Castlebar must present itself in the best light

Fri, Feb 28, 2014

Making sure Castlebar presents the right image is something that is essential to attracting industry and investment to the town, according to Joanne Grehan, CEO of the Mayo County Enterprise Board. Ms Grehan was speaking at last week’s Castlebar Town Council meeting, where she told the members that she was in constant contact with Northgate over the start up of their new enterprise in Castlebar, but it was important that Castlebar is portrayed in a positive light as it’s being constantly monitored by potential investors. “There have been a few things out of anyone’s control in the town that were not the kind of publicity we would hope for, such as the IBAL survey results. These are the kind of things that are being looked at by the investors.”

A record year for estate takeovers in Mayo in 2013

Fri, Feb 28, 2014

At this month’s SPC for planning and economic development, Cllr Eugene McCormack welcomed the efforts by Mayo County Council and the significant progress made in taking over housing estates and completing unfinished estates. John McMyler, senior executive planner, told the meeting that Mayo Co Council had embarked on a significant programme of assessing estates for taking in charge, and in this regard 104 estates were taken over in 2013 which was a record, and that the process was continuing in 2014 with more estates in the pipeline.

‘Shocking’ wait time for money advice appointment

Fri, Feb 28, 2014

People struggling with bills and debt and in search of help to right their personal finances are waiting more than three months for an appointment at the Mayo South office of MABS - the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

There are two MABS services in Mayo - Mayo south and Mayo north - providing a free service to people with debt problems.

Knock based author launches book

Fri, Feb 28, 2014

Local first time author Mikal O’Boyle has just launched her debut young-adult fiction novel Snake the Gypsy. O’Boyle, who is an American by birth but living in Knock with her Mayo husband, had her book launched recently by Minister for Arts and Culture, Jimmy Deenihan. Snake the Gypsy is narrated by an elderly woman, and is a recounting of her life as a young girl. It begins with a lonely gypsy girl who is ostracised by her own nation and is neglected by her unsympathetic mother. Times seem very hard for her as she struggles to find happiness in life until she finally befriends an extraordinary snake who follows her, protects her, and even dances with her during her rigorous training sessions. When the time comes for snake to enter into the Locé, the bi-annual gypsy festival, a horrible fate befalls the gypsy girl and her snake, deserting her in a place she is unfamiliar with, but she soon discovers that things have become even worse as she has stumbled into the midst of a war between two very unlikely beings. The book is available in hard copy on Amazon and on the Kindle.

Mayo General stubbing out smoking on grounds

Tue, Feb 25, 2014

Mayo General Hospital will be a completely smoke free zone from next Wednesday, March 5.

'Shocking' wait time for money advice

Tue, Feb 25, 2014

People struggling with debt are waiting over three months for an appointment at the MABS - Money Advice and Budgeting Service - Mayo South office, according to new figures.

Talent needed for open mic night

Tue, Feb 25, 2014

Jugglers, dancers, comedians, poets and players are being called to share their talents at an open mic night in The Creel, Westport, on Thursday (February 27) at 8pm.

Ten questions with.......

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

(1) Why are you running for election?
Because I have a lot of work to do to make Mayo an even better place. After years spent trying to figure the system out, I feel ready now to give back. Even if I don' t get elected I will always be glad I put myself forward.

Maternity report had to go public — Kilcoyne

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

The future of maternity services at Mayo General Hospital has been put firmly on the agenda around the county this week, following revelations from Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne that a draft report proposed the closure of a number of maternity units in the region, including at Mayo General.

Argentine delegation for Foxford commemoration

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

Foxford will once again celebrate its Argentine connection when it commemorates the 157th anniversary of the death of its most famous son, Admiral William Brown.

Over the ‘Moone’ in hit show

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

Two young Mayo actors are currently showcasing their talents on Sky One hit show Moone Boy. Ian O’Reilly from Moorehall, Ballyglass, and Siubhán Conlon from Carnacon who learned their trade at All Stars Academy of Performing Arts in the Ballyheane studio are rubbing shoulders with a number of stars on the hit TV show. Ian who stars as Padraig in the show, also appered on the Late Late Show last Friday night to talk about the new series. Siubhán plays Trudy in the show starring and created by Hollywood star and Roscommon native Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Girls, The It Crowd).

Mayo employers make job pledges

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

A total of 91 employers from Mayo have pledged a job as part of a national campaign encouraging small and medium sized businesses to help the economy recover by hiring more staff.

Hireland, a voluntary initiative, was launched in 2012 to create some positivity in the economy. It aims to get businesses to see hiring as a growth strategy rather than cutting jobs as a survival strategy.

E-paper

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