News from around the county
MacHale Park testing site closed on Saturday
The Covid-19 testing centre in MacHale Park will not be open for Covid-19 testing on Saturday, May 15, due to the facility being used for GAA activity. Testing will resume on Sunday, May 16, from 11am to 5pm and will be offering both walk-in testing with no appointment necessary for those who have no symptoms and testing for those who are symptomatic or close contacts of a confirmed case of Covid-19 and those who are referred by their GP.
10,151 on PUP in Mayo
There was a total of 10,151 people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP ) in Mayo on Tuesday this week - a reduction of 198 on those in receipt of the payment the previous week. 324 people closed their PUP payment claims in the county and returned to work in the seven days between Tuesday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 11, while there were 3,989 people in receipt of the enhanced Covid illness benefit this week in Mayo - an increase of 39 on the week before.
Rents in Connacht rise by 7.9 per cent
Rents in Connacht rose 7.9 per cent year-on-year, reflecting a sharp fall in availability - just 161 homes were available to rent on May 1, down almost 45 per cent compared to a year ago. In Mayo, rents were on average 8.3 per cent higher in the first quarter of 2021 than a year previously. The average listed rent is now €798, up 54 per cent from its lowest point, according to the latest Rental Report by Daft.ie
Coillte reveals illegally dumped items in forests
Coillte has revealed that the most common illegally dumped items in the nation’s forests over the past year include: (1 ) Washing machines/fridge freezers (these are almost always free to re-cycle at your local bring centre. ); (2 ) Household waste, e.g., black sacks sometimes with food, nappies, cans and bottles (the latter two can be re-cycled at no cost ); (3 ) Tyres; (4 ) Beds and sofas, household furniture and (5 ) Building rubble i.e. old bricks, wooden planks and soil. "Illegal dumping and fly tipping remain a serious issue for the nation’s forests" said Mick Power, Coillte’s National Estates Manager. "The vast majority of visitors are respectful and bring all their litter home, which Coillte and staff on the ground appreciate enormously. There is a small number of people who make the public roads and entrances to our forests unsightly, some of the rubbish is foul smelling, attracts vermin and is a health and safety hazard for families, their children and their dogs,” according to Power.
Balla Bingo continues
On Sunday, May 16, €5,555 and other prizes are on offer at May Madness Balla Bingo. They have €1,500 on two Jackpots on 42 Calls and extra prizes in all games. Proceeds from the community bingo are reinvested in projects to benefit the community in Balla.
Lake District AC hold historic sod turning
Last Sunday evening was momentous for the Lake District Athletic Club as the first sod was finally turned on the track project. Sarah Quinn, World Silver medalist in the 4 x 200m relay, together with Conor Cusack, also an international athlete, performed the turning of the sod. The low key ceremony (due to Covid restrictions ) took place on site and was attended by Jeanette Slattery, (Ballinrobe Sports Hub ); Sarah Quinn; David Madden, John Maddens and Sons Ltd.; Donal McCormack (Consultant engineer,DMC Design ); John Sweeney (Ballinrobe Town Park chairperson ); Padraic Joyce (LDAC Vice -Chairperson ); Conor Cusack, (LDAC athlete ); Lorraine Grimes (LDAC Chairperson ) and Deidre Donnelly (Mayo Sports Partnership ).
Ballyhaunis GAA and LGFA membership is now open
This year 2021 sees the GAA and LGFA using Foireann, a single integrated membership system for the first time. This means that club memberships can be registered and paid for online for 2021 via the GAA’s own registration platform. This platform can be accessed via the club's Facebook page. For those who wish to pay membership in the traditional way, please contact Ballyhaunis Registrars Anne Cunnane Marques or Stella O’Neill.
