Funding of over €5.7 Million confirmed for Ireland West Airport

Sep 22, 2019

Five arrested in connection with Claremorris burglary under Operation Thor

Four men are due in court in Castlebar in Co.Mayo later. The four were arrested as part of Operation Thor, a Garda initiative tackling burglaries nationwide. The four men in their 20's were arrested alongside a teenage boy aged 15 at a property in Ballinrobe…

Sep 21, 2019

Structure of Audit Committee at Mayo County Council remains unchanged

An attempt to shake up the structure of the Audit committee on Mayo county council failed to get enough support from councillors, at this week’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council. Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn had sought to make a number of changes to…

Sep 21, 2019

Garda ban on overtime came into effect overnight

A Garda ban on overtime came into effect overnight. In a directive from Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, all overtime spending will be cut until the new year due to budgetary constraints. The ban covers all non-essential duties, except matter such as court…

Sep 21, 2019

Farmers protest has ended in Ballyhaunis

Farmer pickets were removed from a number of meat plants gates around the country overnight. Protests at factories in Ballyhaunis, Cork, and Kilkenny are the latest to end after last weekend’s agreement in the beef price row. Last night, pickets outside Dawn…

Sep 21, 2019

Funeral of man who was shot near Aghamore will take place today

Brendan Kilduff, who was shot dead in Aghamore near Ballyhaunis on Tuesday, will be buried this afternoon. Mr Kilduff had been checking on an elderly neighbour when he was killed. Gardaí believe he was mistaken for an intruder. A man in his 80s who was…

Sep 20, 2019

Musgrave's announce 17 jobs under their 2020 graduate programme

Irish food retailer Musgrave has today announced it is accepting applications for 17 roles in its' Graduate Programme. Successful applicants will get the opportunity to build a career with Musgrave, who operates Irish brands like SuperValu, Centra and…

Sep 20, 2019

Emergency Services dealing with a fire to a business premises in Ballina

Emergency services are dealing with a fire to a business premises in Ballina. The blaze occurred just above McKane’s pharmacy on O’Rahilly Street. The fire occurred shortly after 1pm and emergency services are at the scene. Buildings either side of McKane’s…

Sep 20, 2019

Road collision in Achill this morning

A two vehicle collision occurred this morning at Cashel, Achill. Two people picked up minor injuries in the collision and were taken to hospital. The road was closed for a time but has since reopened.

Sep 20, 2019

SIPTU urges protesting farmers to reconsider their stance at meat factories

SIPTU organiser Terry Bryan is calling on protesters, the farm organisations and their members to fully consider the proposals concluded by their representatives at the talks that took place last Sunday. He told Midwest News today that meat plants need to get…

Sep 20, 2019

FF deputy calls for a 200 euro subsidy per cow if farmers are to survive in the north west

A proper subsidy of 200 euro per cow is the only way that farmers are going to survive in the north west according to Sligo based Fianna Fail deputy Eamon Scanlon. He says his party is calling for this level of subsidy per cow and in addition he says the REPS…

Sep 20, 2019

Taoiseach to officially open newly resurfaced runway at IWAK today

A newly-resurfaced runway is opening at Ireland West Airport in Knock today.The Government has invested 11 million euro into the upgrade. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar will perform the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the facility around lunchtime, to mark…

Sep 20, 2019

Protest continues outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis

Farmers are continuing to protest outside Dawn meats in Ballyhaunis this morning (Friday). Midwest News understands that Dawn Meats resumed the slaughter of sheep yesterday at the Ballyhaunis plant. The protesters are holding out for what they consider to be…

Sep 20, 2019

Removal takes place this evening of man shot dead on Tuesday at Coogue, Aghamore

The removal takes place this evening of the man who was shot and died outside a house at Coogue, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis on Tuesday night last. 67 year old Brendan Kilduff of Sallyhernane, Knock appears to have been visiting a friend when he was mistaken by the…

Sep 20, 2019

Galway's Eyre Square among ten venues nationally today to host Climate rally

Galway’s Eyre Square is one of ten locations nationally where large rallies are being held across the country today, as part of the global day of action to counter climate disruption. Student organisers and campaigners supporting the School Strikes for…

Sep 20, 2019

School secretaries across this region, are set to join their colleagues nationally today in a one-hour work stoppage

School secretaries across this region, are set to join their colleagues nationally today in a one-hour work stoppage in protest over “precarious” working conditions. Pupils and parents are unlikely to be affected, as teaching unions do not have a mandate to…

Sep 19, 2019

Roscommon Gardai appeal for witnesses to attempted Lidl break-in

Roscommon Gardaí are investigating an attempted break-in at Lidl on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon town in the early hours of last Sunday morning. Considerable damage was done to the store’s alarm system and it’s likely that those involved were disturbed by…

Sep 19, 2019

Climate Change Global Day of Action to be marked in Westport tomorrow at lunchtime

To mark the 2019 Climate Change Global Day of Action there will be a gathering at the Octagon in Westport tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, and everyone is invited to attend between 1.30 and 2pm. Local woman Pauline Garavan is organising the Westport event and…

Sep 19, 2019

Taoiseach to attend Culture Night events in Shrule tomorrow evening

Taoiseach Leo Varadker has added Shrule to his itinerary for his visit to Mayo tomorrow. Mr Varadker will first visit Ireland West Airport Knock to officially open the newly-overlaid runway, before travelling onto Castlebar where he will officially open a…

Sep 19, 2019

Ballina Gardai seek witnesses to alleged hit & run last Friday

Gardai in Ballina are investigating an alleged hit & run traffic collision last Friday morning. An elderly man was knocked down on Bury Street in the town between 9.40 and 9.50am on Friday morning last, 13th Sept. Gardai say the incident occurred at a busy…

Sep 19, 2019

Two men in court today on charges connected to robberies in Ballaghaderreen earlier this month

Two men, both in their twenties, are due to appear at Loughrea District Court today on charges related to robberies in Ballaghaderreen earlier this month. A youth was arrested yesterday in connection with the same incidents, that occurred on the 11th of…

Sep 19, 2019

Protesting farmers at Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis extend sympathy to colleague shot dead in an incident in Aughamore on Tuesday night

Protesters, members of Beef Plan, outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis say they would stand down if between now and Brexit, the factories would increase their base price per kilo to 3 euro 60 cents, and the government subsidised an additional 57 cents per kilo,…

Sep 19, 2019

Warmest temperature recorded yesterday at Newport in Mayo

Co Mayo enjoyed the warmest temperatures in the country yesterday, as Ireland welcomes the Autumnal sunshine. A temperature of 20.7 degrees was recorded at Furnace, Newport - the highest temperature recorded by Met Eireann yesterday. Claremorris enjoyed 20.1…

Sep 19, 2019

Galway 2020 Capital of Culture programme launched in Eyre Square

Several thousand people gathered in Galway's Eyre Square yesterday evening for the launch of the 2020 Capital of Culture Programme. The year-long event gets underway in February, and will involve more than 1,900 events across 154 projects, 170 partnerships…

Sep 19, 2019

Final day of National Ploughing Championships

Organisers of the National Ploughing Championships hope overall attendance figures could exceed 300-thousand. The three day event in Carlow comes to an end this evening. Temperatures could hit 22 degrees this afternoon The winners of the actual ploughing…

Sep 19, 2019

Elderly man arrested following Mayo shooting has been released without charge

A man in his 80s arrested after a shooting at Coogue, Aughamore, Ballyhaunis has been released without charge. A farmer in his 60s was shot dead in the incident shortly before midnight on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination was completed yesterday evening, but…

Sep 19, 2019

2nd beef blockade lifted, but protestors remain at Dawn Meats, Ballyhaunis

A second beef blockade has been lifted, this time at the ABP factory at Ferrybank in Waterford. The decision comes after those picketing outside a Dawn Meats factory in Slane, Co. Meath ceased their protest yesterday. The Irish Farmers Association is…

Sep 18, 2019

Post-mortem underway on body of man shot near Ballyhaunis

A post-mortem examination is underway at Mayo University Hospital on the body of a man in his 60's who was shot dead near Ballyhaunis last night. A pathologist from the State Pathologist's office carried out a preliminary investigation earlier this afternoon…

Sep 18, 2019

Tanáiste appeals to protesting beef farmers to end blockades

The Tánaiste is appealing to protesting beef farmers to end their blockades of beef factories across the country. Minister Simon Coveney says the demonstrations could cause irreversible damage to the beef sector "within days". It comes as fresh legal threats…

Sep 18, 2019

School secretaries to engage in one-hour work stoppage on Friday morning

School secretaries across the region will take industrial action this Friday, in a row with the Department of Education over pay. A meeting between department officials and the Forsa trade union ended this morning without agreement. Forsa says most…

Sep 18, 2019

State Pathologist due this afternoon at scene of fatal shooting in Coogue

The State Pathologist is due to arrive shortly at the scene of a fatal shooting near Ballyhaunis last night. A man in his 60's was shot dead at a house in Coogue, and a man in his 80's has been arrested.The fatal shooting occurred shortly before midnight. It…

Sep 18, 2019

Dawn Meats considering legal action against Chairman of Beef Plan Movement

As protests continue at a number of meat processing plants, including Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis, Dawn Meats is considering legal action against the Chairman of the Beef Plan Movement Hugh Doyle. In a statement to Midwest News, Dawn Meats said this follows…

Sep 18, 2019

Restaurants warning beef could be off the menu next week, as protests continue

Restaurants are warning that beef could be off the menu on half of Irish restaurants from next week, as a result of the ongoing dispute between farmers and factories. Beef processors - including Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis - have laid off hundreds of staff as a…

Sep 18, 2019

Man shot dead in Aghamore, Ballyhaunis last night

A man in his 60's was shot dead near Ballyhaunis last night. Gardai say the fatal shooting occured in Aghamore just before midnight. A man in his 60's was pronounced dead at the scene, which is being preserved for technical examination. A man in his 80's has…

Sep 17, 2019

MedTech company announces 30 new jobs in Galway

A MedTech company has announced the creation of 30 new jobs in Galway. Med-Di-Dia is a medical technology regulatory affairs and quality compliance consultancy company, based in the Mervue Business Park in Galway. It plans to create 30 new jobs over the next…

Sep 17, 2019

Taoiseach to visit Mayo on Friday

Taoiseach Leo Varadker will visit Co Mayo this Friday, taking in Ballina, Castlebar and Ireland West Airport Knock. The Taoiseach will visit Ireland West Airport Knock at lunchtime on Friday to officially open the €11.2 million newly-overlaid runway before…

Sep 17, 2019

IFA and INHFA say farmers should lift pickets at factory gates to give new beef deal a chance

Two farming organisations - the IFA and the INHFA - are today calling on farmers to lift the pickets at factory gates, and give a chance to the deal hammered out over the weekend. Up to 300 farmers attended a rally outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis last…

Sep 17, 2019

New Digital Hub in Ballina must benefit local contractors, says Mayo TD

The development of a Digital Hub at the former Military Barracks in Ballina is a very welcome development for the town, but the project must be designed in such a way that local contractors can tender, and local people can get jobs during the construction…

Sep 17, 2019

Sligo TD says farmers can get permit to bury dead animals on their land, as knackeries remain closed

As knackeries remain closed around the country, due to an ongoing dispute with the Department of Agriculture, a Sligo TD says an interim solution has been agreed for farmers with fallen animals. Fianna Fail TD Eamon Scanlon says farmers can apply to their…

Sep 17, 2019

Man in his 70's dies in Co Roscommon crash

A man in his 70s has died in a single-vehicle road collision in Co Roscommon. Shortly before five o'clock this morning, the man's car hit a wall at Ballyforan. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene and the man - who is in his 70s - was brought to…

Sep 17, 2019

Dawn Meats says beef protests preventing sheep farmers from selling their animals

The ongoing blockade of the Dawn Meats facility in Ballyhaunis is continuing to prevent local sheep farmers from being able to sell their animals - according to the company. Dawn Meats claims the protestors are preventing vehicles from delivering sheep…

Sep 17, 2019

Up to 300 farmers attend beef rally in Ballyhaunis

Up to 300 farmers attended a rally in Ballyhaunis last night to discuss the weekend beef agreement. Representatives from the Beef Plan movement and the INHFA addressed the rally, along with independent farmers. The general consensus was that local farmers…

Sep 17, 2019

Minister Creed writes open letter asking beef farmers to stop protesting at meat factories

The Minister for Agriculture has written an open letter to protesting beef farmers asking them to stop their blockades of meat factories. It comes after farming organisations widely supported recommendations made at the weekend following talks between all…

Sep 17, 2019

GP vacancies in Glenamoy & Bangor to be advertised next week

The GP vacancies in both Glenamoy and Bangor are to be advertised next week. Mayo-based Minister Michael Ring says he has been informed by the HSE that the GP who's currently covering Glenamoy and Bangor will take up an appointment elsewhere, and the twp GP…

Sep 16, 2019

Farmers protesting in Ballyhaunis look likely to reject beef agreement

Farmers protesting outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis look likely to reject the agreement which was hammered out a lengthy beef talks over the weekend. They will meet in Ballyhaunis at 9pm tonight to vote on whether to accept or reject the deal, but it appears…

Sep 16, 2019

Traffic from the West to Ploughing Championships should follow the Green Route

Over 200,000 people- as well as exhibitors, buyer and visitors from more than a dozen countries - will descend on Co Carlow this week for the National Ploughing Championships - probably the biggest event of the year in rural Ireland. The championships take…

Sep 16, 2019

Boyle actor Chris O'Dowd wins Emmy award

Co Roscommon-born actor Chris O'Dowd is being congratulated on his latest Emmy award achievement. The Boyle native won the Emmy award in the short-form comedy or drama category for his role as Tom in the comedy TV series "State of the Union". This is not the…

Sep 16, 2019

The Lodge at Ashford Castle among winners of 2020 Georgina Campbell awards

The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong is among the winners of the 2020 Georgina Campbell awards. The Lodge at Ashford was named Best Pet-Friendly Destination of the Year. Two Galway businesses were also among the winners - Tartare Restaurant on Lower Dominick…

Sep 16, 2019

Roscommon TD says the elderly are being hit three times - for renting out their family home under the Fair Deal scheme

It's emerged the elderly are being hit three times - for renting out their family home under the Fair Deal scheme. It means thousands of homes are lying vacant because of fears it could affect their means-test when going into a nursing home. Independent…

Sep 16, 2019

Balla to Claremorris closed following road collision

Three people have been taken to hospital following a two car collision near Claremorris this morning. The N60 Balla to Claremorris road at Mossbrook remains closed to traffic. The collision between a car and a van occurred at around 6.30am this morning.…

Sep 16, 2019

Protests continuing outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis this morning despite reports saying agreement had been reached over the weekend

Protests are continuing outside 14 factories today despite reports saying a consensus had been reached over the weekend. The Independent Farmers of Ireland (IFI) issued a statement last night saying they neither accepted nor rejected the proposals meant to…

Sep 15, 2019

Mayo Roscommon Hospice awaits confirmation of funding for multimillion euro Castlebar facility

Mayo Roscommon Hospice is now awaiting written confirmation from the HSE that full funding will be in place to open the new multimillion euro new Castlebar Hospice facility before the end of this year. Thursday next, is national Hospice Coffee morning, and…

Sep 15, 2019

National Broadband Plan delayed as TD's review how contract was awarded

The rollout of the National Broadband Plan will be delayed again as TDs look at reviewing how the contract was awarded. The government hoped to sign a contract with the preferred bidder, Granahan McCourt, in time for an announcement at this week's National…

Sep 15, 2019

Agreement reached in the beef dispute on the condition farmers end blockade

Agreement's been reached between Meat Industry Ireland representatives and Farm Organisations in the beef dispute. In a statement, the Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed says the talks have ended this afternoon. They've agreed on a two strand agreement for…

Sep 15, 2019

Drainage works to start on Ballina estate tomorrow to relieve flooding problems

There's some good news for residents of the Childers Heights estate in Ballina, as drainage works will start tomorrow to relieve flooding problems in the area. That's according to FG Councillor John O''Hara who says there are ongoing flooding problems in the…

Sep 15, 2019

Roscommon Councillor says the closure of local knackeries will leave a major environmental impact

The dispute between the Department of Agriculture and local Knackeries, which has seen knackeries across the country close their gates this week, will have major environmental and public health impacts, as well as causing extra stress for the local farming…

Sep 15, 2019

New Opinion Poll shows just one point separating Fine Gael and Fianna Fail

With the Taoiseach talking of a General Election early next year - a new opinion poll shows it's all to play for. The latest Sunday Business Post/Red C Poll shows just one point dividing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, on 28 and 29 percent respectively.

Sep 15, 2019

Talks continuing this morning in the ongoing beef dispute

There is pessimism today that a resolution will be found to resolve the ongoing beef dispute. After almost 24 hours of talks, a meeting of all farm organisations chaired by IFA president Joe Healy is now taking place. It includes all farm organisations…

Sep 14, 2019

Mayo Senator welcomes Ballina Digital Hub moving to the detailed design stage

The Ballina Digital Hub in the former Military Barrracks is expected to create over 200 jobs in the town centre. The Hub is a €7m project with €3.2m already allocated towards the delivery of Phase 1 of the project and Part 8 planning permission has already…

Sep 14, 2019

Gardaí seize an estimated €1,100 worth of drugs in Claremorris Town yesterday

Gardai seized an estimated €1100 worth of drugs at four addresses in Claremorris town in search operations yesterday evening. These intelligence led searches resulted in the recovery of quantities of drugs believed to be cocaine, speed, and cannabis at two of…

Sep 14, 2019

Gardai advise motorist's to avoid Boyle/Gurteen road after articulated truck overturns

The Boyle/Gurteen Rd (R294) is currently closed between Cloonloo and Boyle due to an incident, diversions are in place. An arctic truck has overturned on the road after driving too close to the edge. Gardai are currently unloading the cargo of the truck and…

Sep 14, 2019

Supermarkets and Butchers across Roscommon discuss if 30-month rule could be dropped

One of the demands from farmers in the current beef dispute is that the 30-month rule for cattle be dropped. Farmers bringing animals over the 30-months to processing factories are currently penalised - and these penalties cost Irish farmers over €33 million…

Sep 14, 2019

Memorial run gets underway for Captain Fitzpatrick of Rescue 116

The Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run got underway at Waterford Airport at 10am. People are getting ready to run 5 kilometres in honour of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick who died in the Rescue 116 tragedy 2 years ago off the Mayo coast. The money raised will go towards…

Sep 14, 2019

Taoiseach calls on deputy Grealish to withdraw his comments about asylum seekers

Galway West TD Noel Grealish is coming under increased pressure withdraw his comments about asylum seekers. It's after footage emerged of the independent TD addressing a public meeting in Oughterard earlier this week in relation to possible plans for a direct…

Sep 14, 2019

Beef Plan Movement calls on Agriculture Minister to use 'all resources available' at beef talks

There's a call on the Agriculture Minister to use all resources available at today's talks to resolve the beef dispute. The Beef Plan Movement is making the call as it prepares to enter face to face negotiations with Meat Industry Ireland. Many factories have…

Sep 13, 2019

Former Sligo minister appeals to Fine Gael to give him Dail candidacy ticket

Former Sligo Minister John Perry wants Fine Gael to add him to the ticket in the absence of outgoing candidate Councillor Sinead Maguire. Councillor Maguire took the ticket following the resignation of Gerry Reynolds in July and has now stepped down from the…

Sep 13, 2019

Beef dispute talks take place tomorrow in the Department of Agriculture

Beef slaughtering operations remain suspended at major meat plants this evening, ahead of talks tomorrow aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute with farmers. Meat Industry Ireland, which pulled out of planned discussions last Monday, says it WILL attend the…

Sep 13, 2019

Man due in court today in Wales charged with the murder of a county Mayo native

A man is due to appear in a court in Wales today charged in connection with the murder of a 76 year old county Mayo native. An elderly man, originally from Achill, was found dead at a house in Cwmbran on Tuesday morning last. He has been named as Thomas…

Sep 13, 2019

Two people due in court today in Ballaghaderreen charged in connection with a number of robberies and attempted burglaries in the area

Two people were arrested and a car seized in connection with a number of robberies and attempted burglaries in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week. Both are due to appear in Ballaghaderreen District court today. Gardai have appealed for information after a…

Sep 13, 2019

More than 700 elderly to secure the Fair Deal Scheme that they are entitled to

750 older people are to be offered a nursing home place under the Fair Deal scheme. The boost in numbers follows months of restrictions by the HSE, which had been putting a limit on the number of places allocated weekly. It is expected that top-up funding…

Sep 13, 2019

Taoiseach calls on deputy Grealish to clarify alleged comments made by him at Oughterard meeting on Wednesday

The Taoiseach has called on Galway West deputy Noel Grealish to clarify comments he allegedly made about migrants. The Independent TD is alleged to have made the derogatory comments about asylum seekers at a meeting in Oughterard on Wednesday night last.…

Sep 13, 2019

Problem with water, public toilets and bus parking at Croagh Patrick highlighted by councillor

Despite promises, another Summer has gone by with an inadequate water supply at the national pilgrimage site of Croagh Patrick, and residents of Murrisk, Lecanvey and out as far as Louisburgh are left with a discoloured supply, often not fit for human…

Sep 13, 2019

SIPTU calls on government for support for workers laid off due to beef dispute, as Aldi says Irish beef stock on shelves is running low

SIPTU has called on the Government to provide additional income supports for the thousands of workers now laid-off in factories due to the ongoing beef crisis. Up to 3000 SIPTU members, many in this region, are directly affected by the ongoing crisis at the…

Sep 12, 2019

IFA wants further extension of BEAM closing date until after Ploughing championships

The IFA is calling on the Agriculture Minister to extend the closing date for the €100 million beef support scheme until after next week's Ploughing Championships, to allow farmers make their application at the Department of Agriculture stand at the…

Sep 12, 2019

Six more Mayo schools selected for "Creative Schools" initiative

Pupils at six more schools in Mayo are to join existing schools across the county in the "Creative Schools" initiative. The Government has announced that 150 additional schools across Ireland, including 6 in Mayo, have been selected to participate in the…

Sep 12, 2019

Mayo council management seek 15 percent increase in LPT for 2020 - to date councillors have refused to approve the increase

Council management in Mayo has asked elected councillors to increase the Local Property Tax (LPT) per household for next year by 15 percent. 15 percent is the maximum increase that any local authority can increase LPT by in any one year. At the end of last…

Sep 12, 2019

National award for IT Sligo's efforts to reduce excessive use of alcohol

The students and staff of IT Sligo were recognised nationally at a recent award ceremony in Dublin for their efforts to reduce harm experienced by students from excess use of alcohol. At the inaugural presentation ceremony for the REACT (Responding to…

Sep 12, 2019

Mayo burglaries among the lowest in the country over past decade

A new survey shows the number of burglaries in Mayo over the past decade was among the lowest in the country. New research from home monitoring company PhoneWatch has found Dublin is the worst county in the country for break-ins - with more than 100,000…

Sep 12, 2019

N60 between Castlerea & Roscommon will be closed at Oran for 6 weeks from next Monday

Roscommon County Council has confirmed that the main N60 road between Castlerea and Roscommon will be closed at Oran from next Monday morning the 16th September for a 6-week period. The road closure is to facilitate construction of the N60 Oran road project,…

Sep 12, 2019

Poor condition of Crossmolina Fire Station highlighted again by local councillor

The conditions in which the fire crew in Crossmolina are based is simply unacceptable, according to local Fianna Fail councillor Michael Loftus. At present the fire crews work out of prefab buildings contained in the old fire station. Capital funding for a…

Sep 12, 2019

Free Bus service for the elderly in Knock village tomorrow (Friday)

The Elderly Network Group is running a FREE Bus Shuttle service tomorrow (Friday) within Knock Village, catering for the elderly (servicing the housing estates and dwellings in-between), allowing for visits to the Chemist, coffee shops, Doctors, Mass, the…

Sep 12, 2019

Tuam Home Survivors Network says yesterday's report unnecessary to state the obvious

A voluntary scheme is to be introduced so DNA from Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors can be matched with juvenile remains. A family law expert in a published report yesterday said this would not breach data-protection laws. Survivors want their DNA samples…

Sep 12, 2019

Large turnout at protest meeting last night in Oughterard over any direct provision centre in the town

Hundreds of people attended a public protest meeting in Oughterard, Co Galway, last night and vowed to fight any plans to provide a direct provision centre in their community. All expressed anger at the lack of consultation and information which they say is…

Sep 12, 2019

Protesting farmers outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis erect a Christmas tree overnight

Despite optimism that the beef talks may reconvene, protesting farmers outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis have erected a Christmas tree overnight, insisting they are there for the long haul. Talks aimed at resolving the ongoing beef price dispute are expected…

Sep 11, 2019

Disruption to vodafone services reported in areas of north Mayo

A number of Vodafone customers in the Glenamoy and Crossmolina areas of north Mayo say they have no phone service, some for days and others for three weeks now. Initially some customers were informed that the disruption in service was due to work being…

Sep 11, 2019

Minister to introduce a voluntary administrative scheme to collect DNA from surivivors of Tuam's Mother and Baby Home

It would be lawfully possible to collect DNA samples from survivors of the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, according to a new report. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has published a report from Dr Geoffrey Shannon's investigation into the issue. The…

Sep 11, 2019

Minister Creed invites all sides in beef dispute to separate talks this evening

The Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has invited all sides in the beef dispute to separate talks this evening at the Department of Agriculture. It comes as the Minister is under growing pressure to get talks started to try and resolve the ongoing dispute.…

Sep 11, 2019

Fundraising Supercar Spectacle hits Mayo roads later this month

Another Supercar Spectacle is coming to Mayo later this month, as the ‘Wild West Road Trip’ hits local towns. With the start line at Crockets on the Quay in Ballina at 10am on Friday the 20th September, the group of over 30 Supercars will make their way along…

Sep 11, 2019

Claremorris-based company Electric Skyline to create over 30 new jobs

Claremorris-based company Electric Skyline is creating over 30 new jobs in the West of Ireland. The company, which started in Claremorris in 2007 with just 4 people, now employs 50 staff and is one of the leading lighting specialists in Ireland. The firm…

Sep 11, 2019

Gurteen playground closes due to crippling insurance costs

The Co Sligo village of Gurteen has seen its playground close in recent days, due to difficulties in obtaining insurance cover. The community playground opened two years ago, following a local fundraising campaign. However, the company which was providing…

Sep 11, 2019

Roscommon TD calls on IBEC to intervene in beef dispute, as some 3,000 people have been laid off from meat plants

As the deadlock continues in the beef dispute, some 3,000 people were temporarily laid off from meat plants across the country yesterday - including a number of workers at Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis. Meat Industry Ireland has blamed the protests and blockades…

Sep 11, 2019

Permanent GP appointed to Lahardane area of north Mayo

The HSE has confirmed that a permanent GP has been appointed for the Lahardane area of north Mayo. A locum GP is currently providing cover in the area, and following a public campaign by the local community, the permanent position will be filled from 1st…

Sep 10, 2019

Mayo landowners urged to cut back roadside hedges and overhanging trees

Mayo County Council is calling on all landowners, farmers and householders to ensure their hedges and overhanging trees are cut and maintained, so that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can travel safely on roads. The hedge-cutting season is open since the…

Sep 10, 2019

Ban on donating blood for anyone who lived in the UK between 1980-1996 has been reversed

A permanent ban on donating blood for anyone who lived in the UK for a year or more between 1980 and 1996 has been reversed. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says such donors will now be eligible to donate from 7th October next. In 2004, the permanent…

Sep 10, 2019

New rules for buskers in Galway City come into effect next January

New rules for buskers in Galway will come into effect at the start of next January. Amplification and acts that attract large crowds, known as 'circle-acts', will be banned during key business hours. The bye-laws have been adopted by Galway City Council. The…

Sep 10, 2019

Light a Candle campaign to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and people are encouraged to light a candle near a window in their home at 8pm this evening, in memory of those lost to suicide. Pieta House says the "Light A Candle campaign" is a symbol of support for suicide…

Sep 10, 2019

Minister Creed urges Meat Industry Ireland to reflect on decision to withdraw from beef talks

The Agriculture Minister is urging Meat Industry Ireland to reflect on their decision to withdraw from beef talks. Talks between all stakeholders involved were due to resume yesterday but MII pulled out because farmers continue to protest at processing…

Sep 10, 2019

Ireland West Airport Knock secures only rural SDZ designation nationally, according to Cllr Cruise

The area around Ireland West Airport Knock will have its long awaited SDZ status in place by next month (October). SDZ is a special development zone that has been created on a huge area of land around the airport to encourage development and to attract new…

Sep 10, 2019

Phil Hogan set to be new EU Trade Commissioner

Ireland's European Commissioner Phil Hogan looks setto be appointed as the EU's Trade Commissioner later today.His name has been strongly linked to the job, and the incoming President of the European Commission will unveil her new team later.Ursula Von de…

Sep 10, 2019

Lough Talt in Sligo one of 19 boil water notices currently in place

Cryptosporidium was detected in 25 public water supplies last year - up from 17 the previous year. However, the quality of drinking water in public supplies remains high - that's according to the EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report for 2018.…

Sep 10, 2019

Councillors call on the Minister to standardise the start of the school year to a date in September, claiming early return to school is is impacting on tourism

Mayo county councillors have called on the Minister for Education to standardize the start of the school year to September, as they say the new practice nationally of returning to school from the 20th of August is cutting 2 weeks off the vital summer tourism…

Sep 10, 2019

Farmers continuing their protest outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis, despite MII's refusal to take part in beef talks while protests continue

Protests by farmers are continuing outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis this morning with no sign of being called off, despite any demand by Meat Industry Ireland for pickets to be called off outside meat factories nationally if it’s members are to take part in…

Sep 09, 2019

Meat Industry Ireland pulls out of beef talks

Meat Industry Ireland has pulled out of today's talks aimed at resolving the dispute between farmers and meat factories over beef prices. The group says it has pulled out of talks until all illegal blockades outside meat factories have been lifted. Farmers…

Sep 09, 2019

Four Mayo winners at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards last night

There were four Mayo winners at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards in Galway last night. This is the 4th year of the awards, which celebrate hair stylists, nail technicians, colourists, beauty specialists and make-up artists among others. The Chapter 3 awards…

Sep 09, 2019

Westport sailor arrives in London after retracing journey of Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley

A Westport woman sailed her boat up the Thames and arrived in London's Docklands at the weekend, after retracing the same journey made by Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley more than four centuries ago. Professional race sailor Joan Mulloy set sail from Westport…

Sep 09, 2019

IFA insists cattle prices can be discussed at today's talks on beef dispute

Talks aimed at resolving the long-running beef dispute will re-convene in Co Kildare this afternoon. It comes as protests outside supermarket distribution centres continue. Despite repeated calls from farmers that retailers be involved in round two of talks,…

Sep 09, 2019

Galway city has highest number of primary students nationally taught through Irish

The number of pupils being taught through Irish at primary school reached record high levels in the recent academic year. New figures published by the Department of Education show that almost one in 12 schoolchildren at primary level is receiving their…

Sep 09, 2019

Road between Manulla and Breaffy closed to traffic at present due to road collision

Castlebar gardai are advising motorists that the road between Manulla and Breaffy at Kilmacrade is closed to traffic at present. Emergency services are at the scene. It appears that a car has left the road. Gardai are advising motorists to avoid the area at…

Sep 09, 2019

School secretaries to go on strike later this month

Secretaries in schools across the country are to go on strike later this month. The trade union Fórsa says their members have backed industrial action in a national ballot. The action will get underway on the 20th of September. Barry Cunningham from Fórsa…

Sep 09, 2019

Hundreds protest outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis this morning as beef talks resume today

The Minster for Agriculture Michael Creed will commence the second stage of talks in the beef dispute later today. As the beef dispute over prices that farmers are securing from meat processors drags on, the Minister has said that “failure is not an option”.…

Sep 08, 2019

Western Arc Region put forward for the European Commission's Ten-T project

The Irish government has applied to include the Western region in a major European transport network. Ireland made the application for the Western Arc Region, stretching from Kerry to Donegal, to be part of the European Commission’s Ten-T core network. The…

Sep 08, 2019

1916 heroine to be commemorated on a silver coin next year

Mayo native Dr Kathleen Lynn - medical doctor, politician and activist - is to commemorated on a silver coin next year. The Central Bank is currently inviting artists and designers to submit their design for a silver coin to commemorate the Killala woman, who…

Sep 08, 2019

Brexit and the north will be discussed in detail tomorrow between the Taoiseach and Boris Johnson

Brexit and the north will be discussed in detail when the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister meet in Dublin tomorrow. The Taoiseach will emphasise that Ireland and the EU are still committed to securing a deal. However, all necessary arrangements are being…

Sep 08, 2019

Farmers set to protest outside supermarkets over beef prices

Farmer protests are set to target supermarkets in an escalation of the row over beef prices. Farmer's group, Beef Plan Movement says the 'peaceful protests' will begin over the coming days, with stores such as Tesco, Dunnes and SuperValu among those likely to…

Sep 07, 2019

Only 11 out of the 176 approved mental health jobs have been filled in the last year

Only 11 out of 176 approved mental health jobs have been filled in the last year. The HSE figures were obtained by Fianna Fáil as part of a parliamentary question. Despite approved funding of nearly 16 million euro, new staff have been hired for only 1 in 16…

Sep 07, 2019

Ballina councillor calling for an awareness campaign in schools to combat the drug problem in Mayo

A Ballina Councillor is calling for an awareness campaign in schools to combat the drugs problem in Mayo. The whole drugs epidemic was discussed at length at yesterday’s Joint Policing Committee in Castlebar. One of the suggestions was from Independent…

Sep 07, 2019

IFA hopeful fresh talks aimed at resolving the beef dispute will end the crisis

The Irish Farmers Association President says he's 'hopeful' fresh talks aimed at resolving the beef dispute will end the crisis. Discussions are expected to resume on Monday, three weeks after the orginals talks broke down. Farmers are calling on factories to…

Sep 07, 2019

Councillor calling for repair work to take place at cemetery near Claremorris

Mayo County Council is to write to Irish Water asking them to waive the fee for bringing a water connection into Taugheen Old Cemetery near Claremorris. At present, the cemetery does not have a water supply for people tending to flowers on graves, and Irish…

Sep 07, 2019

Mayo Street Food Festival takes place in Castlebar tomorrow

The Mayo Street Food Festival takes place in Castlebar tomorrow. This year's event will take place on Bridge Lane, off Main Street, between 12 noon and 5pm. Food producers and local restaurants will come together to showcase the finest of local produce and…

Sep 07, 2019

Man in his 70's has died following two car collision in Galway

A man in his 70s has died following a two car collision in County Galway. The incident involving a jeep and car happened on the N63 at Rooaunmore, Claregalway at around 5pm on Friday. A post mortem is due to take place at a later date. No further injuries…

Sep 06, 2019

Councillor claims Mayo towns & villages "awash with drugs"

The battle against illegal drugs should be the number one priority for Gardai in Co Mayo - that's according to Ballinrobe-based Councillor Damien Ryan, who claims towns and villages across Co Mayo are "awash with drugs", and says Garda resources and equipment…

Sep 06, 2019

INHFA calls for changes to beef support scheme

The Agriculture Minister Michael Creed should remove the 5% reduction requirement as a condition for entry in to the €100 million beef support scheme - that's according to the Irish Natura & HillFarmers Association. The closing date for the Beef Exceptional…

Sep 06, 2019

Injunction proceedings by Dawn Meats against protesters struck out

Injunction proceedings by Dawn Meats and Liffey Meats against a number of named and unnamed protesters have been struck out. The request to strike out was made by lawyers for the meat companies at the High Court this morning. Lawyers for Dawn Meats and Liffey…

Sep 06, 2019

Claremorris-based company CBE has created 20 new jobs

Claremorris-based company CBE has created 20 new jobs, as a result of continued growth in Ireland and particularly in the UK. The company, which was founded in Claremorris in 1980 with 3 staff initially, now has a presence in 12 countries and employs almost…

Sep 06, 2019

Clinics taking place across the region urging farmers to apply for the beef support scheme

A clinic will be held in Castlebar today as the Department of Agriculture urges more eligible farmers to apply for the €100 million beef support scheme. This Sunday was the original closing date for applications for the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure, but…

Sep 06, 2019

Huge excitement in Ballina for Cannonball 2019

Some of the world's top cars - including McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati, Rolls Royce and Bentley - will roll into Ballina this weekend as part of the annual Cannonball. The action-packed supercar spectacles arrives in Ballina…

Sep 06, 2019

Changes in the policing structure will be discussed this afternoon at a JPC meeting in Castlebar

Changes in the policing structure, which will see the Mayo Garda division merging with Roscommon & Longford, will be discussed this afternoon at a JPC meeting in Castlebar. This is the first meeting of the Joint Policing Committee since the local elections in…

Sep 06, 2019

INMO warning that Ireland will lose more young nurses to British hospitals after Brexit

Ireland's nurses and midwives are warning that Ireland will lose more young nurses to British hospitals after Brexit. A survey of student nurses this summer shows 7 in 10 have already been offered jobs overseas. INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha says…

Sep 06, 2019

Roscommon TD calling for beef dispute talks to be brought forward to this afternoon

The Agriculture Minister is being called on to fast track talks on the beef crisis. Minister Michael Creed scheduled talks for Monday, which are aimed at resolving the long-running dispute. However, Independent Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice wants them brought…

Sep 05, 2019

Bus services in Mayo discussed with National Transport Authority

Concerns have been raised with the National Transport Authority in relation to recent changes on the old Route 52 Ballina-Galway bus service. Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary and his party colleague Councillor Michael Smyth met with the NTA yesterday, where…

Sep 05, 2019

Men's Shed Global Gathering will be held in Galway next year

The world's largest-ever gathering of Men's Sheds will be held in Galway next year. The Men's Shed Global Gathering 2020 will be held at NUI Galway in August of next year, and was officially launched at the university this morning. Minister Séan Kyne says…

Sep 05, 2019

Councillor asks OPW to lower sluice gates to prevent flooding in south Mayo

The Office of Public Works should lower the sluice gates in Galway from mid-September, to save South Mayo from flooding this Winter. That's according to FG Councillor Patsy O'Brien who raised the matter at yesterday's meeting of the Claremorris / Swinford…

Sep 05, 2019

Talks aimed at resolving beef dispute to take place on Monday

Talks aimed at resolving the ongoing beef dispute will reconvene on Monday. The Agriculture Minister has confirmed that he will facilitate the talks, and asked that stakeholders "engage in a spirit of compromise." Michael Creed added that the dispute has the…

Sep 05, 2019

Mayo Co Co says Kinetic fencing installed on Dooncarton mountain prevented serious damage last week

Mayo County Council says Kinetic fencing installed on Dooncarton mountain in north Mayo following devastating landslides in 2003 prevented serious damage during heavy rainfall last week. The heavy rain last Friday led to small landslides taking place on…

Sep 05, 2019

55 patients on trolleys today at University Hospital Galway

Over 500 people are waiting on trolleys at hospitals across the country today. The INMO says 504 people are without beds, 66 of those are at University Hospital Limerick. That's followed by 55 at University Hospital Galway and 43 at University Hospital…

Sep 05, 2019

Taoiseach urged to challenge Boris Johnson on his approach to Brexit when the pair meet on Monday

The Taoiseach is being urged to challenge the British Prime Minister over the damage his approach to Brexit could cause this country. Leo Varadkar and Boris Johnson are due to meet in Dublin on Monday. It comes as the British Labour Party says it's still…

Sep 05, 2019

Gardai at the scene of a two vehicle collision at Barnacarroll Junction

Gardai are at the scene of a two vehicle collision at Barnacarroll Junction near Knock on the N17. The incident occurred shortly after 9am this morning. It’s understood that no one sustained serious injuries in the collision. Emergency services attended the…

Sep 05, 2019

Sligo Councillor calling for improvements on the access road to Ballymote Community Nursing Unit

A Sligo Councillor is calling for improvements to be carried out to the access road into the Ballymote Community Nursing Unit. Works are almost complete on the new nursing home facility in Ballymote, and Councillor Dara Mulvey believes now is the time, with…

Sep 05, 2019

Gardai treating the death of Mountain Climber on Mweelrea Mountain yesterday as not suspicious

A mountain-climber from Dublin died while climbing Mweelrea Mountain in Co Mayo yesterday. Gardai confirmed that a man in his 60s died while climbing the mountain near Louisburgh. "A sudden death was reported to Gardai yesterday at Mweelrea mountain,"…

Sep 05, 2019

Fianna Fail Councillor calls for round table talks and says consultation rather than confrontation is the way forward in Beef Dispute

Farmers are continuing to protest outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis this morning. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has agreed to invite Minister Michael Creed and Michael Dowling, the independent talks chairman, to a meeting…

Sep 04, 2019

Man in sixties has died while climbing Mweelrea Mountain

A man in his sixties has died while climbing Mweelrea Mountain near Louisburgh this afternoon. The man who is believed to be from the Dublin area was with family members at the time. Emergency services attended the scene to assist in the rescue mission. His…

Sep 04, 2019

Body of Motorcyclist who died following collision with School bus today in Leitrim removed to Sligo University Hospital for a Post mortem

A motorcyclist has been killed in a crash involving a school bus in Co Leitrim. It happened this morning in Cloone. This crash, between a motorcyclist and school bus, happened on the Cloone-Fenagh road just before 8 am. The motorcyclist, who is in his 20s,…

Sep 04, 2019

Tech company to create up to 50 new jobs in Galway city

A tech company is to create up to 50 new jobs in Galway city. FotoNation, which has been in Galway since 1997, has today officially opened its new offices in the Parkmore East Business Park. It's a subsidiary of the Xperi Corporation - based in Silicon…

Sep 04, 2019

Ryanair suspending flights from Knock to Lanzarote & Tenerife from Jan-March 2020

Ryanair has suspended its flights from Ireland West Airport Knock to both Lanzarote and Tenerife from early January to the end of March 2020. This is due to the airline's decision to close a number of bases in the Canary Islands - because of a shortage of…

Sep 04, 2019

Council urged to publish Part 8 planning required for Velo Rail project in Kiltimagh

Foxford-based FG Councillor Neil Cruise is calling on Mayo County Council to immediately publish the Part 8 planning required to get the Velo Rail project underway in Kiltimagh. The project, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, will involve the…

Sep 04, 2019

High rain levels in the West last month linked to global warming

Rain levels in the West of Ireland last month were almost four times higher than average, and Met Eireann has linked the rainfall levels and above-temperatures in August to global warming. Statistics contained in Met Eireann's August weather report were…

Sep 04, 2019

Chinese delegation arrives at Kepak in Athleague this morning, after Monday's visit was cancelled

A visit by a Chinese delegation to a meat plant in Co Roscommon, which was cancelled on Monday, will go ahead following negotiations between the meat plant and protesting farmers. The visit could see Kepak Athleague being approved for Chinese exports. It's…

Sep 04, 2019

Oireachtas Agriculture Committee reconvened to discuss beef crisis

The independent chairman of talks in the beef dispute is expected to appear before the Oireachtas agriculture committee later. It comes as unofficial protests by farmers are continuing outside up to 17 meat factories - including Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis.…

Sep 03, 2019

Mayo-based Vaughan Shoes shortlisted for online retail award

Vaughan Shoes based in Mayo has been named as one of the five online retailers in Ireland with the best performance. Retail Excellence Ireland has unveiled its shortlist for National Online Retailer of the Year, and has selected five finalists from scores of…

Sep 03, 2019

Book of evidence served on former Christian Brother with address in Achill

A book of evidence has been served on a former Christian Brother with an address in Mayo, who's charged with indecently assaulting a 14-year old boy at the North Monastery secondary school in Cork in 1981. 65-year old Edward Bryan of Dugort, Achill Island was…

Sep 03, 2019

Connolly Motor Group acquires Hyundai Galway

The Connolly Motor Group - which has showrooms in Ballina, Sligo and Galway - has acquired Hyundai Galway, and expects to increase staff numbers in Galway as a result of the expansion. The acquisition of the Hyundai dealership in Ballybrit and the service…

Sep 03, 2019

Chinese inspectors visit Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis - while farmers continue to protest outside

As farmers continue to protest outside a number of meat plants over the prices being paid for their cattle, a Chinese delegation arrived shortly before 9am this morning to carry out an inspection at Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis. A large number of farmers are…

Sep 03, 2019

N17 reopens between Ballindine & Milltown following fatal crash

The N17 road between Ballindine and Milltown reopened to traffic yesterday evening, following a fatal collision in the early hours of yesterday morning. A foreign national in his 30's died when his car collided with a van at Carrownurlaur, Ballindine shortly…

Sep 03, 2019

Roscommon teenager named winner of Cadbury's competition to create new bar

A Co Roscommon teenager has defeated tens of thousands of hopefuls to create Cadbury's newest chocolate bar. 17-year old Callum Clogher from Dysart spoke to Midwest News during the Summer when he was selected as one of three finalists in the Cadbury Inventor…

Sep 03, 2019

Bus Eireann should install shelters at bus stops in rural areas, says Castlebar Councillor

A Castlebar Councillor is calling on Bus Eireann to install shelters at some of their bus stops - particularly those located just outside villages where passengers cannot shelter from harsh weather conditions. FG Councillor Ger Deere says bus stops in areas…

Sep 03, 2019

New group formed to represent farmers protesting outside meat factories

A new organisation has been formed to represent the farmers protesting outside meat factories over the prices they're being paid for their animals. Representatives from the protesting groups met in the midlands last night, and a new organisation called…

Sep 02, 2019

Ballindine-Milltown road remains closed following fatal collision

The N17 Ballindine to Milltown road remains closed to traffic this evening following a fatal collision overnight which claimed the life of a man in his 30's. Shortly after 1am this morning, a car and van collided at Carrownurlar, Milltown. The driver of the…

Sep 02, 2019

Chinese inspectors fail to gain access to Kepak in Athleague as farmers continue to protest

A delegation of Chinese inspectors has failed to gain access to the Kepak meat plant in Athleague, Co Roscommon, due to a protest outside the factory. Inspectors have been visiting meat plants across the country to approve them as exporters to China, and are…

Sep 02, 2019

Knock-Birmingham flight cancelled yesterday due to French air traffic control outage

An air traffic control outage in France in being blamed for the cancellation of the Knock-Birmingham flight yesterday. Flybe has confirmed to Midwest News that the Knock-Birmingham service was cancelled due to the knock-on effect caused by the air traffic…

Sep 02, 2019

Locum GP in place in Laherdane for next 3 months from today

The HSE has confirmed that a locum GP will in place, from today for the next three months in the Mayo village of Laherdane. A local action group was formed last month following a public meeting, to highlight concerns over the lack of GP cover in Laherdane.…

Sep 02, 2019

HSE capital plan includes a number of major developments across the West

The HSE's Capital Spending Plan for the next three years has been published today. The plan covers 2019 to 2021, at a cost of over €2 billion. The publication of the HSE's Capital Plan was delayed as a result of the over-run in the cost of the new National…

Sep 02, 2019

Mayo Senator calls on OPW to give urgent priority flood defences for Crossmolina following weekend of heavy rain and flooding alert

A Mayo Fine Gael Senator has called on the Office of Public Works to give urgent priority to the delivery of permanent flood defences for Crossmolina following heavy rain over the weekend and a flooding alert again for the town. Michelle Mulherin says…

Sep 02, 2019

Protests enter second week outside a number of meat factories today

Protests at meat factories across the country have entered their second week. Gardaí were called to a number of sites over the weekend, as tensions remain high over beef prices. Meat Industry Ireland has said more than a dozen sites have stopped operating,…

Sep 02, 2019

Man dies in fatal road traffic collision in Milltown last night

Gardaí are investigating a two vehicle fatal road traffic collision in Carrownurlar, Milltown, Co. Galway. Shortly after 1am on Monday 2nd September 2019 Gardaí, Ambulance Services and local Fire Services attended the scene of a serious collision involving a…

Sep 02, 2019

Catholic Church confirms a seriously ill woman was healed during pilgrimage to Knock

The Catholic Church has confirmed for the first time that a seriously ill women was healed during a pilgrimage to Knock 30 years ago. Marion Carroll, who was in her late 30s, was wheelchair bound, incontinent and almost blind when she visited the shrine in…

Sep 02, 2019

N17 Ballindine to Milltown road closed following serious collision

The N17 between Ballindine and Milltown is closed to traffic this morning following a serious road traffic collision overnight. Traffic from Sligo are to divert via Ballindine through Irishtown and on to Dunmore. Motorists coming from the Galway side will…

Sep 01, 2019

Large numbers of GP's retiring in the next seven years to cause personnel crisis

Health clinics nationwide are facing a personnel crisis due to the retirement of up to 700 GPs over the next seven years. The Irish Patients' Association says up to five percent of clinics could close, forcing patients to travel greater distances. Stephen…

Sep 01, 2019

Special homecoming in Castlerea this evening for Aoife O'Rourke

A Special homecoming celebration is planned in Castlerea this evening for new women’s European Boxing Champion Aoife O’Rourke. She beat Poland’s Elzebieta Wojcik to become only the second Irish woman to win gold at the Elite Level. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon…

Sep 01, 2019

Mayo, Roscommon and Longford to be amalgamated in new Garda division

The location of the Headquarters of the new garda division that will stretch across counties Mayo, Roscommon and Longford is not yet known, but is likely to be announced within a week or so. It could be located in Castlebar, Roscommon or Longford. However,…

Sep 01, 2019

Meat Industry Ireland says it's willing to resume discussions with farmers once blockades at its processing facilities are lifted

Meat Industry Ireland says it's willing to resuming discussions with farmers once blockades at its processing facilities are lifted. However, it says the issue of price cannot be negotiated. Farmers resumed pickets outside factory gates this week, after…

Sep 01, 2019

Kilkerrin Moylough Water Treatment Plant has this morning returned to production

The Kilkerrin Moylough Water Treatment Plant has this morning returned to production as raw water quality at the spring source has improved sufficiently. It will take 10-12 hours for all areas of the network to refill so we would ask members of the community…

Aug 31, 2019

Gardai called to Athleague meat factory after protesters blockade truck

Protesters at the Kepak meat factory in Athleague Co Roscommon have blockaded a truck leaving the factory. RTÉ News reports they obtained video footage that shows some protesters with their heads and faces covered, while one person is seen wearing a…

Aug 31, 2019

Breaffy House awarded Customer Service Excellence certificate from Failte Ireland

Breaffy House Resort has been awarded the Failte Ireland Business award for Customer Service Excellence. The four-star resort on the outskirts of Castlebar received the award after 70% of their staff completed Failte Ireland's training programme. The hotel is…

Aug 31, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for tougher sanctions for those vandalising life-saving equipment

A Mayo Senator is pleading with the Government to progress a new bill when the Dail returns after the summer recess, which would make it an offence to steal or damage life-saving equipment such as defibrillators and lifebuoys. Two years ago, Fianna Fail…

Aug 31, 2019

Irish Water working on restoring water to 1500 customers in the Kilkerrin/Moylough area

Irish Water, working in partnership with Galway County Council are working to restore the water supply for some 1500 customers in the Kilkerrin & Moylough areas. Areas that are supplied by the Slieveroe Water Tower may suffer loss of water supply due to…

Aug 31, 2019

Extensive rain overnight which has led to flooding in many parts of Mayo

There was extensive rain overnight which has led to flooding in many parts of the region. Residents in Crossmolina are closely monitoring the situation with the water level of the River Deel reaching bridge height this morning. However, sources say they are…

Aug 31, 2019

Farmers continuing to protest outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis today

Farmers are continuing to protest outside meat factories today - despite High Court actions. Yesterday, a judge granted a permanent injunction stopping protesters disrupting operations at certain plants. But several pickets are taking place again today…

Aug 30, 2019

Mayo Fianna Fail TD critical of Government for allowing rents to spiral out of control

A Mayo Fianna Fail TD has slammed the Government for allowing rents to spiral out of control. Lisa Chambers says a recent report from Daft.ie shows that rents have now increased for 13 consecutive quarters. Rent increases in the Connacht region are among the…

Aug 30, 2019

Level 3 alert for flooding issued for Crossmolina

A Level 3 alert for flooding has been issued for Crossmolina due to heavy rainfall and high water levels in the River Deel and a Level 2 alert has been issued for the rest of County Mayo. The alerts are in place from today until tomorrow. Mayo County Council…

Aug 30, 2019

Major clean-up operation at the Dun na mBó cliffs near Belmullet has been completed

Mayo County Council can confirm that the major clean-up operation at the Dun na mBó cliffs near Belmullet has been completed. Following notification from a passing kayaker, Mayo County Council hired a specialist team of rope access experts from ‘Over The…

Aug 30, 2019

Processing has stopped at a number of meat plants nationally as protest by farmers over beef prices continue

A number of meat processing plants have stopped operating and started laying off staff because of the ongoing beef protests. The protests are continuing at some sites across the country, despite a number of High Court injunctions being in place. Meat Industry…

Aug 30, 2019

15 million euro in funding announced for new library at NUIG

15 million euro has been announced for the provision of state-of-the-art library facilities at NUI Galway. The monies are allocated from the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund Local Minister Sean Kyne says the 15 million euro allocation to NUIG…

Aug 30, 2019

Yellow rain warning in place on Connaught counties

A status yellow rainfall warning is in place across the counties of Connaught today It will remain in place until six o'clock tomorrow morning and also affects counties Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Up to 80 millimetres of rain is expected to fall…

Aug 30, 2019

Gardai are cracking down on motorists breaking red lights at roadworks close to Balla on the N60

Motorists are being advised that if you break the red lights on the N60 on the entrance to Balla, where extensive road works are underway, you could end up with a traffic ticket and face a fine. Gardai in Castlebar have taken additional measures to ensure…

Aug 30, 2019

Staff at some meat factories being laid off as protests continue and 12 plants forced to stop operating

Twelve meat processing plants have stopped operating and started laying off staff because of the ongoing beef protests. The protests are continuing at some sites across the country, despite a number of High Court injunctions being in place. Meat Industry…

Aug 30, 2019

Ballina native to receive the Tipperary International Peace Award

Ballina native, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson is to receive the Tipperary International Peace Award. The Tipperary Peace Convention, the group that run the awards, says it "recognises the efforts of Mrs Robinson in putting human rights standards…

Aug 30, 2019

Beef Plan call for Dail to be resumed over beef dispute

The Dáil should be recalled over the ongoing farming dispute, according to a Beef Plan representative. Farmers continue to protest outside some meat factories - but they've been temporarily suspended at two plants in the southeast to allow Chinese inspectors…

Aug 30, 2019

6.6 million euro announced for extension at Sligo IT

€6.6m in funding has been announced for a major campus extension at IT Sligo. The announcement was made by the Minister for State at the Department of Education, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, and will go towards the provision of a €20m four-storey extension block…

Aug 29, 2019

SIPTU seeks meeting with Meat Industry Ireland as its members working in meat plants impacted by beef protest

SIPTU representatives have written to Meat Industry Ireland, the body which represents processors in the industry, calling on it to ensure that union members do not suffer a financial loss because of ongoing protests by farmers at processing plants around the…

Aug 29, 2019

Garda Commissioner in Claremorris this afternoon

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was in Claremorris garda station this afternoon to meet with gardai, as part of a nationwide tour of garda stations. The Commissioner is talking to gardai about the new garda operational plan that was announced earlier this…

Aug 29, 2019

Backed up lorries with livestock entered Dawn Meat plant in Ballyhaunis this afternoon

The lorries and trailers carrying livestock that were lined up along the street outside the Dawn Meat Factory entrance in Ballyhanunis earlier today, have now entered the factory. Individual protesting farmers are continuing to walk up and down along the…

Aug 29, 2019

Farmers continue to protest in Ballyhaunis despite injunction nationally by Dawn Meats

Lorries and trailers carrying livestock are lined up along the street outside the Dawn Meat Factory entrance in Ballyhanunis today. Individual protesting farmers are walking up and down along the footpath at the entrance to the factory but they are insisting…

Aug 29, 2019

Aran Islands respond to two medical evacuations yesterday evening

Aran Islands responded to two medical evacuations yesterday evening. The volunteer crew members were asked to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat “David Kirkaldy, at 4.50pm by the Irish Coast Guard. An elderly man on the neighbouring Island of Inis…

Aug 29, 2019

Teachers' Union of Ireland calling for salaries to be restored

The Teachers' Union of Ireland says its younger members are being discriminated against. The union says new entrants employed from 2011 earn 10 percent less in their first 10 years than they would have before cutbacks were introduced. It will ballot their…

Aug 29, 2019

Government to cut the cost of childminders for parents under new proposals

The Government is to cut the costs of childminders for parents under new proposals. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone is launching the Draft Childminding Action Plan today which aims to support parents who use Tusla registered childminders. According to…

Aug 29, 2019

Man in serious condition in hospital following collision near Oranmore

A man is in a serious condition in hospital following a road traffic collision near Oranmore yesterday evening. The collision between a car and a motorbike happened on the R446 between Oranmore and Craughwell just after 5pm yesterday. Emergency services…

Aug 29, 2019

Farmers protesting outside Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis this morning

Farmers are continuing their protests outside meat factories, despite a High Court injunction banning blockades at some sites. The unofficial protests have been ongoing since Monday, after talks aimed at resolving the ongoing row over beef prices broke down.…

Aug 29, 2019

Roscommon Senator calling for additional funding to help those who have qualified for the Fair Deal Scheme

Many families are being faced with huge weekly bills for their loved one in a nursing home, despite their relative having qualified for the Fair Deal scheme that supports nursing home care. Delays of up to three months in providing individual funding for…

Aug 28, 2019

Meat processors succeed in the high court to have injunction preventing the blockading of factories

Dawn Meats has been granted permission to bring attachment and committal proceedings against a protester at a meat plant, back to the High Court on Friday. It's after farmers continued to block access to factories despite a high court injunction stopping them…

Aug 28, 2019

Meat factories are in the high court this afternoon to secure a commital order against protesters at factory gates

Meat processors are in the High Court this afternoon, trying to secure a committal order to implement an injunction preventing beef farmers from blockading factories. Gardaí are at the scene of protests over beef prices at several meat plants, which are…

Aug 28, 2019

Proud father of new Rose of Tralee is a native of Co Roscommon

The new Rose of Tralee says she's a big hurling fan in her native Co Limerick, while her family support Roscommon football. The 2019 Limerick Rose Sinead Flanagan has been crowned the new Rose of Tralee. 27-year-old Sinead from Adare studied medicine at UCC,…

Aug 28, 2019

Gardai confirm one person charged with recent burglaries in Castlebar

One person is due before the courts, charged in connection with a number of recent burglaries in the Castlebar area. Gardai have confirmed that, of 15 burglaries reported across Co Mayo this month, 8 occurred at business premises in Castlebar. Superintendent…

Aug 28, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for reconvening of Oireachtas Agriculture Committee to discuss beef prices

Mayo Senator Rose-Conway Walsh is adding her voice to calls for the immediate reconvening of the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee. The Sinn Fein Senator says it's blatantly obvious that the current pricing model for beef is not working for farmers, and…

Aug 28, 2019

Mayo Co Co to employ specialists to clean up rubbish tipped over cliffs near Belmullet

A major and costly clean-up is getting underway today on cliffs close to Belmullet, where someone appears to have illegaly dumped household and bulky rubbish over the edge of the cliffs and into the sea. The rubbish has accumulated along the rocks at a…

Aug 28, 2019

Archaeologists from around the world attend international conference at IT Sligo

Archaeologists from around the world will descend on IT Sligo today for a 5-day international conference to discuss the use of the latest technology in exploring our past. Drones, data mining and artificial intelligence will be among the topics discussed by…

Aug 28, 2019

Individual farmers staged overnight protest at Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis, despite High Court injunction

A number of farmers have staged an overnight protest outside the Dawn Meats plant in Ballyhaunis - despite the High Court yesterday granting Dawn Meats and ABP a temporary injunction against protests outside their factories. The High Court granted the…

Aug 27, 2019

Thefts from cars parked at scenic locations across Co Mayo

Gardai are urging people visiting tourist attractions and beaches across Co Mayo to ensure they do not leave valuable possessions in unattended cars. A number of burglaries from cars and vehicles have been reported in areas including the Croagh Patrick…

Aug 27, 2019

IFA seeks urgent meeting with Competition Authority over discussing beef prices

The IFA has written to the Competition Authority seeking an urgent meeting, to clarify the authority's position on cattle prices being discussed at beef talks. Galway-based IFA President Joe Healy says the Beef Plan movement were advised that they would have…

Aug 27, 2019

Galway-based Minister says rollout of charge points will meet growing demand for electric cars

An extra 1,000 charging points for electric cars are to be rolled out across the country over the next 5 years, as part of the Government's Climate Action Plan. The Department of Communications, Environment & Climate Action will provide funding to local…

Aug 27, 2019

Roscommon's first Community National School to open in Lecarrow

A small primary school in Co Roscommon is one of four schools changing to a non-denominational model in time for the new school year. The schools were facing closure due to declining enrollments. St John's National School in Lecarrow in south Roscommon -…

Aug 27, 2019

15 burglaries reported across Mayo this month - 8 at Castlebar businesses

While the number of burglaries nationally is down 55%, due to the success of Operation Thor, 15 burglaries have been reported across Co Mayo in the past month. Eight of these occurred at business premises in the Castlebar area, and Gardai say they are…

Aug 27, 2019

Deputy calls on Minister to intervene in beef crisis and insist that prices are on the table

An Independent regulator needs to be appointed to monitor prices in the beef sector, but in the short term Minister Creed needs to reconvene the beef talks and insist that prices are included in the discussion. That’s the view of the deputy leader of Fianna…

Aug 27, 2019

IFA insists pricing must be on the table if beef talks resume

The Irish Farmers Association say any further talks on the beef crisis would be a waste of time unless pricing forms part of discussions. IFA President, Joe Healy, insists meat plants should give an immediate price increase to farmers. He's calling for…

Aug 27, 2019

Mayo Senator seeks explanation from Health minister as to why Mayo and Galway graduating nurses are not being hired

A Mayo Senator and GP says it’s outrageous that the majority of student nurses graduating next month, in Mayo and Galway, are not being offered jobs at Mayo University Hospital or Galway University Hospital. This is despite a commitment by the Health Minister…

Aug 27, 2019

Public urged to take part in Racism Roadshow in Galway this Thursday

A national Roadshow on Racism will visit Galway on Thursday to capture experiences of racism and public views on what the government can do to prevent it. The Roadshow is run by ENAR Ireland who will be reporting stories from around Ireland to a United…

Aug 27, 2019

Deputy Naughten call for talks to be convened to try to find a solution to the beef dispute

A former cabinet minister is calling for more talks to be held immediately to try to resolve the beef-farming dispute. Two rounds of negotiations were held recently between Beef Plan and Meat Industry Ireland, which represents factories. But farmers failed to…

Aug 27, 2019

Castlebar teenager missing since the weekend located safe and well

A 15 year old teenager reported missing in Castlebar since the weekend was located safe and well yesterday evening. The gardai have thanked the public for their assistance.

Aug 26, 2019

Mayo Rose will be second on stage tonight at the Rose of Tralee

18 Roses from around the world, including the Mayo Rose, will take to the stage in the Dome in Tralee tonight, with the remaining 14 Roses showcasing their talents tomorrow night. This is the 60th annual Rose of Tralee contest, and Mayo is represented by…

Aug 26, 2019

MII says its disappointed that protests have resumed at a small number of beef factories

The Beef Plan Movement says the Minister for Agriculture has failed to deliver during beef talks. The group has rejected the deal put forward last week following lengthy discussions. Protests have resumed at a number of meat processing plants since yesterday,…

Aug 26, 2019

Part-time hackney drivers sought in Louisburg and Dunmore areas

Louisburg in Co Mayo and Dunmore in Co Galway are among 15 designated areas for a new pilot programme which will see a local hackney service being provided. The National Transport Authority is offering a grant of €6,000 to individual drivers in each of the…

Aug 26, 2019

US film company looking for film trainees in Ballina area

A US film company are looking for film trainees, as they prepare to shoot a film in the Ballina area. Mayo County Council's Arts Office has issued a statement on behalf of Heather Productions, looking for people interested in trainee film positions, with…

Aug 26, 2019

Galway's Aniar named Best Restaurant in Connacht last night at the Food and Wine Awards

Michelin-star restaurant Aniar in Galway city was named Best Restaurant in Connacht while chef Enda McEvoy of Loam restaurant in Galway was named Best Chef in Connacht at the prestigious Food and Wine Awards 2019, last night which was held at The Shelbourne…

Aug 26, 2019

Quarter of a million in Clar funding announced for six county Galway projects

Six County Galway schools and community projects are to receive more than a quarter of a million euro in CLÁR funding. The funding, which is targeted at areas of population decline, is awarded from the Department of Rural and Community Development. Minister…

Aug 26, 2019

The Beef Plan Movement has rejected the outcome of last week's beef talks

The Beef Plan Movement has rejected the deal hammered out between farmers and industry representatives. It says it doesn't go far enough to deal with real pricing control measures that factories and retailers put on farmers. The agreement reached last week…

Aug 26, 2019

RSA urges learner drivers to apply for driving tests

Learner drivers are being urged to get off their permits and get a licence. There are 41,316 people on their fourth or subsequent learner permit for a car or B class licence - and of these, 8,663 are on their tenth or successive learner permit. A new…

Aug 26, 2019

INMO says 1317 vacant nursing posts at present

1,317 funded nursing and midwifery posts are left vacant in Ireland's acute hospitals due to the HSE's recruitment ban. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says midwifery vacancies "disproportionately affect women." INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní…

Aug 26, 2019

The River Moy at Ballina deemed "moderately littered" in latest IBAL survey

The latest litter survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) has found the River Moy at Ballina to be ‘moderately littered’, as is the River Corrib in Galway city and the Garravogue River in Sligo town. In this latest nationwide survey of…

Aug 25, 2019

Seomra opens it's doors to entrepreneurs in search of an office space

Seomra is a new creative working space that has been set up on Bridge lane in Castlebar in a building at the back of The Bridge bar on Main Street in the county town. It provides an office space with all the facilities for self employed people or anyone…

Aug 25, 2019

National survey reveals 54% of Mayo GP's not accepting new patients

54% of Mayo GP’s are not taking on new patients at their clinical practices- according to a survey by the Irish Independent. The survey asked GP practices across the country if they are taking on new patients to their GP practice. The worst figure in the west…

Aug 25, 2019

Mayo Senator calls on Department of Health to make decision on Parkinson's drug

The Minister for Health is being urged to make a decision sooner rather than later on providing access to a drug, which is used to treat advanced Parkinson's Disease. Mayo Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh says certain patients were receiving Duodopa…

Aug 25, 2019

44% of doctors surgeries are turning away new patients

44 percent of doctors surgeries are turning away new patients. A survey of 336 GP practices by the Sunday Independent's found 148 are operating at full capacity. The survey found rural areas in the south west and Dublin commuter belt counties to be worst…

Aug 25, 2019

Galway businessman officially opens another Supermac's restaurant today

The country's newest Supermac's officially opens today in County Westmeath. The Kinnegad Plaza is the newest member of the group, creating 75 local jobs. Supermac's Managing Director, Galway man Pat McDonagh says these are exciting times.

Aug 25, 2019

Government challenged to be upfront about any further delays to plans for new schools

The Government's being challenged to be 'upfront' about any further delays to plans for new schools. Fianna Fail's Education Spokesperson says a lack of urgency in getting new school builds off the ground has left communities hanging on for years for new…

Aug 24, 2019

Galway TD hits out at calls to reopen National Broadband procurement

Galway Minister hits out at calls to reopen the procurement for the National Broadband Plan as ill-advised and ill-timed. Galway East TD Sean Canney has warned that reopening the National broadband Plan would leave over a million people in rural Ireland…

Aug 24, 2019

Pieta House launching outreach service in Ballina

Pieta House is launching an outreach service in Ballina. The suicide and self harm support charity has been operational in Ballina since February. The charity says they are delighted to be able to respond to the need for an outreach service in County Mayo.…

Aug 24, 2019

IFA calling for an immediate ban on all Brazilian beef imports

The EU should immediately ban all Brazilian beef imports, according to the Irish Farmers Association. Yesterday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other European leaders threatened to block the Mercosur trade deal unless action was taken. IFA president Joe Healy…

Aug 24, 2019

Fine Gael Counicllor hits out at state of Greenway Walk in Castlebar

A Fine Gael Councillor has hit out at the appalling state of Greenway Walk that leads from the new cemetery Castlebar to Raheins Wood on the Newport Road. Ger Deer says that parts of the Greenway that is designated for cyclists is covered with briars and…

Aug 23, 2019

Man dies in Galway after being taken from the water in Salthill

A man has died at University Hospital Galway after being taken from the water in Salthill earlier today. The alarm was raised around midday when the man was taken from the water near Blackrock Emergency services quickly transported the man to UHG for…

Aug 23, 2019

One person taken to hospital following collision on the Westport to Leenane Road

One person has been taken to Hospital with minor injuries following a two vehicle collision this afternoon between Westport and Leenane. The collision occurred shortly before 3pm. Emergency services attended the scene and the vehicles have now been towed away.

Aug 23, 2019

Two Mayo and two Galway businesses make Top100 Stores in Ireland by Retail Excellence

Two Mayo and two Galway based businesses have been named today as the Top100 Stores in Ireland by Retail Excellence, the largest retail industry representative organization in Ireland. Retailers from around the country in every industry sector have been…

Aug 23, 2019

Mayo Rose says she's very proud of how the country was showcased along the 2019 Rose Tour

Nicole Loughlin, the 2019 Mayo Rose, is among the 32 Roses who will attend today's opening ceremony (12pm) of this year's 60th-year Rose of Tralee International Festival celebrations. Nicole says the Rose Tour was a fantastic showcase on the way to Tralee.…

Aug 23, 2019

Castlebar's Dr John Regan of DCU awarded a fellowship by the Royal Society in London

Castlebar man John Regan of DCU’s School of Mathematical Sciences and Centre for Relativity and Astrophysics (CIAR) has been awarded a fellowship by the Royal Society in London. This award is in recognition of his outstanding research and leadership…

Aug 23, 2019

First round of CAO offers must be accepted or rejected by 5pm today

Students have until five o'clock this evening to accept or reject their first round CAO offer. More than 51-thousand places were offered to those wishing to go into third level education. The second round of offers will be released on Wednesday.

Aug 23, 2019

Minister Canney advises landowners to handle ragwort with care

Ragwort weed (buachachalin) is poisonous to livestock and needs to be handled with care, according to Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney. Minister Canney issued his warning after the recent humid weather led to a proliferation of…

Aug 23, 2019

No additional carriages on this Sunday's train to Dublin, despite Mayo Ladies in Croke Park

Irish Rail has no plans to increase capacity on this Sunday's morning's train service from Westport to Dublin. The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Brendan Mulroy had contacted Irish Rail earlier this week and asked them to provide extra…

Aug 23, 2019

MII insist that farmers receive more than a 60% share of the retail price of beef

Commenting on recent claims in relation to the share of retail beef price received by producers, Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has issued a statement to Midwest News saying “It is important to set the record straight on this issue. Suggestions that farmers…

Aug 22, 2019

Minister Ring to officially open Straide Davitt Community Hall on Sunday

On Sunday next (Aug 25th) the extensively renovated Straide Davitt Community Hall will be officially opened by the Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring. The Minister is due to officiate at 5pm, and the festivities, open to the entire…

Aug 22, 2019

Under a major shake-up of An Garda Siochana Mayo Roscommon and Longford is to be a new garda divisional area

Mayo Roscommon and Longford is to be a new garda divisional area, that will stretch 150 miles long from Blacksod to close to Mullingar. It’s all part of a major shake-up of An Garda Siochana, details of which are being released today. The operational changes…

Aug 22, 2019

Belmullet to Bangor road closed following road traffic collision

The Belmullet to Bangor road is closed to traffic this lunchtime following a collision between a car and a van at Glencastle Bridge. One person has been taken to hospital and emergency services are currently at the scene. The road is currently closed to…

Aug 22, 2019

Sligo has the highest vacancy rate in the Country

The number of commercial units empty across the country is rising. A new survey by GeoDirectory has found that there are 28-thousand vacant properties. 18 counties saw an increase in the number of empty units in the last year, while just four saw a decrease.…

Aug 22, 2019

Anger over lack of day care services in the McBride Nursing Home in Westport

Home Care Services have been cancelled again this week at the McBride Nursing Home in Westport. As reported previously on Midwest News, people expecting to avail of day care service at the unit are having their service cancelled at the last minute, on a…

Aug 22, 2019

Major changes to Garda divisions across the country will be announced later this morning

Major changes to Garda divisions across the country will be announced today. Commissioner Drew Harris will reveal the new Operating Model, which will see changes to the organisation's structures, processes, services and governance. Under the new plans, more…

Aug 21, 2019

Temperatures set to reach up to 24 degrees this weekend

Met Eireann is forecasting a very warm weekend ahead, with temperatures set to reach up to 24 degrees. It will be mainly warm and clear by Friday, with the conditions expected to last through until Tuesday. Temperatures are set to peak on Sunday, with up to…

Aug 21, 2019

Flooding outside Bangor Erris this afternoon

Belmullet Gardai are advising motorists of flooding on the Bangor to Bellacorrick road this afternoon. There was large accumulations of rainfall over the last 24 hours which has made driving conditions difficult in the area. Gardai say the road is passable…

Aug 21, 2019

Ireland West Airport receives less State funding than Kerry or Donegal airports in recent years

A Mayo Councillor has repeated his call for State funding of €100 million for Ireland West Airport Knock, to kick-start development at the airport. Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry Murray made the call, as figures were released this week which show that Ireland…

Aug 21, 2019

High Court grants Ryanair injunction to stop pilot strike this week

The High Court has granted Ryanair an injunction to stop this week's strikes by 180 Dublin-based pilots. It means members of the Irish Airline Pilots Association won't be able to stage their planned walkout tomorrow and on Friday. The order will remain in…

Aug 21, 2019

21% drop in the number of pubs in Mayo since 2005

The number of pubs in Co Mayo has fallen by 21% in the past 13 years. There are now 98 less pubs in the county than in 2005, according to the latest figures from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. A new study shows one-fifth of rural pubs closed since…

Aug 21, 2019

Plans progressing to sink ship for artificial reef in Killala Bay

Plans to sink a ship for an artificial reef off the coast of Killala are making steady progress, with the deadline for the application for funding looming in October. That's according to Crossmolina-based Councillor Michael Loftus who says an application will…

Aug 21, 2019

Unique model of Knock village in 1879 to be unveiled today on 140th Apparition anniversary

A unique model of Knock Village as it was in 1879 is to unveiled today, on 140th anniversary of the Apparition. The village recreation of Knock as it was in 1879 will be launched in Knock Museum as 12 noon, in association with a seminar entitled "19th…

Aug 21, 2019

Roscommon has no registered in-home childminders

Roscommon is one of 7 counties that have no registered in-home childminders. New figures show that there are only 81 registered in-home childminders in the country. Since 2016, there has been a legal requirement for childminders to register with Tusla if they…

Aug 21, 2019

Talks in beef dispute "successfully concluded" says Agriculture Minister

Talks in the ongoing beef dispute have "successfully concluded", according to the Agriculture Minister. Minister Michael Creed said that, after long and detailed negotiations, progress was made on "important initiatives aimed at improving transparency along…

Aug 20, 2019

Passengers forced to stand in the toilet area on Dublin-bound train

Passengers on the Westport to Dublin train had to stand in the toilet area due to the overcrowded conditions on the train, that’s according to Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Brendan Mulroy. The Cathaoirleach has again called on Irish Rail to add…

Aug 20, 2019

Belmullet Gardai seek witnesses following criminal damage to Defibrillator

Gardai in Belmullet are appealing for witnesses, following an incident of criminal damage to a Defibrillator in the early hours of yesterday morning. The incident occurred on Barrack Street in the town sometime between 2.30 and 8am on Monday morning. Anyone…

Aug 20, 2019

Bus Eireann apologises after "mechanical fault" on door of bus on Sligo-Galway service

Bus Eireann has apologised to passengers, after a door fell off a bus in Co Mayo yesterday. Passengers on the 10am Sligo to Galway service were alarmed, when the door fell away from the bus near Charlestown, about an hour into the journey. Bus Eireann says no…

Aug 20, 2019

Agriculture Minister intervenes as third day of talks underway in beef dispute

The Agriculture Minister has intervened in the talks in the ongoing beef dispute. A third day of negotiations is underway in Co Kildare, involving representatives from the Beef Plan Movement, Meat Industry Ireland, farming organisations, and Minister Michael…

Aug 20, 2019

Unions to return to WRC next month over plans to redeploy staff employed at Rosalie Unit in Castlerea

Unions representing staff at the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea are to return to the Workplace Relations Commission next month, following what they term is a "breach of trust" by the HSE. An agreement had been entered into under the guidance of the WRC that would…

Aug 20, 2019

Belmullet businessman continues to run successful construction company in Hong Kong despite months of massive street protests against Bill by the city leader

Belmullet native, businessman Steve Togher is based in Hong Cong where he runs a very successful construction company. He says Hong Kong is a great place to do business, despite the months of massive protests on the streets of the city. The protests were…

Aug 20, 2019

Corrib Gas sales down 35 percent in the first half of this year

The sale of gas from the Corrib gas field fell by 35 percent in the first six months of this year compared to last year. The Irish Independent reports that lower gas prices resulted in the drop of revenue. The field , which is located off the North Mayo…

Aug 20, 2019

Uncertainity remains over strike action by Ryanair's Irish pilots later this week

Ryanair passengers across the region, will have to wait until later today or tomorrow to find out if this week's strikes will go ahead. The airline has applied for an order which would ban around 180 of it's pilots from striking on both this Thursday and…

Aug 20, 2019

10,300 euro approved for Mullet Penisula Biodiversity Community Training Programme

€10,300 has been allocated to Belmullet Tidy Towns through the LEADER Programme to support the Mullet Peninsula Biodiversity Community Training Programme. According to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring the funding will help…

Aug 20, 2019

Minister Creed to intervene today as Beef talks reported to be on the verge of collapse

The Agriculture Minister is set to intervene in talks today in a bid to end the long-running dispute between farmers and factories over animal prices. It's after the latest round of discussions between the Beef Plan Movement, Meat Industry Ireland and farming…

Aug 20, 2019

Rents rising for students in cities like Galway and Limerick, according to latest Daft.ie survey

The average national rent has hit 1,391 euro a month, an increase of almost 7 percent in the last year. The latest Daft.ie report shows the average rent in Dublin is now more than 2,000 euro a month. In county Mayo 700 euro per month is the average rent on a…

Aug 19, 2019

Minister says householders who applied for Retrofit grants will not lose out

Householders across the region who had applied for grants under the Retrofit scheme are being reassured that they will not lose out, as the decision to cut further funding has been reversed. The Environment Minister Richard Bruton has announced that…

Aug 19, 2019

Westport councillor calls for introduction of tourist tax, and fairer VAT

A Westport Councillor is calling on Government to introduce two different VAT rates for the hospitality industry. Fine Gael Councillor Peter Flynn believes hotel rooms being sold for €150 euro or less should be subject to the lower rate of 9%, while the…

Aug 19, 2019

Investigation into collision between train and truck in Mayo last year

Over 50 incidents on Irish railways, including a collision between and train and truck in Co Mayo, were examined by inspectors from the Railway Accident Investigation Unit last year. The unit's annual report shows a total of 52 preliminary examinations of…

Aug 19, 2019

Cinema from the last century in Ballina this week, as part of National Heritage Week

Hundreds of events and displays are underway this week around the region as part of 2019 National Heritage Week. In Ballina, at the Jackie Clarke Collection, they are gone back in time in the movie/ cinema era and are presenting old movies from 1912 to 1962.…

Aug 19, 2019

Proposal to subsume Mayo garda division into a larger division to be raised at next Mayo JPC meeting

It’s strongly rumoured that the number of garda Chief superintendents nationally is to be halved, and garda divisional units are to be amalgamated, and according to the Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Michael Kilcoyne, the unconfirmed…

Aug 19, 2019

2000 women waiting for gynaecological appointments at GUH at present

Just under 2,000 women are waiting to see a gynaecologist at University Hospital Galway at present. There are more than 28,000 women nationally waiting for such appointments, with 5,000 waiting for more than a year. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association…

Aug 19, 2019

Deputy Rabbitte insists Tusla needs to provide more information re rise in complaints against creches /pre-schools

There has been a 46 percent increase in the number of complaints made to Tusla against creches, child minding and pre-schools. The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, are for the first six months of this year compared to last year. Tusla…

Aug 19, 2019

Illegal Waste Collectors operating in Galway, local authority warns

Galway county council is warning the public that illegal waste collectors are operating across the county. Taking to social media the local authority is warning that unofficial waste collectors are operating in the region. Under the “stopdumping” socoal media…

Aug 19, 2019

Concerns as staff at Roslaie Unit in Castlerea are being redeployed across the region - unions meeting today

Unions representing staff at the Rosalie Unit are meeting this afternoon (Monday), as the HSE is planning to redeploy the staff at the unit to other facilities in Co Roscommon and neighbouring counties. The HSE has controversially closed the facility that had…

Aug 19, 2019

Ryanair will go to the High Court today in an attempt to avert strike action by pilots later this week

The High Court will hear an application from Ryanair today for an order to prevent this week's pilot strikes. 180 Irish-based pilots are due to walk off the job on Thursday and Friday. The airline says the timing,right in the middle of school holidays, is…

Aug 19, 2019

Beef talks to resume today in Kildare

Negotiations among all sides in the beef dispute will resume later this morning. Meat Industry Ireland, the Irish Farmers Association and the Beef Plan Movement are among those attending the talks in Celbridge, county Kildare. It's after beef farmers, members…

Aug 19, 2019

Changes announced in diocesan appointments in the archdiocese of Tuam

Archbishop Michael Neary, the Archbishop of Tuam, has announced the following diocesan appointments and retirements: Fr Paddy Gilligan, PP of Cong is to retire Fr. Patrick Mullins, PP of Cummer is to retire Fr. Enda Howley, CC of Monivea is to retire Fr.…

Aug 18, 2019

Minister Canney calls for the installation of repeaters in homes with poor cell coverage

Mobile phone users can take action to improve the phone coverage in their homes, that's according to Galway based Minister Sean Canney. Minister Canney's call follows recent legislation of Mobile Phone Repeaters by the communications regulator, Comreg. The…

Aug 18, 2019

Mayo Senator calls for a reinstatement of disability allowance for school leavers

A Mayo Senator is calling for the immediate reinstatement of an allowance for young school leavers with a disability, which is being cut for new entrants from next month. The Rehabilitative Training Allowance provides €31.80 per week to young people taking up…

Aug 18, 2019

Connacht Rugby mourn the passing of Dr. Anthony Browne

Connacht Rugby mourn the loss of former IRFU President Dr. Anthony (Tony) Browne, who passed away peacefully at his home in Kingston, Galway, surrounded by his loving family. Hailing from Moygownagh in Mayo, Tony was the recipient of Connacht Rugby’s…

Aug 18, 2019

83 local projects in Mayo benefit under the Community Enhancement Programme

Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has confirmed that €145,353 has been allocated to 83 projects in Mayo under his Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The CEP provides capital grants to community groups and…

Aug 18, 2019

Mayo Civil Defence conduct training day in Lough Lannagh

Mayo Civil Defence are conducting a training events in Lough Lannagh, Castlebar today The defence unit are mobilising a number of training routines on the lake and its' surrounding areas until five today. Some 35 members of the Mayo Civil Defence, drones and…

Aug 18, 2019

British government believe avoiding a 'hard border' would be 'unsustainable'

The British government believe efforts to avoid a hard border in Ireland would be "unsustainable" in the event of a 'No Deal' Brexit. The revelation comes in what The Sunday Times describes as an unprecedented leak of official documents. The classified files…

Aug 17, 2019

Supermac's boss wants more competition in the beef sector

The control of the beef sector is in the hands of too few and needs more competition – that’s the view of Supermac’s head, Pat McDonagh. As reported by the Irish Independent, Galway man Pat McDonagh, whose restaurant chain buys around 30,000 tonnes of Irish…

Aug 17, 2019

Galway City misses out on cruise ship due to weather conditions

Galway City misses out on a small cruise ship due to weather conditions yesterday morning. The Silver Wind cruise ship, a small vessel with a passenger capacity of upwards on 300 passengers, was unable to dock in Galway Bay in the early hours of Friday.…

Aug 17, 2019

Met Eireann predicts a rainy end to summer 2019

Our summer of 2019 looks set to end as it began – with rain showers defying the best efforts of the sunshine to break through. Met Eireann warned that the country faces yet another week of mixed conditions with intermittent spells of sunshine, but rain…

Aug 17, 2019

Heritage week kicks off today with hundreds of events planned for Mayo

Heritage Week 2019 kicks off today, with over 2,000 events being held around the country to celebrate and promote our built, natural and cultural heritage. Many of the events over the next week are free of charge, and are hosted by local communities,…

Aug 17, 2019

Roscommon TD furious over recruitment freeze in the HSE

A class of graduate nurses in Galway face unemployment or emigration because of a recruitment freeze, according to a local Fianna Fáil TD. Eugene Murphy says 64 students are about to complete an internship in University Hospital Galway. But he says they've…

Aug 16, 2019

Grange Sligo IT student picks up Allergan Innovation Award

A Grange Institute of Technology Sligo student has won the Allergan Innovation Award. Patricia Regan of the Faculty of Science at IT Sligo won the prestigious award along with €7,500 for her pioneering research into Alzheimer’s disease. Her research aims to…

Aug 16, 2019

Gardai are investigating vandalism in a Galway City Cemetery

Gardai in Galway are investigating after a cemetery on the west side of Galway City was subjected to 'mindless' and 'disgraceful' vandalism overnight. Galway City Council says sometime between the hours of 4.30am on Thursday, and 8.30am on Friday, a…

Aug 16, 2019

Public Services Card Scheme was flawed from the start, according to Mayo deputy

Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Lisa Chambers says the government’s Public Services Card scheme was flawed from the start, and is now deemed to have broken data protection laws The State has been told it must delete data held on 3.2 million citizens, which was…

Aug 16, 2019

The HSE has offered a full time GP position in Lahardane to a successful applicant

The HSE has confirmed to Senator Michelle Mulherin that a full time GP position in Lahardane has been offered to an applicant, and it is now awaiting the successful applicant’s response to the job offer. There has been increasing concern in Laherdane over the…

Aug 16, 2019

Carraig Donn to open new store and warehouse in two Castlebar locations in the county town

Carraig Donn, the Westport based retailer of fashion, jewellery and giftware, have today announced plans to open a new retail outlet and warehouse in Castlebar. The company, which currently operates 40 outlets across Ireland, plan to open their latest store…

Aug 16, 2019

Significant extension announced for St Joseph's Secondary School Foxford

St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford has been approved funding for a significant extension to the school under the Additional Accommodation Scheme. Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has welcomed the announcement. He told Mid West…

Funding of over €5.7 Million confirmed for Ireland West Airport

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