Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) has responded to the Government's initiative to make Shannon Airport debt free, describing the announcement as "a positive initiative to support the Mid-West region".  However, IWAK is "urging the Government to expedite its plans for the development of Ireland West Airport in conjunction with the developments at Shannon, so that the regions are equally well served and the State contributes on a similar basis to enterprise, tourism development and job creation throughout the West". 

A group of top German journalists flew into Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) Saturday on the new Lufthansa flight from Düsseldorf to inform their 2 million readers, viewers and listeners of the tourism delights of Mayo. They were greeted upon arrival by Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, and by Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of IWAK.

A plan to bring 21st century energy infrastructure to the West of Ireland has been launched by EirGrid at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD. By connecting the electricity generated by the region’s huge renewable energy resources, the Grid West project will facilitate significant job creation and investment as well as contributing to national recovery and growth.

Positive signs of movement in the property market in Mayo may not be too far away if the response to a well-supported property seminar in Ballina is anything to go by. An open evening was hosted by a partnership of Ballina property professionals in association with Ulster Bank. The evening was held in the Ulster Bank Ballina branch and an attendance of over 70 people came along – well in excess of anticipated numbers.

Four Mayo winners have been selected in the JCI Mayo and Mayo Advertiser TOYP (The Outstanding Young Person) Awards in association with AIB Bank Claremorris, as follows - Aisling Neary, Dara Calleary TD, Darren Cawley and Olwen Dawe, who will now go forward to the national awards taking place in May. JCI Mayo and Mayo Advertiser TOYP in conjunction AIB serves to formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and create positive change.

Hopes of further gas finds of the Mayo coast have received a boost with the announcement by Providence Resources that it had found two possible natural gas deposits off the North Mayo coast. The Irish-based oil and gas exploration company said a technical evaluation of part of the Slyne Basin off the Mayo coast had revealed the presence of two gas prospects, named 'Kylemore' and 'Shannon'.

It may sound like a cliché, but image matters and image sells – particularly corporate image. In today’s highly visual society we are conditioned to swiftly look, judge and categorise. The first 10 seconds are vital. A positive first impression really does count and can be lasting. With this in mind, Network Mayo have invited Frances Jones of Image Matters, a corporate and personal image consultancy, to address their next meeting on 25th April.

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has welcomed the launch of 4CNW (Creative Challenge Celtic Crescent North West), a new business support programme for creative businesses in the North West. The programme will strengthen linkages between businesses in the creative sector and other high performing sectors. On the creative side this includes design, digital media, broadcasting, publishing and software, while the region’s high growth sectors are life sciences, tourism, technology and agri-food.

The next Castlebar Chamber open forum will take place on April 26th at the Harlequin Hotel at 6.30pm. The guest speaker will be Seamus Granaghan, Castlebar Town Manager, who will address the forum about  the Town Council's work and its plans to develop and promote Mayo's county town. Members will also discuss the results of the survey for the last open forum, which is believed to contain some surprising findings.

A well-known Mayo law firm has been named as a finalist in the National Irish Bank Law Awards 2012.  P. O'Connor & Son Solicitors, Swinford, is up for an award in the Connacht Provincial Law Firm category at this year’s event. The Irish Law Awards has also announced a strategic partnership with National Irish Bank, who will become the official headline sponsor of the Irish Law Awards 2012.  The awards will honour innovative legal practice and excellence in Irish Law.