Higgins welcomes EU Sky Package - cheaper and shorter flights

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins has welcomed the Single European Sky (SES) legislative package, which addresses the air transport system as a whole having a direct positive effect on air carriers, the air service industry, air traffic control, airports and the aeronautical industry, and not forgetting passengers.

Government tax on flights already proving disastrous — Kenny

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny TD has expressed his concern at the recent falls in passenger numbers experienced at Aer Lingus and Ryanair and the damage being inflicted on passenger numbers by the air travel departure tax that is proving to be disastrous for Irish tourism and business. Recently, the credit rating agency Standard & Poor declared that the tax would encourage falling numbers of airport users. County Mayo is fortunate enough to have the facility of Ireland West Airport Knock, however, this departure tax may lead to falling numbers at the airport, said Dep Kenny.

Work for local contractors with Home Energy Saving Scheme

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Green party candidate Fergus McAllister has welcomed the news that the Home Energy Saving Scheme is now open for business, not just for home owners but for qualified contractors in the west.

Lay-bys should be provided for slow moving traffic

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Slow moving traffic should be given the opportunity to pull in to allow faster traffic to proceed without unnecessary delays, according to Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Councillor Joe Mellett.

Rural broadband only good for Bebo

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

The broadband problem in Mayo is so great that the local Internet connection in many country areas, like Glenisland and Islandeady, is only good enough to allow people access Bebo, according to Labour's Harry Barrett. Over a quarter of the rural population (28 per cent) are relying on mobile broadband according to the latest EU telecoms report, as they do not have access to fixed-lines.

Ring highlights plight of Mayo schools

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

A plea has been made to the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, to put pressure on his colleague, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, to prevent the loss of teaching posts in rural schools.

Paschal Mooney to seek EU nomination

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Popular broadcaster Paschal Mooney of Drumshanbo is seeking a nomination to contest the forthcoming European elections at the Fianna Fáil convention in Castlebar on Sunday next.

Restoration of international reputation vital for Ireland’s recovery – Flynn

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

The restoration of Ireland’s international reputation is vital for its economic recovery, according to Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn.

Budget choices will determine our future

Fri, Mar 27, 2009

After the justified hoopla from Ireland’s rugby grand slam and Bernard Dunne’s boxing heroics, all eyes will be focused on the forthcoming Budget on April 7.

165 incidents committed by people in Mayo while on bail — O’Mahony

Fri, Mar 27, 2009

Mayo Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony has learned that 165 incidents were recorded in Mayo last year when the suspected offender was on bail. The figure is a slight reduction on 2007 but an increase on 2006 when the number of incidents recorded were 156.

Think outside the phone box appeal

Fri, Mar 27, 2009

Fine Gael Community and Rural Affairs Spokesman Michael Ring TD said removing phone boxes without exploring the potential they have to offer is short-sighted. Deputy Ring pointed to the UK where BT has adapted payphones for text, e-mail and internet and offers communities the chance to hang on to their local phone by ‘adopting’ or ‘sponsoring’ the kiosk.

Westport’s royal battle

Fri, Mar 27, 2009

The Westport area is under the spotlight this week with this area being one to watch out for in the forthcoming local elections. This week I’ll have a look at the candidates. Those on show for Fine Gael in the electoral area are Councillor Peter Flynn, Cllr John O’Malley and Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley, while Cllr Keith Martin will be running for Labour and Dave Keating (Sinn Féin) will contest for Mayo County Council elections.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.