Encore Thursday 13th August 2020 by Midlands 103

Country Life Wednesday 12th August 2020 by Midlands 103

On the Midlands Today show, Will O Callaghan speaks to local councillors in Laois and Offaly following on from the COVID-19 emergency meeting held by both local authorities yesterday. The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says he's working to positively discriminate in favour of Laois, Offaly and Kildare when it comes to funds to help businesses. Brian Cloonan answers all your DIY questions.

Local restrictions - reaction from Laois, Offaly and Kildare as the tourism and hospitality industry faces another crisis.

In the aftermath of localised restrictions being introduced Ronan examines the economic fallout with Roger Guiney (President ofTullamore Chamber), Bernie Everard (CEO Laois Chamber) and Allan Shine (CEO Kildare Chamber). Ger Alley (General Manager at Heritage Hotel Killenard) on the devastating effect being forced to close again has on his business and Hannah Quinn Mulligan of the Irish Farmers Journal gives an update on the meat plants and the centre of the crisis.

Comments also from Cllr John Leahy of Offaly County Council on a special council meeting held on Tuesday 11th August and Darren Strong of DS Sports talks about his sportswear business.

Irish Times columnist and Walker John G O Dwyer explores Loughboora with Ann Marie Kelly. Also, find out about the 2 Slieve Bloom walks featured in his brand new book and where to walk in the 'big sky' areas of the Midlands

On today's show, Laois Chamber asks the Tainiste allow the county to exit localised restrictions ahead of Offaly and Kildare, an Athlone GP answers your medical questions and the mother of a Laois boy accused of stealing shares her story with Will O' Callaghan:

Laois and Offaly face their first week of restrictions, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly speaks about the decision to lockdown the midlands and what is being done to contain the clusters at factories. Will O Callaghan finds out how business owners are feeling following the Taoiseach announcement on Friday. In sport Laois hurling captain Enda Rowland chats to Will O'Callaghan about his frustrations that GAA games are being halted during the localised lock-down.

Liam gets reaction from all sides to the local lock down in Offaly, Laois and Kildare.

One angry caller says it’s like being’ ‘in prison’ as listeners vent their anger.

On the Midlands Today show, Robert Fahy speaks to Laois/Offaly TD Sean Fleming about the possibility of a local lockdown due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the midlands. The annual Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge is going virtual this year, Concepta Smith discusses with Robert Fahy about the benefit shes experienced after taking up long distance walking. Our tech expert Andy O' Donoghue chats about the latest gadgets for your garden and home.

Discover how NASA soil could help your garden grow – and why your cat can soon do your mopping. Andy O’Donoghue talks us through the latest smart home technology.