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A group of female TDs and Senators will today present a letter to the HSE, demanding that Covid-19 restrictions be lifted in maternity hospitals.

The current restrictions on partners being allowed during labour and a pre-natal appointments vary from one hospital to another  - with some units found not to be fully compliant with official guidance.

Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers will be joined by female politicians from other parties in handing a letter to the HSE, insisting that partners be allowed pre-pandemic access.

Senator Lisa Chambers told Midwest News that the lifting of restrictions is long overdue....

 

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    The Minister for Education Norma Foley says that a decision is imminent on whether or not a second school will be built on the site already approved for the building of Holy Trinity National School in Westport. This long running saga was raised in the Dail…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Over 1200 people waiting for driving test in Ballina & Castlebar

    Over 1200 people are waiting for a driving test in Ballina and Castlebar at present. Figures provided under Freedom of Information show nearly 58,000 people are on the waiting list nationally for a driving test - including 763 people in Castlebar and 494 in…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Emergency Dept at Mayo University Hospital very busy this morning

    The Saolta Hospital group is advising that the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital is extremely busy today, with many patients experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Dept to an acute bed in the hospital. There are 34…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Site works begin for construction of new Aldi store in Ballina

    Work has started on the site of a former hotel in Ballina, for the construction of a new Aldi store. Ballina-based Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary has welcomed the start of site preparations works for the new discount foodstore, on the site of the former…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Garda cars in Mayo will carry high-viz vests for pedestrians & cyclists

    "Be Safe and Be Seen" is the message to all road users across Co Mayo, as the clocks go back later this month, and the days are getting shorter with darkness falling earlier. In a move to reduce the death toll on roads, all Garda cars in Co Mayo will carry a…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Mayo has the country's second-lowest 7-day rate of Covid at present

    The highest number of Covid cases since January 22nd was recorded yesterday, with 2,399 new cases confirmed. 473 Covid patients are in hospital, which is a drop of 11 from the previous day with 74 patients in ICU. The number of Covid patients being treated at…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Updated guidelines expected today for hospitality & entertainment sectors

    Failte Ireland is expected to publish its updated guidelines for the hospitality and entertainments sectors today. They're being changed to take into account yesterday's Government announcement on easing further Covid restrictions. Covid Certs will continue…
  • Oct 20, 2021

    Power outage in Achill affected over 2,300 customers last night

    Over 2,000 customers in Achill were without power for a time last night, following a fault. ESB Networks confirmed a power outage shortly before 10pm, affecting 2,374 customers in Achill. Work got underway to repair the fault, and power supplies were restored…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    2,399 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening

    The highest number of Covid cases since January 22nd has been recorded today. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of 2,399 cases. 473 Covid patients are in hospital, which is a drop of 11 from yesterday. 74 people are in ICU, up one on…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    World's largest aircraft touches down at Shannon Airport

    The world's largest aircraft touched down in Shannon Airport this afternoon. The Antonov AN-225 arriving from China, carrying a consignment of cargo for distribution to the Irish retail sector. Shannon Airport is the only airport in Ireland capable of…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Verdict of medical misadventure at inquest into death of young Westport man

    A verdict of medical misadventure was returned by a coroner today at an inquest into the death of a talented young student and footballer from an extremely rare and serious condition. Adam Mulchrone, Sandyhill, Westport died at Mayo University Hospital, on…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Mayo Senator welcomes reopening of entertainment and night-time sector

    The Cabinet has approved the easing of some restrictions from this Friday, but mask wearing, social distancing and the use of vaccination passports have been extended until February 2022. Nightclubs will be allowed to re-open on Friday, and the 11.30pm…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    CEO of Saolta Group says significant increase in number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals across the region

    There was a significant increase over the weekend in the number of people admitted to hospitals across the West with Covid-19, according to the Saolta Hospital Group. There are 41 patients with the virus currently being treated at the Galway hospital - up…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Taoiseach announces easing of restrictions from Friday with nightclubs set to reopen

    The planned re-opening of nightclubs and other sectors can go ahead on Friday with Digital Covid Certs in place. Capacity limits on weddings and other religious services will lift on Friday. 10 adults will now be allowed at a table when dining indoors, up…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Pyrite demonstration planned for Crossmolina on Thursday

    Mayo homeowners impacted by pyrite in their homes will stage a demonstration in Crossmolina this Thursday. The event will be held at the home of Noel O'Boyle in Crossmolina - a house severely damaged by pyrite which has been approved for demolition. This is…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Advance payments commence under BPS

    In farming news, advance payments under the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme have commenced. The payments are worth €738 million to 114,600 farmers across the country. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue says 70% advance payments are commencing today, and will…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    NIAC approves use of booster Covid-19 vaccines for over 60's

    The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has approved the use of booster Covid-19 vaccines for people over 60. It was confirmed at a meeting with ministers late last night. Up to now only those over 80 or over 65s in nursing homes have been able to avail…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Up to 30 new jobs being announced in Ballina this morning

    Up to 30 new jobs are being announced this morning in Ballina. TELUS International AI Data Solutions - formerly Lionbridge AI - has started hiring for up to 30 new roles following its acquisition late last year. The company's premises on Emmet Street in…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Design team set to be in place for ED extension at MUH by year end

    There's some progress reported this morning in relation to the planned extension of the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital. Mayo FG Deputy Alan Dillon says the HSE Capital & Estates office has confirmed that they have commenced the procurement…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    University Hospital Galway currently dealing with two Covid-19 outbreaks

    University Hospital Galway is currently dealing with Covid-19 outbreaks on two wards, with a further two wards being used to care for Covid-positive patients. This is having a significant impact on critical care services at the hospital, according to the…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Cabinet are meeting this morning to make decision on planned easing of restrictions

    Cabinet Ministers will meet this morning to decide whether an easing of Covid restrictions will go ahead on Friday. NPHET briefed the Government yesterday as the number of new Covid cases and hospitalisations continues to increase. It's understood NPHET is…
  • Oct 19, 2021

    Man arrested in connection with a stolen ring buoy in Sligo

    Gardaí have charged a man in relation to an incident of theft that occurred on Markievicz Road in Sligo on Sunday. Midwest News understands that the man, in his twenties, was allegedly intoxicated and found to be in possession of a stolen ring buoy. He is due…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    New Garda campaign to clamp down on speeding & drink driving

    Gardai are clamping down on speeding, drink driving, and unaccompanied drivers as part of a new campaign. It comes as there's been a 19 per cent increase in driver deaths this year. Operation Teorainn will also focus on rural roads with limits of 80…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Taoiseach hints Covid certs could remain in place for longer than expected

    The Taoiseach says Covid certs could remain in place for longer than expected following the recent surge in virus cases. NPHET is meeting this afternoon and the government will consider its advice tomorrow ahead of a decision on the easing of restrictions.…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Boil water notice on Glenamaddy public water supply lifted

    The boil water notice on the Glenamaddy public water supply has been lifted with immediate effect, and Irish Water says the water is safe to drink. The boil notice was issued almost 3 weeks ago, due to a deterioration in raw water quality at the Glenamaddy…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Inquest into death of retired priest hears he died from natural causes

    An inquest was told today that a retired priest, who was found dead close to a railway line near Ballyhaunis last January, died from natural causes. The Coroner for Mayo Pat O’Connor heard that there was no evidence of foul play in the death of 73-year-old…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Over 19,000 people waiting in excess of 18 months for outpatient appointments in Galway

    Almost 55,000 adults are currently on the outpatient waiting list at Galway University Hospital. That was confirmed to Galway East Independent TD Sean Canney, who says that in excess of 19,000 of these people have been waiting longer than 18 months for an…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Mayo Deputy welcomes sod turning of N5 between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue

    The Taoiseach is officially opening the N4 between Collooney and Castlebaldwin today and he is also turning the sod on the N5 road project between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue. This is a hugely significant day for Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, according to Mayo…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Ballina ranks 13th in latest litter survey of 40 towns & cities

    Ballina has ranked 13th place out of 40 towns and cities in the latest Irish Business Against Litter survey. Portlaoise comes top of the list for the first time, with Leixlip and Ennis in 2nd and 3rd place. Ballina is described as "clean to European norms",…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    37 Covid patients being treated at University Hospital Galway

    482 Covid-19 patients are in hospital this morning, an increase of 76 in past 48 hours. There are 74 patients in intensive care, up one over the same period. Galway University Hospital is currently treating the second highest number of Covid patients…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Taoiseach to officially open N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin upgrade later

    The Taoiseach will officially open the €140 million road upgrade of the N4 between Collooney and Castlebaldwin this afternoon. Micheál Martin will unveil a plaque dedicated to the memory of all those who died on the stretch of road. Sligo County Council and…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    Pop-up vaccination clinics operating at NUI Galway and IT Sligo today

    12 pop up clinics are being opened for students at colleges today so they can receive their second vaccine. The Higher Education Minister's announced Vaccination Week is being extended. Pop-up vaccination centres were set up across 15 college sites two weeks…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    NPHET will meet later to advise Govt on planned easing of restrictions

    NPHET will meet today to advise the government on the further easing of Covid-19 restriction this Friday. So-called 'Freedom Day' would see many of the last remaining rules lifted, such as limits on large gatherings and night-time openings for pubs and…
  • Oct 18, 2021

    New IBAL survey finds Ballina is 'clean to European norms'

    Litter in Ireland’s cities has worsened to levels “not seen in 10 years”, a new survey has found. The first post-lockdown survey by Irish Business Against Litter has shown that while the majority of Ireland’s towns have been cleaned up over the past 12…
  • Oct 17, 2021

    Over 1,300 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    The Department of Health has today reported 1,380 additional Covid cases. 459 patients are in hospital with the virus. While 74 people are being treated in the country's intensive care units.
  • Oct 17, 2021

    5% of pubs have closed their doors since the start of the pandemic

    Five percent of the country's pubs have closed their doors since the beginning of the pandemic. That's according to joint analysis from the pub trade's representative bodies. Cork's the worst affected, it's lost 37 while Dublin and Donegal have each seen 33…
  • Oct 17, 2021

    Connacht GAA Scór Sinsear Final 2020 set for Claremorris

    The postponed Connacht GAA Scór Sinsear final of 2020 will take place in the Town Hall Theatre in Claremorris on Sunday, 24th October. GAA clubs from across Connacht will descend upon the Mayo venue to battle it out for bragging rights and the chance to…
  • Oct 17, 2021

    Sod turned on major development at a Mayo primary school

    Mayo TD Michael Ring officially turned the sod on a major development for Newport National School on Friday. The West Mayo primary school has been granted funding to extend their premises due to increasing enrolment. Deputy Ring says “Schools are continually…
  • Oct 17, 2021

    Vintners 'disappointed' at confusion over extending use of Covid passes

    The Vintners Federation says it's 'disappointed to see the confusion again' over extending the use of covid passes. It says people have made a lot of preperations for being fully opened next weekend. The use of covid passes to dine indoors was meant to be…
  • Oct 17, 2021

    Health expert wants Govt to use 'every measure pen to it' to drive down Covid-19 case numbers

    A public health expert is asking the Government to use 'every measure open to it' to bring case numbers under control. DCU Professor Anthony Staines says however, this must be done without closing everything 'till Christmas. It comes after 2,180 new cases of…
  • Oct 17, 2021

    New opinion poll shows majority favour continuation of Covid vaccine certs

    A new opinion poll has shown a majority of the population is in favour of the continued use of Covid vaccine certs after next Friday. The majority of restrictions had been due to be lifted then, but rising case numbers look likely to lead to a more cautious…
  • Oct 16, 2021

    Over 2,100 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    2,180 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 -- the most new infections reported in one day since late January. 406 people are being treated in hospital for the virus, 71 of them receiving intensive care.
  • Oct 16, 2021

    Mayo woman 'shocked' at having to provide proof of disability to get accessible tickets for a gig

    A Mayo woman was left ‘shocked’ at having to show proof of her disability to get accessible tickets to a gig through Ticketmaster. Achill native Catherine Gallagher says this was not always the case, claiming that the process came in ‘under the radar’ during…
  • Oct 16, 2021

    Funding application made for proposed bypass of Foxford

    An application for funding has been made to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the N26/N58 Foxford bypass. The proposed infrastructure would involve the construction of approximately 3.5 km of new off-line road to link the two national primary routes.…
  • Oct 16, 2021

    Saolta Chief 'very concerned' about the Covid situation in hospitals

    Hospitals will be 'very pressurised' if Covid admissions continue to rise, according to a leading HSE official. They've risen by 18 per cent over the past week, with 399 people getting inpatient care at the moment. The five-day moving average of new cases has…
  • Oct 16, 2021

    LGBT+ flag raising ceremony takes place in Claremorris later

    An LGBT+ Pride Flag raising ceremony is taking place in Claremorris this afternoon. This event is in response to the destruction of rainbow flags in the town at the end of July, at a time when there were similar incidents in Sligo and Waterford. OutWest, with…
  • Oct 16, 2021

    Restauranteurs happy to continue checking Covid Certs subject to normal trade

    Restaurants around the country have said they're happy to continue asking customers for their Covid pass, if they're allowed to trade normally. The use of the passes to access indoor hospitality had been due to be scrapped on the 22nd of October. However, a…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    ISME calls on Government to proceed with planned reopening of society next week

    ISME says the Government cannot react to every shift in Covid-19 case numbers. The business group believes the easing of restrictions on October 22nd should proceed as planned. They argue that ICU numbers should be the parameter for any change in Government…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    Galway Christmas Market gets the green light to return this year

    The Galway Christmas Market has been given the green light to return next month. Galway City Council has issued a license for the event, which will run from the 12th of November to the 22nd of December. A mainstay in the festive calendar since 2010, the event…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    IFA say resumption of Lough Funshinagh emergency works is 'limited good news'

    The resumption of the emergency pipe works at Lough Funshinagh is merely ‘limited good news’. That’s according to the Roscommon IFA Chairman Jim O'Connor, who says the new proposed emergency works would see no more than 2 million cubic metres of water removed…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    Over 1,900 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    1,914 new coronavirus cases are being reported this afternoon, that's up 287 on yesterday's figures. There are 413 patients being treated for the disease in hospital, with 73 in ICU. The five day moving average is 1,685 cases.
  • Oct 15, 2021

    On site meeting agreed between Residents in Breaffy and Mayo County Council on impact of construction work on new N5 on lives

    Mayo County Council and the Road Design Office has agreed to meet residents at Breaffy Castlebar whose homes are located adjacent to the new bridge under construction along the new N5 dual carriageway. Two of the residents directly impacted by the ongoing…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    As Covid cases surge nationally, lifting of restrictions next Friday looks less likely

    The planned reopening of society next Friday is likely to be delayed if Covid cases continue to rise very rapidly. The five-day moving average has increased by 50 per cent in the past week - and now stands at 1,580. The government will make a decision next…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    Steel beam lift of new bridge takes place today at Cloongullane

    A steel beam lift will take place today and again on Tuesday for the new River Moy Bridge as part of the N26 Cloongullane Realignment Project, on the road between Foxford and Swinford. The beam lift will be carried out using a Liebherr LR 1600/2 Crawler Crane…
  • Oct 15, 2021

    Zero connections in Mayo under National Broadband Plan to date

    There is no premises in Mayo connected under National Broadband Plan to date, according to Mayo Sinn Fein deputy Rose Conway Walsh. She has expressed deep frustration that Mayo is still waiting for the first home, business or farm to be connected under the…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    The growth rate of Covid cases nationally has accelerated in recent days

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 1,627 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. As of 8am today, 415 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 70 are in ICU. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer,…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Welcome appearance of acclaimed novelist Sally Rooney at Castlebar's Wild Atalntic Words Festival

    Acclaimed novelist, Mayo native Sally Rooney made a welcome, surprise appearance at this year's Wild Atlantic Words festival in Castlebar, last weekend. Capacity audiences and first class events marked this year's festival that included a programme of…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Four additional neurology nurses being recruited for GUH

    The HSE is currently in the process of recruiting four additional neurology nurses for Galway University Hospital, which is the western regional centre for neurology. This has been confirmed to Roscommon/ Galway deputy Denis Naughten. He says that investing…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Chair of Mayo Vintners says uncertainty over further lifting of Covid restrictions difficult for businesses

    There are a lot of unanswered questions for publicans/ restauranteurs and their patrons as to the extent of the proposed further lifting of Covid restrictions on Friday week, October 22nd. That’s the view of the Mayo Chair of the Vintners, Alan Gielty who…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Rossaveal could be prime location to support offshore wind farms, says new report

    Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara could become a strategic hub for the floating offshore windfarm sector with the potential of creating up to 900 jobs, according to a new report. The report, commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta, was launched this morning by the…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Short power outages this morning in Swinford & Ballina

    Hundreds of customers were impacted by short power outages this morning in the Swinford and Ballina areas. ESB Networks is reporting a power outage for more than a thousand ESB customers in the Swinford area this morning. The outage occurred at 10.22 am, but…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Further visiting restrictions at Roscommon University Hospital

    Further visiting restrictions have been introduced at Roscommon University Hospital, due to an outbreak of Covid-19. The visiting restrictions remain in place at St Teresa's Ward, and have been re-introduced at St Coman's ward. No visitors are being allowed…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Bishop of Achonry willing to consider women cardinals

    The Bishop of Achonry has signalled his willingness to consider women being made cardinals, and says the Church needs to reflect on the issue. Bishop Paul Dempsey, who's the youngest Catholic Bishop in the country at 50, was ordained Bishop of Achonry last…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Two people due in court after child reported missing earlier this week

    Two adults have been charged after a child was reported missing from the West of Ireland earlier this week. The two-year-old girl was reported missing on Tuesday. She was later located safe and well. A man and woman in their 30s were arrested, and are due…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Concern over flooding risk in Bundoola area of Belmullet

    There is still no date for the completion of a long promised sea wall that would prevent flooding and allow people in the Bundoola area of Belmullet to sleep in peace in their beds this winter. That was confirmed by council management at yesterday’s monthly…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    44 assaults in Castlerea Prison last year

    There were 44 assaults in Castlerea Prison last year. New figures show a total of 320 assaults in Irish prisons in 2020. 250 involved prisoners attacking other inmates - with 64 in Cork jail, 44 in Castlerea in Roscommon, and 29 in Midlands Prison in…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Agriculture Minister in Balla & Ballymote today

    The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, is continuing his consultation tour on the Common Agriculture Policy in the west today. He was in Maam Cross Mart yesterday evening. The Minister will speak at Balla Mart today at 2.30pm…
  • Oct 14, 2021

    Concerns over plans to ease almost all Covid-19 restrictions next week

    A member of NPHET is expressing concern about plans to ease almost all restrictions tomorrow week - October 22nd. It comes as Covid cases have increased by 43 per cent over the past week, with 2,066 further cases reported yesterday. There are currently 408…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Over 2,000 new cases of Covid 19 confirmed this evening

    There are 2,066 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed by the Dept of Health this evening in the Republic. 26 additional virus-related deaths have been reported over the past week. 408 Covid patients are in hospitals nationally with 69 of these patients in intensive…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Minister in the west on CAP Consultation Tour

    The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, is continuing his Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Consultation Tour in the west. He will be in Maam Cross Mart this evening (Wed) at 7.30pm. The Minister will speak at Balla Mart tomorrow…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Harps "go leor " this Saturday

    Harps Alive Lá na Cruite takes place this Saturday (October 16th) online and in person all over the world. For the fifth year in a row, harpers everywhere are invited to join in celebrating Ireland’s 1000-year-old harping tradition. This year Mayo Harper,…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Minister Donnelly is self isolating due to Covid 19 concerns

    The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is self-isolating with mild Covid-19 symptoms. The Minister has been given a 'not detected' result on a Covid test. However, in line with public health advice he's continuing to work from home. +++
  • Oct 13, 2021

    The Agri-sector was abandoned in yesterday's budget, according to deputy

    Agriculture was abandoned in yesterday’s 2022 Budget. That’s the view of Roscommon / Galway Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. The deputy claims there was nothing new from the Minister for Finance yesterday for farmers. The carbon tax will immediately impact…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Tánaiste says some restrictions may remain after 22nd October

    The Tanaiste says some restrictions may remain next week as our so called Freedom Day approaches. Most Covid 19 rules are to be relaxed on Friday the 22nd of October, while the vaccine cert for restaurants and pubs is set to be removed. However, there are…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Mayo Senator says free contraceptives for young women , announced in yesterday’s budget, is a welcome development for women’s health

    The introduction of free contraceptives for women aged 18 to 25 in yesterday’s budget is a very welcome development for women’s health, according to Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers. She says the measure announced in yesterday’s budget is focused on a…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Family of Mayo man devastated following his death in Georgia

    The family of a Mayo man, who body was recovered from a river in Georgia, say they're devastated at his loss. A murder investigation is underway after the body of 28-year old Tom Kennedy from Lahardane was found in a river in Gori last Saturday. Police in…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Galway's 7-day Covid incidence rate is higher than national average

    Waterford, Carlow and Donegal currently have the highest Covid-19 rates nationally, while Galway is now the only county in Connacht with a 7-day rate above the national average. Galway has recorded 568 new cases of the virus over the past week, with a rate of…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Covid patients as young as 17 being treated in ICU

    Intensive Care units around the country are treating people as young as 17 years old who are sick with Covid-19. 402 people are currently in hospital with the virus, 73 of whom are in intensive care. This includes 19 Covid patients in University Hospital…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Mayo author will not sell translation rights to new novel to Israeli publisher

    Castlebar author Sally Rooney has confirmed that she will not sell translation rights to her bestselling new novel "Beautiful World, Where Are You" to an Israeli publisher, in solidarity with a boycott of Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. Her first…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Work to start next week on accident blackspot near Dunmore

    There's some good news for motorists in the Dunmore area of Co Galway, as work is expected to start next week on a road-widening project at an area known locally as Twenty Minute Hill. A stop-go traffic light system has been in place at this location between…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Minister for Agriculture to visit Balla Mart tomorrow

    The Minister for Agriculture will visit Balla Mart tomorrow, as part of his Common Agricultural Policy consultation tour. Minister Charlie McConalogue is currently travelling around the country, to hear directly from farmers as part of the consultation…
  • Oct 13, 2021

    Child Rescue Ireland alert stood down as 2-year old girl found safe and well

    A Child Rescue Alert was stood down last night after a young child taken earlier in the day from Co Mayo was located safe and well in the Dublin area. Gardai issued a Child Rescue Ireland Alert shortly before 6pm yesterday evening, appealing for information…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Body of Mayo man discovered in a river in Georgia

    A murder investigation is underway after the body of a Mayo man was discovered in a river in Georgia. The body of 28-year old Tom Kennedy from Lahardane was found in a river in Gori last Saturday. Efforts are now underway to repatriate his body to Ireland,…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    1,466 new cases of Covid-19

    The Department of Health has reported a further 1,466 further cases of Covid-19 this evening. 402 people are currently in hospital with the virus, of whom 73 are being treated in ICU. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Ronan Glynn, has expressed concern over…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    2-year old girl missing from Swinford - Gardai issue alert

    Gardai have issued a Child Rescue Alert after a two year old child was taken from a health centre in County Mayo today. At about 10 past 10 this morning, 2-year old Aoife Haynes Murphy was taken from the Swinford Health Centre in contravention of a court…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Mayo SF TD says Budget gives with one hand but takes away with the other

    Mayo Sinn Fein spokesperson Rose Conway-Walsh says that, while social welfare increases in the Budget are welcome, the Government is giving with one hand, but taking away with the other....
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Mayo TD Dara Calleary welcomes Budget 2022

    Listen now - Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary welcomes investments outlined in today's Budget.....
  • Oct 12, 2021

    BCP gone live today at Sooey Community Hall

    A Broadband Connection Point (BCP) has gone live at Sooey Community Hall, in county Sligo today. Sligo Drumcliffe Cllr Thomas Walsh says National Broadband Ireland have today confirmed to him that the connection for fibre broadband has gone live. The BCP will…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Further Budget announcements

    In relation to social welfare, there are 5 euro per week increases in weekly welfare payments and the State pension, along with the weekly fuel allowance from midnight tonight, while thousands more carers are in line to receive the Carer's Allowance . A…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Cllr exposes lack of any register for people seeking affordable housing

    There is no record of the number of people seeking affordable housing in Mayo, as there is no place where anyone can register for such housing and that’s not acceptable, according to Castlebar councillor Michael Kilcoyne. The Independent councillor raised the…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Ministers announce details of Budget 2022

    The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath are announcing details of Budget 2022 this afternoon. The total budget package is 4.7 billion euro -which includes 4.2 billion on expenditure and half a…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Investigations underway into arson attack at football club in Galway

    Investigations are underway into an arson attack at Galway Bohemians Football Club which occurred around 9pm on Saturday night. Club members and the local community raised the alarm to ensure crews were on-site very quickly. Severe damage was done to a…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Trolley numbers across the West today

    Trolley numbers are on the increase once again today at hospitals across the country. The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation is reporting 506 patients on trolleys - the highest figure since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes 30 patients on…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Gardaí investigate criminal damage to a van in Westport

    Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire at the weekend. The incident happened at approximately 10:30pm on Friday night. Members of the Westport Fire Brigade attended the scene. Midwest News understands a small van was set alight in a…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Nearly one in three 12-15 year olds haven't registered for a Covid-19 vaccine

    Nearly one in every three 12 to 15 year olds haven't been registered for a Covid vaccine. 68 per cent of this age-group have been signed up, and 60 per cent are fully vaccinated. Nearly 92 per cent of the adult population are fully protected, which is the…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Work underway on €9 million euro upgrade of the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant

    Work is underway on a €9 million euro major upgrade of the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant, to increase its capacity and in turn facilitate development across counties Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. The treatment plant, serving the Lough Mask Regional Water…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Galway West TD hits out at comments surrounding objections to Traveller accommodation

    Traveller sites tend to be associated with increased levels of crime, violence, anti-social behaviour, illegal dumping and burning. That's according to the County and City Management Association, which represents local authorities. It'll tell an Oireachtas…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Additional Budget 2022 spending aims to address rising cost of living

    Half price public transport for young people, a hike in the fuel allowance, and a rise in pensions are among the measures to be announced in today's budget. The 1.5 billion euro in additional spending will be largely aimed at addressing the rising cost of…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    Sligo-Leitrim TD concerned by Garda suspension figures

    24 gardai have been suspended from duty so far this year. Justice Minister Heather Humphreys says 41 officers were suspended in all of last year, and 21 in 2019. There's been an increase since Drew Harris was appointed Garda commissioner three years ago.…
  • Oct 12, 2021

    National school campaign to plant trees to combat climate change

    Primary school children in Mayo are being urged to sign up to support a nationwide campaign that’s aiming to plant tens of thousands of trees in a single day, to combat climate change. Schools that support the initiative will receive a native Irish tree…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    1,358 new cases of Covid-19

    1,358 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. The five-day moving average has risen to 1,578. The counties with the highest incidence rates are Longford, Waterford and Carlow, according to the latest figures, while Mayo has the lowest 7-day…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Final Covid-19 vaccination clinic in Belmullet on Friday

    The HSE says a final Covid-19 vaccination clinic will take place in Belmullet on Friday next. The clinic will be open from 1-5 pm on Friday 15th October at the Belmullet Civic Centre. Anyone who has received their first dose in Belmullet and will be due their…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Rescue operation in Kilcummin Harbour

    A rescue operation took place in Kilcummin Harbour in north Mayo yesterday, after a diver got into difficulty. The Irish Coast Guard has confirmed to Midwest News that the alarm was raised at about 11.15 yesterday morning, when a diver was reported as feeling…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Mayo Lotto winner of €250,000 has come forward to claim prize

    The winner of a Lotto prize of €250,000 in north Mayo last week has come forward. The National Lottery has confirmed that the Lotto Plus 2 top prize winner from last Wednesday's draw has come forward, after buying their ticket at Bangor Erris Post Office,…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Public want speed reduced on Creagh Road Ballinrobe

    A petition with up to 200 names calling on Mayo County Council to address the speed of traffic on the Creagh Road in Ballinrobe was handed into the local authority by councillor Patsy O’Brien at the October monthly meeting of the Claremorris/ Swinford…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Councillor hits out at 'cloak and dagger' approach to Galway car meet

    Independent Councillor Mike Cubbard says it’s frustrating to see car enthusiasts staging unofficial car meets in Galway City. 'Galway Car Scene' had organised an event to take place in Salthill on Sunday through Facebook, which caused outcry from locals and…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    100 new jobs being announced at VistaMed in Carrick-on-Shannon

    There's a jobs boost for Co Leitrim today, as 100 new jobs are being announced at VistaMed in Carrick on Shannon. The company is a leading catheter and extrusion provider to the global medical device industry. VistaMed already employs over 500 people in…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Highest number of patients on hospital trolleys since start of pandemic

    Today sees the highest number of patients on hospital trolleys in one day since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation is reporting 477 patients on trolleys - including 87 at University Hospital Limerick. In this region,…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Increasing number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals nationally

    The number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 has risen to 400 today, according to the latest figures. It is the highest number since 8 March. 74 of these patients are in intensive care. HSE CEO Paul Reid says the number of people in intensive care units…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Call on Mayo County Council to tackle the unauthorised conversion of houses into flats

    The increasing number of unauthorised developments in Castlebar, where property owners are converting houses into flats or apartments needs to be addressed. That’s the view of Castlebar Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere. The councillor has called on Mayo county…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Status Yellow fog alert in effect across the region

    The country is under a status yellow fog warning this morning. Met Eireann says fog formed overnight will become dense in parts and leading to poor visibility, in particular in the midlands. The warning is due to be lifted at 11 o clock this morning.
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Rural Independent Group says BoI branch closures are a significant blow

    The Rural Independent Group says the closure of 88 Bank of Ireland branches, including three in Mayo, is a significant blow to the country. It's describing it as a 'whittling away' of rural services. Leader of the Rural Independent Group, Deputy Mattie…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Government TD calls for full public enquiry into defective blocks issue

    A government TD's calling for a full public inquiry to finding out who's culpable for the use of defective mica blocks. Fine Gael's Joe McHugh says a state redress scheme should extend to all homes with the building blocks. Officials have estimated the total…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Mayo native named 'Solicitor of the Year- Private Practice' by Law Society of England and Wales

    Mayo native Anne Kavanagh has been named ‘Solicitor of the Year – Private Practice’ by the Law Society of England and Wales. The Ballina woman, who is a Partner with the Irwin Mitchell firm in Sheffield, won the award for her work with women and children…
  • Oct 11, 2021

    Gardaí are investigating a number of burglaries in West Sligo

    Gardai in the Enniscrone area are advising homeowners in the sub-district of a number of burglaries over the weekend. The incidents happened over the course of Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday morning. Gardaí are seeking assistance from the…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Over 1300 new Covid-19 cases confirmed today

    The Department of Health has reported a further 1,384 new Covid cases today. There are 382 patients with the virus in hospital. 74 of those are in an intensive care unit.
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Mayo writer selected for National Mentoring Programme

    Mayo based writer, Edel Burke, has been selected by Words Ireland to receive professional literary mentoring over the next eight months from an acclaimed Irish writer of their choice.Mayo County Councils Arts Service funded this literary mentorship along with…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Family Carers Ireland launch nominations for annual awards

    Family Carers Ireland has launched a nationwide call for nominations for its Netwatch ‘Family Carer of the Year Awards’. The national charity is calling on members of the public to help shine a light on Ireland’s forgotten frontline by nominating family…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Lotto player from Sligo scoops over €1.2 million in last night's draw

    An online lotto player from Sligo won over €1.2 million euro in last night’s draw. Lotto players across the country still have the chance to become the largest Lotto jackpot winner ever seen in Ireland as there was no winner of the huge €19.06 million amount…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Midlands North-West MEP says more needs to be done for young peoples mental health

    A Fine Gael MEP says not enough is being done to help prevent serious mental health issues in young people around the EU. Maria Walsh was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg where mental health issues were discussed this weekend by young people…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Man charged in relation to drugs seizure in the west

    Gardaí in Leitrim have charged one man in relation to a drug seizure in Ballinamore yesterday. Cannabis herb and cocaine with an estimated street value of 55,000 euro were seized. One man, aged in his twenties, was released without charge last night, and a…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    New scheme for Creches & Childcare facilities expected to be announced in Budget

    Creches and childcare facilities could be offered more money to improve staff pay, in return for a freeze on fees for parents. The Sunday Independent reveals that the new scheme is due to be announced in the Budget on Tuesday, It reports that Children's…
  • Oct 10, 2021

    Bill for compensation to Mother and Baby Homes survivors to reach over 1.5 billion euro

    The Government expects the bill to the exchequer for compensation to Mother and Baby Homes survivors to reach over 1.5 billion euro. According to the Mail on Sunday, there's little confidence that Churches will contribute significantly based on previous…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Four people taken to hospital following collision in Ballina

    Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a two vehicle collision this evening, at Knockanillaun in Ballina.The collision, involving a van and a car, occurred on the N59 road at approximately 5.30pm. The four occupants of the car, all male, were…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Two men arrested following drugs seizure in Leitrim

    Gardaí in Leitrim have seized drugs with a combined value of €55,000 and arrested two men following a search this morning. At approximately 9am, Gardaí attached to Ballinamore Garda Station, with assistance from the Armed Support Unit executed a search…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Latest Covid-19 figures

    The Department of Health has reported 1,940 new covid cases today. It's a small decrease on yesterday's figure. There's 352 Covid patients in hospital, with 74 in ICU. It was also announced today that 92 percent of adults in Ireland are fully vaccinated…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Mayo Deputy says students feel misled regarding access to third level campuses

    Students feel misled regarding access to third level campuses. That’s the view of Mayo Deputy Rose Conway Walsh. The Sinn Fein spokesperson on Further and Higher Education says it’s welcome that third-level students have returned to campus after studying…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Growing frustration at NUIG as systems remain offline

    NUI Galway has said additional software will have to be installed on the university's IT systems as part of an ongoing effort to deal with a cyber attack. Internet traffic into and out of the college network has been disabled since last week after the initial…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Boost for pensioners in next weeks Budget

    Childcare, pensioners and people working from home look set to get a boost in the upcoming Budget. The Budget White Paper, released last night by the Department of Finance, confirmed a deficit of thirteen billion euro for this year, meaning the government has…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    20 Mayo schools awarded the Green Flag this week

    20 schools from Mayo were awarded the Green Flag this week for their dedication to sustainability and protecting their environment. Despite two school years with closures and challenges posed by COVID-19, 526 schools across Ireland were awarded Green Flags…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Mica Action Group says they won't back down in their bid for 100% redress

    The Mica Action Group says the Government has been 'kicking the can down the road' for the majority of 10 years on the Mica problem. It comes after thousands of homeowners and supporters marched through Dublin city yesterday, calling for 100 per cent redress…
  • Oct 09, 2021

    Quarter of the country not yet vaccinated

    A public health expert says a quarter of the country is not yet vaccinated. Trinity College Dublin Associate Professor Tomás Ryan says this is because children have not received a vaccine. He says Ireland has an R number of around 1, after a jump to 2,002 new…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Over two thousand new Covid-19 cases confirmed this evening

    The Department of Health has this evening been notified of 2,002 new Covid-19 cases. As of 8am today, 354 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 73 are in ICU. The five-day moving average is 1,242. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn said:…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Residents in Crossmolina on flood alert this evening

    Residents in Crossmolina are on alert for the next 24 hours as heavy rain is forecast for this evening putting the town at an increased flooding risk. A Status Yellow weather warning for rain remains is in place today for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim,…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Success for Mayo Business woman at Network Ireland Awards

    A Mayo woman has today been highly commended in the solo business woman of the year category at the Network Ireland Awards. Elaine Kennedy from Hawthorn hand care based in Partry on the shores of Lough Carra was today announced as the winner. After living in…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Anger & disappointment in Ballyhaunis today over Bank closure

    A third of Bank of Ireland branches will shut their doors for the final time today. 88 branches are closing as part of a move towards online transactions. While other services will be offered via the Post Office. In Mayo, branches will close their doors for…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Hundreds of farmers protest today in Roscommon town

    Farmers from across Connacht are out in numbers, many on tractors, on the street in Roscommon this lunchtime. They are taking part in a protest rally organised by the IFA. It’s one of four regional rallies being held today in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Disruption to water supply today in Mulranny

    Irish Water and Mayo County Council are working to restore water supply to customers in Mulranny. Crews were mobilised this morning when raw water quality deteriorated following heavy rainfall. Irish Water and Mayo County Council say they regret any…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Thousands turn out for Pyrite/ Mica protest in Dublin this afternoon

    People from across the region are in Dublin this lunchtime taking part in a pyrite/mica protest. Thousands of campaigners have gathered at the Garden of Remembrance and will proceed down to the Customs House in the city to demand that the government commit to…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Flood alert activated for Crossmolina due to heavy rainfall

    A Status Yellow weather warning for rain remains is in place today for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Sligo,Donegal, Cork and Kerry. Met Eireann is warning that rain is expected to be heaviest and most persistent later this evening, with significant…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Protest today in Dublin demanding 100% Redress for householders with pyrite in their homes

    People from across the region are heading to Dublin this morning to take part in a pyrite/mica protest. Campaigners will arrive in the capital to demand that the government commits to 100% redress. A draft report estimates that the total cost of the Redress…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    IFA protest rally in Roscommon today

    Farmers from across Connacht will converge in Roscommon Town this morning (Friday) for a rally organised by the IFA. This is one of four regional rallies being held today in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and Cork, to protest against CAP cuts, climate change…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Jobs boost for Drumshanbo and Strandhill announced

    The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar is in both Leitrim and Sligo today. He will officially open the Shed Distillery Experience, a €3.5m investment by the makers of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and will also turn the…
  • Oct 08, 2021

    Bank of Ireland Branches in Kiltimagh, Charlestown and Ballyhaunis to close from today

    88 Bank of Ireland branches across the country will close their doors for the last time today. The bank is ceasing services at approx a third of all of its branches. It claims that over the last three years, there has been a 60% drop in the number of…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Just over 1200 new cases of Covid 19 confirmed this evening

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been notified of 1,207 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. 355 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of which 69 are in ICUs. The five day moving average of the virus now stands at 1,052
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Number One for Mayo singer

    A Mayo native reached number one on the iTunes Charts for Ireland yesterday with her debut single. Nicola O’Haire of Ballinrobe, and her cover of the folk song ‘Orphan Girl’ surpassed stars like Ed Sheeran and Elton John to the top of the 100-song chart.…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Met Eireann warns that the heaviest rainfall can be expected tomorrow (Fri)

    A Status Yellow weather warning for rain remains is in place for counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Sligo,Donegal, Cork and Kerry. Met Eireann is warning that rain is expected to be heaviest and most persistent later tomorrow (Fri), and significant accumulations…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Tanaiste says many companies on the current 12.5% corporation tax rate will retain that rate

    Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the vast majority of Irish businesses won't be impacted by the Government entering a new deal on a global minimum corporation tax rate. It's expected Ireland will confirm it's joining the OECD deal after a Cabinet meeting this…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Eight Mayo Producers win at the 2021 Blas na hÉireann Awards

    Eight food producers from Co Mayo are among the winners in the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2021, which were held virtually once again this year. This is the 14th year of the awards, which recognise the best Irish food and drink products. Awards are presented in…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Irish Chair Display on exhibition at the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough

     A new exhibition entitled “Our Irish Chair:Tradition Revisted “ has opened at the National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, and displays a group of Irish chairs, which have been collected by the Museum for almost a century, and are…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Big lotto win in North Mayo

    There was one winner of the last night’s Lotto Plus 2 prize of 250,000 Euro. The winning ticket was bought in Bangor Erris Post Office in North Mayo. Mandy Carrabine of Centra in Bangor Erris which operates the Post Office says there is palpable excitement in…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Trolley numbers high across the West, as INMO says nurses "mentally exhausted"

    Trolley numbers remain high across the region today. The latest figures from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation show 49 patients on trolleys at Galway University Hospital, 25 at Mayo University Hospital, 26 at Sligo University Hospital and 15 patients…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Mayo Pyrite group calls for "feet on the street" at Dublin rally tomorrow

    People from across Co Mayo who are impacted by pyrite damage in their home, or who know anyone in this situation, are being urged to travel to Dublin tomorrow to take part in a national demonstration. Campaigners are seeking 100% compensation for the cost of…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    New poll shows Sinn Fein most popular party in Connacht / Ulster

    Sinn Fein is the most popular political party in the Connacht / Ulster region, according to the latest Irish Times/ IPSOS / MRBI poll. Sinn Fein is on 35% support in this region, with 23% for Fine Gael and 21% for Fianna Fail. The poll was carried out between…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Cheshire Mayo to receive new van, funded by donations to Christmas lights display

    A new van will be presented tomorrow to the O'Dwyer Cheshire Home in Bohola from funds raised during a Christmas lights display last year. The Coolegrane Lights near Foxford - organised by Kevin and Brendan Hughes -are one of the country's largest displays of…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Bishops' Mass at Knock Shrine next month to remember all who died during Covid-19 pandemic

    A special Mass will be held at Knock Shrine next month in memory of all who died on the island of Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. The issue was discussed this week at the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference in Maynooth, where the bishops reflected on the…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Mayo Deputy calls for action as over 1200 passport applications from the county currently within the system

    A Mayo Deputy has voiced his frustration with the passport service citing a severe backlog in the system and a lack of response to queries. There are 1,232 passport applications from Mayo currently in the system and Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary says this…
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Winning Lotto ticket from last night sold in Mayo

    There was no winner of last night's Lotto jackpot of 19 million Euro. The top prize was last won in July. There was one winner of the Lotto Plus 2 prize of 250,000 Euro. The winning ticket was bought in County Mayo.
  • Oct 07, 2021

    Status Yellow rainfall warning in effect across the West

    A Status Yellow Weather Warning's in effect for five western coastal counties. Up to 50 millimetres of rain's forecast for parts of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal over the next 48 hours. A similar alert's due to take effect in Cork and Kerry from…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Just under one thousand new cases of Covid-19

    31 people have died after contracting Covid-19 in the past week. It brings the total number of deaths related to the virus in Ireland to 5,280. 984 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported to the Department of Health in the last 24 hours. Latest figures show…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Attorney General looking at ways to penalise quarries which sold defective mica blocks

    The Attorney General is looking at ways to penalise quarries which sold defective mica blocks. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said he believes those responsible should play a role in fixing the problem. The Minister hasn't ruled out a 100 per cent…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Status Yellow rainfall warning for Mayo to last until the weekend

    A Status Yellow Rainfall Warning has been issued by Met Eireann which will come in to effect at Midnight. The weather advisory is for Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal and will remain in place until 3am on Saturday as heavy rain and flooding are…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Residents living in fear of anti-social behaviour in some Castlebar estates

    Residents in some housing estates in Castlebar are terrorised and living in fear because of the anti-social behaviour of their neighbours, and in a number of these cases the perpetrators are housed by Mayo County Council in private residences. The issue was…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Contract signed for €200m N5 road project from Ballaghadereen to Scramogue

    The contract is being signed today for the €200 million N5 road project from Ballaghadereen to Scramogue. It involves 34 km of new single carriageway road, extending from the western end of the existing N5 Ballaghadereen bypass to the townland of Scramogue in…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    IFA rally in Roscommon town on Friday

    An IFA rally will take place in Roscommon town this Friday at 12.30. This is one of four such rallies being held across the country on Friday, under the title "Save Irish Farming". IFA President Tim Cullinane will attend all four rallies in Cavan, Roscommon,…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Well-known New York restaurateur, Sligo's Jimmy Neary has passed away

    The death has taken place of Sligo-born Jimmy Neary, a well-known publican and restaurateur in New York. A native of Tubbercurry, Jimmy Neary emigrated to America in 1954 at the age of 24 and went on to establish the legendary Neary's restaurant on East 57th…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Mayo's 14-day Covid rate now below national average

    Ireland will continue to see Covid-19 cases for many months to come, but a NPHET member says the country is currently "in a good place" in the fight against the disease. Professor Philip Nolan said "people should not be fearful, but they should be careful" as…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Age-friendly apartments approved for Westport

    There's good news for Westport this morning, as approval has been given for the construction of 17 age-friendly apartments. The new units will be constructed on the former Convent of Mercy site on Altamont Street, which has fallen into disrepair in recent…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    New €1 million fund to develop sensory gardens

    A new €1 million fund has been announced to develop sensory gardens, to benefit children and adults with disabilities. Galway East TD, and Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte has launched the €1 million fund, which is open to organisations…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Garda checkpoints today to check for defective tyres

    Today is Tyre Safety Day, and the Road Safety Authority, Gardai and the Irish Tyre Industry Association have teamed up to remind all road users to check their tyres to ensure they're roadworthy. It's estimated that defective tyres are contributory factor in…
  • Oct 06, 2021

    Galway named among top ten Best Small Cities in the World

    Galway has been included in a list of the top ten Best Small Cities in the world. Over 800,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveller filled out a survey for the 2021 Readers' Choice Awards, with Galway making it to number 9 in the top ten list. In its citation, the…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    1,124 new Covid-19 cases reported this evening

    1,124 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening. The five-day moving average of cases has continued to fall, for the fourth day in a row. Meanwhile, latest figures show there are 349 Covid-positive patients in hospitals nationally, which is 16…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Update on new Coast Guard Station in Westport

    It's hoped the contract will be awarded before the end of this year for the new Coast Guard Station in Westport. That's according to Mayo FG Deputy Michael Ring, who sought an update on the project from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Deputy…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Heavy rain across Connacht on Thursday & Friday

    Heavy rain is expected over the western half of the country this Thursday and Friday. Met Eireann has issued a weather advisory for the Connacht counties, as well as Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Donegal. The forecaster says a band of rain is approaching…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Medical evacuation off Inishboffin overnight last night

    A man was evacuated from Inishbofin island overnight by Achill Island RNLI. He was brought to Cleggan Pier in Galway and brought to University College Hospital Galway for treatment. The volunteer lifeboat crew of six with Dave Curtis as Coxswain, left Achill…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Minister says exclusion infrastructure projects from NDP should not been seen as Govt turning back on the West

    The exclusion of the Western Rail Corridor and the N26 road project should not be seen as the Government turning its back on the West -that's according to the Minster of State for Business Damien English, who says only projects at the end of reviews and…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Achill Island RNLI involved in night-time medical evacuation

    The Achill Island RNLI was involved in a night-time medical evacuation from Inishbofin overnight. The volunteer lifeboat crew left Achill shortly before 10pm last night in the all-weather lifeboat, travelling 20 nautical miles to reach the casualty on…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Patients facing lengthy waiting times at UHG due to high numbers attending

    Management at University Hospital Galway are warning that patients attending the Emergency Department are facing lengthy waiting times, due to the high number of people attending. The Saolta Hospital Group says there's pressure on bed availability in the…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Sligo's Dr Mike Ryan of the WHO to speak at Hospice forum

    The Irish Hospice Foundation is holding a two-day forum to examine our relationship with death and bereavement. The online event will include discussions on how we care for people at the end of their lives, and how best to support someone experiencing grief.…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    €981,000 in funding for CAMHS and perinatal services across the region

    €981,000 in funding has been announced for CAMHS services across the region and perinatal services in Galway. That’s according to the Minister for Disabilities and Fianna Fail TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte. The Department of Health details says an…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Mayo Dark Sky Park to secure a new Planetarium and Observatory

    A Planetarium and an Observatory are two exciting, well advanced new developments planned for Mayo’s only National Park - whether it’s called Ballroy National Park or Wild Neiphin National Park or Wild Neiphin Ballycroy National Park. Details of both projects…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    NPWS admit change to the name of Mayo's National Park is "not written in stone"

    The National Parks & Wildlife Service has committed to “looking again” at its decision to rename Mayo's only national park. The decision by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to rename “Ballycroy National Park” to– “Wild Nephin National Park”, has evoked…
  • Oct 05, 2021

    Pyrite problem in Mayo impacting on more than private homes

    110 homeowners in Mayo have qualified for the Pyrite Redress Scheme , however, the number of premises with defective blocks in the county is set to be significantly higher. That was outlined yesterday at a Special Meeting of Mayo County Council.…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Lowest daily number of Covid-19 cases since mid-July

    The Department of Health has reported 892 new cases of Covid-19 this evening. It's a 15% decrease on yesterday's figure, and the lowest daily figure reported since the 14th of July. There are 333 people in hospital with the virus, of whom 64 are being treated…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Some visiting restrictions eased at Roscommon University Hospital

    Visiting restrictions introduced last week at Roscommon University Hospital following an outbreak of Covid-19 have now been lifted on two wards. The visiting ban no longer applies to St Bridget's Ward or St Coman's Ward, but visiting to both wards will still…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Lack of commitment to Western Rail Corridor in National Developent Plan "very disappointing"

    Two Mayo TDs have expressed anger that there's no firm commitment to the Western Rail Corridor in the revised National Development Plan launched today by the Taoiseach and Government leaders in Cork. The plan outlines €165 billion euro in spending, which…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Westport Councillor calls on local authority to do more to ease the housing crisis

    It’s almost impossible at present for ordinary people to rent a house, or even room in Mayo and buying a house is completely out of the reach of many. That’s according to Westport based Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn. The councillor says the situation could…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Galway East TD says more investment is needed at UHG to tackle MRI waiting lists for children

    The Government must put more investment into University Hospital Galway to tackle waiting times for children in need of MRI scans. That’s according to Independent Galway East TD Sean Canney, who received confirmation that children are waiting up to 24 months…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Gateway Leisure in Belmullet to close next Sunday

    A popular family entertainment centre in north Mayo is to close its doors permanently, with the loss of up to 20 jobs. Gateway Leisure in Belmullet, which is in business since 2009, is closing next Sunday, due to rising insurance costs. The business consists…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Roscommon man elected new President of the INHFA

    Ballaghaderreen native Vincent Roddy is the new President of the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA). His election was ratified at the organisation’s National AGM which was held in Donegal last Thursday. Roddy will lead a new team consisting of…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Baboró Festival gets underway in Galway later

    Baboró, Ireland’s International Arts Festival for Children, will celebrate twenty five years in existence with a very special festival beginning in Galway from today. This unique event had at its heart a vision of access to the arts for all children, inspired…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    COPE Galway win community housing award

    Modh Eile House, the new home of COPE Galway’s domestic abuse services for women and children in Galway, has secured an Irish Council for Social Housing Allianz Community Housing award for 2021. COPE Galway says all of Galway can take pride in this…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    BusConnects commitment for Galway expected as part of revised NDP

    The Government will launch its revised, 165 billion euro National Development Plan this afternoon. Cabinet Ministers are gathering in Cork to sign off on the plan for capital spending over the next decade. Among the commitments expected is a BusConnects…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    HSE urges vulnerable people to get the flu jab this winter

    The HSE's urging people who need the flu jab to get it, as there's more chance the virus will spread this winter. Covid-19 restrictions around travel, social distancing and masking has cut flu levels across Europe to much lower levels than normal. People with…
  • Oct 04, 2021

    Tributes paid following death of former Killala Councillor

    Tributes have been paid following the death of former Mayo County Councillor Vinnie Munnelly. He served two consecutive terms on Mayo County Council as a Fine Gael elected representative for the Killala area. Mr Munnelly was first elected in 1979 and was a…
  • Oct 03, 2021

    Over 1,000 new Covid-19 cases confirmed

    There are 1,051 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today - a decrease of 535 on yesterday's figure. 319 people are in hospital with the virus, up from 298. 60 Covid patients are in ICU.
  • Oct 03, 2021

    Sinn Fein TD hits out at vandalism of plaque remembering Mayo hunger striker

    Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh has hit out at those responsible for vandalising a plaque remembering Mayo hunger striker Michael Gaughan in Ardnaree. The Provisional Irish Republican Army hunger striker died in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight in…
  • Oct 03, 2021

    Health expert says toll of post-viral Covid-19 will hit the poor hardest

    A public health expert says the toll of post-viral symptoms after contracting Covid-19 will hit the poor hardest. Professor of Health Systems at DCU, Anthony Staines, says up to a tenth of that number will require medium or long-term care for "Long Covid". He…
  • Oct 03, 2021

    Health Minister says hospital waiting lists are have worsened since before the pandemic

    The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced the creation of a Taskforce to tackle Hospital waiting lists. In a letter to the recently resigned members of the Slainte Care Implementation Advisory Council, Minister Donnelly said waiting lists were…
  • Oct 03, 2021

    Highest Covid-19 hospital numbers for more than two weeks recorded

    319 Covid-positive patients are being treated in Irish hospitals today - the highest for more than two weeks. Figures show there's a rise from 298 since yesterday, while the total has increased by 7 percent. Latest figures from the HSE show there are 56…
  • Oct 03, 2021

    Government to designate data centres 'strategic infrastructure' despite energy crisis

    The Government is to press ahead with plans to class data centres at 'strategic infrastructure' despite the energy crisis. It'll allow developers to access fast track planning according to The Business Post newspaper. The move comes almost a week after…
  • Oct 02, 2021

    Over 1,500 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed

    The Department of Health has been notified of an additional 1,586 Covid-19 cases today. This is an increase 527 on yesterday's figure. 298 patients are in hospital with the virus - 56 of which are in ICU.
  • Oct 02, 2021

    Four LEA's in Mayo have above average 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19

    Four Local Electoral Areas in Mayo have recorded 14-day Covid incidence rates above the national average. In the two-week period that ended on Monday, Castlebar, Ballina, Westport and Claremorris were all above the national figure of 389 per 100,000 people.…
  • Oct 02, 2021

    New Covid-19 pill may cut chance of death or hospitalisation by up to half

    A new drug being developed to treat Covid-19 may cut the chance of death or hospitalisation by up to half. The news comes as the Department of Health announced last night there were 1,059 new cases of the virus recorded yesterday. The pharmaceutical giant…
  • Oct 02, 2021

    Government accused of 'dragging its heels' on Mica redress

    The Government is being accused of dragging its heels on redress for Mica families. Aontú Leader Peadar Toibín says after first committing to 100 per cent redress for them, that commitment has been thrown in doubt. A government working group report suggests…