Mayo man was instrumental in bringing European disability conference to Ireland

Fri, May 17, 2013

Some 17,710 people in Mayo have a disability, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This group accounts for just over 13 per cent of the county’s population and working age adults within this large group are more likely than the rest of the general population to face challenges and barriers when it comes to finding, securing and retaining a job. That is according to the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE), a national organisation promoting equal employment opportunities for people with disability through supported employment.

PhD student Edwenia O’Malley is the Mayo Rose

Fri, May 17, 2013

On Saturday April 20 at the Royal Theatre in Castlebar, physiotherapist Edwenia O’Malley from Louisburgh was chosen to represent Mayo this year at the 53rd Rose of Tralee. Edwenia, who is also a PhD student at University College Dublin, will now go on to the regional finals in Portlaoise this June and, despite the huge task of writing her thesis, she is really excited about taking part and representing Mayo. She won the hearts of judges with her performance of traditional Irish song, “The Parting Glass” and is especially delighted for her granny: “My granny told me she never thought she would have a grandchild a Rose,” she said.

Join the Camino information evening attracts enthusiastic walking tourists

Fri, May 17, 2013

There was a great turnout at the inaugural Join the Camino information evening in the Portwest Bridge Street store, Westport.

An Taoiseach promises to meet challenge of domestic violence at Mayo MAN UP launch

Fri, May 17, 2013

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said that he was “one for reality and the truth” when he made a commitment to meet the challenge of the enormous problem of domestic violence in Mayo and Ireland.

Castlebar Chamber President calls for tax on off licence sales to help boost bar trade

Fri, May 17, 2013

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce President Oliver Kelleher has called for a further tax on off licence alcohol sales to help benefit the bar, restaurant and hotel trade. According to Mr Kelleher for every €10,000 spent in an off licence, one job is created but for the same spend in a bar and restaurant four jobs are created.

Councillors to address rural housing concerns in new development plan

Fri, May 17, 2013

The elected members of Mayo County Council are set to address their concerns over the lack of opportunities for people to obtain planning permission for housing projects in rural areas close to urban centres in the new upcoming review of the current county development plan. At the May meeting of Mayo County Council Independent Cllr Richard Finn tried to have a clause inserted in the new draft Claremorris Local Area Plan to make it easier for people to get planning permission in areas that are under urban pressure.

Council to hear from dementia group

Fri, May 17, 2013

Mayo County Council will hear a presentation from Community Action on Dementia in Mayo, following a request from the organisation which was approved at the May meeting of the council. Cllr Joe Mellet proposed the presentation, saying that anything that adds to the discussion and debate on this issue is to be welcomed.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien asked that the council also be addressed by the dog warden on a number of issues that are happening at present with stray and wild dogs in rural areas. However, director of services for Mayo County Council Joe Loftus informed the meeting that the council are currently recruiting a new dog warden and they would not be able to arrange that presentation until the position had been filled.

Local LGBT group highlight International Day Against Homophobia

Fri, May 17, 2013

TOST? the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group is highlighting its services in conjunction with International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO Day) which takes place today, May 17. IDAHO Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries, with advocates staging hundreds of events and actions the world over. In Mayo, TOST? alongside the Family Resource Centre will have an information stand in the Mayo County Library; the library also has a selection of books available which celebrates diversity.

Burke brings council back home for the day

Fri, May 17, 2013

As has now become tradition, the second last full meeting chaired by the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council packs up from the chamber in Áras an Chontae in Castlebar and hits the road to the home town or village of the outgoing Cathaoirleach. On Monday this week, the community centre in Ballyglass was the setting for the May meeting of the council, the home village of Cathaoirleach Cllr Cyril Burke.

Mayo schools in Irish Aid Award finals

Fri, May 17, 2013

Irish Aid is delighted to announce that 60 schools have now been selected for the regional finals for the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2013, and Claremorris National School and St Patrick’s National School Rathnamagh, Crossmolina have made the shortlist.

The regional final will take place at The Model Arts Centre in Sligo on Monday May 20th ahead of a special Our World Irish Aid Awards ceremony in Croke Park in Dublin for the finalist schools in June. The most outstanding project will receive the overall Our World Irish Aid Awards trophy.

Mayo’s procurement officer promoted to regional role

Fri, May 17, 2013

Mayo County Council’s procurement officer John Maughan has been the subject of a major promotion to the role of the new regional procurement officer for the western region.

Activity Ambassadors required for Westport

Fri, May 17, 2013

Westport Town Council is planning to recruit eight activity ambassadors under the Job Bridge scheme. The interns will gain practical experience in acting as visitor information advisors and leaders.

The Activity Ambassador programme has been developed by Westport Town Council in association with the Mayo Sports Partnership and Westport Tourism Organisation in an effort to increase participation in sport and recreation for both visitor and resident.

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