Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with Sally-Ann Barrett

Midlands Today with David Hollywood

Midlands Today with David Hollywood

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner 27th June 2025

Midlands Today LIVE from Choice Stores, Tullamore

The Longford-based charity that reunites children in hospital with their pets is seeking sustained Government support to expand services nationwide. One of the Midlands’ fastest-growing sports clubs has secured planning permission for a purpose-built facility beside Athlone’s Regional Sports Centre. Nearly half of women who contacted Gardaí about domestic abuse found their response unhelpful, prompting calls for better training and consistency across stations.

Oil prices tumbled after Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, easing fears of global supply disruption. A major deal with unions will see thousands of health workers rostered over weekends to tackle the trolley crisis and boost patient care. Laois County Council is rolling out free STEM workshops tailored for children with autism, helping build skills, confidence, and fun through hands-on learning.

A Daft.ie report reveals Midlands house prices jumped by 16.5%—the highest regional rise—as supply remains tight despite signs of recovery in Dublin. The Irish Road Haulage Association says poor hedge-cutting is causing crashes and costing truckers thousands in repairs, calling for tougher local enforcement. Developer Sean Mulryan has proposed a €multi-billion eco-city for Athlone by 2040, aiming to make it a European hub for sustainability and green tech.

Irish officials are working to help citizens leave Israel and Iran, as Tánaiste Simon Harris warns of escalating conflict and the urgent need for diplomacy. Alpha Drives & Switchgear is investing €3.5 million in a major expansion, with plans to hire 30 new staff at its Portlaoise base. Fine Gael is pushing to limit welfare hikes for long-term unemployed in Budget 2026, insisting priority should go to pensioners, carers and disabled people.

A Portlaoise man who faked lawnmower injury details to claim €167,000 in insurance payouts has avoided jail but must repay €20k. Irish Rail’s antisocial behaviour text line logged over 4,200 complaints in 2024, including racism, sexual harassment, and drug use on trains and platforms. HIQA has defended its handling of abuse claims at a Portlaoise care home, as politicians demand tougher laws and fines for failing private operators.

HIQA has referred two nursing homes—including one in Portlaoise—to Gardaí after nearly 240 abuse allegations, vowing reforms following an RTÉ Investigates exposé. Four relatives of Ashling Murphy’s killer have been found guilty of withholding evidence or assisting in covering up the 2022 murder. A EuroMillions ticket sold in Ireland has landed the record €250 million jackpot—the largest National Lottery win in the country’s history.

Carol Nolan TD shared calls for more disability supports in childcare, as a local award-winning creche owner warns the system is failing vulnerable children. Conservationists say loose dogs are destroying nests of endangered waders like the curlew around Lough Ree, urging people to leash pets during nesting season. The CCPC has warned schools that exclusive uniform deals and tech bundles are driving up back-to-school costs and stifling competition.

CyberSafeKids warns that children in disadvantaged areas are twice as likely to own smartphones—raising concerns over exposure to online harm and educational gaps. Westmeath’s Aengus O’Rourke says he was told to leave a meeting with Respond housing agency, slamming their management of vacant homes in Athlone. IBAL’s latest survey finds Tullamore among Ireland’s cleanest towns, with Mullingar and Athlone also improving and Portlaoise staying solid despite slipping one spot.

Cormac France, a father of four, is fronting a HSE campaign after his shock diagnosis with penile cancer, urging men to watch for early signs. Mountmellick mother-of-four Helen Lawlor is part of a 60-nation peaceful march to Rafah, demanding humanitarian access into Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing siege. Revenue intercepted nearly 11,000 unregulated medical items this year—mostly mail-order Ozempic-style drugs—amid growing concerns over online health purchases.

Memory Lane Playschool in Edenderry wins Creche of the Year, with owner Caroline Pierce calling it life-changing recognition after 27 years in the sector. A national campaign has been launched to recruit more retained firefighters, spotlighting locals like Laois carpenter Ed Gallagher who juggle firefighting with other jobs. Five neglected dogs were rescued by Gardaí and the ISPCA from a grim property in Portlaoise, prompting renewed appeals for adopters and donations.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner