Consultation will be key in grid upgrade

Fri, Jun 17, 2011

Consultation with the different stakeholders in the county was the key message from the members of Mayo County Council in response to a presentation from Eirgrid in relation to a proposed upgrade of the electricity grid in the county. Eirgrid’s ambitious €240 million project would see a 400kV power line come into Mayo, at Bellacorick, to take advantage of the potential power generation from wind power and wave and other renewable sources in the future. The line would then connect with the national network either in Carrick on Shannon in Leitrim or Cashla in Galway.

Westport area briefs

Fri, Jun 17, 2011

Accidents occurring at Barley Hill
Westport area Councillor John O’Malley voiced concern about the number of accidents which are occurring on the N59 from the industrial estate to Barley Hill, due to the “awful slippy surface” which is in place. The Fine Gael councillor said that there have been several accidents on this stretch, with three occurring in one evening.

Councillors to stake out kebab shop

Fri, Jun 17, 2011

The issue of a takeaway restaurant on New Antrim Street, Castlebar, operating without planning permission took a comedic twist at the June meeting of Castlebar Town Council. Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne raised the issue of the business still operating as a takeaway outside the hours permitted in its planning permission. Town Engineer Sean Higgins informed the meeting that he had attended the area outside of his normal working hours to see if it was breaking the terms of its planning permission and was awaiting CCTV footage from the gardaí so he could move ahead with proceedings.

Maloney calls for council to look into refuse levies for holiday homes

Fri, Jun 17, 2011

Fianna Fáil councillor Jimmy Maloney has asked that Mayo County Council look into the possibility of imposing a refuse levy on holiday homes in the county. The June meeting of the council was discussing the council’s new litter management plan when Cllr Maloney floated the idea.

Ballinrobe Races Ladies Day next Tuesday

Fri, Jun 17, 2011

One of the most anticipated race meetings of the year takes place at Ballinrobe Racecourse next Tuesday evening, June 21, where the fixture that has grown hugely in popularity over the years gets under way at 5.50pm.

Castlebar Town Council spends almost €2k a week on legal fees

Fri, Jun 17, 2011

It emerged at the June meeting of Castlebar Town Council that the local authority spent almost €2,000 each week last year on legal fees.

The matter came to light after Independent councillor Frank Durcan questioned where the legal fees were in the councils’ budget for 2010 which was being sent to the Department of Environment for approval prior to it being properly audited. Cllr Durcan was told that the council spent €103,426 on solicitor’s fees out of a budget of €118,344 for professional services. A debate on the whole budget was agreed to be postponed by the members until after they are audited.

Prestigious award for Castlebar sculptor

Wed, Jun 15, 2011

Castlebar based sculptor Cathal Mc Carthy has been nominated by Westmeath County Council for a major arts award. The artist was selected for his public art commission, “Stream Spire”, which can be seen adorning the entrance to Mullingar town park on Austin Friars Street.

Help Phone a Friend with Faith, Hope and Charity

Wed, Jun 15, 2011

Depression, loneliness, a sense of futility, drug and alcohol misuse – these, together with their contributory factors, may lead to a person making the terrible decision to end his/her life.

Housing grants approved up to end of April now eligible to be drawn down

Wed, Jun 15, 2011

Anyone who has got approval for one of the three housing grant schemes provided by Mayo County Council up to the end of April this year will be able to draw down the funding now, the members of the Claremorris Electoral Area committee were told this week.

Carers Association Mayo launches “One Voice” campaign

Wed, Jun 15, 2011

Following Primetime Investigates revelations about the effects of State cuts on the lives of family carers, the Carers Association has unveiled its ‘One Voice’ campaign. The organisation is urging Mayo’s 5,440 family carers to join it in the fight for a better life for family carers.

Boost to tourism sector in Mayo as future of IWAK is secured

Fri, Jun 10, 2011

There was positive news for the tourism industry in Mayo this week after Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar announced that the Government will continue to provide funding for Ireland West Airport Knock for 2011 and beyond. IWAK will be one of the four regional airports — along with Donegal, Kerry and Waterford— to be funded in 2012.

Lough Carra birdwatch event

Fri, Jun 10, 2011

The Mayo branch of Birdwatch Ireland, in association with the newly formed Mayo branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust, is holding an evening walk at Lough Carra on Saturday June 11. It will be led by Chris and Lynda Huxley who will give an insight into the flora and fauna of the lake. The walk will also include a visit to Moorehall to learn about bats. The event is free and all are welcome.

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