Mayo Gathering events shortlisted for national awards

Fri, Nov 01, 2013

The Manchester Mayo Gathering incorporating the Attymass and North Mayo Gathering has been shortlisted for Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Awards which are organised by Chambers Ireland. The group led by Attymass brothers Lawrence and Tony Hennigan will represent Mayo County Council on the shortlist along with the organisers of another Mayo event, the In Humberts Footsteps Festival. The winners will be announced on November 13, following an adjudication process conducted by a panel of five judges, led by Dónall Curtin, the president of Chambers Ireland.

Mayo farmers urged to protect their metal

Fri, Nov 01, 2013

Crimestoppers and security company Netwatch have teamed up to raise awareness around the country about the theft of metal. People are being asked to be vigilant and to call Crimestoppers if they see activity that might be linked to metal theft. Metal theft is a crime that affects a wide range of businesses and community organisations. Reported thefts include beer kegs, copper wires, road signs, jewellery, lead roofs and goal posts. There have also been a number of high profile thefts of precious objects including sculptures and religious relics.

Higgins calls for establishment of agri-ombudsman

Fri, Nov 01, 2013

North-West MEP Jim Higgins has called for the establishment of an agri-ombudsman to investigate complaints from farmers. The Mayo native MEP said: "As inspection penalties against farmers continue to rise, it's clear that our agri-inspectors need to be pulled back into line. In the last four years penalties against farmers rose by a whopping 500 per cent, the total penalties rose to €4.7 million in 2012, up from just €780,000 in 2009."

Holmes says hill farmers have been failed by the Budget

Fri, Nov 01, 2013

An independent member of Mayo County Council has this week hit out at what he called a failure by the Department of Agriculture to make provisions for hill and commonage farmers in the Budget and for its failure to honour a commitment to compensate farmers who have been affected by environmental designations.

O’Mahony hopes new alcohol strategy will help tackle binge drinking culture

Fri, Nov 01, 2013

Mayo TD John O’Mahony this week said that he hoped that the Alchol Misuse Strategy that was published by the Government will help to tackle the unhealthy relationship that exists with alcohol and cut down on binge drinking. The second term Deputy said, “Alcohol abuse has had a pervasive effect on Irish society for decades. We can no longer afford to shrug off our bad habits as some sort of Irish-ism. While this new alcohol strategy is far from a panacea, it is a very positive first step on the road towards improving and moderating our relationship with alcohol.”

O’Mahony welcomes €200,000 to upgrade and refurbish Claremorris Town Hall

Fri, Nov 01, 2013

Mayo TD John O’Mahony (Fine Gael) has welcomed the announcement last week by Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government that he has given sanction for South West Mayo Development Company Ltd to approve funding of €200,000 to Claremorris Town Hall Trust, under the Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Swinford court business to move into Ballina

Fri, Oct 25, 2013

The controversial news this summer that the Courts Service was to close the court houses in Swinford and Ballyhaunis led to fears that the closure of those courts would see a further centralising of the administration of justice into Castlebar. Both court houses are due to close at the end of the year, but this week Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has said that district court business, such as criminal, licensing, and civil cases from Swinford will move to Ballina rather than to Castlebar as first expected. Mulherin welcomed the decision of the Courts Service to amalgamate Swinford District Court with Ballina which she said should ensure the future viability of Ballina District Court Office.

Community Diary

Fri, Oct 25, 2013

Klass kids Halloween camp
Klass kids Halloween camp will take place in Breaffy GAA Clubhouse on October 29, 30, and 31 from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Children will love the spooky scientist, exploding pumpkins, make your own slime, creepy cookery classes, making mummies, traditional Halloween games, and more spooky surprises. Call 087 655 9386 for bookings.

Council to hold special meeting on Eirgrid plans

Fri, Oct 25, 2013

Mayo County Council will hold a special meeting on the morning of Monday, November 4 at 10am where the issue of the Eirgrid preferred route in north Mayo will be discussed. There has been widespread opposition to the proposed route of the €240 million 440KV high capacity overhead power line for the west of Ireland, since it was announced a number of weeks ago.

Water meter installation has begun in Castlebar

Fri, Oct 25, 2013

The installation of water meters for private households has got underway in Castlebar this week. Mayo County Council were given a presentation on water metering by Eoghan Ó Neachtain from Irish Water at Monday’s meeting of the local authority, where he informed them that the installation of meters had begun in the county town as of that day. Prior to his presentation, Mr Ó Neachtain informed the members that decisions about policy matters made in relation to Irish Water were not matters that Irish Water had control over, as it was a decision of the politicians and Government. But a number of councillors still put forward a number of questions in relation to the policy decisions.

Man before court for jewellery store theft

Fri, Oct 25, 2013

A man was before Ballina District Court on Tuesday after he was charged in relation to the theft of €10,500 worth of jewellery from Sarah Jane Jewellers, Ballinrobe. The jewellers had been robbed at lunch time on Monday.

Minister of State Ring welcomes funding for Killala Pier

Fri, Oct 25, 2013

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney of funding for the reconstruction of the harbour walls and for safety aspects at Killala Pier.

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