Head shop highs can be controlled immediately

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Independent MEP Marian Harkin has established with the European Commission that head shop products can be controlled immediately on the basis of public health or safety. The British decision to ban the legal high substance Mephedrone has been warmly welcomed by the Independent MEP as clear evidence that the Irish government can make a similar instant decision based on public health and safety.

Castlebar headshop product found to cause ‘behavioural excitement’

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

A €25 product which was bought in a headshop in Castlebar has been found to cause behavioural excitement.

Minister Calleary welcomes public service pay agreement

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

The new Minister of State with responsibility for public sector reform Dara Calleary TD has welcomed the agreement reached with public service unions this week. However, his jubilation may be short lived.

Drop in number of Mayo planning permissions granted

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Figures released this week from the Central Statistics Office reveal that the total number of planning permissions granted in Mayo in the last quarter of 2009 fell by 81 — falling from 290 granted (during the same period in 2008) to 209.

The figures highlighted that 119 new dwellings were granted planning permission in the county in comparison to 168 in the last quarter of 2008. Other new developments, apart from those categorised as dwellings, were down to 16 from 33 in 2008. As for extensions 76 were granted in the fourth quarter of 2008 with only 68 granted in the final part of 2009; while planning for alterations and conversions dropped in Mayo from 13 to six.

Mayo is a county of water guzzlers

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Over 95 per cent of people in Mayo have no idea how much water they use, despite using on average over 150 litres a day. That’s according to national research conducted by Ideal Standard International, a provider of design-driven bathroom solutions. The survey, which was conducted by Ideal Standard following World Water Day, found that some people in Mayo unwittingly waste excessive amounts of water doing everyday tasks, especially in the bathroom.

Overtime ban lifted at Museum of Country Life

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

The Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, will be open this Easter Sunday following the lifting of a ban on overtime by members of the Civil, Public, and Services Union.

Free battery recycling in County Mayo stores

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Households in County Mayo can recycle their batteries for free in any local shops where batteries are sold. Shops selling batteries are now required to accept waste batteries - similar to those they stock - without charge or requiring a purchase. In 2008, the Battery Regulations were introduced to ensure that spent portable batteries are separated from normal waste so that they can be recycled.

Gardaí seek witnesses following crash

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Witnesses are sought following a single-vehicle crash which took place in Rathkip on the Bonniconlon Road in the early hours of Wednesday.

Castlebar school to benefit from pedestrian crossings

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

A decision by Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council to agree to fund two pedestrian crossings on the approach roads to St Patrick’s Boys’ National School has been welcomed by staff member Harry Barrett, a Labour member on Castlebar Town Council. The crossings are to be placed at Gallow’s Hill, adjacent to the rear entrance to the school and on Chapel Street.

Drugs strategy in limbo as Minister for Drugs job not filled

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Last week’s Cabinet reshuffle has left the role of the Minister for Drugs vacant and has effectively sidelined the national drugs strategy at a time when we need to put every effort into tackling Ireland’s drugs crisis, according to Castlebar Fine Gael town councillor Ger Deere.

Motorists duped by clever April fool’s road safety campaign

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Thousands of motorists on a major Mayo roadway were duped by an April fool’s trick with a difference — a life-size cardboard cut-out of a garda with a speed gun faced at the traffic.

Easter road safety campaign to focus on drink driving

Fri, Apr 02, 2010

Tragically 39 people have died on Irish roads so far this year. For the upcoming Easter weekend Garda resources will be deployed with the aim of increasing compliance among road users and improving road safety.

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