Westmeath News
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 17:36Féile Na Sionainne Set To Bring Music, Dance And Heritage To Life
The festival takes place this Saturday.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 16:19Offaly Church Refute "Completely Untrue" Picture On Social Media
A image is going viral alleging prayer rugs are being hung from the railings of Tullamore's Church of the Assumption
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 15:49Offaly TD Calls For Budget Boost To Offaly CAMHS Staffing
Carol Nolan wants it be made a priority in the Budget.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 15:47Laois County Council Accepts EPA Criticism Over Environmental Enforcement
The EPA report ranked Laois as the country's third worst-performing local authority.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 15:44Planning Permission Granted For Two New Offaly Playgrounds
The playgrounds will be built in Mucklagh and Coolderry.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 15:33Sentencing Adjourned For Laois Healthcare Assistant Convicted Of Sexual Assault
Kadima Tshikala of Portlaoise, was found guilty on two counts after a five day trial.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 13:38Offaly Mother Expresses Frustration On Daughter's Delayed Surgery
Tullamore's Angela Briggs has been waiting for hip surgery for her daughter Tyra for several years.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 12:56Cabinet Approves Summer Economic Statement Ahead Of Budget 2027
An €8.5 billion budget package for 2027 is expected after Cabinet approval.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 12:45Seven In 10 Irish Adults Fall Short Of Recommended Dairy Intake
73% do not achieve the recommended three daily servings advised by Irish dietary guidelines.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 12:31Midlands MEP Says RTÉ Trust Still Recovering After Scandals
The state broadcaster has revealed it's annual report for 2025.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 11:37Councillor Expresses Disappointment Over Midlands Hospice Debate
Fergus McDonnell is urging an investigation into how the final site for the facility was selected.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 11:32Public Information Meeting To Outline River Catchment Inspections In Laois
The meeting takes place this evening.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 09:45Electric Picnic Releasing Last Chance Tickets Tomorrow
Customers on the mobile network Three can register for tomorrow's pre-sale at 10 am.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 09:31Serious M9 Collision In Carlow Leaves One Person Airlifted To Hospital
Emergency services are understood to be dealing with a collision.
Midlands 103·23 Jul, 08:18Offaly Woman Begins Fundraising Coast To Coast Run
Tullamore's Justine Walsh is raising funds for Accessible Counselling Tullamore.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 23:01Two Gardaí Released After Offaly Garda Station Incident
Edenderry Garda Station is currently closed for investigation and deep cleaning.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 17:49Closing Date For Ireland's Greenest Places 2026 Entries Fast Approaching
Closing date is August 1st.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 17:42Enterprise Minister Launches Ireland Home Of Halloween 2026 Programme
The launch took place yesterday.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 17:35Laois Senator Backs E-Scooter Reforms And Calls For Policing Boost
Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has welcomed the changes.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 17:24Application Lodged To Convert Protected Offaly House Into Provision Centre
Bridgestock Care Ltd wants to temporarily convert the 'Florence' house into asylum accommodation.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 17:21Survey Reveals 30% Of People Can’t Stand Camping
Seven in 10 people say they enjoy the activity.
- Midlands 103·22 Jul, 15:44
Just Over €2m Allocated To Midlands In Fuel Income Support Scheme
The money will be spread out in payments to farmers and agricultural contractors in the Midlands.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 15:00Westmeath Walking Group Expresses Concern Over Windfarm Project
Rahanine Trailblazers is expressing concern over Derrygrenagh Wind and Solar Project.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 14:50GRA Seeks Stronger Pursuit Policy For E-Scooters
The Garda Representative Association think its especially needed after the e-scooter ban for under 18's.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 13:54IRHA Warns It's Too Early For Government To Scale Back Fuel Supports
President of the IRHA, Rosenallis's Ger Hyland says members are worried as oil prices rise.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 13:06Former Laois MMA Fighter Wins Damages Case After Losing $50k Fight Purse Following Garda Collision
45 year old MMA fighter Charlie Ward was awarded $50,000.
- Midlands 103·22 Jul, 12:39
Offaly Councillor Claims "Censorship" Over Midlands Hospice Motion
Fergus McDonell says there's a lack of clarity over how the hospice site was chosen.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 12:11Midlands Housing Figures Show Mixed Trends
Homes being built across Laois has declined, while Offaly and Westmeath has increased.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 12:06Report Calls For Major Shake Up Of Local Government
A report is before Cabinet Ministers this morning.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 11:26Enoch Burke's Family Barred From High Court Cases
The ruling was officially made this morning.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 11:05Cabinet To Discuss RTÉ Annual Report Highlighting Top Earners
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst is the highest-paid employee on the list.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 08:51Offaly Father Launches Poetry Collection In Honour Of Son
Killeigh man John Saunders wrote "Waiting for James" in honour of his son to mark World Brain Day.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 08:34Laois County Council Must Improve Environmental Protection - EPA
A new report by the EPA shows Laois is among the worst performing county councils on the matter.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 08:14Electric Picnic Reveal New 'Tropical Destination' Stage
The Laois music festival is offering a reggae and afro house stage this year.
Midlands 103·22 Jul, 06:53Uisce Eireann Announces Nationwide Hosepipe Ban
The move follows weeks of warm and dry weather.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 17:41Offaly Farmer Loses Faith In Government After Masked Raid
An incident at Seamus Farrell's house in Edenderry took place on July 11th.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 15:36OPW Sites Offering Free Admission For Under 18's Next Month
Sites like Clonmacnoise and Emo Court are included in the scheme.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 15:32Focus Ireland Highlights Impact Of Child Homelessness
Department of Housing figures for May show 115 children experiencing homelessness in the Midlands.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 15:28Tate Extradition Case Sends “Message Of Hope” To Survivors - Domestic Abuse Charity
The two brothers were arrested over new criminal charges.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 15:18Laois TD Calls For More Budget Support For Middle-Income Families
Willie Aird says many working families are under growing financial pressure.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 15:16Midlands Car Insurance Costs Revealed
Offaly drivers faced the highest premiums in the region.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 15:16Truck Overturns On Laois Motorway
It happened on Junction 17 on the M7 in Portlaoise.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 14:49Man Left Hospitalised After Workplace Incident In Westmeath
The man was brought to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 14:24AI Key Skill For Successful Candidates In Midlands HR Recruitment Drive
Tullamore founded Allpro People Group is creating 30 new jobs over the next 3 years across Ireland and the Middle East.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 13:29Westmeath Woman Loses €60k Dublin Airport Injury Claim Against DAA
The court heard Imelda Cox slipped on de-icer fluid on the airport apron after a KLM flight.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 12:47393 Midlands Homes Revived Through Vacant Property Grants
The scheme first launched in 2022.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 12:40Planning Approved For New Battery Recycling Facility In Westmeath
Planning permission has been granted to KMK Metals by Westmeath County Council.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 12:10Road Delays Expected Across Offaly This Week
The delays are expected to be in from tomorrow and last until Thursday.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 12:06Government Considers Registration Plates For Cyclists
The proposal is being considered alongside new e-scooter rules taking effect next month.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 11:57Offaly Farmer 'Angry And Terrified' During Masked Raid
An incident at the home of Edenderry's Seamus Farrell took place on July 11th.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 11:57Overnight Water Restrictions In Laois
The restrictions will apply from 11pm to 7am each night.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 09:50Unveiling Of New Sinead O'Connor Waxwork Figure Postponed
The National Wax Museum says it's due to unforeseen circumstances.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 09:35Westmeath Branch Of RNLI Holding Volunteering Evening
The Lough Ree branch are holding the open evenings this week.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 09:15Westmeath Man Faces Application Of Bankruptcy Over Alleged €278k Debt
Alan Clancy is claimed to owe money in unpaid rent on the Oldcastle House Hotel in Meath.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 08:55Midlands HR Company Announces 30 New Jobs
The new roles are to be created across the wider force overtime.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 08:10High Speed Broadband Set For Laois
The 30 metre telecommunications mast will be at Trumera GAA Club.
Midlands 103·21 Jul, 07:55Councillors Support New Fund For Smaller Offaly Communities
An annual pot of €100k is being considered by elected reps in the county.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 16:34Laois To Get New 'Binsí Comhrá' Irish Conversation Bench
A bench is set to come to Emo Court soon.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 16:23HSE Advises Six Week Rodent Control Before Proposed Laois Service Station Build
Niall and Ciaran Sheehy have submitted plans for the site on Stradbally's Athy Road.
- Midlands 103·20 Jul, 16:12
Driver Convicted Over Fatal Kildare Hit-And-Run Faces Sentencing
Judge Duffy ordered that Marin Silaghi remain in custody until his sentencing hearing tomorrow.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 16:03Offaly Athletics Club Launches €150k Fundraising Drive
They've raised €66,000 so far.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 15:57Midlands Bars Shortlisted For Top Honours At Square Bar Of The Year Awards
182 finalists are from Leinster.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 15:48Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €213k
29.9kg of cannabis resin was seized.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 14:14Child Safety Wristband Initiative Renewed For 95th National Ploughing Championships
More than 40,000 child safety wristbands will be distributed free of charge at all event entrances.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 14:00Under 18s To Be Banned From E-Scooters Under New Government Rules
The rule is set to come into effect next month.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 13:22Community Comes Together To Remember Laois Woman Fatally Stabbed
Over 70 people attended a vigil in memory of Adina Raluca Constantin on Friday.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 12:44Offaly Farmer Fires Warning Shot To Scare Off Armed Masked Raiders
Edenderry's Seamus Farrell's house was being intruded in the early hours of July 11th.
- Midlands 103·20 Jul, 12:28
Offaly Pharmacy Ordered To Pay €50k After Pregnant Pharmacist Unfairly Dismissed
Rose Finlay Pharmacy in Tullamore was found to have breached the Employment Equality Act.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 12:17Fire Breaks Out At Popular Laois Tourist Attraction
The fire broke out at Derryounce Lake on Saturday.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 11:08Irish Hospice Foundation Launches Research Project To Capture End-Of-Life Experiences
The study is open to people who are believed to be in the final 12 to 18 months of their lives.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 10:14Temperatures Dropping Slightly This Week Across Midlands
A 50-year heatwave record was nearly beaten over the weekend.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 09:42Laois Motorist Arrested On Suspicion Of Drug Driving
The BMW was clocked doing 167 km/h on the M8.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 08:06Calls To Scrap Short Prison Sentences
The Irish Penal Reform Trust says prison officers are working in volatile conditions.
Midlands 103·20 Jul, 08:00Four Midlands Photographers Shortlisted For 'Love Your Coast' Competition
Almost 400 photographers submitted a total of over 1,100 photos.
Midlands 103·19 Jul, 11:03Offaly Hotel Evacuates Guests After Smoking Area Fire
The fire took hold in the early hours of Sunday morning in Tullamore.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 16:35Prison Officers Consider Strike Ballot Over Pay
It's the latest union to signal the possibility of industrial action over public sector pay.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 16:32National Wax Museum To Unveil New Sinéad O'Connor Figure
The waxwork figure will be unveiled next week.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 16:29Public Invited To Shape Laois Biodiversity Plan
A consultation is open until August 2nd.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 14:43Uisce Eireann Impose Overnight Restrictions In Parts Of Westmeath
These restrictions affect customers supplied by the Ballany Reservoir.
- Midlands 103·17 Jul, 14:28
Planning Permission Granted For Apartments In Offaly
Kilros Developments have received planning permission for the project in Rhode.
- Midlands 103·17 Jul, 13:40
Over 6,300 People On Jobseeker’s Allowance For Over A Decade
The cost of providing welfare payments is estimated to have cost €800 million.
- Midlands 103·17 Jul, 12:39
Offaly Instructor Says Young Motorists Face Hostility On The Roads
Seven in 10 young drivers believe other drivers influence them to take greater risks on the road.
- Midlands 103·17 Jul, 12:25
Laois Pharmacist Warns Public To Stay Safe As Heat Alert Returns
A Status Yellow high temperature warning is in place for Laois and Offaly.
- Midlands 103·17 Jul, 11:55
Calls For E-Scooter Ban Branded 'Kneejerk Reaction'
13-year-old Thomas Crean Keogh from Portlaoise was critically injured in an e-scooter accident.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 11:24Offaly IFA Backs Long Term Investment In Climate Action
A new report is being launched by The Just Transition Commission.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 11:11Call For New Motorway Linking Midlands To Rosslare Europort
Fianna Fáil Councillor for Carlow Andrea Dalton is calling for the proposal to be explored.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 10:17Midlands Set For Another High Temperature Warning Today
Laois and Offaly fall under today's Status Yellow warning coming into effect at noon.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 07:52Sinn Fein Call For Redress Scheme For Abuse Survivors Of Former Psychiatric Institutions
Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke says her party also seeks a full public inquiry.
Midlands 103·17 Jul, 07:23Vigil This Evening For Woman Fatally Stabbed In Laois
Adina Raluca Constantin passed away earlier this month.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 16:41Fundraiser Launched To Help Laois Teen Injured in E-Scooter Accident
Orla Keogh is starting the fundraiser for her nephew Thomas.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 15:45Midlands Café Gives Teens Hospitality Experience
Rita's Kitchen was opened three years ago in Moneygall.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 15:21National Lottery Changes To Boost Lotto Winning Odds
National Lottery changes aim to create more Lotto and Lotto Plus millionaires later this year.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 15:14Justice Minister Urges Caution On Aughinish Alumina Decision
Peter Burke is currently conducting a review of the plant.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 15:11Offaly Domestic Violence Service Welcomes Landmark New Laws
The Dáil has approved a series of domestic violence laws, including Jennie’s Law and Valerie’s Law.
- Midlands 103·16 Jul, 15:07
Offaly TD Demands Fairer Health Insurance Rules For Older Customers
Carol Nolan is calling for changes to legislation.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 15:00US President's 2011 Visit Still Paying Dividends For Offaly Community
Barack Obama visited Moneygall with his wife Michelle in 2011.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 14:09Community Café Brings New Life To Midlands Village
Rita's Kitchen in Moneygall is run by volunteers.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 13:42Man Charged Following €122k Drug Seizure In Laois
The man charged will appear before Portlaoise District Court this afternoon.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 11:58Jozef Puska Loses Appeal Against His Sentence For The Murder Of Ashling Murphy
He's serving a life sentence, after he was found guilty of the crime in 2023.
Midlands 103·16 Jul, 10:54Roadworks Cause Delays On TFI Local Link Midlands Route
Roadworks are taking place between Legan and Ballynacarrigy.