Paul Lawless TD

24/12/2025

Wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas!

With Santa spotted making a stop at our new office, excitement is building for the children as the big day approaches. I hope it brings them joy, laughter, and plenty of festive magic.

At the heart of Christmas is the birth of Jesus, and the timeless message of hope, love, peace, and compassion. It is also a time to be thankful for family, community, and the kindness we show one another.

Please spare a thought — and perhaps a call or a visit — for those who are sick, lonely, or working through the holidays.

Lastly, as I reflect on my first year in office, I want to sincerely thank my incredible team for their hard work and dedication.

I am also grateful to everyone who attended my clinics, emailed or phoned with concerns. It has been an honour to serve you and to represent the people of Mayo.

Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.

24/12/2025

23/12/2025

The EU is stealing Irish fish from Irish waters.

Last week’s deal means Irish fishermen will be stuck at the harbour while European vessels unload on Irish soil.

And what does our Government do?
Talk about a compensation scheme from the Irish taxpayer.

You could not make this up.

22/12/2025

An honour to spend the afternoon in the paediatric unit at Mayo University Hospital.

A tough time of year for any child to be in hospital - wishing them all a speedy recovery.

I hope they enjoy their new toys, delivered with great enthusiasm by my nephew Daniel. 🧸🎁

Huge thanks to the incredible nurses, staff, and parents who care for these young patients and their families every day.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and hopeful Christmas ✨🎄

21/12/2025

Proud day for Tooreen!

Huge congratulations to the players, coaches, families and supporters.

What a journey - next stop, Croke Park!

Tooreen Hurling Club

18/12/2025

The annual Hope Rose Memorial 5k Run/Walk, hosted by Sandra and Jonathan Caulfield together with Swinford A.C is back again soon.

I’ll be attending again this year, and I warmly encourage everyone to join us in Swinford to take part in this wonderful community event. Whether you run or walk, your presence makes a difference.

Please give what you can through the link below – every contribution goes directly to three incredible causes: Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Mayo Sunflower Children’s Hospice, and The Family Centre in Castlebar.

Their decision to dedicate the funds to these three charities reflects their deep commitment to supporting families and communities.

Let’s come together to honour Hope Rose and Shane Freeman, support this great cause, and make a real impact for these vital services.

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/caulfieldhoperose8

17/12/2025

New Vacant Above the Shop Grant announced:

Minister Browne has extended the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to 2030 and introduced a new measure to tackle unused space above shops.

✅ Up to €140,000 available to convert vacant space into homes
💶 €95,000 for one unit
➕ Extra funding for two or more units
🛠 Up to €5,000 for advicory services

For further information please see link below or feel free to contact me.

Further information - https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/minister-browne-announces-continuation-of-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-targeting-above-shop-vacancy/

17/12/2025

Blister Packs Are Not a Luxury.

They ensure correct medication, prevent errors, and stop repeat GP visits and hospital readmissions. They allow vulnerable people to live independently.

The Government’s changes to phased dispensing may result in the end of blister packs for many. That is a patient safety disaster.

I urge the Government: Protect blister packs. Support the most vulnerable to live independently.

Government is about priorities – what does this say about theirs?

13/12/2025

Congratulations to the The James McNeive Foundation.

Club of the Community Award at the Mayo Football Sports Star Awards.

The foundation raised €284,000 for local charities in honour of James McNeive.

10/12/2025

I spoke on the Government’s amendment to the defective block scheme.

Gov’t rushed and guillotined this bill, reducing TDs’ ability to study and scrutinise it.

Even the Government proposed dozens of amendments to its own bill from last week – a sign of poor planning.

I urge the Government to allow this bill to go through full scrutiny, including the Housing Committee.

Families deserve 100% redress – and strident oversight to ensure this never happens again.

05/12/2025

Christmas Parking Arrangements Claremorris & Ballinrobe – December 2025:

✅ Free Parking in Car Parks
From 2:00 PM daily, starting Monday, 8th December through Wednesday, 31st December 2025 (inclusive).

ℹ️ On-Street Parking
Normal charges and regulations will apply during this period.

The arrangements are the same for both towns and unchanged from last Christmas.

Claremorris Chamber of Commerce
Ballinrobe Community & Surrounding Areas Information
Claremorris Men's Shed
Ballinrobe community Page
Claremorris Community Radio
Ballinrobe Festival
Ballinrobe Tidy Towns
Flynn's Pharmacy Claremorris
Claremorris GAA Club
Ballinrobe Active Retirement Association

02/12/2025

• Brazilian beef recalled this week due to serious public health risk identified.

• Gov. failing to act while EU advances MERCOSUR deal – ignoring safety concerns.

• Cheap inferior imports will devastate farm incomes and the rural economy.

• Food safety must come first – not trade deals that undermine standards.