Jackie Clarke Library sees jump in numbers visiting

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

The Jackie Clarke Collection and Library in Ballina has seen a steady increase in the numbers of visitors coming through its doors over the past number of years, but further investment and planning is needed to ensure the library is able to reach its full potential, it was said this week.

Mayo has a strong history of assisting refugees

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

In only a matter of days, the first of 86 weary, desperate, human beings will arrive in Mayo as refugees from war ravaged Syria. That figure is made up of 20 families, of which sadly, more than 40 are young children forced to live a life that no child should ever know. They are escaping a complex war being fought by President Bashar al-Assad's government, Syrian rebel groups, ISIL, and foreign allies on both sides. That Mayo is one of only eight counties taking part in this resettlement programme should come as no surprise. Our county's history of reaching out to and accommodating suffering populations is a trait of which we can be proud.

One month after WWI began in July 1914, Germany invaded Belgium. Western Belgium in particular became the scene of some of the most violent battles of the war. The result was an exodus of Belgians, fleeing for their lives. By October, Castlebar Urban District Council was debating housing Belgian refugees in the town's military barracks. The council moved quickly and the first Belgian refugees arrived in November 1914.

Portwest to create fifty five new jobs in Westport

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

Mayo based company Portwest, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of personal protective clothing and equipment has announced the creation of 55 new jobs. Over the next four years, staff levels will increase from 75 to 130 at its head office in Westport, Co Mayo. The family-run business has been based in Westport, for over a century where the now global company is run by a trio of brothers, Cathal, Owen and Harry Hughes. The Portwest brand is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide and turnover is also expected to rise from the current level of €125 million to €250 million over the next four to five years.

Mortgages being refused unless estates taken over

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

Fianna Fáil Ballina Municipal District Councillor Annie May Reape said this week that banks are refusing to give people mortgages to buy houses in estates unless the estate is taken over by the county council.

Whelan co-opted to the council

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

The number of elected members of Mayo County Council went back up to 30 this week after the co-option of Sinn Fein's Teresa Whelan to the council to replace Senator Rose Conway Walsh. This was the second co-option to the council after this year Oireachtas elections, following the co-option of Cllr Martin McLoughlin to replace Fianna Fáil's Dep Lisa Chambers in the Spring.

Removal of bin bag service sees people 'screwed again'

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

The removal from use of the single pay as you go bin bag for refuse disposal was a hot topic of debate at Mayo County Council's monthly meeting on Monday afternoon. Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne raised the issue saying: "It shows total disregard for people who are elderly, living in apartments, people who have no back door, and plenty of people who belong to this local authority who have no back door or place to leave their bin.

LEO Office fully functioning but more funding needed

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

It is business as usual for the Local Enterprise Office in Mayo was the message from the chief executive of Mayo County Council this week following a query from Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne at Monday's meeting of Mayo County Council. Cllr Kilcoyne asked at the meeting: "Is the LEO Office out of money? I read reports it had and I'd like you to just confirm if it is or isn't."

O'Brien calls for answers on staffing

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

South Mayo based Fine Gael councillor Patsy O'Brien raised the issue of the employment of new outdoor staff being taken on by Mayo County Council at its July meeting this week. In a passionate contribution to the meeting, Cllr O'Brien said: "The two most important issues I came to talk about here today are flooding and the employment of staff. We wrote to the Minister Kelly about the employment of the outdoor staff following the flooding in south Mayo, he came back and told us you [chief executive] have the right to take those on.

Councillors want no more losses of Blue Flag beaches

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

THE elected members of Mayo County Council this week said they want to see no more losses of Blue Flag beaches next year after Ross beach in Killala lost it's Blue Flag when this years Blue Flags were announced earlier this year.

Knock museum to host Traveller exhibition

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

"You hear a lot about Travellers,” says Bridgie O’Reilly, “but you don't hear good things, not at all. Day to day, everyone is struggling - for somewhere to bring up your children, being a mother, and a parent, and living in the conditions we live in.”

Mayo to lose out on almost €700k in rates

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

Sinn Féin Senator Trevor O’Clochartaigh has said this week that Mayo County Council will be out pocket by a tune of €691,776 this year because of a national agreement on rates recalculations.

Speaking this week Senator O’Clochartaigh said: "Last year the Government reviewed the rates being paid by companies with a presence in multiple counties, such as Gas Networks Ireland, Eircom, Vodafone, Iarnród Éireann and others, under what was called a global valuation of rates, which meant these companies made rates payments nationally as oppose to paying the city and county councils

A digital twist to the west of Ireland’s latest tourist attraction

Fri, Jul 22, 2016

Last week the Achill Experience added a digital dimension to its cultural and historical attractions with the release of the Offline Tourist Tablet. Gerry Quinn, president of the Mayo Cleveland Association, who officially launched the Offline Tourist Tablet, said he “could not believe the transformation in the space of a year” and that he believes the plans for the future of the Achill Experience are “phenomenal."

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