News in Breif from around the county
Council budget meeting to reconvene on Monday
The annual budget meeting of Mayo County Council will reconvene on Monday, December 2, as the elected members try to thrash out a budget for the coming year. The council met last Monday where they heard presentations from the various different department heads of the council, before that meeting was adjourned with a decision on the budget expected to be reached this coming Monday, when the council meet again.
Smiles with Santa with DeCare
DeCare Dental are back with another magical competition "Smiles with Santa". Upload your child's photo with Santa, for a chance to win one of five €50 Smyths Toys Gift Vouchers. Enter through DeCare Dental's Facebook page www.facebook.com/decaredentalinsuranceireland Share your entry with your family and friends, as the top five most liked photos win! Closing date for entries is 3pm on Tuesday, December 17, however closing date for photo 'likes' is 10am on Thursday, December 19.
Breaffy speed limit raised with TII
The ongoing campaign to have a reduced speed limit put in place for the village of Breaffy was raised by a delegation from Mayo County Conucil, who met with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) recently. There was a positive reception from TII towards the issue, a meeting of Mayo County Council's Roads and Transportation Strategic Committee was told this week, with Cllr Cyril Burke saying that there was a much more positive response from TII this time compared to previous times it was raised with them.
Balla roadworks expected to be done by Christmas
There was some good news for motorists who travel on the N60 through Balla village and have been dealing with long delays due to roadworks taking place on the Castlebar side of the village at Lagnamuck. At the Roads and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee of Mayo County Council, Head of Roads for Mayo County Council Paul Doland said that he expected the road to be fully opened in the next two to three weeks.
Funding announced for fisheries conservation and angling initiatives in Mayo
Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for inland fisheries, has announced grants that will support fisheries conservation, protection and education initiatives and give the public greater access to fishing sites around the country. In Mayo, funding to the value of €22,400 has been granted to Shean Lodge Fishery for their Tarsaughan River Salmon Conservation Project. The project will assess potential works to repair the eroding river bank and improve the habitat for salmon.
Book on Irish drummers to be launched in Castlebar
Irish Drummers Volume 1 is the debut book by Tom Gilligan. The book, the first of its kind, is a celebration of Irish drummers and gives a unique insight into the people behind the drum set. Over the past while, Tom Gilligan has collected interviews and personal conversations with some of Ireland’s most successful and influential musicians. From well experienced drummers such as Brian Downey from Thin Lizzy to emerging talents like Castlebar native, Tom Coll, with celebrated up-and-coming band Fontaines DC, Ireland has a long tradition of producing exemplary drummers that have conquered stages all over the world. This Volume 1 gives a glimpse into the vast world of Irish drummers and is an indispensable read for anyone interested in drumming and drummers. To coincide with the new release, Tom Gilligan is having a Mayo book launch in Castle Bookshop in Castlebar on Wednesday, December 4 at 6pm.
Works at St Mary's Secondary School to go to tender
Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin has said that works on St Mary's Secondary School in Ballina has gone to tender. Speaking this week, she said: "I am now informed by the Minister that the school has been authorised to proceed to tender for the appointment of the main contractor. Tenders will close by the end of December 2019. It is hoped to go to construction by quarter three of 2020 which will take two years approximately to complete. This is excellent news for the school community and also will provide construction jobs in the local area while the works are underway. I am delighted to play my part in bringing this project to where it is today and look forward to the provision of the new facility, which will only enhance the excellent work in education which is one of the hallmarks of St Mary’s.
Works to be carried out to water supply at Claremorris Road, Ballinrobe
Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has confirmed that Irish Water, in partnership with Mayo County Council, have begun works to replace the aging water mains at Claremorris Road, Ballinrobe. He said this week: "I have been informed by Irish Water that these works are being carried out as part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme and will provide the community with a more reliable water supply. Part of the works includes the removal of old and damaged pipes from the water network which will improve water quality and reduce leakages. Communities in the Ballinrobe area will benefit from these works, once concluded."
