Action group wins Erris sludge plant appeal
A sludge processing plant in Geesala is facing closure following a dramatic ruling from An Bord Pleanála. If they wish to continue with their operations they must obtain planning permission. Bord Pleanala stated that "the change of use from peat drying processes to drying sewage sludge cake for fertiliser production constituted an industrial process which was materially different, that it was development and was not exempted development". The company is to cease operations until planning permission is obtained.

Achill family celebrates 5m Euro lotto jackpot win
The winner of the 5,280,000 Euro Lotto Jackpot was the Fitzgerald family from the Valley in Achill. This is the second winning ticket to be purchased in Keel Post Office. Six years ago, a Galway–based actor believed he had won the lotto but unfortunately couldn’t find his ticket. Later a family from Achill who wished to remain anonymous claimed it. Members of the Fitzgerald family came from Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Kildare and Achill to celebrate an anniversary Mass for a deceased family member in Achill. They decided to take part in the Lotto, as it was unusually large. Each member received 660,387 Euro.

Mayo marts to close?
There are fears that the Livestock Mart in Ballyhaunis, which used to be open every Autumn, will remain closed this September. Due to mounting losses, Connacht Gold Co–op Society Ltd are seriously considering rationalising their livestock mart sector, which will not favour the Ballyhaunis mart. Also, as part of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s efforts to improve traceability in the beef industry, they are calling for the installation of electronic notice boards in all marts so that the seller’s name will be displayed. The cost of installing such a system in Ballyhaunis would be prohibitive and the society feels that it would be too big of an investment to make, as the mart is only open for a few weeks in the year.