated that “This funding is part…

Oct 20, 2019

Three IFA Presidential candidates will debate across Connaught next month

The three candidates for the IFA presidency will take part in a series of debates in Connaught early next month. As Galway-based Joe Healy draws near the end of his Presidency, the three candidates nominated for the position are John Coughlan from Cork, Tim…

Oct 20, 2019

Irish Water set to replace old water mains in the Ballina area

Irish Water is set to start works on replacing old water mains in the Knockanillaun area of Ballina. Almost 4km of old and damaged water pipes in Wherrew, Knockanillaun will be replaced with modern pipes, to reduce high levels of leakage and ensure a more…

Oct 20, 2019

Belmullet Wheelchair housing facility recognised at the Irish Council for Social Housing Awards

The Irish Wheelchair Association's housing development "An Fraoch" in Belmullet has been recognised at the Irish Council for Social Housing Awards, held recently in Waterford. The Independent Living houses have been built adjacent to the Irish Wheelchair…

Oct 20, 2019

Man in his late 80's missing near Ballycastle

Gardai are appealing for information on a man in his late 80’s missing from the Ballycastle Carrowmore/Lacken area. The man was reported missing since the early hours of this morning from his residence at Lissadrone, Ballycastle. The man is described as 5…

Oct 20, 2019

200 Mayo people reap the rewards of a new personalised back pain treatment

A 'personalised approach' to back pain treatment can have a significant impact. That's according to a new study by the University of Limerick, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Back pain is the most costly and disabling health condition in…

Oct 20, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for the Government to address home help waiting lists

The timeframe from when home help hours are allocated to a client, and when they're implemented, should be no longer than one month. That's according to Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Keith Swanick, who raised the issue of home care supports in the Seanad yesterday…

Oct 20, 2019

Profits at Smyths Toys surge by €35m after they purchase Toys R Us

Profits at Smyths Toys surged by over €35m last year thanks to the firm purchasing the Toy R Us business. According to the Sunday Times, the sharp rise in profits is due to the firm’s purchase of 93 Toys R Us stores across Europe last year. Smyths Toys paid…

Oct 20, 2019

Clifden Gardai appeal to the public to help them find a young Leitrim man

Gardaí are seeking the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of Cathal Whelan, 23 years, who is missing from the Clifden area since 15/10/2019. Cathal was out socialising in Clifden Town on the night of 15/10/19. He is described as being approximately 6…

Oct 20, 2019

N4 dual carriageway fully reopened following earlier road traffic collision

The N4 Dual Carriageway in Sligo has fully reopened following a road traffic collision this morning. The outbound lane in Sligo Town was temporarily closed this afternoon following the road traffic collision. The incident occurred at around 11.15am this…

Oct 19, 2019

Mayo MEP calls for Erasmus fund to be trebled to help graduates with disabilities

MEP Maria Walsh calls for the EU Commission to treble Erasmus funding to increase accessibility to the graduate programme for people with disabilities. The Mayo MEP believes students with disabilities would be better able to avail of the graduate programme if…

Oct 19, 2019

Local Councillor says TII will not come to Ballina to see a 'Mickey Mouse' N26 project

Councillors in Ballina are concerned with the lack of plans to improve the N26 road. Fine Gael Councillor John O Hara has extended an invitation to the Transport authority to see the state of the road first hand. A delegation from Mayo County Council and two…

Oct 19, 2019

Minister Staunton hails Ballyhaunis as a positive example to 'embracing diversity'

Ballyhaunis is a positive example of a rural town that has “embraced diversity,” according to the Minister of State for immigration and integration David Stanton. Yesterday, Mr Stanton and Minister for Rural Affairs Michael Ring attended an integration event…

Oct 19, 2019

Gardai advise motorists that horses have been regularly let loose in the Straide/Foxford area

There are concerns that a number of horses have been let loose from their paddocks in the Straide Foxford area recently. The owner of the horses believes they have been let loose lately and have made their way up to the railway line in the area. Drivers in…

Oct 19, 2019

Three notable speed violations across the region after National Slow Down Day

National Slow Down Day was held over a 24 hour period between 7am yesterday and 7am this morning. In total, An Garda Síochána and GoSafe checked 204,849 vehicles and detected 286 vehicles travelling in excess of the applicable speed limit. See some notable…

Oct 19, 2019

Minister Canney welcomes planning permission for Tuam Nursing Home

Galway East T.D. Seán Canney has welcomed Galway County Council granting planning permission for the new Community Nursing Home in Tuam. The existing building at Arus Mhuire was deemed not to be fit for purpose and the HSE decided to build a new 50 bed unit…

Oct 19, 2019

Searches continue this morning for missing Leitrim man in Clifden

Searches are underway for a young Leitrim man who was reported missing in Galway earlier this week. Cathal Whelan was last seen in Clifden on Tuesday night and his family have issued appeals on social media yesterday evening in an attempt to get in contact…

Oct 18, 2019

Investigations underway following the death of an elderly woman in University Hospital Galway

Three separate investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the death of a pensioner at University Hospital Galway. The pensioner broke her hip in an alleged assault by an ‘aggressive’ patient in the Emergency Department. The Connacht…

Oct 18, 2019

Togher Tyres win the National Tyre Retailer of the year award

Togher Tyres have won the National Tyre Retailer of the year award for 2020. The Castlebar-based tyre retailer was announced as this year's winner of the sixth annual Tyre Retailer awards in Kildare yesterday evening. The winner is judged by mystery shoppers…

Oct 18, 2019

JJ Burke Car Sales wins LCV dealer of the year at Renault awards

A Mayo car dealer has scooped a prestigious national award for the second year running. JJ Burke Car Sales in Ballinrobe have been awarded the prestigious LCV Dealer of the year award for Ireland at the annual Renault dealer convention last night in the…

Oct 18, 2019

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Centre to take in patients by Spring 2020

The €10m Mayo Roscommon Hospice facility in Castlebar hopes to take in patients by Spring 2020. The Minister for Health Simon Harris officially opened the facility this afternoon in front of a crowd of around 1000 people. The Department of Health has secured…

Oct 18, 2019

Roadworks on the N59 are causing long tailbacks towards Ballina

There are long tailbacks on the N59 from Ballysadare towards Ballina. It’s very busy both ways on the N59 approaching works just outside Ballysadare from the church on the Ballina side. Midwest Radio News understands that road works have the road down to one…

Oct 18, 2019

Shramore to Furnace road in Newport closed to traffic today

Mayo county council is advising road users today in the Newport area, that due to works on Shramore Bridge, the Shramore to Furnace road (L1402) is closed to traffic today. Diversions are in place, but there is no access for HGVs

Oct 18, 2019

Minister Harris in Castlebar today to officially open new Mayo Roscommon Hospice

The Minister for Health Simon Harris is in Mayo Castlebar today for a number of engagements. He will officially open the new Mayo / Roscommon Hospice facility in the county town this afternoon. The hospice unit includes a 14-bed in-patient unit, day care and…

Oct 18, 2019

Celebrations today to mark 10th anniversary of Ballycroy National Park Visitors Centre

Today (Friday) marks the 10th anniversary of the Ballycroy National Park Visitors Centre. The celebrations will begin at 3.30 on Friday afternoon, when Government Chief Whip Minister Séan Kyne will raise the Green Flag for Parks. Mayo County Council's Climate…

Oct 18, 2019

Garda crackdown on speed- National Slow Down Day underway

Almost 96-thousand motorists were caught speeding on Irish roads in the first eight months of this year. In an effort to reduce the number of speed related collisions and deaths, Gardaí have started National Slow Down Day. From seven o'clock this morning,…

Oct 18, 2019

"Ballagh" face "the Tubber" in two county final football clashes tomorrow

Tomorrow evening the Mayo football county club final takes place between Ballintubber and Ballaghaderreen and the excitement ahead of the big match is reaching fever pitch among young supporters. Both sides are also facing each other in the Boys U13 county…

Oct 18, 2019

One million euro announced for St Angela's College Sligo

Just over one million euro has been allocated to St. Angela’s College in Sligo. The funding was announced this morning (October 18th 2019) by the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, and Minister of State with responsibility for Higher Education,…

Oct 17, 2019

Roscommon company one of 7 sites on EPA list failing to meet environmental standards

A Co Roscommon company is among 7 sites nationally failing to meet the necessary environmental standards. The EPA has today published its latest National Priority Sites List for Enforcement, of 7 sites across the country failing to meet standards. The Arran…

Oct 17, 2019

National Slow Down Day gets underway at 7am tomorrow morning

Motorists are being advised that Gardai will conduct a National Slow Down Day tomorrow, starting at 7am in the morning, for a 24-hour period. The road safety initiative is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, and to increase compliance with speed…

Oct 17, 2019

New Brexit deal needs approval of House of Commons and European Parliament

While a Brexit deal has been reached, it remains unclear whether it will be passed by the UK House of Commons. The EU and the British Government this morning signed up to a revised withdrawal agreement, but the DUP have said they will not consent to the deal.…

Oct 17, 2019

Mayo and Sligo men to receive National Bravery Awards tomorrow

One man from Mayo and two from Sligo will be honoured tomorrow at the National Bravery Awards, taking place in Dublin. In total, 12 acts of bravery will be recognised, with awards to 19 recipients and one posthumous honour. Gary Kennedy from Co Mayo will…

Oct 17, 2019

Cryptosporidium detected in Knock Airport Public Water Supply

A Boil water notice has been issued for businesses and customers supplied by the Knock Airport Public Water Supply. Following advice from the HSE, Irish Water and Mayo County Council the notice has been put in place. This also affects Cloonlyon Group Water…

Oct 17, 2019

Over 1,700 entrepreneurs are to take part in today's National Women's Enterprise Day with events taking place in Sligo and Galway

16 events are to take place across the country today to help women starting a business. They're being held in Galway, Sligo, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Waterford, Clare and more to celebrate National Women's Enterprise Day. There's been an 18 percent jump in the…

Oct 17, 2019

Councillor highlights urgent need for public lighting in two private housing estates in Ballina Town

There is an urgent need for public lighting in two private housing estates in Ballina town, that have not been taken in charge of by Mayo County Council. That’s the view of Independent Ballina cllr Mark Duffy. He raised the frustration and concern of…

Oct 17, 2019

Speed Van Operators announce October Bank Holiday strike

Speed camera van workers are to strike over the October Bank Holiday. GoSafe operators who are members of SIPTU will take part in a 72 hour stoppage from 9am on Saturday the 26th. The escalation comes as part of the unions ongoing dispute with the company…

Oct 16, 2019

Concerns expressed that there are no improvements being currently planned for the N26 Ballina to Foxford road

Councillors in the Ballina area have again expressed their concerns that there are no improvements being currently planned for the N26 Ballina to Foxford road. At the monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District today Fine Gael Councillor John O’Hara…

Oct 16, 2019

Mayo Senator raises concerns about home help service

The timeframe from when home help hours are allocated to a client, and when they're implemented, should be no longer than one month. That's according to Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Keith Swanick, who raised the issue of home care supports in the Seanad yesterday…

Oct 16, 2019

€22,500 approved to progress helipad on Inishturk Island

Further Government funding of €22,500 has been approved for Mayo County Council to progress the helipad on Inishturk Island. Mayo-based Minister Michael Ring says the funding will enable the local authority to progress the design and planning for the site…

Oct 16, 2019

Irish Rail confirms reduced staff at Castlebar Train Station

Irish Rail has rowed back on plans to make Castlebar train station completely automatic, but the number of staff at the station is to be reduced from three to two. That was confirmed by an Irish Rail representative, who addressed this week's monthly meeting…

Oct 16, 2019

Galway 2020 wins European Commission award of €1.5 million

Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture has been awarded the European Commission's Melina Mercouri prize of €1.5 million. The European Commission announced the award of the prestigious prize yesterday evening, and the Minister for Culture, Heritage & the…

Oct 16, 2019

Mayo County Council CEO says new N5 will completely transform Mayo's landscape

There's been widespread welcome for the Cabinet's approval for the construction of the new N5 road from Westport to Turlough, at a cost of €241 million. After over two decades of a campaign, the Cabinet signed off on the project yesterday, and it involves the…

Oct 16, 2019

Fresh appeal to patients, staff and visitors not to smoke on grounds of Mayo University Hospital

Five years after Mayo University Hospital was declared a smoke-free campus, compliance with the policy has started to reduce, with patients and visitors frequently smoking outside the main entrances of the hospital. Hospital management are now starting a…

Oct 16, 2019

Sightings of Portugese man-of-war in Mayo coastal areas

Sightings of the toxic Portugese man-of-war have been reported over the past week or so in the Achill, Clew Bay and Louisburg areas of Co Mayo. Swimmers, beach walkers and those involved in water sports are advised to be aware of the dangers of being stung by…

Oct 15, 2019

241 million euro approved by Cabinet today for new Westport to Turlough Road

Approval has been given today by Cabinet for the construction of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road.Speaking to Midwest News this lunchtime the Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring said the proposed road development, which will cost €241…

Oct 15, 2019

Mayo man charged with his wife's murder sent forward to trial to Central Criminal Court

A 46-year-old Mayo man charged with the murder of his wife has been sent forward for trial to the present sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. James Kilroy, with an address at Kilbree Lower, Westport appeared before Judge Fiona Lydon at a special…

Oct 15, 2019

Tusla appeals for more people in Mayo to get involved in foster care

This week is Tusla National Fostering Week, and the child & family agency are appealing for more people in Mayo to get involved in foster care. Across Co Mayo, over 100 foster carers open their home to children, and a coffee morning will take place in Lough…

Oct 15, 2019

845,000 euro secured for Kilmurry Group Water Scheme outside Crossmolina

4.3 million euro in funding has been announced today for county Mayo under the government’s national Rural Water Programme for this year. A number of group schemes across the county have secured funding under today’s announcement, however, there are 78…

Oct 15, 2019

Fianna Fail is most popular party in Connacht / Ulster, according to new poll

Fianna Fail is the most popular political party in the Connacht / Ulster region - according to the latest Irish Times / Ipsos MRBI opinion poll. Nationally, Fine Gael maintains a narrow lead over Fianna Fail, with the two parties looking set to compete to…

Oct 15, 2019

3-car collision on Westport Road roundabout in Castlebar

Emergency services are attending the scene of a 3-car collision in Castlebar. The collision has occurred on the Westport Road roundabout, and is leading to significant delays on the N5 Westport road out of Castlebar.

Oct 15, 2019

No additional train carriages for Mayo until 2022, according to Irish Rail

Irish Rail told Mayo county council yesterday that it will be at least two years before any additional carriages will be added to its Mayo to Dublin train services. While Mayo county councillors urged the company to provide an Early Bird train service out of…

Funding of over €5.7 Million confirmed for Ireland West Airport

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