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With it looking unlikely that schools will reopen on Monday next due to the pandemic, Galway Minister calls for an exemption for special schools.

The Minister for Disability, Galway East deputy Anne Rabbitte says that she is supporting her colleague Minister Madigan in the call to keep special schools open. These schools cater to children and teenagers with profound disabilities and she says the number of children involved, is significantly lower than in mainstream schools.

She believes the impact of previous shutdowns on this cohort of students is much greater and longer lasting.

Minister Rabbitte has been speaking to Midwest News about why a special case must be made to re-open Special schools

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  • Feb 22, 2021

    Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 meets later

    The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will meet today to discuss the phased reopening of the country. Schools are expected to return on a phased basis from March 1st, while Level 5 restrictions are expected to be extended beyond March 5th. The Government will…
  • Feb 22, 2021

    Fire in Mayo graveyard brought under control by local crews

    Fire crews attended the scene of a blaze which broke out at the Old Cemetery in Castlebar yesterday evening. The Castlebar Fire-fighting unit was called to the scene and brought the fire under control. When the unit arrived, firemen discovered that a tree had…
  • Feb 22, 2021

    Public health expert says mandatory hotel quarantine is needed sharpish

    A public health expert says mandatory hotel quarantine needs to be brought in sharpish, after the Brazilian strain was detected here. Three cases of the new covid 19 variant have been identified, all linked with recent travel from Brazil. It comes as 679 new…
  • Feb 22, 2021

    Two weather warnings come into effect across the region tonight

    Stormy weather conditions are once again forecast across the region this evening. A Status Yellow Wind warning comes into effect across Mayo, Galway, Sligo and ten other counties at 9 o’clock tonight and lasts until 6 o’clock tomorrow morning. Met Eireann…
  • Feb 22, 2021

    Tributes paid following the death of master accordion player from Galway

    Tributes have been paid following the death of one of Galway’s most revered traditional musicians Joe Burke. A native of Kilnadeema in East Galway, the 81-year-old was an incredible accordion player. He performed and recorded music for over five decades and…
  • Feb 22, 2021

    Motorist seen drumming on steering wheel arrested on suspicion of drug driving

    A motorist was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs in Sligo yesterday. The driver was observed drumming with drumsticks on the steering wheel whilst driving in the Strandhill Road area, bringing him to the attention of Gardaí. The…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Stormy weather conditions forecast to set in from tomorrow

    Stormy weather conditions are once again forecast across the region this week. A Status Yellow Wind warning comes into effect across Mayo, Galway, Sligo and ten other counties at 9 o’clock tomorrow night and lasts until 6 o’clock the following morning. Met…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Roscommon national school approved for funding to expand facilities

    A school in Roscommon has been approved for funding under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2021. Carrick National School, Ballinlough will see their facilities expanded upon with classroom en-suite toilets, wheelchair accessibility, special educational…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Pedestrian crossing being considered for dangerous road in Ballina

    A pedestrian crossing is being considered for a dangerous road crossing near the Quay National School in Ballina. That’s according to local councillor John O’Hara, who raised the issue at a recent Municipal District meeting. Parents of children attending the…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Call for Gardaí to combat excessive speed on local roads near Foxford

    A Mayo community is 'petrified' by excessive speeding on road crossings between the N26 and N58. That's according to Foxford-based Councillor Neil Cruise, who has called for members of An Garda Siochana to patrol the network of local roads around the…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Call for clarity on the reopening of schools

    Labour TD Aodhan O'Riordain says clarity's needed on the reopening of schools. He says teachers and SNAs need to know they'll be working in a safe environment. The Government will finalise the plans for the phased reopening of schools at next Tuesday's…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Gardaí are investigating criminal damage to a building in Castlebar

    Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred overnight in Moneen, Castlebar. A section of the Primary Care Centre's front wall was covered in graffiti. No arrests have been made in relation to this matter. Gardaí say the investigation…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    RAI says half of restaurants will close without summer reopening

    Half the restaurant owners in the country are likely to cut their losses and shut up shop for good if they can't reopen this summer. That's according to the sector's main trade group, which says the government should commit to letting them open when a enough…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    100,000 doses of vaccine to be given out next week

    Thousands of people between the ages of 18 and 64 could be moved up the country's vaccination priority list, under a new plan being worked on by government. A memo will be brought to Cabinet on Tuesday by the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, after he…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Pubs are set to see a change to their opening hours

    Pubs are to see Sunday opening hours extended and nightclubs allowed stay open past 2:30am as part of the reform of licensing laws. The changes are part of the justice reform plan due to be announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee tomorrow. It will…
  • Feb 21, 2021

    Mother & Baby Homes Commission report submitted to Garda unit specialising in child abuse

    The Mother and Baby Homes Commission report has been submitted to a Garda unit specialising in child abuse. The Sunday Independent reports the Garda National Protective Services Bureau will examine the report for possible criminality. That includes…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Search stood down for missing man in Roscommon following discovery of a body

    A body has been found today during the search for a missing man in County Roscommon. The search for 54 year-old Sean Spellman has been stood down.
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Two people charged over cannabis seizure in Mayo

    A man and woman have been charged after a drugs seizure in County Mayo. It's after 80 thousand euro worth of cannabis was found in Ballina yesterday. Both who were arrested will appear before Ballina District Court on the 9th of March.
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Close to a thousand new cases of Covid-19

    26 more people have died from Covid-19 with 988 new cases of the virus confirmed. 378 in Dublin, 68 in Galway, 61 in Kildare, 47 in Limerick, 45 in Louth and the remaining 389 cases are spread across all other counties. In this region there are 34 new cases…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Woman rescued from water in Galway Bay after getting into difficulty

    Galway RNLI Lifeboat rescued a swimmer who got into difficulty off Blackrock beach in Salthill this afternoon. The alarm was raised at 12.25 pm by a pedestrian who saw the woman struggling in the water between Blackrock and Ladies Beach. The Irish Coast Guard…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    New laws allowing hotel quarantine set to be passed next week

    The Health Minister says it's hoped new laws allowing quarantine hotels to be set up will be passed next week. There have been calls for stricter travel rules after the detection of the Brazilian variant of Covid-19 here. Three cases, all in a single cluster,…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Taoiseach considers request from church to allow public worship resume

    The Taoiseach says he'll consider a request from leaders of the Catholic Church to allow public worship resume during Lent. The issue was raised at a meeting yesterday, with the church emphasising the particular importance of a return during Holy Week and…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Call for full reopening of building sites and end to restrictions on house viewing

    A Roscommon TD has called on the Government to fully re-open Irish building sites and to end restrictions on people having to view houses via video links. Commenting on the Governments Land Development Agency Bill (LDA), Independent Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Mayo Deputy supports development of Ballina as a freight hub

    The development of the Western Rail Corridor would impact positively on Ballina, as a major national and international freight hub. That’s according to the freight company IWT who have already established a major freight hub at Ballina railway station. The…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    First mass vaccination centre opens

    The country's first mass vaccination centre is up and running this morning - with more than a thousand over 85s set to receive their first Covid jab today. Dozens of smaller GP practices are coming together at the Helix in DCU to administer the Pfizer and…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Minister 'hopeful' for full reopening of special schools from March

    The Minister for Special Education says she's 'hopeful' special schools will fully reopen on March 1st. In-person classes resumed for 8,500 children on Thursday of last week, but only on a 50 per cent basis. Many children have gone to school two days a week,…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Two arrested following large drugs haul in Mayo

    Gardaí have arrested two people in connection with a large drugs haul in Ballina. The Mayo Divisional Drugs Unit seized an estimated €80,000 worth of cannabis following a search of a property in the area. Shortly after 8:15pm yesterday evening Gardaí carried…
  • Feb 20, 2021

    Wind warning issued nationwide

    A Status Yellow wind warning comes into effect across the country this morning. Met Eireann says winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 110km/h. The warning comes into effect at 11 o’clock and will last until 6 o’clock this evening
  • Feb 19, 2021

    28 more deaths from Covid-19 with Galway recording the second highest number of new cases

    Another 28 people have died with Covid-19, and there are 763 new cases. 251 of the cases are in Dublin, with 84 in Galway, 57 in Kildare, 47 in Limerick and 42 in Waterford. The remaining cases are spread across all other counties. In this region there are 23…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Mother & Baby Home Commission finds back-up tapes which may hold the erased testimony of witnesses

    The Mother and Baby Homes Commission has discovered back-up tapes which may hold the erased testimony of witnesses. The some 550 interviews were destroyed which has led to considerable upset and annoyance among the survivors of the homes. The government has…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Ulster Bank announcement is a hammer blow for five Mayo towns says local deputy

    Ulster Bank’s announcement this morning that it is exiting its operations in the State is a devastating blow that will be felt acutely by workers in it five branches in Mayo. That's the view of Erris based Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh who says today’s…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Significant drop in Covid-19 patient numbers at Mayo University Hospital

    754 people with Covid-19 are in hospitals today, which is a 62 percent decrease from the peak last month. In the past 24 hours there were 46 admissions to and 40 discharges from hospitals. It's 2 percent down on yesterday's total, while it’s fallen 21 percent…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Mayor of Galway alarmed as city centre records highest Covid-19 infection rate

    The Mayor of Galway says it is alarming that the city centre has the highest rate of Covid-19 infection nationwide. Mike Cubbard is based in the Local Electoral Area and he says it was inevitable that there was going to be outbreaks when students returned for…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Government to provide detailed plan next week on rollout of Covid vaccine to everyone

    Minister McEntee says government will provide a detailed plan next week of when everyone can expect to receive the Covid 19 vaccination. Minister McEntee says that the rollout of the vaccine programme is now progressing well, with 45,000 people vaccinated…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    New out-patient dept at Portiuncula Hospital to open next month

    The new out-patient department at Portiuncula hospital will open on the 12th of March, according to Roscommon/Galway deputy Denis Naughten. He has also been informed that the tender for the construction of the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula University…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Gardaí are investigating an act of vandalism to a church in Sligo

    Gardaí are investigating an act of vandalism to a church in County Sligo this week. A large amount of graffiti was sprayed on the outside walls of the church of the Holy Rosary, Kilmactigue, near the village of Aclare, on Wednesday night. Ballymote Gardai are…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Deputy CMO says progress suppressing the virus hasn't stalled

    The Deputy Chief Medical Officer says Ireland's progress in driving down Covid rates has not "stalled". NPHET yesterday reported 901 new cases of the virus, and 47 deaths. There were 27 new cases in Mayo, 43 in Galway, 9 in Leitrim, 7 in Roscommon, 5 in…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions could be in place until May

    Level 5 restrictions could be in place until May with Ministers expecting almost no measures to ease next month. The phased re-opening of schools is likely to be the only major easing of the current lockdown amid fears around the new COVID variants. Public…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Ulster Bank announces withdrawal from the Irish market

    Ulster Bank has announced a phased withdrawal from the Irish market. The bank's wind down will take place over a number of years, with no immediate change for customers. The financial institution operates five branches across Mayo, in Ballina, Belmullet,…
  • Feb 19, 2021

    Galway City Central LEA has the highest rate of Covid-19 infection nationally

    A local electoral area in Galway has a 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 at least three times the national average. Galway City Central LEA had a rate of 951 per 100,000 people in the two-week period that ended on Monday, compared to the national average of…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Galway has third highest number of new Covid cases nationally this evening

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 47 additional deaths related to Covid-19. 44 of these deaths occurred in February, 2 occurred in January and 1 in December. As of midnight last night (Wed) 901 new cases of the virus were…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Senator Murphy insists - no ban on turf cutting or burning by FF government

    Roscommon Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed a commitment given by the Fianna Fail party that the current government will not agree to a ban on turf cutting or turf burning. Senator Murphy says along with his colleague Barry Cowen TD, he spoke at the…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Wed, June 9th is the start of the 2021 Leaving Cert Exam

    The Leaving Cert exams will get underway on Wednesday June 9th. English paper one is the first exam to take place and will be held at 9:30 that morning. Physical Education will be the last subject to be examined on Tuesday June 29th. No additional time has…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Rural people need to be protected if nationwide ban on smoky coal in imposed

    Sinn Fein says people living in rural areas need to be protected if there's going to be a nationwide ban on smoky coal. The Government wants to introduce the measure, saying 1,300 people are dying prematurely every year from air pollution. The public…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Cabinet sub-committee on Covid meeting about now

    The cabinet sub-committee on COVID is meeting around now this evening to discuss a date for the re-opening of schools. It's expected students will return to classrooms from March 1st on a phased basis. Some students won't return to the classroom until April.…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Trocaire's Lent Appeal hit by pandemic, but need remains the same

    Trócaire is urging people across the region to support its Lent Appeal as Covid restrictions curtail distribution of Trócaire boxes The charity’s Lenten Appeal launched this week, but social and travel restrictions, including school closures and the…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Dog owners who fail to clean up after their animals should be DNA tested & fined, says Ballina Councillor

    People who fail to clean –up after they allow their dog to foul on public footpaths should be DNA tested and fined. That was the view expressed by Ballina councillor Annie Mae Reape at this week’s monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District. The councillor…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Just Eat introduces drone delivery services in Oranmore from today

    Just Eat, a food ordering and delivery service company, today confirmed that drone delivery will now be available to customers in Oranmore, Co. Galway. Powered by Manna, the world’s first aviation-grade B2B drone delivery ‘as-a-service’ platform, and…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Mayo, among 15 Camile Thai new locations

    Thai food chain Camile Thai is to open 15 new outlets across Ireland and the UK, including Mayo, with the creation of over 300 jobs. 220 of the jobs will be based in Ireland, as the chain plans to open new outlets in Dublin, Cork, Mayo and Waterford. The…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Mayo Senator welcomes choice for Leaving Cert students

    Students will have a choice between written exams and predictive grades for this year's Leaving Cert. The Cabinet sub-committee on education approved a model yesterday evening that will see all students offered predictive grades for each subject. They will…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    "Normal People" nominated for Broadcasting Press Guild TV and Streaming Awards

    Normal People is among the programmes nominated for the 2021 Broadcasting Press Guild TV and Streaming Awards. The TV show set in Sligo and Dublin, based on the novel by Castlebar author Sally Rooney, is up for best drama series. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Slight improvement in Castlebar's air quality, following ban on smoky coal

    The Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has taken the first step towards a nationwide ban on the sale and burning of smoky coal. The Minister has launched a public consultation to seek views on the further regulation of solid fuel use for domestic home heating.…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Minister hopes for phased reopening of schools from 1st March

    The Education Minister is cautiously optimistic schools can begin a phased reopening on the 1st of March. The plan is to bring back Leaving Cert students and the youngest classes in primary school first. Other classes are likely to follow around two weeks…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Latest Covid-19 figures across Connacht

    The Taoiseach says health officials are 'hugely concerned' as the so-called 'UK variant' which emerged in December now accounts for 90 per cent of Covid-19 cases. It comes as the death toll from the virus exceeded 4,000 here yesterday, and more than 6,000 on…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Cash and cannabis herb seized during search in Co Roscommon

    Gardai seized €18,000 in cash and a small quantity of cannabis herb during the search of a property in Frenchpark, Co Roscommon earlier this week. The search was carried out on Tuesday by the Roscommon / Longford Divisional Drugs Unit, as part of an…
  • Feb 18, 2021

    Two people due in court following Westport burglary

    Two people were arrested in relation to a burglary at a business premises in Westport on Tuesday night. Gardai have confirmed to Midwest News that a quantity of cash and some items were taken from the premises. A man and a woman, both in their 20's, were…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Leaving Certs 2021 to be given a choice

    This year's Leaving Cert will go ahead with a choice for students between written exams and calculated grades. Junior Cert 2021 has also been cancelled after a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on education. Each student will be given a calculated grade…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Galway has second highest number of Covid cases nationally this evening

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 57 additional deaths related to Covid-19. 34 of these deaths occurred in February, 21 in January, 1 in December and 1 in November. The median age of those who died was 82 years and the age…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Funding needs to be secured for infrastructure around SDZ designated IWAK, according to councillor

    An application for capital funding to develop the strategic development zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport was proposed and approved this week by members of Mayo County Council’s Economic and Enterprise Special Policy Committee (SPC) meeting. Foxford based…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    4 people to be charged with breaches of Covid regulations in connection with Clifden Golf Dinner

    Gardaí have confirmed they're seeking to prosecute four people in relation to the organisation of last year's Golfgate dinner in Co. Galway. Two politicians are among the group that will be summonsed before the District Court facing allegations of organising…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    40 percent of students in Mayo have insufficient broadband, according to survey on Leaving Cert conducted by deputy Alan Dillon

    Mayo deputy Alan Dillon has published the key points of his survey for Leaving Certificate students in county Mayo. With over 520 respondents, almost 400 of whom were Leaving Certificate students the survey indicates a strong preference for a calculated…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Over 85s, as promised, will all receive Covid Vaccine in 3 week timeframe, according to Mayo deputy

    The government’s three week window to have all over 85 year olds in the community receive their first Covid 19 vaccination is on track and will be achieved, according to Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara Calleary. Midwest News is aware of many over 85 year olds in…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    LISTEN: No recognition for the work home carers do - The Tommy Marren Show

    We had a huge response to this very open and honest interview with Anne Marie this morning. She feels that there is no recognition for the work home carers do. "We are saving the state billions and propping up a faulty health service. I'm just looking for…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Green light for new Aldi store in Ballina

    Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd has secured the green light to develop a supermarket in Ballina. Conditional planning permission for the development has been secured from Mayo County Council. Colin Breslin, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Ireland, told Midwest…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Castlerea GP claims uncertainty over Leaving Cert affecting mental health

    The Government is hoping final plans for this year's Leaving Cert can be agreed this afternoon. The Cabinet sub-committee on education is due to be updated on the process by the Education Minister Norma Foley. Castlerea-based GP Dr Madeleine Ní Dhálaigh is a…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Increase in number of Covid patients at Mayo University Hospital

    The number of people in hospital with Covid 19 is continuing to decline. 861 people with the virus are in hospital today, with 151 of these patients in intensive care. However, there's an increase in the number of Covid patients being treated at Mayo…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Grants allocated for 16 swimming pools in Mayo

    Sixteen swimming pools in Mayo have been awarded grants today, in the second phase of the Covid-19 swimming pool grant scheme, to help maintain pools while closed. Sport Ireland, which administers the scheme, has announced total funding of €700,000, as pools…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Body of missing Mayo man located in Galway

    Gardai have called off the search for a Mayo man missing in Galway after his body was located. Public appeals were made for information on 38-year old Joseph Langan - a native of Lacken - who was missing from the Wellpark Road area of Galway since 26th…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Mayo TDs urged to support new Bill to ban dual pricing by insurance companies

    Sinn Fein will bring a Bill before the Dail later today, seeking to ban dual pricing when it comes to insurance premiums. Currently, insurance companies are allowed to charge a higher premium to loyal customers - and Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh says this…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Final plans for Leaving Cert expected to be agreed later today

    The final plans for this year's Leaving Cert are expected to be agreed this afternoon. The cabinet sub-committee on education is due to be updated by Education Minister Norma Foley on the process, in order to give clarity to the 60,000 or so students due to…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    New Covid cases could fall to 200 daily by March 1st, says NPHET

    The National Public Health Emergency Team is predicting a 70% drop in Covid-19 hospital admissions by mid-March if the country continues on its current path. It says the number could drop to 250 in less than a month - 813 people are currently receiving…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Mary Robinson "misled" in case involving missing Dubai princess

    Former President of Ireland, Ballina native Mary Robinson claims she was completely misled in the case involving a missing princess from Dubai. It's after Princess Latifa sent secret video messages saying she was being held hostage in her own country. The…
  • Feb 17, 2021

    Appointment of Aaron Forde as chair of Shannon Group will not be proceeding

    The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has announced he will not be proceeding with the appointment of Aaron Forde as chair of the Shannon Group. Yesterday, Minister Ryan had announced the appointment of the former Aurivo CEO as the new chairperson of the…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Galway records second-highest number of new Covid-19 cases

    A further 33 deaths have been recorded this evening from Covid-19. There's also 744 new cases of the virus - the second lowest in a single day this year. 301 of the cases are in Dublin, with 77 in Galway. Elsewhere in Connacht, 22 new cases have been reported…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Former Aurivo CEO appointed new Chairman of the Shannon Group

    Former CEO of Aurivo Co-op Aaron Forde has been appointed the new Chairman of the Shannon Group. A native of Co Cavan, Mr Forde has a track record at senior level with international leadership experience gained across Ireland and the UK. He was Chief…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Minister planning phased return to school next month

    The Education Minister Norma Foley has told the Cabinet she's planning for a phased return to school for all students next month. March 1st has been set as a target date, but talks with unions and other stakeholders are still ongoing. The Cabinet also heard…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    5 Star Ranking from Forbes Travel Guide for Ashford Castle Cong

    Forbes Travel Guide has just announced its Star Rating winners for 2021 and, for the second consecutive year, Ashford Castle is the only hotel in Ireland to achieve a Five-Star ranking in the annual honours list, the top rating possible and the ultimate gold…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    LISTEN: Pharmacist Mark Jordan talking about the new Covid-19 Vaccines.

    Mark Jordan is a Supervising Pharmacist in Ballina. He is also a PSI (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland) council member which is an elected position and he writes many articles for various pharmacy publications including The Irish Pharmacy News. Mark has…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Another wind warning issued for tonight for Mayo, Galway & Donegal

    Another status yellow wind warning has been issued for Mayo, Galway and Donegal from midnight tonight. Met Eireann says southwesterly winds tonight will gust to between 80 and 100 km/h, highest in coastal areas. Where winds are onshore, there's a risk of…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Covid-19 hospital numbers drop to lowest levels since early January

    861 people with Covid-19 are receiving treatment in Irish hospitals this morning - the lowest number since early January. It's 6 percent down on yesterday's total, while it is 22 percent less than last Tuesday. In the past 24 hours there were 45 admissions…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Mayo GP calls for clarity on when vaccine supplies will be delivered

    A Belmullet GP is calling for clarity on when practices across Mayo will get Covid-19 vaccine supplies. Dr Fergal Ruane says the uncertainty means his Belmullet practice and practices across the region can’t plan clinics, staffing levels, or set vaccine…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Udaras welcomes IPSOS/MRBI decision to establish a presence in gteic@Béal an Mhuirthead

    Údarás na Gaeltachta has welcomed the decision by leading market research company IPSOS/MRBI to establish a presence in gteic@Béal an Mhuirthead. Two full time jobs will be created in Belmullet initially and IPSOS has announced that they are looking to…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Company to develop electric motors for boats in Achill secures research assistance

    A company that intends to set up its manufacturing base on Achill Island later this year is to collaborate with a UCD research team on the development of highly efficient electric motors for the marine industry. I-Form, the Science Fund Ireland Research…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Taoiseach defends locations of new Covid vaccination centres

    The Taoiseach is defending the locations of the new Covid-19 vaccination centres. 37 are to be rolled out nationwide, with at least one in every county. However, some local TDs are raising concerns that people will have to travel some distance for their…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Three say it hopes to have its services restored by tomorrow in Erris

    Three coverage in the Erris area is down since Saturday, and the company told Midwest News today that it may be tomorrow, (Wed) before the full service is restored. The company confirmed that due to high winds over the weekend, a mast is down in the…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    100,000 euro bill to reopen Ballina footbridge by May

    The pedestrian bridge over the river Moy in Ballina will not re-open to the public until May, and the cost of repairing the relatively new structure could be well in excess of 100,000 euro. That was confirmed today by the Manager of the Ballina Municipal…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Three coverage down in the Erris area since Saturday

    Three coverage in the Erris area is down since Saturday with no indication of when the telecommunications service will be restored. Listeners to Midwest News say that the service went down on Saturday last and remains down. When Three customers complained to…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    IWT calls on Oireachtas committee today to reduce the cost of using rail lines for freight

    International Warehousing and Transport, a company that runs daily freight trains from Ballina to Dublin is today making a presentation to the Oireachtas Transport Committee today calling for the cost of using the railway lines to be decreased. There's an…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    West Mayo national school fundraiser exceeds goal in one week

    A fundraising campaign to raise funds to complete the modernisation of Ballintubber National School in Co mayo has raised over €11,000 in a week. The target was to raise €8,000. In the region of €800,000 has been spent on the modernisation of Ballintubber…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Mayo personalities star in 'stay home' Covid-19 video message

    Midwest Radio presenter David Cawley and Erris singer Chantelle Padden are among a number of familiar Mayo voices featured in a new video message from Mayo County Council, urging people across the county to stay home and stay safe in the fight against…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Irish Water commits to refurnishing rusty Ballina pipeline by December

    Irish Water has committed to refurnishing 4km of rusty pipe at Currower, just outside Ballina. That was confirmed by Cllr John O’Hara, who says the news will be welcomed by some 40 affected residents along the network. The metal and rust coming off the old…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Legislation allowing mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from 20 countries goes before cabinet later

    Legislation to allow for mandatory hotel quarantine for some people arriving into the country will go before the cabinet this morning. Under the plans anyone arriving from a list of 20 countries deemed high risk will have to isolate at a state facility. While…
  • Feb 16, 2021

    Hundreds of homes across Mayo and Galway without power this morning

    Hundreds of homes across Mayo and Galway are without power this morning following strong winds overnight. There are up to 800 homes without power in Belmullet according to the ESB powercheck app. It is currently unknown when supply will be restored to…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    No new deaths reported from Covid-19 today

    There are 821 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic this evening, and no additional deaths. 333 of the cases are in Dublin. The second highest number - 91 - are in Galway, while elsewhere in the West, there are 17 new cases in Mayo, 10 in Sligo, 8 in…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Mayo TD calls for second vaccination centre for North Mayo

    Mayo FG Deputy Alan Dillon is calling for a second Covid vaccination centre for Co Mayo, to be located in the north of the county. While welcoming confirmation that Breaffy House Resort will be the primary vaccination centre for Mayo, Deputy Dillon says that…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Ashes being made available for take-away ahead of Ash Wednesday

    Parishes across the country are handing out take-away ashes for people to use on Ash Wednesday. Mass will be offered online in many churches around the country, with people applying the ashes themselves in their homes. Sachets of blessed ashes can be picked…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Gardai investigate theft of gates from Co Roscommon cemetery

    Gardai in Castlerea are investigating the theft of gates from a cemetery over the weekend. The gates were stolen from Rathmoyle Cemetery, which is located near Castleplunkett. The cemetery dates back to the early 1800's and is maintained by the local…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    N60 closed in Ballinlough and Castlerea from today to allow for roadworks

    Roadworks are taking place from today on the N60, both in Ballinlough village and in Castlerea town. In Castlerea, the main road is closed between Clonalis and Hell's Kitchen corner - which is the junction with the Frenchpark road. and this closure will…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    LISTEN: Laura & Pat are suffering with Long Covid - The Tommy Marren Show

    Some people have long-lasting symptoms after their Covid-19 infection, this has been dubbed "long Covid". Scientists are still researching long Covid. Tommy spoke to two listeners this morning experiencing long Covid. Laura is a student nurse in her final…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Breaffy House Resort Castlebar confirmed as the new Mayo Vaccination Centre for the county

    Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar is among the 37 locations / centres announced this afternoon nationally by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. The 37 centres have been confirmed by the HSE, with at least one in…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    €33.5 million allocated for regional and local roads in Mayo for 2021

    €33.5 million has been allocated today for regional and local roads in Mayo for 2021. This is up from last year's €32 million allocation, and includes €17 million for restoration and improvement works, almost €5 million for maintenance and €1.3 million for…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Retired GP says most Mayo practices won't experience delays in vaccine rollout

    Over 85’s across Mayo can expect to receive their Covid-19 vaccines from today. That’s according to retired Ballindine-based GP Dr. Ken Egan, who says the age group should get their first inoculations before the 8th of March. The former IMO President says…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Man arrested in connection with 85,000 euro drug seizure in Ballinrobe yesterday

    Gardaí in Mayo seized €85,500 worth of suspected cocaine, and a further €1,400 in suspected cannabis in Ballinrobe yesterday (Sunday) Gardaí attached to the Mayo Divisional Drugs Unit made the detection at approximately 1pm when a man was observed retrieving…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Minister Rabbitte says 16,000 over 85s nationally will receive their first Covid jabs this week

    The rollout of the Covid vaccinations for the over 85s in the community is now underway, and according to Galway based Minister Anne Rabbitte, 16,000 will receive their first jab this week. The Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability,…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Wind warning for the northwest extended

    A Status Yellow wind warning has been extended to include Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Donegal. Met Eireann say south-westerly winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h and gusts of 90 to 110km/h, with possibly higher speeds in exposed coastal fringes. Where…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Talks on plans for the Leaving Certificate continue later

    Talks between government and teacher unions on plans for this year's Leaving Cert will continue today. Confidential discussions were held over the weekend in a bid to reach agreement ahead of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. One of the proposals being discussed is…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Vaccine rollout to Over 85's commences

    A major rollout of the covid vaccination programme is to get underway from today. Up to 80 thousand people aged over 85 will start getting the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines over the next 3 weeks. RCSI Professor Sam McConkey says if someone in the over 85 age…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Jobs boost for the Erris region

    IPSOS/MRBI is set to establish a presence in the Mayo Gaeltacht. The leading market research company will create two full time jobs at the Belmullet gteic hub initially, followed by a further 30 for a mixture of part and full-time positions in the greater…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    New Living with Covid Plan not expected to include reopening dates

    The government's updated Living with Covid plan will involve a staggered return of construction and schools but maintain a ban on indoor household visits and hospitality. The Irish Times reports the draft plan doesn't include dates for the reopening of…
  • Feb 15, 2021

    Status Yellow wind warning issued for Mayo and Galway

    A Status Yellow wind warning comes into effect across Mayo, Galway and Donegal tonight. Met Eireann say southwesterly winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h and gusts of 90 to 110km/h and where winds are onshore there is a risk of coastal flooding…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Galway records one of the highest new case totals

    788 more people have contracted Covid-19, and 17 more patients have died. The youngest victim was just 50 years old. There are 899 people in hospital with the virus after 34 more people were admitted today -- with 160 receiving intensive care. All counties in…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Thousands of homes remain without power in Mayo and Roscommon

    Thousands of ESB customers remain without power this afternoon across County Mayo and Roscommon following strong winds. ESB say customers right across Belmullet, Crossmolina, Westport, Ballinrobe, Achill, Knockaphunta, Castlerea, Boyle and Ballaghaderreen are…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Leaving Cert students could return to school in eight days time

    Leaving Cert students could be going back to school on a phased basis from Monday week under new government plans. The Sunday Independent reports primary schools would return gradually from March 1st, followed by other secondary classes later next month. The…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Roscommon player shares in sizeable Lotto prize

    A lucky Roscommon Lotto player will share a prize of over €100,000 after coming within one number of last night’s Lotto jackpot which was worth €3,75m. The lucky player from Roscommon purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket at Mitchell’s Supermarket in…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Sligo native appears in court in connection with a large drugs haul

    A Sligo man appeared before court yesterday evening, charged in connection with an €8.2m drugs find in Co. Kildare this week. 49-year-old Eugene Mulligan with an address at Carrigans Upper, Ballymore, County Sligo, faces an allegation of possessing cannabis…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Thousands without power across North Mayo

    Thousands of ESB customers are without power this morning across County Mayo following strong winds. ESB say customers right across the Erris region, Newport, Crossmolina and parts of Ballina are affected. Crews are working to restore power but the weather…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Dedicated helpline at NUIG following Covid-19 outbreak

    Students at NUI Galway are being urged to contact the university if they feel unwell, or think they're a close contact, after a Covid-19 outbreak there. Helplines have been set up to assist students, and will be staffed from 9am to 9pm. NUI Galway also says…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Motorists advised to exercise caution on the roads this morning with Status Orange Wind Warning across the region

    Gusts of up to 110 kilometres per hour are expected across the country today, with a status yellow wind warning in place nationwide. That's set to be upgraded to orange from 11am for Donegal, Mayo and Galway, where coastal flooding is possible. Motorists are…
  • Feb 14, 2021

    Gardai investigating a number of burglaries in Sligo

    Gardaí in Sligo received reports of a person rummaging through unlocked vehicles in Ballisodare on Friday night. This man was chased by some locals, but was not apprehended. Later that night, Gardaí received a report of a male interfering with a vehicle just…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    All counties record new Covid-19 infections this evening

    1,078 more people have contracted Covid-19, and 66 more patients with the virus have died. 41 of those deaths happened in February -- with the youngest victim aged just 39. All counties recorded new infections today, with 433 in Dublin, 139 in Galway, 52 in…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    ASTI re-enter Leaving Certificate talks

    The ASTI has decided to re-enter talks with the Department of Education to discuss how this year's Leaving Cert will work. The union pulled out of discussions earlier this week over proposals to prioritise a system of calculated grades. The ASTI now says it's…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    LCSS proposed to tackle traffic congestion at a Ballina national school

    A low cost safety scheme will look to tackle congestion problems at Breaffy National School in Ballina. That’s according to local councillor John O’Hara who raised the issue at a recent Municipal District meeting. The cllr says that congestion on route to the…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    Farmers invited to consult on new agri-enviro pilot

    Farmers across the region are invited to take part in a questionnaire regarding a new agri-environmental scheme. The new E70m scheme is being piloted by the Government this year, according to Mayo Deputy Dara Calleary. The Fianna Fail TD says that this…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    Status Orange wind alert for Mayo and Galway tomorrow

    A Status Orange wind warning and two Status Yellow wind alerts have been issued across the region tomorrow. The 12-hour Status Yellow alert for Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    Vaccination hubs operational in Sligo and Galway for GPs today

    Just under two thousand doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine will be administered to GPs today. Four vaccination hubs have been set up in Galway, Sligo, Dublin and Portlaoise so doctors can get their second jab. It comes ahead of the rollout of Covid-19…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    Government prepared to plan for Leaving Cert without ASTI

    The Government says it's prepared to go ahead with planning for the Leaving Cert, with or without the support of the ASTI. The Irish Times reports under draft plans, all students would have the option to avail of calculated grades and complete written exams…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    NUIG operating Covid-19 student health service following outbreak

    NUI Galway is operating a Covid-19 student health service this weekend following an outbreak of the virus on campus. The university says there's been an increase in student cases in Galway. Students who have symptoms are being asked to call a helpline in…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    Country is 'back on track' in battle against Covid-19

    The Tánaiste insists the country is 'back on track' in the battle against Covid-19 - but he says the fight is far from over. The five-day average has dropped to 835 cases, after 921 new infections were confirmed yesterday. There were 32 new cases in Galway,…
  • Feb 13, 2021

    Thousands without power across the West following strong winds and snow

    Thousands of homes, farms and businesses are without power this morning after strong winds and snow overnight. The ESB says there are large outages across Mayo in Facefield, Swinford, Achill, Crossmolina, Ardnaree and Ballyhaunis; Enniscrone in Co. Sligo; and…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    More than 20 deaths related to Covid 19 nationally reported this evening

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 23 additional deaths related to Covid-19 in the Republic. 21 of these deaths occurred in February and two occurred in January. As of midnight last night (Thurs) 921 new cases of the…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    75 jobs to go as Galway pharmaceutical company to close

    The pharmaceutical company AbbVie is set to close its Galway operation with the loss of around 75 jobs. RTE is reporting this evening that he facility, in the Knocknacarra area of the city, has had a number of owners since it was established in 2016.…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Public view sought on option routes for Galway to Athlone Greenway

    Public Consultation on five potential route corridor options for the new Galway to Athlone Cycleway Project is still open and the project team is encouraging the public and interested parties to view the proposals and make their submissions over the coming…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Third weather warning issued by Met Eireann for Connaught counties tonight

    Met Eireann has issued a third weather warning that is due to come into effect at 9 o'clock tonight for 9 coastal counties. The 12 hour yellow wind alert affects Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Waterford with gusts of up to…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Ballinrobe community angered by last night's vandalism to local football pitch, according to councillor

    The community of Ballinrobe is upset and angered by the act of vandalism that occurred last night when the local National School’s football pitch was extensively damaged, according to local councillor Michael Burke. Cllr Burke told Midwest News this evening…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    WATCH: School football pitch extensively damaged in county Mayo overnight

    Gardai in Ballinrobe are investigating criminal damage caused to the local primary school’s football pitch overnight. It’s understood that 4 males drove on to the pitch at St Joseph’s NS last night with three vehicles and began doing donuts on the surface,…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Castlebar teacher offers alternative to traditional Leaving Cert exams

    A Castlebar teacher is proposing ‘Open Access’ to university be used as an alternative to the traditional state exams for the Leaving Cert class of 2021. Joe Daly is a science teacher in St Gerald’s College and he believes the Leaving Cert exams are no longer…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Section of Castlebar's main street remains closed off to traffic today

    The section of Castlebar’s main street that was closed off to traffic yesterday following debris coming off the roof of a building and falling on a car, remains closed to traffic today. A spokesperson for Mayo County Council told Midwest News this afternoon…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Almost 9 million euro invested in the South West region of Mayo under the Leader programme 2014-2020

    Over 120 projects have progressed to full approval by the South West Mayo Development Company, under LEADER 2014-2020. Sabina Trench, LEADER Programme Coordinator for the company working with Mayo Local Action Group and Mayo County Council, says the total…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Galway based businessman is suing CNN over a report

    Telecoms entrepreneur, Galway based business man, Declan Ganley is suing CNN over a report suggesting Donald Trump’s administration pressurised US defence officials to award his company a multi-billion dollar contract without a competitive tender. According…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    7 cents a day tax rebate for staff working from home during the pandemic last year

    Remote workers will receive as little as 7 cent a day in a tax refund for remote working last year (2020), despite forking out at least €210 in extra heating and lighting over that period as a result of having to work from home due to the pandemic, according…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Power outages along the Mayo and Galway coast this morning

    A number of homes along the west coast of Mayo and Galway are without power this morning, according to the ESB powercheck app. Almost 200 are without power in Achill, a number of homes are without power in the Leenane area and over 70 are without power in the…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Call for swift action to address road safety concerns in Kilmaine

    A local councillor is calling for swift action to be taken with regards to addressing road safety concerns in Kilmaine village. Fianna Fail's Damien Ryan has called on Mayo County Council to solve the exit from Kilmaine Community Grounds and connectivity to…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Local MEP welcomes commitment on Northern Ireland Protocol

    The EU and the UK say they're 'fully committed' to implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol. It's after their negotiators met in London last night and had a 'frank but constructive discussion'. They're promising to address problems the new checks on goods…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Covid-19 numbers in hospital continue downward trend

    The number of Covid-19 hospitalisations has fallen by nearly two thirds since the peak of the third wave. 866 more people have tested positive for the virus, and a further 52 patients have died. There were 28 new cases of Covid 19 in Mayo, 63 in Galway, 14 in…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Treacherous conditions on roads across the region this morning

    People are being warned of dangerous driving conditions across the region this morning. A status yellow snow and ice alerts expired in Connacht and 11 other counties at 8 o'clock this morning. There was snow and sleet in many areas yesterday, but Met Éireann…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Castlebar LEA has Covid-19 rate over twice the national average

    The Castlebar LEA has the fourth highest 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in the country, at over twice the national average. It had 700 cases per 100,000 people as of Monday last, while the national rate of infection was 319. That accounts for 210 cases out…
  • Feb 12, 2021

    Fresh talks on row over Leaving Cert plans resume today

    A fresh round of talks will take place today between the ASTI and Department of Education aimed at resolving a row over plans for the Leaving Cert. The main secondary teachers union pulled out of discussions last night, describing a proposal to rely heavily…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Galway has second highest new cases of Covid 19 nationally this evening

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 52 additional deaths related to Covid-19. 33 of these deaths occurred in February, 12 occurred in January, 6 in December or earlier and 1 is still under investigation. The median age…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    20 countries on government's mandatory hotel quarantine list

    Twenty countries now feature on the Government's mandatory hotel quarantine list. They include Brazil, Austria, the UAE, South Africa and 16 countries within sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile fines for non-essential travel abroad are being increased. Travellers…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Protesters want answers from HSE Regional West Forum re letter sent by MUH management to staff last March

    A small group of people have been protesting in Castlebar’s Market Square for months now, looking for clarity on how Covid patients were and are being managed at Mayo University Hospital since the start of the pandemic. Martina Burke is one of the protesters…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    More than 1500 Learner Drivers waiting for a driving test in Mayo

    A Mayo deputy is calling on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, to take decisive action to tackle the massive driving test backlog. Sinn Fein Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh’s plea come as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) confirmed that there are now 1,548…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    A section of Main Street Castlebar is cordoned off to traffic this afternoon

    A section of upper Main Street in Castlebar is cordoned off to traffic this afternoon. It’s understood that debris fell from the roof of a building along Ellison Street and damaged a car on the street this afternoon. Following the incident Mayo County Council…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    St Brid's special school in Castlebar has reopened today

    Children with special needs are returning to school from today, as special schools have been allowed to reopen, for the first time since before Christmas. The special schools are only permitted 50% capacity, with children attending on alternate days. Special…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Galway student with chronic kidney failure pleads for clarity on priority vaccination list and Leaving Cert format for 2021

    A county Galway Leaving Cert student living with chronic kidney failure is calling for clarity now on when people with her condition will be vaccinated and what format this year’s leaving cert exam will take. 19 year old Lauren Melia from Oughterard is…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    More than 2,000 signatures on new online petition not in favour of Achill's Keem Bay Signature Discovery Point

    More than 2,000 signatures have been secured on a new online petition calling on Mayo County Council not to proceed with the Keem Bay ‘Signature Discovery Point’. The petition to the local authority was started by a group/ individual calling themselves…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Covid restrictions may continue until Easter says Taoiseach

    The Taoiseach says people should expect tight Covid 19 restrictions to continue until at least early April. Micheál Martin says some classrooms and construction will reopen over the next few weeks. But he's warning case numbers are still too high for the…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Vaccination centres will be confirmed shortly for Mayo, Roscommon & Galway

    The HSE is finalising details of Covid-19 vaccination centres in Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. The centres will be stood up when the availability of vaccines is increased. The HSE has confirmed today that they're actively considering locations for a number of…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    LISTEN: "My experience on a Covid ward" - Declan Howley

    Declan (41) says he was fit and healthy before he contracted Covid-19. He says: "You see how exhausted and overwhelmed the staff are and they are not getting the thanks they deserve. They don't have the adequate staff to cover the ward. The HSE is at its…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    60 new jobs at financial services firm in Galway

    A financial services firm is to create 60 new jobs in Galway. Fidelity Investments has announced the creation of 90 new positions - 60 in Galway and 30 in Dublin. The company is looking to have all the new jobs filled within the first half of this year, and…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Snow/ice & wind warnings now in place across Connacht

    Status yellow snow/ice and wind warnings are now in place across Connacht until 8am tomorrow morning. While this morning is dry, sleet and snow showers are expected throughout the afternoon and evening with up to 5 cm of snow in places. The sleet and snow,…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Galway player wins over €27,000 in Tuesday's EuroMillions draw

    People in the Oughterard area of Galway are urged to check their lottery tickets, after one lucky EuroMillions player won over €27,000 by matching 5 numbers in Tuesday night's draw. The winning quick pick ticket worth €27,310 was sold last Saturday 6th…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Man's body recovered from the sea at Salthill, Galway

    Galway RNLI assisted in the recovery of a man's body at Salthill yesterday evening. The lifeboat was launched after the alarm was raised by a member of the public while out walking at about 5pm. Emergency services recovered the body from the water at…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    EPA report shows 6 small private group schemes in Mayo not monitored

    The Environmental Protection Agency is warning that drinking water in the country's private water supplies is not good enough and is putting people's health at risk. In its latest Drinking Water Quality report for 2019, the watchdog says more than 100 private…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Special schools across the region to reopen today

    Thousands of children with special needs are returning to the classroom today, with the reopening of special schools. Classes will initially be limited to 50 per cent capacity, with children attending school every second day. Special classes in primary…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Taoiseach says country to remain in a prolonged period of Covid restrictions

    Taoiseach Micheal Martin told his party last night that the country is to remain in a "prolonged" period of restrictions to get virus numbers to a very low level. A further 1,006 new Covid-19 cases were announced last night, along with 54 deaths. The new…
  • Feb 11, 2021

    Driver arrested in Sligo following discovery of cannabis

    A driver was arrested yesterday after Gardai from the Sligo / Leitrim division who were on patrol in the Coolaney area found the man at a scenic spot, drinking beer and having a smoke while enjoying the view. He was found to be outside the 5km permitted under…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Galway has the third highest number nationally of new confirmed cases of Covid 19 this evening

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 54 additional deaths related to Covid-19. 45 of these deaths occurred in February, 5 occurred in January and 4 are still under investigation. The median age of those who died was 86 years…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    RSA advises due caution on roads as snow and wind warning in place from tomorrow

    The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads for the remainder of the week as Met Eireann has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and Wind. There is a yellow Snow/Ice and Wind warning for Munster,…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    No significant re-opening of the economy after March 5th, the Taoiseach insists

    The Taoiseach has said there will be no significant re-opening of the economy after the 5th of March. Micheál Martin has told the Dáil the priority next month will be the phased re-opening of schools. Yesterday Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said construction could…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Close contacts of positive Covid 19 cases should be tested twice, according to NPHET

    NPHET has recommended that the HSE resumes testing close contacts of positive covid cases, twice. Close contacts of a confirmed case will no longer need to restrict their movements if they test negative for Covid-19 on day 10. Before the testing of close…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    The Organic Farming Scheme will reopen to new entrants next month

    The Organic Farming Scheme will reopen to new entrants in the first week of March. Minister Pippa Hackett expects between 400 and 500 new farmers to be able to join the scheme, as an additional €4 million Budget funding was secured for the organic sector. She…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Cllrs Cruise and Duffy discuss declaring Mayo a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency

    Just weeks after a controversial motion declaring a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency in Mayo was voted through by elected councillors on Mayo county council, an attempt was made this week to invalidate it. The revocation of the motion was proposed by…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    LISTEN: Anti-Covid Campaigners - The Tommy Marren Show

    Tommy opened up the airwaves to some anti-covid, anti-mask and anti-vaccine campaigners this morning. Liam said "I don't wear a mask in shops and I tell them to call the Guards because I would like to be up in court to present all the studies that masks don't…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Fine increase for people travelling abroad on holidays

    The Government is planning to increase the 500 euro fine for going on holidays abroad to 2,000 euro. It would mean a couple travelling abroad on an unnecessary journey could face a 4,000 euro add on bill if stopped on the way to the airport. Around 4,500…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Minister Feighin opts for greenway over railway on the old Mayo-Sligo railway route

    Sligo TD and Minister of State, Frank Feighan has put his weight behind the greenway option for the old Mayo-Sligo railway route which has been closed for some years. In a statement to Midwest News today, Minister Feighan stressed that the greenway option is…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Valentine's road safety campaign in Mayo

    Ahead of St Valentine's Day this weekend, balloons in the shape of love hearts will be erected at different locations around Co Mayo to remind users to share the love by being considerate to other road users - drivers, passengers,, cyclists, bikers and…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Number of Covid-19 patients continues to reduce at Mayo University Hospital

    1,032 people with Covid-19 are in Irish hospitals today, the lowest number since January 7th. It's a 6 percent fall on yesterday, and 24 percent down on last Wednesday. This includes 178 people with Covid receiving treatment in intensive care units. In this…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Call for Church Road in Ballina to be included in council's gritting programme

    A Ballina area councillor is calling for Church Road in the town to be included in the county's road gritting plan. Councillor John O'Hara raised the issue at a recent Municipal District meeting, and claims Church Road in Ballina is like an ice-skating rink…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Mayo TD welcomes new €160m supports for businesses affected by Covid-19

    The Government yesterday funding of €160m in additional supports for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It includes €10m extra for Live Science companies that are developing and making PPE & equipment used in the fight against Covid-19 There is 90…
  • Feb 10, 2021

    Roscommon now has lowest 14-day incidence rate of Covid nationally

    The World Health Organisation say Ireland's recovery from the third wave of Covid-19 has been 'strong and dramatic' - but is warning of the danger of a fourth wave. 556 new cases were confirmed here yesterday, along with 68 additional deaths. It was the…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    68 more deaths reported from Covid-19

    A further 68 deaths have been reported this evening from Covid-19 - 50 of the deaths occurred this month. There are also 556 new cases of the virus - including 38 in Galway and 14 in Mayo. Sligo and Roscommon both have less than 5 new cases, with none in…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    UNESCO World Heritage Site status to be sought for Sligo's Neolithic landscape

    The unique Neolithic monuments and landscapes of Co Sligo must be preserved and protected for future generations, and for that reason, an application will be made for UNESCO World Heritage Site Status for the county's neolithic landscape. That's according to…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Judge reactivates part of suspended sentence handed down to Connemara woman

    A judge has reactivated a large portion of the suspended sentence handed down to a Connemara woman who killed her ex-boyfriend ten years ago. 38-year-old Maura Thornton, from Inverin, Co Galway, was sent back to prison after failing to comply with the terms…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Medical Cards to be made available to the terminally ill

    The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly today secured Government approval to expand access to medical cards, making them available to all those who are terminally ill and have a prognosis of up to 24 months. He will now direct the HSE to put in place…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Call on Education Minister to give go-ahead for new Holy Trinity school in Westport

    This week marks 11 years since a campaign got underway for a new school building for the Holy Trinity National School in Westport. The 200-year old Church of Ireland school is full to capacity with 62 pupils at present. In 2010, the Department of Education…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Drop in Covid patients at Mayo University Hospital

    1,104 people with Covid-19 are in hospitals today. It's a fall of nine percent on yesterday's total and 22 percent down on last Tuesday. In the past 24 hours there were 55 admissions and 124 discharges. There are 58 patients with the virus at Mayo University…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Taoiseach says any reopening of society will be "cautious and conservative"

    The Taoiseach says any reopening of society will be cautious and conservative. Mícheál Martin says Covid 19 figures are reducing but there's still some way to go before restrictions can be eased. As it stands, the current Level 5 restrictions are due to last…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Yellow snow & ice warning issued for Connacht for Thursday

    While the east of the country is seeing the most severe weather today, a status yellow snow & ice warning has been issued for Connacht, Munster and Leinster for this Thursday. Met Eireann says a band of sleet and snow spreading northeastwards during Thursday…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Mayo councillors will go to Comreg if Eir fails to address concerns over customer services

    If Eir fails to address the concerns of elected councillors in Mayo over the level of customer service the telecommunications company provides to customers, than the matter will be raised with ComReg and the problems will be highlighted nationally. That’s…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Deputy CMO says the worst of the pandemic is over

    Ireland has passed the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic this year, according to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Dr Ronan Glynn says he's hopeful people won't have to go through what happened in January, again. NPHET's reporting "steady progress" against all…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    HSE encouraged by number of nursing home staff getting vaccinated

    The HSE is "encouraged" by the number of nursing home staff getting vaccinated, according to a senior official. Up to 15 per cent of staff in some nursing homes may have refused a Covid-19 vaccine. Yesterday, HSE CEO Paul Reid said staff in the facilities…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Nurses seek compensation for work during the pandemic

    Nurses are calling for compensation for their work during the pandemic, according to the INMO. The group will go before the Oireachtas Health Committee later today and say the vaccine rollout has been 'haphazard'. The committee will also hear 1,400 people…
  • Feb 09, 2021

    Man taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Galway

    Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a road traffic collision in Galway. The incident occurred along a stretch of the Loughgeorge /Abbeyknockmoy Road (R354) at Lackagh Bridge in Turloughmore at 5am this morning. A car collided with the bridge…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    6 additional deaths reported from Covid-19

    There has been a further 6 Covid-19 deaths reported this evening - the lowest reported number of fatalities in a single day since the beginning of January. An additional 829 new cases of the virus have also been announced - including 28 in Galway, 17 in Mayo,…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Mayo man will be sentenced later this month for killing his mother

    The Central Criminal Court has heard that a young Mayo man who killed his mother is likely to have nowhere to go if he's released from prison anytime soon. In 2014, Celyn Eadon, was handed a life sentence for murdering her at their home at Islandeady in…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    "Appalling service" by Eir hghlighted by councillors at today's monthly meeting of MCC

    There was an onslaught of criticism addressed to the Operations Manager of Eir who joined today’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, held online. Councillor after councillor spoke of what they termed the “appalling service” that the telecommunications…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Covid case numbers in Galway "concerning" says HSE West

    Covid-19 case numbers are continuing to fall across Mayo and Roscommon, but the figures for Galway are concerning, according to the HSE West. Mayo's 14-day incidence rate is now 377 per 100,000 - higher than the national average. Galway's 14-day is 334 per…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Elective surgery could resume at Mayo University Hospital later this month

    It's hoped that elective surgery at Mayo University Hospital can resume later this month. That's according to the hospital's manager Catherine Donohoe, who says pressure on the hospital has eased somewhat since the peak of the third wave of Covid-19. There…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Cathaoirleach praises work of front line and health care workers during the pandemic

    At the start of today’s monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, the Cathaoirleach, cllr Richard Finn expressed his and his colleagues condolences with anyone in the county grieving the loss of a loved one through Covid 19. He complimented the “trojan work” of…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    The late Buddy Valkenburg of Belmullet described as "one in a million"

    Tributes have been paid to the late Buddy Valkenburg of Belmullet. The 85-year old lived on Quay Street in the town and was a well known businessman and was a decorated member of Ballyglass RNLI. He passed away at the weekend in a Dublin hospital. He is…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Mayo Garda Chief says gardai in the county are making inroads on drug dealing

    The garda drugs unit in Mayo, routinely stopped a man acting suspiciously on the street in Balla on Friday evening last, and in a follow up search of a private house in the area, seized over 73,000 euro in cocaine. Three people appeared before a Special…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    HID Global to create over 100 new jobs in Galway

    A technology security company in Galway has announced plans to hire more than 100 new staff over the next 3 years. HID Global is to open a Centre of Excellence at Mervue Business Park in Galway later this year, and will increase its total number of employees…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Covid-19 patient numbers remain unchanged at MUH

    1,212 people with Covid-19 are in Irish hospitals today. It's an increase of 9 patients since yesterday, however there's been a drop of 20 percent on last Monday. In the past 24 hours there have been 47 admissions and 18 discharges to hospitals. As of 8pm…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Galway, Sligo and Athlone to be among the HSE's major centres for vaccination

    Galway, Sligo and Athlone are to be among the locations where the HSE now intends to establish centres nationally to provide Covid-19 vaccines to the wider population in the weeks ahead. The vaccination of people over the age of 70,starting with those over…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Rubbish dumped in rural locations outside Castlebar over the weekend to be raised at today's meeting of Mayo County Council

    Bags of household waste continue to be dumped indiscriminately along rural roads in the Castlebar area. Over the weekend, Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne, became aware of a number of incidents where rubbish was dumped over this weekend in locations…
  • Feb 08, 2021

    Gardaí seize vehicle and trailer with major defects in Mayo

    Gardaí seized a vehicle and trailer off a motorist in Mayo at the weekend. This incident occurred in the Swinford area on Friday afternoon. Mayo Roads Policing Unit stopped the vehicle in question and found major defects which could cause serious injuries.…