Mulherin welcomes extension of small business flood relief scheme

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Mayo Fine Gael TD Mayo, Deputy Michelle Mulherin, has this week welcomed the decision by the Minister for Defence Simon Coveney, to expand the criteria for eligibility for small businesses affected by recent flooding so that they can make a claim under the temporary emergency humanitarian support scheme which is being administered by the Irish Red Cross.

Deputy Mulherin said: “When the Irish Red Cross-administered scheme to assist flooded small businesses was established, some anomalies emerged. I became aware from the owners of some businesses that they had to get confirmation from Mayo County Council that the damaged premises were subject to commercial rates. This restriction excluded a small number of businesses that suffered flood damage to their premises but were not in occupation of rateable premises. This prevented them from receiving a contribution under the scheme. I highlighted this anomaly with Minister Coveney, and I am pleased with his decision to expand the scheme. It makes for fair play for those who fell between the two stools of the two schemes ensuring they receive financial assistance too.

Mayo Cancer Support Association needs you help to keep delivering services

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Mayo Cancer Support Association Ltd, operating at Rock Rose House Castlebar and The Family Resource Centre in Ballina, is a free confidential support service for people affected by cancer. In order to operate the smooth running of this service a committee of 20 to 25 volunteers, plus administration and professional staff are involved.

Relaunch of Castlebar breastfeeding support group

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Le Cheile Community and Family resource centre Castlebar hosted the relaunch of the breastfeeding support group last week in Le Cheile Family Resource Centre. This project is a joint community initiative between Le Cheile FRC and public health nurses from HSE West.

Kenny welcomes latest fall in unemployment figures

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny has welcomed recent employment figures which show that the unemployment rate has fallen to 8.6 per cent, the lowest it has been since 2008.

A Sinn Féin government will deliver for farmers and fishermen — Conway-Walsh

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Sinn Fein has launched its new policy document A New Deal for the West which outlines a new vision for the west of Ireland. Chairperson of the Stand up for the West campaign is Mayo General Election candidate Cllr Rose Conway-Walsh who believes this deal will deliver for farmers and fishermen in the west of Ireland who for too long have not been adequately represented.

Disability Federation of Ireland campaign aims to ‘Disable Inequality’ in Election 2016

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Disable Inequality, a major election campaign for the disability movement, was launched recently. The campaign is calling on the next government to establish a cabinet minister for disability inclusion. It is also calling for an end to the anomaly that means that people with disabilities cannot access many Government job activation schemes and the reinstatement of the €150m which has been taken out of disability health services since 2008. This is a grassroots movement election campaign that will engage the public and candidates across all 43 constituencies.

There are 600,000 people living with a disability in Ireland — that is 13 per cent of the population — a number that is growing as Ireland’s population ages. Two in three people know or care for an immediate family member, a friend, or a neighbour living with a disability. There are 17,710 people with a disability living in Mayo.

Fianna Fáil unveils A Manifesto for Rural Ireland

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Fianna Fáil has launched "A Manifesto for Rural Ireland” which it says is a comprehensive policy document that provides a credible plan to support the development of rural parish communities and balanced regional development. The document was launched by party spokesperson on agriculture and food Éamon Ó Cuív and spokesperson on community affairs Bobby Aylward, the document sets out key reforms and proposals that Fianna Fáil will implement in government. These measures it says will directly improve service provision, infrastructure, and employment opportunities in rural Ireland.

Deputy Ó Cuív, who is contesting the General Election in the Galway West constituency, which takes in large parts of south Mayo, including Ballinrobe, for the first time, commented: “Fianna Fáil has put forward a credible plan with practical costed solutions to reverse the five years of unfair government attacks on rural Ireland across many areas. Our vision centres on ensuring that rural Ireland is given the same employment and economic opportunities that have been afforded to other areas.”

New fire station for Crossmolina — Mulherin

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Mayo Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has welcomed confirmation that Crossmolina is to get a new fire station. "I have been pursuing the issue since my election with former minister Hogan and current minister Alan Kelly. Former councillor Eddie Staunton had brought it to my attention and I visited the premises and met with the fire fighters to see for myself," said Deputy Mulherin this week.

Cowley outlines his reasons for running

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Mulranny doctor Jerry Cowley will run as an independent candidate in the General Election as part of a national campaign by GPs in rural Ireland. Dr Cowley, who has a practice in Mulranny for 35 years, is the second candidate to be put forward by the No Doctor, No Village, campaign. The first candidate was Dr Michael Harty of Kilmihil, Co Clare, who made his announcement earlier in January.

People Before Profit candidate hits out at Tesco

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Tesco has announced that long serving members of staff are on ‘inflexible contracts’ and are demanding that they take wage cuts. Tom Moran, the People Before Profit General Election candidate, has claimed: “This move reflects the true nature of the Irish recovery — it is being built on a low wage economy. About 1,000 members of Tesco staff are affected and it would mean a cut of €2.35 (16.5 per cent) per hour for workers earning €14.31. Over a whole year, it would lead to a minimum reduction of €6,591 per worker."

Chambers pledges to fight for public service pay and conditions

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Mayo Lisa Chambers says her party will work to bring the take home pay of gardaí, teachers, and nurses in line with general wage improvements in the economy. Along with these measures, the party will address the inferior conditions of newly recruited public servants who secured jobs after 2011.

Teresa Mannion to launch Great Lakes Challenge Series

Fri, Feb 05, 2016

The most popular news reporter in Ireland, if not the world, Teresa Mannion of RTÉ will make a necessary journey to Tourmakeady this Sunday, February 7. Teresa the RTÉ News reporter became an overnight celebratory following her dramatic report on storm Desmond from the Salthill promenade – a report that went viral over the internet.

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