Drop in Live Register figures welcomed, but caution urged

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

There was a widespread welcome to the news that the number of people on the Live Register had fallen for the 20th month in a row, with the numbers on the register in Mayo dropping by six per cent in the last 12 months. Government TD John O’Mahony, in welcoming the news, said this week: “A total of 61,000 net new jobs were created across the country last year. We’ve come from a situation where we were shedding 1,600 jobs per week, to one where we are creating 1,200 jobs per week. The pace of jobs growth over the last year has been very encouraging, and the Government is determined to increase these figures even further in the year ahead.” He did acknowledge that there is still a long road ahead on this front, saying: “While the number of people out of work in Mayo is falling, we still have a long way to go. But I am confident that we can build on jobs growth in the year ahead.”

His constituency colleague, Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary, speaking on the news said: “Any fall in the numbers signing on is certainly welcome. However it’s important to note that this does not mean that all of these people are back to work. If it was a case that the drop in the Live Register was a direct result of job creation, the income tax take would be up significantly. We can see from the latest exchequer figures, published yesterday, that this is not the case as there was no growth in income tax receipts,”

Dancing at The Crossroads — again

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

The organisers of Dancing At The Crossroads in Castlebar are delighted to announce this year’s event will go ahead on Sunday June 1, the Sunday of the June Bank Holiday weekend. After the success of the last two years, such was demand that it was decided to extend the dancing this year and invite more performers and dancers to join in the fun. The music this year will start at 5pm, and kicking off the evening will be local traditional group Rolling Waves under the musical directorship of fiddler John Kilkenny. They will be joined on a specially constructed dance platform by students from the world famous Cresham School of Irish Dancing.

Time to hit the catwalk for Junk Kouture designers

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

It took a lot of time for a group of young designers from Castlebar to turn a pile of broken watches and clock parts into haute couture.

Everest mountaineer for Castlebar talk

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

An explorer and mountaineer, who was deputy-leader of the first successful Irish ascent of Everest in 1993, is coming to Castlebar and speaking at GMIT next Wednesday at 8pm.

Beauty Queen coming to Dooagh

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

The Keel Drama Group is bringing The Beauty Queen of Leenane to Wavecrest Hotel, Dooagh, on Friday next (March 14).

Internet is a growing problem for couples

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

A local relationship counselling service has seen an increasing number of people citing their partner’s internet usage as having a damaging effect on their relationship.

€1,000 trip from prison to answer €40 theft

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

A man was transported from prison in Dublin to Castlebar District Court, at what Judge Mary Devins estimated to be a cost of up to €1,000 to the State, to answer a theft charge relating to goods valued at €40 this week.

Daffodil Day in Mayo

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

Daffodil Day, the flagship fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society, will take place in Mayo on March 28.

Time for The New One to wear the crown

Fri, Mar 07, 2014

There are certain acres of ground which are held sacred by followers of sport in this country. For those involved with the GAA it is a few acres of land off Jones Road in Dublin 3. For those who support soccer and rugby, it is a patch of land adjacent to Lansdowne Road in the south of the city. On these fields heroes are made. Men and women gain reputations that last a lifetime and beyond for their endeavours on these pitches.

Westport groups urged to apply for amenity grant

Mon, Mar 03, 2014

Community groups in Westport have one last opportunity to apply for funding under the amenity grants scheme operated by Westport Town Council.

Call to taxis for St. Patrick's Day campaign

Mon, Mar 03, 2014

Taxi drivers in Mayo are being called to take part in a road safety campaign ahead of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Three new classrooms for Bonniconlon NS

Mon, Mar 03, 2014

Bonniconlon National School is to get three new classrooms after it was approved for additional accommodation funding from the Department of Education and Skills.

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