Westport

Plan to convert rural Mayo pub into apartments is rejected

Plan to convert rural Mayo pub into apartments is rejected

Wed, 27 Aug, 2025

A proposal to convert a former Mayo pub into apartments has been rejected by Mayo County Council. An application was lodged with the local authority for a change of use of Digger Jay’s in Toorbuck, Ayle, Westport.
Mayo College of Further Education and Training holds open day

Mayo College of Further Education and Training holds open day

Tue, 26 Aug, 2025

Mayo College of Further Education and Training (FET) will be holding an open day in all their locations throughout Mayo on Thursday, September 4th, from 12 noon to 4pm.
Conal Gallen to perform in Westport

Conal Gallen to perform in Westport

Tue, 19 Aug, 2025

Award-winning comedian Conal Gallen, from Ballybofey in Co Donegal, is bringing his hilarious stand-up comedy show, 'Gallens of Laughter', to theatres across Ireland this autumn and Westport Town Hall theatre is included in the tour.
New exhibitions at Westport gallery

New exhibitions at Westport gallery

Mon, 18 Aug, 2025

Two new exhibitions will open later this week at the Custom House Studios and Gallery in Westport.
Keating calls for change after death of brother in Mayo crash

Keating calls for change after death of brother in Mayo crash

Sat, 16 Aug, 2025

Ronan Keating has called for stronger penalties for those convicted of fatal road traffic offences following the death of his brother in a Mayo collision.
Tourism Ireland spent over €2.4 million to attract environmentally conscious visitors

Tourism Ireland spent over €2.4 million to attract environmentally conscious visitors

Wed, 06 Aug, 2025

The ‘Ireland Unrushed’ campaign looked to tap in on what were called “enrichment explorers” searching for experiences rather than low-cost travel.
Irish woman among nine kidnapped from orphanage in Haiti

Irish woman among nine kidnapped from orphanage in Haiti

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

Tanaiste Simon Harris said no stone would be left unturned in efforts to ensure the release of Gena Heraty.
Council approves sale of sites in Mayo

Council approves sale of sites in Mayo

Sat, 26 Jul, 2025

A proposal to dispose of lands at Tawnaghmore Upper and Mullafarry in Killala to Mayo Data Hub Limited has been approved by Mayo County Council.
Teenage athletic star's unique link to Ireland's greatest Olympian

Teenage athletic star's unique link to Ireland's greatest Olympian

Thu, 24 Jul, 2025

The overall winner of the 2025 Martin Sheridan Bursary Freya Renton is sprinting towards a bright future on the running track.
Ex-garda threatened to shoot his daughter

Prisoner in drunken car chase was at large for two months

Wed, 23 Jul, 2025

A man was drunk and unlawfully at large from an open prison when he reversed into two Garda vehicles as they pursued him.
Social media posts condemned as land sale is approved

Social media posts condemned as land sale is approved

Tue, 22 Jul, 2025

Mayo County Council has approved the sale of a plot of land in Westport town centre to a local hotelier despite some opposition to the deal.  The green-field site, measuring two-thirds of one acre, lies adjacent to Westport playground.
Man threw €50k of cocaine away after high-speed chase

Man threw €50k of cocaine away after high-speed chase

Tue, 22 Jul, 2025

A man threw a package of cocaine valued at more than €50,000 into a ditch as he attempted to flee Gardaí following a high-speed chase.
Safety measures needed to end school 'chaos' in Mayo

Safety measures needed to end school 'chaos' in Mayo

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

There is "chaos" at schools when children are being dropped off and picked up each day, a local councillor has stated.
Councillors warn over greenway CPOs in Mayo

Councillors warn over greenway CPOs in Mayo

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Landowners who provided permissive access to facilitate the development of the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill must not become the subject of retrospective compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal ...
Eight Mayo SPAR stores honoured at awards event

Eight Mayo SPAR stores honoured at awards event

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Eight Mayo SPAR stores were honoured at the 2025 SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme for achieving exceptional standards in retailing.
Man suffered serious facial injuries after assault outside Mayo nightclub

Man suffered serious facial injuries after assault outside Mayo nightclub

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

A pair of Brazilian men threw glasses at two other males in separate incidents on the same night.
Houses are held up due to lack of footpath

Houses are held up due to lack of footpath

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Planning permission for up to 200 new houses in Westport could be delayed due to the ongoing failure to provide safe pedestrian and cycle routes into the town.
Seán Keane resumes Westport residency

Seán Keane resumes Westport residency

Mon, 14 Jul, 2025

Well-known Irish folk artist Seán Keane started his eighth summer residency at Westport Town Hall Theatre last Wednesday evening.  Following sell-out runs since 2016, Seán is now a staple of the summer in Westport.
Airbnb owners ‘confused’ over regulations

Airbnb owners ‘confused’ over regulations

Sat, 12 Jul, 2025

People don’t know where they stand and are confused about what is happening around the regulation of Airbnbs, according to a West Mayo councillor.
Civic reception for Ring

Civic reception for Ring

Sat, 12 Jul, 2025

Westport-Belmullet Municipal District plans to host a civic reception in honour of former Mayo TD and Minister Michael Ring on Friday, July 25 next.
Plan unveiled for former visitor centre in Murrisk

Plan unveiled for former visitor centre in Murrisk

Sat, 12 Jul, 2025

Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have approved a proposal by Mayo County Council to lease the former Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre at Murrisk to Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company at an annual rent of €1,000 and subject to a ...
New figures reveal areas in Mayo with the most new houses

Council seeking sites for housing projects

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

Mayo County Council is looking to purchase land for housing at a number of locations across the county, including Achill Island.
Appeal to preserve dunes at Mayo beach

Appeal to preserve dunes at Mayo beach

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

An appeal has been issued for people not to walk along the dunes on Bertra Beach near Westport in order to prevent further erosion.
Fears mount for future of major Westport project

Fears mount for future of major Westport project

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

The chief executive of Mayo County Council is to be invited to attend a meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District to provide an update on the development of the old convent site at Altamount Street.
No decision yet on contentious Mayo greenway

No decision yet on contentious Mayo greenway

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

A final route has still not been selected for the controversial greenway between Belclare and Murrisk in West Mayo, a meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District was told last week.
Restrictions in place for trains between Athlone and Mayo/Galway stations this evening during Red weather warning

Plans to improve train services to the West

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

Irish Rail has said it wants to improve and expand services on the Dublin to Westport line.
Submissions sought for new book on Westport

Submissions sought for new book on Westport

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

As Westport marks 50 years of its unique arts festival, Westival, in partnership with Tertulia Bookshop, invites you to be part of something truly special.
Mayo town centre site is purchased by local hotel

Mayo town centre site is purchased by local hotel

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have approved the disposal of a plot of land at Church Street, Westport, to The Wyatt Hotel Unlimited, which has indicated that the property will be used for an expansion of its existing business.
Music and theatre in Westport Town Hall

Music and theatre in Westport Town Hall

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

The summer programme is well underway at Westport Town Hall Theatre with the venue delivering a mix of music and theatre that promises to stir the soul and lift the spirits.
Flynn takes top role in Westport-Belmullet

Flynn takes top role in Westport-Belmullet

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Westport councillor Peter Flynn has been elected unopposed as the Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District (MD), succeeding Cllr Seán Carey.
Planning implications for some Airbnb hosts in Mayo  

Planning implications for some Airbnb hosts in Mayo  

Tue, 24 Jun, 2025

The Minister for Housing has said short-term let hosts in Mayo and the wider West of Ireland region will have 90 days per year when they will not need planning permission under new legislation.
Go-ahead for quarry project in South Mayo... but appeal is lodged

Appeal lodged over rejection of new restaurant in Mayo town

Thu, 19 Jun, 2025

Mayo Co Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the demolition of a public house in Westport to make way for a new café restaurant has been appealed, writes Paul O'Malley.
Mayo man is new president of national organisation

Mayo man is new president of national organisation

Wed, 18 Jun, 2025

The new President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), Westport-based Gerard O’Toole, has said that the Housing Activation Office needs to commence its work urgently on clearing the many blockages that are impeding the delivery of ...
New rent controls 'could take years' to work

New rent controls 'could take years' to work

Wed, 18 Jun, 2025

A leading Mayo estate agent believes it “could take years” before the impact of new nationwide rent controls is felt in the county.
Mayo has thousands of vacant homes

Stark warning over impending homelessness crisis in Mayo

Fri, 13 Jun, 2025

Ballinrobe auctioneer and local councillor Michael Burke has warned there will be a homelessness crisis in Mayo in a matter of months as a result of private landlords leaving the housing market.
Mayo geopark 'will not impact' local property owners

Mayo geopark 'will not impact' local property owners

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Property owners in the vicinity of the proposed UNESCO Geopark in Mayo and Galway have been assured that the facility will not negatively impact their homes or lands.
Courtesy crossings are now ‘a safety hazard’

Courtesy crossings are now ‘a safety hazard’

Thu, 05 Jun, 2025

Dozens of courtesy crossings installed in towns around Mayo in recent years are becoming a safety hazard, according to local councillors.
Councillors pay tribute to an 'absolute gentleman'

Councillors pay tribute to an 'absolute gentleman'

Wed, 04 Jun, 2025

Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have expressed sympathy to the family of the late Joe Moran, Knockaraha, Ballintubber.
Novel proposal for limited free parking in Ballina

Mayo motorist was fined after parking ticket blew away

Wed, 04 Jun, 2025

A Westport councillor has condemned the council's 'lack of empathy' over mislaid parking tickets.
Warning over contentious Mayo greenway

Warning over contentious Mayo greenway

Wed, 04 Jun, 2025

A councillor has warned there will be "bad, bad trouble" if Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) attempts to obtain lands for a controversial greenway by way of compulsory purchase orders.
Active Travel Scheme is approved for Mayo town

Active Travel Scheme is approved for Mayo town

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have approved plans for new Active Travel works in Westport that are designed to encourage more walking and cycling.
Councillors keen to advance major tourism project for West Mayo

Calls for more progress on Mayo marina project

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

A Westport councillor has called on Mayo County Council to prioritise the development of a marina at Westport Quay, writes Joan Geraghty. The ambitious project has been years in the offing with no actual work done to date.
Stunning art exhibition on display in Westport

Stunning art exhibition on display in Westport

Fri, 30 May, 2025

J-Dreaming is the latest exhibition of eclectic mixed media, paintings and drawings by artist Marie Wood.
Poet Paul Durcan comes home to Mayo

Poet Paul Durcan comes home to Mayo

Wed, 28 May, 2025

As several weeks of sunshine ended on Friday last, and the coffin of poet Paul Durcan was carried out from St Mary’s Church in Westport into Navin’s funeral hearse headed for Aughavale Cemetery on the West Road, a man of words from Castlebar ...
Last chance to see Tommy Marren’s hit comedy play

Last chance to see Tommy Marren’s hit comedy play

Tue, 27 May, 2025

There is a last chance ever to see Tommy Marren’s hit comedy play Matches and Old Flames as it takes to the Westport stage for two final nights on Friday and Saturday, May 30th and 31st, at 8pm nightly.
Councillors don't want CPOs for greenways

Councillors don't want CPOs for greenways

Wed, 14 May, 2025

A Mayo councillor has questioned if the decision to grant planning permission for the extension of the Achill Greenway supersedes changes to the management of greenways.
New Canadian PM to be invited to visit Mayo

New Canadian PM to be invited to visit Mayo

Tue, 13 May, 2025

The new prime minister’s grandparents hail from Mayo.
Church of Ireland school in Mayo is being 'blaggarded'

Church of Ireland school in Mayo is being 'blaggarded'

Tue, 13 May, 2025

Councillors believe religious discrimination is at play in the treatment of a Church of Ireland national school in Westport. Holy Trinity NS has been blocked from progressing its plans for a new school.
Mayo beaches are rated in latest Bathing Water Quality report

Mayo beaches are rated in latest Bathing Water Quality report

Sun, 11 May, 2025

Bathing water quality in Mayo and Sligo has received a clean bill of health from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Relay for Life fundraiser takes place in Westport

Relay for Life fundraiser takes place in Westport

Sun, 20 Apr, 2025

Relay for Life is a global event celebrating and remembering those who have and are fighting cancer. The third Relay for Life event in Mayo will take place on May 17 and 18 at The Fairgreen, Westport.
Road is the 'worst in Co Mayo'

Road is the 'worst in Co Mayo'

Sun, 20 Apr, 2025

A West Mayo councillor said the road between Louisburgh and Westport is now among the worst in the county. Cllr Chris Maxwell told the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council that damage is being caused to vehicles.
Westport Estate announces 170 jobs at new hotel

Westport Estate announces 170 jobs at new hotel

Tue, 15 Apr, 2025

A new hotel, The Grace, Westport Estate, is set to open in 2026, creating 170 new jobs in Co Mayo
West Mayo roads are 'totally underfunded'

West Mayo roads are 'totally underfunded'

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Funding for local and regional roads in Mayo is inadequate and a call must be made to the Government for emergency monies in order to bring them up to standard, an Achill councillor has stated.
Councillor opposes development levy

Two social housing schemes will provide 36 homes in Mayo

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Achill councillor Paul McNamara has acknowledged the good work done by Mayo County Council in relation to the provision of social housing in the area in recent times.
Flood relief works proposed for several locations in Mayo

Flood relief works proposed for several locations in Mayo

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Flood prevention schemes are being carried out in a number of locations in West Mayo, members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District were told at their meeting last week.
Concerns mounting over future of major project in Mayo town

Concerns mounting over future of major project in Mayo town

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

A Westport councillor has raised concerns about the future of a high-profile multi-million euro project in the town.
Eliminating bureaucratic delay would improve faith in democracy, says Duffy

Rural roads left in limbo due to council stance

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

A Louisburgh councillor has called on Mayo County Council to continue fixing potholes and surfaces in roads leading to rural houses.
Mayo islander drowned after car entered lake

Mayo islander drowned after car entered lake

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

There was nothing suspicious about the death of a 61-year-old Inishbiggle man who drowned after his car entered a freshwater lake on the island, an inquest has heard.
Means test for legal aid 'needs to be expanded'

Means test for legal aid 'needs to be expanded'

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

A retired district court judge and politician has urged Ministers within the Department of Justice to continue to legislate to ensure that people from every sector of society can access legal aid.
'Unauthorised' works on Mayo school site prompt fury

'Unauthorised' works on Mayo school site prompt fury

Wed, 02 Apr, 2025

“I don’t know what’s going on behind the hoarding. Nobody knows. It is completely screened out.” 
Train collision would have been avoided if Irish Rail staff had followed rules, inspectors find

Train collision would have been avoided if Irish Rail staff had followed rules, inspectors find

Tue, 01 Apr, 2025

The accident occurred when a freight train used for carrying timber crashed into an empty passenger train
Elderly still without vital services two months after Éowyn

Elderly still without vital services two months after Éowyn

Mon, 31 Mar, 2025

More than two months after Storm Éowyn councillors in Mayo are still being contacted by householders and businesses that are without broadband and telephone services.
Renowned drummer is coming to Westport

Renowned drummer is coming to Westport

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Legendary Irish drummer Graham Hopkins is coming to Westport next week for an intimate ‘drum hang’ event.
Significant update given on proposed Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme

Council undertakes various schemes to address flood risks

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Mayo County Council is involved in a number of schemes to mitigate flood risks, a meeting of the council's Environment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) has been told.
Green Business Hub is launched in Westport

Green Business Hub is launched in Westport

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025

Mayo County Council, with the support of Westport Chamber of Commerce, Westport Tidy Towns, and the One Westport group, has launched the Westport Green Business Hub.
An unmissable night of Country and Gospel music 

An unmissable night of Country and Gospel music 

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Patrick Feeney was born to sing and from the tender age of four he wanted to be on stage with his father who played in a local band.
Councillor seeks backing for Mayo holiday home tax

Councillor seeks backing for Mayo holiday home tax

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

A Westport councillor is urging colleagues to consider how a holiday home tax might be introduced in Mayo to increase the number of properties available for those in need of housing.
Phone services are still out in some areas

Phone services are still out in some areas

Mon, 10 Mar, 2025

Lingering storm damage in the form of hanging telecommunications cables and displaced poles are putting people in danger and must be removed, members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have stated.
Westport e-bikes ‘left all over the place’

Westport e-bikes ‘left all over the place’

Sat, 08 Mar, 2025

Fixed stands to hold Lime bikes are needed n Westport, according to local councillors.
Toilet facilities at popular Mayo beach to be upgraded

Toilet facilities at popular Mayo beach to be upgraded

Fri, 07 Mar, 2025

The toilet facilities at one of West Mayo's most popular beaches are to be upgraded.
Call to reinstate village placename signs in West Mayo

Call to reinstate village placename signs in West Mayo

Fri, 07 Mar, 2025

A Westport councillor is calling for the reinstatement of village placename signs along the new N5 Westport to Turlough road. The signs were removed while the road was being built.
Recent weather has had huge impact on roads, says councillor

Recent weather has had huge impact on roads, says councillor

Fri, 07 Mar, 2025

A councillor said the bad weather of recent months has left many roads in a poor state.
Lecture on man who opened up West

Lecture on man who opened up West

Fri, 07 Mar, 2025

Alexander Nimmo’s road construction programme in West Mayo and Galway two centuries ago will be the focus of the next lecture at Westport Civic Trust, which takes place in the Plaza Hotel, Westport on Tuesday, March 11th, commencing at 8pm.
'New speed limits are even confusing Mr Google'

'New speed limits are even confusing Mr Google'

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Councillors in West Mayo continue to be exercised about the symbolic five black lines on road signs for the new 60kph speed zones in the county.
Glowing tributes to 'unique and decent' local politician

Glowing tributes to 'unique and decent' local politician

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025

Fond tributes were paid to the late Margaret Adams at last week's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District.
Delays in Active Travel works is 'holding back' housing development in Westport

Delays in Active Travel works is 'holding back' housing development in Westport

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025

Delays in implementing Active Travel works around Westport are holding back housing and other critical developments in the town, according to a local councillor.
Call for safety works after car crashed into hairdressers in Mayo town

Call for safety works after car crashed into hairdressers in Mayo town

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

There was good news for councillors in Westport last week following a long campaign to have resurfacing and remedial works carried out in public carparks in the town.
Contract signed for major road project in Mayo

Contract signed for major road project in Mayo

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

Mayo County Council has awarded a contract to Fox Building & Engineering Ltd for the construction of the N59 Derradda to Newport Road to the north of Newport town. The construction of the €31.
Paddington proves popular in Westport

Council gives update on Paddington's future in Westport

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

Westport councillors are seeking assurances that the hugely successful Paddington Bear tourist attraction remains permanently in the town.
Upcoming lecture on Mayo archaeology

Upcoming lecture on Mayo archaeology

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Archaeologist Michael Gibbons will be the guest speaker at Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society's monthly talk in March.
New housing scheme 'should be double in size'

New housing scheme 'should be double in size'

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

A member of Mayo County Council has said a new 50-unit social housing development in Westport should be double the size.
Mayo councillors want tax on short-term rentals

Mayo councillors want tax on short-term rentals

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Mayo councillors are calling for the imposition of a tax on holiday homes and the regulation of the Airbnb sector. Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn raised the matter at last Thursday's meeting of Mayo Co Council's housing strategic policy committee (SPC).
Top folk singer will perform in Westport

Top folk singer will perform in Westport

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

Westport Town Hall will host a very special evening of new music on Saturday, March 1st, at 8pm.
Court told of 'Russian influence' in Mayo child porn case

Drug dealer 'seems to believe she is immune from going to jail'

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

A judge has told a woman caught with more than €40,000 of cannabis that she seems to believe she is “immune” from going to jail.
Lunchtime concert for church damaged in storm

Lunchtime concert for church damaged in storm

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

A lunchtime recital will be hosted by St Mary’s Church in Westport on Sunday next, March 2nd, on behalf of Holy Trinity Protestant church in the town, which is currently closed due to damage sustained in Storm Éowyn on January 24th.
Family's upset after fatal crash driver gets suspended sentence

Family's upset after fatal crash driver gets suspended sentence

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

A heartbroken family said they will never forgive a man whose careless driving caused the death of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Over 50 applicants for five affordable homes in Mayo

Over 50 applicants for five affordable homes in Mayo

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

There have been over 50 applicants for five affordable houses at a new 50-unit social housing scheme in Westport.
Suspended jail term for man who has ‘turned life around’

Woman was selling drugs out of West Mayo mobile home

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

A woman who was found in possession of drugs valued at over €10,000 owed money to dealers higher up the chain, a court has heard.
Council on the lookout for land for housing

Council on the lookout for land for housing

Thu, 20 Feb, 2025

Social and affordable housing issues are among the top concerns for local councillors in Mayo, last week's meeting of the county council heard.
Man with child porn falsely claimed he was blackmailed

Man who 'could have played rugby for Ireland' is jailed

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

A man who “could have played rugby for Ireland” has been jailed for 18 months after he stole a fishing boat and burgled a garage.
Mayo householders urged to avail of free e-waste recycling events

Mayo householders urged to avail of free e-waste recycling events

Tue, 18 Feb, 2025

Mayo householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days this February and March to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2025.
'Not good enough' - Mayo shop lost €2,000 in week due to 'growing trend'

'Not good enough' - Mayo shop lost €2,000 in week due to 'growing trend'

Tue, 18 Feb, 2025

"I didn’t know there was such a problem or there were such people around us"
Keogh raises ‘urgent concerns’ about Defective Concrete Block Scheme grant increases

Keogh raises ‘urgent concerns’ about Defective Concrete Block Scheme grant increases

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

Mayo Fine Gael TD, Keira Keogh, has raised urgent concerns in the Dáil regarding the Defective Concrete Block Scheme, calling on the Government to provide clear timelines for a planned review and the implementation of retrospective grant increases.

Sustainable building is focus of Westport Civic Trust event

Sat, 15 Feb, 2025

Westport Civic Trust will host its next lecture on Tuesday, February 18, at 8pm in the Plaza Hotel (Walnut Room).  Dr John Scahill will talk about ‘Sustainable building and the circular economy’.
Council chief defends response to Storm Éowyn

Council chief defends response to Storm Éowyn

Sat, 15 Feb, 2025

The chief executive of Mayo County Council has rejected the suggestion of a breakdown in communication with the public in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

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