Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Forest Fest announces its new “Kickin’ Up Dust” arena, giving Country and Americana music a dedicated stage and highlighting the genre’s growing popularity in Ireland.

A major energy storage project in Rhode, Co Offaly will use innovative CO2-based battery technology to store renewable electricity, supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Concerns are growing over delays in Garda vetting, with warnings that recruitment hold-ups are impacting healthcare and disability services across the Midlands.

Homelessness charities are warning that proposed housing legislation could make it harder for vulnerable people to access emergency accommodation, as concerns grow over rising homelessness figures.

Tullamore welcomes Ireland’s second Wendy’s restaurant, creating more than 60 local jobs and marking another step in the fast-food chain’s expansion plans.

Plans for a €10 million greenway linking Athlone and Shannonbridge have been approved to progress, with hopes it will boost tourism and connectivity across the Midlands.

Families seeking school places and supports for children with additional needs have been forced into legal battles, with the State spending more than €2 million on related court cases since 2022.

A Laois family is raising awareness of sepsis after retired councillor Noel Tuohy survived the life-threatening condition for a second time, highlighting the importance of recognising symptoms early.

Concerns are growing over the lack of IDA-supported jobs in Laois, with calls for greater investment and more site visits to one of Ireland’s fastest-growing counties.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Overcrowding at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore reaches “black escalation” status, prompting concerns over patient safety and growing pressure on services across the Midlands.

A landmark education programme sees prisoners in Portlaoise complete Ireland’s first in-person university-level course delivered within a prison setting.

Westmeath Rose 2026 Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh shares her experience of living with alopecia and supporting others through her hair loss community initiative.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Staff and students at Carlow College stage a public demonstration in a bid to reverse plans to close the historic institution and protect its educational programmes and jobs.

Searches continue at a quarry on the Wicklow-Kildare border as gardaí investigate the cold-case murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob.

New figures reveal more than half a million households are struggling with energy bill arrears, while hauliers are calling for fuel supports to remain in place amid continued global uncertainty.

A Midlands psychotherapist shares his personal battle with gambling addiction, revealing how losses of more than €100,000 left him contemplating suicide before rebuilding his life.

New figures show over half a million Irish households are in energy arrears, prompting calls for urgent government action to tackle what is being described as an affordability emergency.

Applegreen announces plans to create up to 450 jobs in Ireland through a major partnership that will bring Popeyes restaurants to locations across the country, starting in Portlaoise.

Homelessness remains at record levels, with the Housing Minister warning the crisis is likely to continue for several more years as demand outpaces supply.

Laois County Council approves the rezoning of 25 land banks, paving the way for up to 8,000 new homes across the county.

An Athlone man receives a suspended prison sentence and a two-year social media ban after threatening Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris online.

Survivor advocate Hazel Behan speaks out ahead of a Dáil debate on counselling notes in sexual violence trials, saying no victim should have to choose between healing and justice.

Violent disorder erupts in Belfast following a stabbing incident, with homes and vehicles set on fire as political leaders condemn the unrest.

Scientists and peatland experts gather in Tullamore for an international conference focused on renewable energy and the future management of Ireland’s peatlands.