Independent report on Áras Attracta published

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

The HSE this week published the Independent Report of the Áras Attracta (McCoy) Review Group. Following the broadcast of the Prime Time programme Inside Bungalow 3 by RTE in December 2014, the HSE commissioned the McCoy Review Group to undertake an independent review of the quality of care being provided in Áras Attracta. The findings of the Review Group are presented over a series of three reports.

Castlebar prepares for literary weekend

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

Final touches are being made to Castlebar’s first ever literary festival, Wild Atlantic Words, which takes place next month. Celebrating the literary heritage of the west, the festival features a weekend of readings, recitals, debates, new writing, book launches, poetry and music.

46,500 water consumers still at boiling point

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

A full and comprehensive audit of the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday following the issuing of a boil water notice on the scheme last Friday evening. Representatives from Irish Water, Mayo County Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) were present at the audit.

No instruction that staff had to buy their own water says hospital group

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

The Saolta University Health Care Group have denied that staff at Mayo University Hospital were told to purchase their own bottled water. On Wednesday night the group issued a statement following claims by Fianna Fáil TD Lisa Chambers that staff were told to bring their own water with them after a boil water notice was put in place across ares supplied by the Lough Mask Regional Water Scheme.

The statement from the group said, “There was no instruction that any staff at Mayo University Hospital purchase their own water: MUH has temporary measures in place (bottled water). The current dispensers are being serviced and fitted with a certified filter to eliminate the risks for patients and staff as a result of the current water problem in Mayo: this will be complete by the end of this week. The interim measure is that bottled water supplied by the hospital is available in all wards and departments for staff and patients: the notification sent to all wards and department clearly states that.”

A chef’s perspective on the recent boiled water notice

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

Following an announcement from the health service executive on Friday night, the life of a chef in Mayo has become a little more complicated. The preparation of all sauces and soups are not affected as a temperature of over 100c kills the presence of Cryptosporidium parasite in the water. All foods have to be washed in cooled boiled water, which means, all herbs, lettuce, fruits and salads!

Vegetables and potatoes are fine as they all reach the 100C temperature when cooked. Ice cubes made from cooled boiled water are ok, but we can buy them in already frozen from a supplier. The kitchen boils, blast chills and cools 200-300litres of water per day, but the main concern in the hotel is drinking water for the 100+ guests, which you can imagine is no small task. Bottled still and sparkling water has been bought in, and guests need cooled boiled water in their rooms, for everyday functions, like cleaning their teeth, etc.

Croagh Patrick, then and now

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

There are not many locations within the boundaries of Mayo from where a vista of Croagh Patrick cannot be gained from even the smallest naturally raised platform. The mountain, with its distinctive pyramidal shape, is an iconic symbol of the county for the people of Mayo. Better known today as a venue for an annual Christian pilgrimage, the Reek’s history is one of changing uses.

Achill Aid event to raise money for worthy cause

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

Ireland’s iconic Riverdance, and legendary singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke will headline Achill Aid, a benefit concert hosted by Galway Hospice, in association with the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association on Friday September 30 at the Achill Island Hotel from 8pm in memory of the late Joan Egan, who sadly passed away last year at the Galway Hospice following a battle with motor neurone disease.

Tickets can be purchased from Tickets.ie or from the Achill Island Hotel, and are priced at €30 with all proceeds being donated to the IMNDA and Galway Hospice. Along with the headlining acts, the event will feature a number of very special guests including the supremely talented young Achill songwriter Graham Sweeney, who released his charity single “I Am” in memory of Joan late last year. Fresh from a superb performance at Electric Picnic this year, Graham has previously toured with Declan and looks forward to sharing the stage with him once again.

Claremorris Leisure Centre raises €5k for Cancer Care West

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

During the summer Claremorris Leisure Centre held its annual swimathon in aid of Cancer Care West. All proceeds raised from this event went directly to the charity. Cancer Care West provides support to cancer patients and their families from all over the west of Ireland. All of Cancer Care West’s services are provided at no cost to patients and their families, so it relies greatly on charitable fundraising and donations to meet the cost and demand of these services.

Mayo Ideas Week to showcase the ‘Spirit of Innovation’

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

Mayo Ideas Week will run from September 26 to October 4 across the county, the event is a series of idea generation, entrepreneurship and business events hosted by the development and enterprise organisations.

Anam Cara evening in Castlebar

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

Anam Cara, the national organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding a bereavement information evening on Thursday September 15 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar.

”I have been to two information evenings. Both speakers were exceptionally good. I received very valuable nuggets of information and I got great comfort from speaking to the other parents afterwards,” said one bereaved mother.

Castlebar falls in IBAL anti-litter league

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

The latest survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows Castlebar in joint 35th position in the ranking of 40 towns and cities and deemed “littered”. The town was judged to be ‘clean’ and finished in 23rd spot in last year’s rankings.

Volunteer for Childline and you can make a difference in a child’s life

Fri, Sep 09, 2016

In the space of time it will take you to read this line, a child has called the Childline service to talk about something that is concerning him/her. Children contact Childline for many reasons. Some want to talk about their lives, others are worried, some children are afraid, or lonely. Their worries could include family issues, school concerns, relationship problems, sexuality, abuse, depression, or mental health concerns.

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