Paul Lawless TD

11/03/2026

The public meeting in Newport this week sent a strong message.

Coastal communities in Mayo want their landscape, their heritage and their harvesting rights protected.

For those along the coast who could not make it on the night, please feel free to contact me directly with any concerns or questions.

Please see article in the comments below.

10/03/2026

Fresh statistics released to me show there's been a massive rise in the amount of Brazilian beef imported into Ireland. There are serious questions to be answered over this ⚠️

See link in comments...

09/03/2026

The cost of filling a car is now over €100 - and €65 of that is tax.

Fuel taxes hit low and middle-income earners - and rural Ireland - the hardest.

In 2024 the Government collected €4.1 billion in fuel taxes, including €1 billion in Carbon Tax, even as 300,000 families fell into energy arrears.

Now, despite rising energy costs, another Carbon Tax increase is planned in just six weeks.

Families who are already struggling should not be squeezed further by the Government.

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

Irish farmers produce some of the best food in the world using some of the most sustainable systems anywhere.

Farming is the lifeblood of the rural economy and a cornerstone of our heritage. It must be protected.

Major headwinds lie ahead: changes to CAP, Mercosur, unfair trading practices, food labelling, land consolidation and more.

We must protect family farms, support consumers and safeguard the rural economy.

06/03/2026

Calls for urgent government action to address rising fuel costs amid ongoing crisis. Link in comments.

06/03/2026

Had a great night of social dancing in Cong last week at Dancing at the Crossroads Cong

Gavin Gribben Music was excellent.

This evening, David Connor will be taking over the stage for another great night of dancing. Great to see a local man doing so well!

Dancing at the Crossroads takes place every Friday night in Cong from 9.00pm. Refreshments are served on the night, there are door prizes to be won, and all are welcome to come along and enjoy it.

Best wishes to Paddy, Marilyn & all the gang in Dancing at the Crossroads – Cong.

06/03/2026

I spoke with Mid West Radio in advance of the upcoming public meeting on seaweed harvesting.
Public Meeting Details

• Time: 8:00 p.m.
• Date: 9 March 2026
• Venue: Brannen’s Pub, Newport

Please share this information with coastal communities and those involved in traditional seaweed harvesting.

05/03/2026

Please see details of my upcoming constituency clinics.

Clinics for Monday, 9 March (next week):

• Ivy Hotel, Castlebar - time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm

• Clew Bay Hotel, Westport - time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm

• Brannen’s Bar, Newport - time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

To book an appointment, please phone or email.

04/03/2026

Seaweed Harvesting - Public Meeting

An application to harvest seaweed in Clew Bay has been submitted to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).

This public meeting will give local residents an open forum to share information, raise concerns, and help guide future decisions that may affect our bay.

Many landowners along the coastline hold indigenous seaweed rights. It is important that landowners know exactly where they stand.

Please share this information widely with residents of Clew Bay and Achill Island, especially anyone who may be affected by changes to seaweed harvesting rights or activity in the bay.

02/03/2026

Ballyhaunis friends and neighbours — Mayo County Council’s Active Travel Section is now preparing a Transport Study for Ballyhaunis, and they’re looking for public input.
This study will shape future plans for:
Street design
Public transport
Safer walking and cycling routes
A more vibrant and accessible town centre
You can view all documents and find out how to have your say at: https://consult.mayo.ie
Public display runs until 1st April 2026, with materials available in Ballyhaunis Library, the Claremorris Area Office, and online.
An in‑person public event will take place on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, from 4pm–7pm in Ballyhaunis Community Hall.
This is an important opportunity to help shape the future of our town — please take a moment to look at the plans and share your views.
Submissions and observations with respect to the proposed Transport Study may be made: -

Online: https://consult.Mayo.ie/
In writing to: ‘Ballyhaunis Transport Study – Early Engagement,’ Cathy Mellett, Senior Executive
Engineer, Active Travel Section, Ballinrobe Area Office, Kilmaine Road, Ballinrobe,
Co. Mayo, F31 RR96

Closing date for Submissions or Observations in respect of this non-statutory Consultation is Wednesday; 1st, April 2026 at 4:30pm

Using this site you can participate in public consultations and apply for grants and schemes. Use the Consultations link above to view or search for open and upcoming consultations. Use the Applications link above to view or search for online application forms.

25/02/2026

Mayo County Council is proposing to spend €2.15 million on refurbishing the council chamber and foyer - a cost that will rise to over €3 million when interest is included.

The council chamber is used approximately once a month.

This refurbishment will not provide any additional space or new facilities for staff.

Public money should be invested in projects that genuinely benefit the people of Mayo, including:

• Housing
• Essential infrastructure to support new housing
• Roads, road safety, and transport improvements
• Recreational amenities
• Sports and arts facilities
• Inclusive playgrounds
• Supporting local businesses (including reducing commercial rates)
• Supporting local community groups

If you do not want to see public funds wasted, please sign and share the petition.

Comment below on what you believe the €2 million should be spent on instead.

Petition: https://c.org/2pKJ7qVQDQ