A quick tour though some of the stories from this week.
Slight decrease in those on PUP in Mayo
There was a slight decrease in the number of people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP ) in Mayo over the last seven days of data recorded. On Tuesday, March 2, there were 12,693 in receipt of the payment in Mayo - down from 12,844 who received the payment on Tuesday, February 23 - a reduction of 151. The data also showed that 252 people closed their PUP payment claims and returned to work in the week between February 23 and March 2. There were also 3,629 in receipt of the Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit on March 2, up from 3,563 on February 23.
Over 670 Covid-19 tests carried out in Mayo last week
There were 674 Covid-19 tests carried out in Mayo between Monday, February 22 and Sunday, February 28 by Community Healthcare West. There has been a gradual decrease in the number of cases recorded across the county with the 14 day incidence up to Saturday, February 27 at 226 per 100,000 in Mayo. Dr Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health, HSE West, said: "Covid-19 continues to spread whenever it gets the opportunity. Currently with the predominant BII7 variant, transmissibility has increased by 70 per cent. House parties or social congregations are the perfect breeding ground for spread of the infection. In addition, attack rates in household contacts have increased from a rate of approximately 20 per cent with the original variant, to almost 33 per cent, which is thought to be attributable to the B117 variant. I urge all young people to take care, stay home, avoid house parties and inter-household mixing. If you have symptoms, self-isolate in your room immediately. Then call your doctor and a test will be organised. This will protect your household and close contacts and prevent further spread of the infection.”
Section of greenway closed due to N5 works
The link between Allergan in Westport and the Great Western Greenway will be closed for a period of time to accommodate works on the new N5 road. Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn posted on his Facebook page this week outlining the closure, saying: "You will be seeing the notice attached at Atterish, at the Allergan entrance and at other locations around town (Westport ) from today. It means the small section of Greenway just after Allergan will be closed off from next week until late 2022 to facilitate the construction of the new relief road linking the Castlebar Road and Newport Road. While not good news in the short term, it does mean when all is finished that both steep hills from this section of the greenway will be removed as part of the realignment of the Greenway and the creation of the new relief road."
Balla online bingo
The organisers of the Balla Online Bingo have thanked this who have taken part so far. A spokesperson for the bingo said: "Thanks to all who have been joining us online to play Bingo on Sunday evenings, the success of this initiative depends on your participation and support. Community Development projects are enabled through the funds raised by Balla Bingo Online. Bingo books can be purchased online only at www.balla.ie up to midday on the day of our next game Sunday, March 7, please encourage your friends and family at home and abroad to join us. We look forward to seeing you on the night and thank you for your continued support."
McLaughlin wins top PPAI award
Westport photographer Michael McLaughlin won first prize in the Arts and Entertainment category of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland (PPAI ) for his image 'Savage Beauty', which was captured on the shores of Lough Na Fuaiche on the Mayo/Galway border in Connemara for Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture. There was also success for another Mayo photographer, Keith Heneghan, who was highly commended in this year's News category of the awards for his photos of a house fire at Bridgemount House, near Ballinafad, Castlebar and for his photo of a Lockdown triathlon completed by Stephen Donnelly, a Ballina man, in his back garden.
Online anger management course
Knock Counselling Centre has announced details of its spring online anger management programme. 'Temper Your Anger' - starting online on Tuesday, April 13 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and running for five consecutive Tuesday evenings. The online programme is run in conjunction with the Irish Association for Anger Management and teaches participants tools and techniques to control their emotions and express anger in a healthy way. For further information, contact Peter Devers at Knock Counselling Centre, (094 ) 9375032 or email: [email protected] or log on to www.knockshrine.ie
Tom wins Ballyhaunis 50/50
Tom Waldron was the winner of last Sunday night's Ballyhaunis GAA 50/50 draw, he won €370 having purchased his entry online, the next draw will take place on Sunday, March 7 in Ballyhaunis GAA clubhouse.
Work space available in Balla
Working remotely or studying from home is challenging, especially if you do not have secure Wi-Fi, high speed broadband or need a quiet space for online meetings. Balla CRD is available for bookings for confidential workspaces with stable internet access, they offer very competitive rates and are available to discuss your requirements at (094 ) 9365846 or (087 ) 1850860.
Charity single with proceeds going to Mayo Roscommon Hospice out now
"The Tommy and Hector Podcast with Laurita Blewitt" song is a sure-fire, feel-good tune, which fans of the podcast will adore. Inspired by the escapades of Tommy Tiernan, his school pal Hector Ó hEochagáin and Mayo woman Laurita Blewitt's podcast, Kildare singer-songwriter Mick Konstantin has penned a wonderfully amusing ditty in homage to the podcast. Mastered by the award-winning producer Brian Masterson, recorded by Greg Malocca at Egoboo Studios, with artwork by Ray McDonnell. The project was produced in lightning speed of only 48 hours, all parties giving their services for free, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. "When we heard Mick’s track, we instantly knew it summed up the spirit of the show perfectly,” said Hector Ó hEochagáin. “Then, after listening to the song non-stop, we thought this could be the perfect way to help raise funds and awareness for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation that Laurita is involved with." Martina Jennings, Chief Executive Officer, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation said: "We are so grateful to Laurita, Tommy and Hector for choosing Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation to be the recipient of the funds raised from this song. With all our shops closed and fundraising events cancelled, it has been a real challenge to raise funds for our palliative care service. We are incredibly grateful to them." "The Tommy and Hector Podcast with Laurita Blewitt" Song is out now across all of the major digital platforms.
