A quick catch up on what's been going on around the county
McLoughlin new Cathaoirleach in Castlebar
Fianna Fáil Cllr Martin McLoughlin was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District at their AGM this week. Cllr McLoughlin takes over the chain of office from his party colleague Cllr Blackie Gavin, with Fianna Fáil Cllr Al McDonnell elected as the Leas Cathaoirleach for the coming 12 months.
Seventy five per cent of septic tanks inspected in Mayo failed in 2020
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) this week released their Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections 2020 report. The report found that last year Mayo County Council carried out 93 inspections and 75 per cent of those inspections saw the tanks fail. The report also highlighted that 367 tanks inspected in Mayo over a seven year period from 2013 to 2020 failed, but 67 per cent of those had been fixed during that time period.
Mulroy new Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet MD
Fianna Fáil Westport-based councillor Brendan Mulroy has been elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District for the coming year. Cllr Mulroy takes over the position from his party colleague Cllr Sean Carey, who held the office for the past 12 months. The Leas Cathaoirleach for the year will be Achill based Cllr Paul McNamara. Both were elected unopposed, despite the efforts of Fine Gael Cllr Gerry Coyle to nominate either Cllr McNamara or Cllr Carey for the position of Cathaoirleach, saying he wanted something to stay in the Belmullet area - however he received no support from any other councillor for his nomination.
Cruise takes the chain in Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District
Fine Gael Cllr Neil Cruise was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District at the districts AGM this week. Cllr Cruise takes over the position from Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry Murray who has held the position for the last 12 months. Fine Gael Cllr John Cribben was elected as the Leas Cathaoirleach at the meeting also.
Reduced opening times for Covid-19 testing site this weekend
HSE Community Healthcare West wish to bring to your attention that the Covid-19 Testing Centre at MacHale Park, Castlebar, will open for testing from 9am to 11.30am on Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4 due to GAA activity. Testing will resume again on Monday July 5 as per regular schedule offering (1 ) walk-in no appointment necessary Covid-19 testing for those who have no symptoms (2 ) Book appointment via https://covid19test.healthservice.ie/hse-self-referral/ (3 ) Testing service for those who are symptomatic or close contacts of a confirmed case of Covid-19 and who are referred for a Covid-19 test by their GP.
PUP recipients continue to drop in Mayo
The number of people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Mayo has continued to drop this week. There were 5,518 people in receipt of the payment this week, a drop of 543 from 6,061 the previous week. Almost 2,000 people in the county closed their PUP claims in the county over the past three weeks with 1,925 claims closed in that period. In relation to the enhanced Covid Illness Benefit, there were 4,067 people in receipt of this payment in the county this week.
Submissions invited on Mayo LPT
The Finance (Local Property Tax ) Act 2012 (as amended ), makes specific provision that elected members of a local authority may pass a formal resolution to vary the basic rate of the Local Property Tax for their administrative area by a percentage known as the local adjustment factor. At the meeting set by Mayo County Council to consider this matter, the members may set a local adjustment factor within the range of +/- 15% of the basic rate, or, may decide not to adjust the basic rate. Mayo County Council will meet in July 2021 to consider the setting of a local adjustment factor. Mayo County Council welcomes written submissions from the public on this matter, specifically covering the potential effects of varying the basic rate of the Local Property Tax on businesses, individuals and on local authority services. Submissions must be received by July 14 and can be sent to: Director of FinanceMayo County Council,Áras an Chontae,The Mall,Castlebar, Co Mayo or via email to: [email protected].
Shoeless man rescued from Croagh Patrick
Mayo Mountain Rescue retrieved a shoeless climber who was attempting to summit Croagh Patrick last Thursday, June 24. At 4.10pm they were tasked to assist the climber. According to the rescue group: "Even though the temperature was not very low, it was a very wet day. The combination of wet clothes and a cool breeze caused the man to lose heat very easily. This ultimately led to exhaustion and mild hypothermia. A first response team was promptly dispatched to provide some shelter from the elements, a warm drink and a pair of shoes. This helped but was not enough to allow the man to make his way off the mountain unaided so he was well wrapped up and stretchered off the mountain. By the time he reached the road he had warmed up considerably and was driven home for a good rest. The team was stood down at 7.40pm."
More priests needed to assist in Croagh Patrick pilgrimage
It was recently announced that the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage was to take place for the whole month of July from Wednesday to Saturday each week. A byproduct of this extended pilgrimage is that more priests are needed to to climb the mountain over the days of the pilgrimage to hear confessions and celebrate Mass on the summit. The pilgrimage organisers are hoping to have two priests on the summit each day. Those who wish to take part will have accommodation provided for them the night before they climb, with Masses taking place at 12pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and at 10am on Saturday, during the pilgrimage period. Priests interested in assisting with the pilgrimage can contact Fr Charlie in Westport.
Clew Bay Garden trail opens up
As part of the Clew Bay Garden Trail, June and Ken Bourke’s Garden at Knappagh, F28TD73, will be open for visitors from July 9 to 11 from 1pm to 5pm each day. This is a country farmhouse garden established in 2015 on a challenging site. A natural stream flows through the garden. Colourful perennials, shrubs and roses are planted in borders and terraces. Paths lead to the various features, a mature larch tree, box hedge partree, orchard, glasshouse and polytunnel. It is partially accessible by wheelchair. Only assistance dogs allowed. Plants for sale and tea/coffee served. Donations accepted for Gena Heraty’s Haiti Fund.
Western Care Clare Island Walk with a difference this year
The Annual Western Care Association Kathleen Conneely Memorial Walk on Clare Island will take place this year, but with a difference, due to Covid-19 restrictions it is not feasible to take large crowds onto Clare Island on one day so people can take part individually or in small groups on any day during the month of July with O’Grady’s Ferries, it is essential to notify Western Care Association Fundraising Department beforehand of your intention to take part in this event. Full information and online registration can be found on our Facebook page or see the events page on www.westerncare.com or email [email protected]. Cost for an adult is €30, U-18s €10 and a family rate is €75 (2 adults and 3 U-18s ) which includes return ferry from Roonagh Pier with O'Grady's ferry co. Buy Tickets online at: www.njuko.net/clareislandwalk
