Tender for works on N60 from Heathlawn to Balla - Dillon

Sun, May 15, 2022

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has welcomed good news on N60 Balla to Claremorris Road Realignment at Heathlawn that has now moved to tender. Deputy Dillon said: "This is an important step forward for all road users who use the N60 and especially this busy section of road which has seen a large increase in traffic flow since the Tuam bypass has opened. The project comprises the construction of approximately 3.6km of mainly online upgrade of national secondary road on a section of road commencing 1.5km east of Balla village. The realigned road will improve the capacity, overall consistency and efficiency of the N60, providing more reliable journey times, thereby enhancing the prospect for future development and growth within the region. There is no doubt, the lives of the residents living along this stretch of road will be greatly enhanced; it will provide all road-users with a safer environment into the area. I want to acknowledge the work of my colleague Cllr Cyril Burke who has raised this matter with me on multiple occasions and has liaised with Mayo County Council road design team to see this development proceed to tender," concluded Deputy Dillon.

Extension for Mayo Abbey NS to proceed to tender – Ring

Sun, May 15, 2022

Michael Ring TD has welcomed the announcement that Mayo Abbey National School, Claremorris has been approved to proceed to tender for a school extension. The extension will include 1 x 80sq m mainstream classroom including en suite and 1 x 10.5sq m wc for assisted users (total area including walls and circulation 105sq m). Deputy Ring said: "I am delighted that this extension has been approved to proceed to tender. Currently the school has to use the GP room as a classroom and this extra mainstream classroom is urgently required. This is very welcome news for the pupils and staff in Mayo Abbey NS."

Mayo charity aids arrival of Ukrainian children to Mayo

Sat, May 14, 2022

A total of 113 women and children were evacuated from Chernobyl, Ukraine to Mayo this week after a rescue effort led by Castlebar based charity Candle of Grace.

Mayo communities looking to strike it lucky at Pride of Place Awards

Sat, May 14, 2022

The prestigious ceremony for the National Pride of Place Awards will take place in the Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney, Kerry on Monday, May 16.

Man to take on Croagh Patrick in a wheelchair

Sat, May 14, 2022

Lester Cassidy is taking on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing Croagh Patrick in ­a wheelchair to raise funds for both the National Rehabilitation Hospital for Adults and Children (NRH) and Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII). On June 25 of this year, Mr Cassidy (43) will take on the mammoth task with a little help from his family and friends.

Average Mayo rent is €955 - up 84 per cent from its lowest point

Sat, May 14, 2022

Rents in Connacht rose 19.7 per cent year-on-year, reflecting very low availability - just 126 homes were available to rent on May 1, down almost 60 per cent compared to a year ago according to the latest daft.ie report.

Ballinrobe gearing up for a community day to remember

Sat, May 14, 2022

Plans are at an advanced stage for Ballinrobe’s Community Day in the Parish Centre on Saturday, May 21.

Ring officially opens Glencorrib/Kilroe Community Walkway

Sat, May 14, 2022

Michael Ring TD officially opened Glencorrib/Kilroe Community Walkway recently. Deputy Michael Ring stated: "I was absolutely delighted and honoured to be asked to officially open Glencorrib/Kilroe Community Walkway. This is a truly wonderful amenity in the village of Glencorrib. I am very pleased to be able to say that this walkway was developed with funding of €71,250 that I allocated in my capacity as Minister for Rural and Community Development. This walkway with lighting is a tremendous addition to the Glencorrib/Kilroe area. The provision of lighting will ensure that this facility can be used all year round and will prove especially beneficial during the long winter evenings. This is an excellent investment in people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. The number of people engaging in outdoor recreation activities in Ireland has increased significantly in recent years. Both locals and visitors are engaging in a broad range of outdoor recreation activities. I was delighted that Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton -who also allocated funding to this wonderful project - was able to attend the official opening. I wish to strongly compliment and commend LEADER, the Rural Social Scheme and Mr Pauric Hennelly, chairman of the committee, on their hard work, dedication and commitment to this project. Without of all of their sterling work this project would not have come to fruition. It is extremely heart-warming to witness first-hand the community spirit that is very much alive and well in the Glencorrib/Kilroe area. It is extremely admirable. Over the years, in my capacity as Minister for Rural and Community Development, I always endeavoured to deliver as much funding as I could to rural Ireland and Glencorrib/Kilroe was no exception to this."

Dillon urges Minister to secure an affordable housing scheme for Mayo

Sat, May 14, 2022

Affordability of housing in Mayo is now at a crisis point, Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon highlighted during ministerial questioning in the Dáil. Deputy Dillon expressed disappointment that Mayo County Council has been excluded from the national affordable housing five-year delivery targets despite the problems that exist. At present no scheme has been approved to provide affordable housing in the county and this is having a negative impact on future economic development in the county. "There is a shortage of affordable homes to rent or purchase in parts of the county, especially in towns such as Westport, Castlebar and Ballina." Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien explained an identified level of affordable housing need arises where, of the projected housing need in the county, more than five per cent of new households would not qualify. "The level of affordability constrained need in Mayo is assessed at below five per cent. I understand there are localised affordability issues, particularly in Westport and also potentially in Ballina. We are happy to consider those issues. Where local authorities have localised affordability measures, as is the case in the two towns in question, they can still apply to the Department for funding to develop affordable housing schemes if they can demonstrate that an affordable scheme is needed to address those localised affordability challenges and they can meet the criteria for the fund. I am confident that can be done. As regards Mayo in particular, in June 2021 a scheme was submitted for 25 homes in Westport under the previous fund, namely, the Serviced Sites Fund. We have told Mayo County Council that it can resubmit that to the new fund and I understand work is ongoing between my Department and the council on that." Minister O’Brien informed Deputy Dillon of KPMG’s ongoing work for Mayo County Council on the future analytics side, to prove the affordability constraint in pressure areas within Mayo, and following the conclusion of KPMG work this month his Department has agreed to meet with Mayo County Council in June. Deputy Dillon said Mayo has the fourth-lowest market house price in the country but that is certainly not reflective of the open market price of new-build homes in areas such as Westport, Castlebar and Ballina. Some of these A-rated new premises are on the market for between €270,000 and €350,000. He said: "I am delighted to see Mayo County Council has been proactive. It reached out to the public in Mayo, seeking information to understand better the demand for affordable housing, including locations of choice and the affordability constraints of potential applicants. The threshold for social housing in Mayo is €25,000. Many people are above that threshold but caught within the squeezed-middle bracket. It is important that we respond to these pressure areas. Mayo has significant issues in respect of vacancy and dereliction. Increasing housing supply in the area would be an important step forward."

Widespread frustration as CAO faces repeat of grade inflation pressure – Conway-Walsh

Sat, May 14, 2022

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education Rose Conway-Walsh TD has said there is widespread frustration among students and parents at reports of sustained levels of grade inflation and the use of a lottery system to allocated high-demand courses.

Compromise reached on beach by-laws to ensure retention of Blue Flags

Fri, May 13, 2022

Blue Flag beaches in the county are to have designated areas where people can walk their dogs during the summer bathing season, which will in turn allow the beaches to keep their status as Blue Flag beaches.

Mayo Bike Week Festival returns

Fri, May 13, 2022

National Bike Week returns to Mayo from Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 22. Mayo Sports Partnership, in conjunction with the local Bike Week steering committee, invites you to 'Click into Gear' and participate in some of the 25 events taking place throughout Mayo.

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