Blood donation clinics in Westport

Mon, Jul 21, 2014

The Irish Blood Transfusion Services is holding a number of blood donation clinics this week in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport.

Big energy upgrade spend announced

Mon, Jul 21, 2014

A major investment to improve energy efficiency in a number of homes, community buildings, sports facilities and local authority buildings, has been announced in Mayo.

Ranger-Led Hike into the Ballycroy National Park this Wednesday

Mon, Jul 21, 2014

Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre is delighted to announce its schedule of events for the summer of 2014. On Wednesday July 23 a five-hour ranger-led hike into Ballycroy National Park will take place from 10.30am to 4pm. The planned route is to ascend the highest peak in the Nephin Beg mountain range. Access to Sileve Carr (721m) will be from The Western Way. The hike will then cross the ridge to Corslieve (541m), descend to The Bangor Trail and exit at Lough Aroher on the Letterkeen Loop. Sturdy footwear, rainwear and a packed lunch are required. This hike is graded as difficult and strenuous and booking is essential. Contact them on 098 49888 or email them on [email protected] or check out www.ballycroynationalpark.ie

New council, new Minister, same old battle

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

“This is a clash of ideals, people who want to see rural Ireland closed down and those who want to see it prosper,” was how Fianna Fáil councillor Al McDonnell described the challenge to the recently adopted Mayo County Council Development Plan (2014-2020) by the Department of Environment and Local Government. The Development Plan sets out a number of guidelines for planning and development in the county for the next six years, including the contentious issue of rural housing. It is the second time that the Department of Environment and Local Government has challenged the plan adopted by the members of Mayo County Council. In late 2008 a delegation from Mayo County Council travelled to Dublin and met the Oireachtas Committee on Environment when a similar issue arose, they put their case forward and were ultimately successful in getting the development plan they wanted passed. “We were right the last time and they were wrong,” was how Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle responded to a letter received by the councillors telling them to change the adopted plan.

In June this year the council received a letter from the Department of Environment and Local Government stating the decision of the council to pass the plan directly contravenes national and European law.

Warm welcome as outdoor nuptials deemed legal

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

From a garden overlooking Lough Mask to the manicured lawns of a stately home, or maybe even at the foot of Croagh Patrick, couples in Mayo could soon be reciting their marital vows in the great outdoors overlooking some of the most romantic vistas in the county.

Heretofore, there was great uncertainty surrounding the legality of an outdoor civil marriage ceremony so all ceremonies were conducted indoors.

Tommy O’Donnell trust looks for help

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

Tommy O’Donnell is a three-year-old boy from Belmullet who suffers with lissencephaly. This means that for his short life he will remain with the physical and mental ability of a five month old baby. He requires 24-hour care due to daily seizures which could be fatal for Tommy. A trust has been set up to provide assistance for his family, as an extension and equipment for his home is required so Tommy can be cared for at home. Tommy’s family had arranged finance to pay for this, but Tommy’s dad was diagnosed with carcenoid cancer which began in his bowel and has spread to his liver, lung, and bones.

Hearty response to Love Castlebar

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

Love Castlebar, the voluntary group promoting pride of place in the county town, is going from strength to strength.

New road welcomed but councillors worry about town centre

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

The members of the Castlebar Municipal District welcomed the news that an Bord Pleanála had given the green light to the new N5 Westport to Turlough project that will see 23.7km of roadway constructed from Westport to Turlough, which will include an eastern bypass of Castlebar. However there were concerns expressed by some councillors that it could have a detrimental effect on businesses in Castlebar.

Memorial walks across Mayo on Sunday

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

A series of memorial walks is taking place across Mayo on Sunday (July 20).

Kilcoyne demands action on Newport Road redesign

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

The improvement works carried out by Mayo County Council as part of the Greenway project on the Newport Road out of the town have caused major headaches for residents on the right hand side of the road out of the town, according to Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

Mayo compo claim payouts are above average

Fri, Jul 18, 2014

Thirty-one public liability claims were made in Mayo in 2013 with €888,000 paid out in compensation, according to new figures released by the Injuries Board.