Cyclists need to be as courteous as other road users

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The popularity of cycling on our roads has grown evident in recent weeks with some of the busiest roads, particularly around the Westport area, become heavily trafficked by cyclists. While this shows a positive move to greener travel and health benefits, the trend does present new dangers and road safety officer with Mayo County Council, Noel Gibbons, has issued an appeal to all cyclists to be responsible and heed the rules of the road. He also advises they wear high-visibility clothing and “always wear a helmet no matter how short the journey is”.

Family fun day at Ballinrobe Races

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

A great day of fun and excitement is planned for Family Day at Ballinrobe Races on Sunday August 22 next with a programme of activities to suit all ages.

Wild mink are causing havoc — Kenny

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny TD has received confirmation from the Environment Minister John Gormley that he intends to control the population of wild mink by protecting rare and endangered species of ground nesting birds. According to Deputy Kenny the plans for Minister Gormley’s department are that he intends spending €60,000 this year on the targeted control of the predators including wild mink at specific times to protect threatened bird species such as red-throated divers, corncrakes, waders and terns.

Irish Red Cross appeal for Pakistan flood victims

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The Irish Red Cross has called on families, communities, workplaces, and sports clubs to organise fundraising efforts to provide essential services and equipment to flooded areas in the devastated country.

Good news for Mayo passport applicants

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Mayo holidaymakers looking to quickly renew their passport before a last-minute jaunt abroad can be reassured that their application will be dealt with expediently as normal passport services resume.

Civil registration service to be restored to Mayo

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny has welcomed confirmation from the Health Service Executive that the civil registration service in Mayo will be restored. The former registrar for the county has retired recently and any ceremonies were carried out with assistance from registrars in other neighbouring counties; however, this was unable to continue because of the workload involved. Many hotels throughout County Mayo cater for civil ceremonies and it was undoubtedly having a negative impact when no registrar was in place to perform the ceremonies. An existing staff member will be redeployed to the civil registration service and they will commence covering the area on Monday, 16 August 2010.

Visit Belmullet Heritage Day

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The annual Belmullet Heritage Day will take place this Wednesday August 18.

Enterprise board future in doubt as chief executive job becomes vacant

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

The future of the Mayo County Enterprise board remains in doubt from this autumn when CEO Frank Fullard is set to retire, with no indication of a successor being appointed to his position.

Parents advised to start saving from child’s birth to cover the cost of their children’s education

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

New research just released has estimated the cost of a child’s education in Ireland at €70,000 from primary through to the end of third level. A study carried out by Bank of Ireland Life and website www.schooldays.ie has found that nearly half of all parents felt that this coming school year was going to be one of the most difficult ever and two thirds think that they were going to have to seek financial assistance from their family to help cover the costs.

Schools in Mayo to lose out as budgets slashed

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

Fine Gael deputy John O’Mahony has hit out at the slashing of school budgets by a massive €2 billion in the Capital Expenditure Programme, saying this will have a devastating effect on Mayo schools and children.

Plus size school uniforms reflect loss of healthy cooking skills

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

News that Marks & Spencer is introducing a new line of plus size uniforms for national school children has generated considerable concern among health experts. The outside clothing range includes some 23 inch waisted trousers that should fit children aged eight but are now being tailored for children as young as pre-school.

Children need to be taught to be human

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

Radio presenter George Hook has said children, and especially male children, need to be taught how to be human again in order to ensure they forge deep and meaningful friendships that will continue into adulthood.

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