Bord na Móna and Coillte must change to prioritise local workers — Mulherin

Fri, Nov 15, 2013

Fine Gael Mayo TD for Mayo Michelle Mulherin has received confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, that stipulations can be made to ensure that local workers are prioritised during construction phase in public contracts. Deputy Mulherin has called for this stipulation to applied in the case of the construction of the State’s largest wind energy farm at Oweninny. “I have received confirmation from Minister Howlin in response to a parliamentary question I submitted that there is a mechanism available which could be utilised to give priority to local workers in public construction contracts. I believe this can and should be applied in the case of the wind energy farm at Oweninny,” she said. “In response to my initial proposal that local people be prioritised for employment in the construction of the wind farm at Oweninny, Bord na Móna and Coillte stated that they are prohibited from prioritising local staff because of EU procurement rules. However Minister Howlin’s statement confirms that this is not the case. However Minister Howlin has confirmed to me that the European Commission issued guidance in 2010 that in pursuance of certain social objectives the public procurement process can be used to prioritise employment and training opportunities for young unemployed or long-term unemployed, in a contract for services awarded by these state companies. In the case of the wind farm at Oweninny, it is my contention that such a clause should be used and a derogation sought to provide work for locals who are long term unemployed and for training and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.”

Successful community futures and rural networking event

Fri, Nov 15, 2013

A very successful networking event was held at the end of October, in the Harlequin Hotel, Castlebar. The event was hosted by Mayo Community Futures and the Rural Alliances EU project from Mayo County Council. Local communities which had participated in the Community Futures community planning programme and the recently formed Rural Alliances came together to share ideas and learn from their individual experiences. The event was open to all communities which had participated in the Mayo Community Futures programme, Rural Alliances, County Community Forum members, and members of the Community Futures management sub-committee, and was well attended on the night.

Christmas comes early to Mayo General Hospital

Fri, Nov 15, 2013

Mayo General Hospital started its Christmas festivities early this week with the arrival of 480 Christmas annuals for the children’s ward. Folens is once again teaming up with Yoobyoo – Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI) to spread some festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas by donating popular annuals; Súgradh, Siamsa, Sonas and Spraoi, for the children to enjoy.

Calleary calls on Govt to rule out any watering down of youth guarantee

Fri, Nov 15, 2013

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs Dara Calleary has warned the Government against any attempt to water down the youth guarantee, saying it will have grave consequences for the economy. Deputy Calleary has called on the Government to immediately rule out any extension of the four month waiting period for guaranteed access to a job, training, or further education. “This pledge was very clear: No young job seeker will be waiting for more than four months for a meaningful job or training opportunity. There can be no deviating from this promise,” said Deputy Calleary.

Tractor run raises €3,000 for charity

Fri, Nov 15, 2013

The village of Castleconnor was plunged into mourning on May 23 this year following the sudden death of popular local man Des Flynn.

Man sent forward for trial for murder of his sons

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

Sanjeev Chada (43), Ballinkillen, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, appeared before Castlebar District Court on Wednesday where he was sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.

Detective Sergeant Gary Walsh told the court that he served the book of evidence on the accused before court.

Conference on water issues in Mayo

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

As part of Mayo Science Week, Clean Water 2040 is a half-day conference addressing the key issue of future-proofing our water resources. Sandra Postel, a Freshwater Fellow of the National Geographic Society, will come to Mayo to offer a global perspective on this important topic. Ms Postel will be part of an influential panel of speakers addressing the key issues to determine whether Ireland is equipped to provide a clean, secure, water supply in 2040, exploring local best practice in rural areas, examining the evolving policy and institutional context, and reflecting on global case studies.

Man charged with sixty two counts of rape

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

A man has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court charged with 62 charges of rape of a female on various dates from August 31 2005 to May 2 2012.

Claremorris area councillors welcome progress on estate takeovers

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

The news that Mayo County Council has the process started for the takeover of 43 estates and roads in the Claremorris electoral area was described as a “major step forward” by one councillor at the November meeting of the Claremorris Electoral Area.

Mayo Sinn Féin to hold Selection Convention this week

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

The Mayo Sinn Féin selection convention for next year’s local elections will take place this Sunday, November 10, in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar, starting at 3pm. Kerry Sinn Féin councillor Toiréasa Ferris will officiate.

Mayo heroes honoured at National Bravery Awards

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

Five Mayo heroes were presented with national bravery awards at a ceremony in Farmleigh House on Friday November 1.

Work going on to get Shrule enhancement scheme back up running

Fri, Nov 08, 2013

Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke said this week that “good news was coming, it’s very close” in relation to the halted village enhancement works in Shrule. The issue of the works which have stalled for the best part of the year was raised at the Claremorris Electoral Area by Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan this week. Cllr Ryan said that while he knew that progress had been made, it has been a long ongoing saga for the past year almost, and “the village has been left in a deplorable state.” He continued, “the hold up is no longer acceptable for the people.”

Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke said this week that “good news was coming, it’s very close” in relation to the halted village enhancement works in Shrule. The issue of the works which have stalled for the best part of the year was raised at the Claremorris Electoral Area by Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan this week. Cllr Ryan said that while he knew that progress had been made, it has been a long ongoing saga for the past year almost, and “the village has been left in a deplorable state.” He continued, “the hold up is no longer acceptable for the people.”

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