Two local dioceses are set to merge in a major re-organisation of the Catholic church in the west of Ireland.
The news comes following Bishop for Achonry Paul Dempsey's appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.
In a statement today, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland said in time one Bishop will govern both the dioceses of Elphin and Achonry,
Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor said as the process evolves further the six Tuam Dioceses will eventually become three.
Meanwhile, Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry.
Former Religious Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times Patsy McGarry said the changes were coming:
Local elections candidate in Ballaghaderreen Micheal Frain wished Bishop Paul Dempsey well in Dublin.
He also welcomed the changes to the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin:
