REPS 4 delay disgraceful says Holmes

Fri, Mar 20, 2009

Independent councillor Michael Holmes has hit out at the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, for the delay in making REPS 4 payments to farmers, stating that the hold-up was simply unacceptable. He said that many farmers submitted their completed application forms more than a year ago and still have not received payment. He also denounced the Minister’s current policy of ‘drip-feeding’ REPS 4 payments.

Start up of Home Energy Saving Scheme questioned by Ring

Fri, Mar 20, 2009

The Government has been lashed over its handling of the Home Energy Saving Scheme. The broadside has come for the Fine Gael spokesperson on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Michael Ring, who said details of the scheme should not have been announced until it was ready to be implemented. The green light for the scheme was given at the beginning of February but householders cannot apply until later this month.

Dep Ring, in a Dáil question, asked when applications can be received for the scheme. In his reply the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Sean Power said: “On February 8, together with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Minister launched the Home Energy Saving Scheme, one of three priority home insulation schemes in the Government’s National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery. The Home Energy Saving scheme has an allocation of €50 million for 2009. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers and heating controls. Grant rates average 30 per cent of the cost of works, although these rates vary depending on the measure concerned. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) advised on the measures for inclusion in the scheme and they will also administer the scheme. SEI has built up a considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters and oversaw the pilot phase of the scheme last year.

Feeney selected to run for Fianna Fáil

Fri, Mar 20, 2009

Fianna Fáil has confirmed the selection of Mickey Feeney on the party ticket to contest the Mayo County Council election in June.

Westport should be thinking digital and green-tech, Green candidate says

Fri, Mar 20, 2009

Westport needs to be thinking about immediate and practical ways to keep shops and restaurants open according to Fergus McAllister, Green Party candidate for the Westport Town Council.

Ganley lashes Higgins during St Patrick’s Day tour of Mayo

Fri, Mar 20, 2009

Libertas chairman Declan Ganley has accused the Government of “betraying the Irish people” during the course of a St Patrick’s Day campaign tour through Co Mayo.

Mayo fleadh

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

Plans are at an advanced stage for Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo which will be held in Ballycastle in north Mayo on the weekend of May 9 and 10.

Erris news

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

A personal development programme for 15 women will be held for six Monday evenings starting on March 30 in Iorras Le Chéile, Main Street, Belmullet.

Sports courses

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

Interested in leadership training? Complete an Active Leader Award on Friday March 27 from 7pm to 10pm and on Saturday March 28 from 9.30am to 4pm in the Balla Resource Centre.

Windsurfing

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

Allplay Windsurfing, which operates from Bertra Strand, offer lessons to suit all abilities from complete beginners to those who are already involved in this exciting sport. The price of the course includes everything that you will need for your windsurfing lesson from boards to booties and sails to logbooks. To find out about upcoming courses visit www.allplay.ie or call 086 307 0975.

Mini marathon for palliative care

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

Mayo Roscommon Hospice is looking for volunteers to participate in the Flora Mini Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday June 1.

Mayo Organic Group

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

The group would like to welcome new members, and guests, to their next meeting, an introduction to making soft cheese. Meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday of the month, at Bishop O’Healy Centre, Mayo Abbey at 8pm.