Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

A brutal Athlone stabbing case hears a victim was left fighting for his life after being attacked multiple times in a row over €20. A new scheme offering tax relief aims to boost regeneration in Athlone by encouraging refurbishment of vacant and rental properties. Digital bank Monzo launches in Ireland, promising more competition in the online banking market and new options for customers.

Two Midlands adventurers share the story of their epic overland journey from Ireland to South Africa in a 20-year-old vehicle. Illegal dumping continues to cost taxpayers millions, with calls for stronger enforcement to tackle the growing problem in rural areas. Concerns rise over increasing STI cases and online safety for young people, as new EU age-verification technology is developed.

The fallout of the confidence motion, falling fuel prices and the need for more swimming pools are all on the agenda for Wednesday’s Midlands Today Show. Mr. Fix It Brian Cloonan drops by for some banter and DIY solutions.

SIPTU warns further cost-of-living supports may be needed, as political pressure continues ahead of a Dáil confidence vote linked to fuel protests. A rare case of BSE is confirmed in Ireland, with officials stressing there is no risk to public health or the food chain. Road safety campaigners renew calls for stronger enforcement as families continue to live with the devastating impact of fatal collisions.

Government announces a €500 million support package to address rising fuel costs following nationwide protests and disruption. Concerns raised that a housing scheme aimed at tackling vacancy in towns and villages is failing to deliver, with just 32 sites developed so far. Emergency response highlights the work of Lough Ree RNLI volunteers, while further scrutiny continues over standards in Irish nursing homes.

A Midlands family shares the devastating long-term impact of a missed cervical cancer diagnosis, highlighting the lasting trauma caused by healthcare failings. Fuel protests continue as campaigners demand stronger Government action to address rising energy costs affecting workers and businesses. Offaly golfer Shane Lowry makes a strong start at the Masters, while local stories include a Parkinson’s fundraiser and a Midlands appearance on First Dates Ireland.

Fuel protests intensify across the country, with calls for greater Government action as rising energy costs continue to impact households and businesses. A Midlands engineer helps launch an innovative bracelet designed to relieve menopause hot flushes using advanced cooling technology. New research warns artificial intelligence could significantly impact high-skilled jobs and reshape Ireland’s labour market in the coming years.

An Offaly engineer helps launch a new cooling bracelet designed to ease menopause hot flushes, with the device entering the Irish market this week. A 91-year-old peace activist walks across Ireland highlighting concerns about military use of Shannon Airport and Ireland’s neutrality. New figures show a rise in violence against hospital staff, with growing concern over safety pressures in emergency departments.

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts make history by travelling farther from Earth than any humans before during a landmark lunar flyby mission. Rising fuel costs spark protests across Ireland, with drivers and hauliers warning the cost of living continues to put pressure on households and businesses. A Laois fundraiser aims to support the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, inspired by a young girl living with a rare neurological condition.

European authorities approve emergency funding to distil surplus French wine into industrial alcohol as demand for red and rosé declines. A Status Yellow wind warning is in place nationwide as Storm Dave is set to bring strong gusts and difficult travelling conditions this weekend. Legal action against users of illegal “dodgy boxes” is being considered, as broadcasters attempt to tackle widespread piracy of TV and sports content.

Farmers warn rising agri-diesel costs remain a major concern, with the IFA saying recent government measures don’t go far enough to ease pressure on the sector. Global tensions continue to impact Ireland, with fears the Iran conflict could disrupt jet fuel supplies and affect summer travel. New transport changes aim to improve rural mobility, with the NTA making it easier for Local Area Hackney drivers to operate within their communities.

Athlone celebrates its second €1 million lottery win in a week, with the latest Daily Million jackpot ticket sold in Monksland. Calls are being made to allow turf sales during the ongoing energy crisis, as households struggle with rising heating costs. Researchers at TUS Athlone are developing Ireland’s first evidence-based guidelines to support women returning to exercise after pregnancy.

A Kildare singer shares her experience of living with Bipolar II Disorder to mark World Bipolar Day, highlighting the importance of diagnosis and support. A €20,000 reward is offered to help recover a stolen container of donated Lego intended for children in Malawi. Gardaí raise concerns over the growing trend of online doxing targeting officers and their families.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

A Westmeath Lotto player has become an overnight millionaire after winning €1 million in the Lotto Plus 1 draw. Farmers question supermarket price cuts on milk and butter, amid concerns retailers may be using dairy as “loss leaders”. Ireland’s World Cup dreams are dashed after a dramatic playoff defeat in Prague despite a strong early performance.

Further delays to the National Children’s Hospital mean the latest completion deadline will not be met, with concerns over timelines continuing. A multinational healthcare firm is set to take over a Tullamore facility, bringing hopes of new jobs after a previously announced closure. New figures show over 1,200 driving tests were cancelled due to insurance documentation issues, highlighting ongoing pressures in the testing system.

A man has died following a second fire at a house in Edenderry previously linked to a fatal petrol-bomb attack, as gardaí investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Global tensions continue to impact Ireland, with fuel price supports introduced as the Middle East conflict drives volatility in energy markets. Concerns grow over rural decline as new figures suggest dozens of small schools could face closure due to falling enrolments.

Damaged road signs following Storm Éowyn are being blamed for sending motorists and tourists in the wrong direction, raising safety concerns ahead of the busy summer season. A woman is due in court after an overnight burglary at Athlone Towncentre, while a second fire at a previously attacked house in Offaly sparks community anger. Rising fuel prices are putting pressure on Ireland’s construction sector, with warnings that costs for housing and infrastructure projects could climb further.

A survival expert helps locate four teenagers lost in dense Athlone woodland, highlighting the dangers of navigating forests in low temperatures. Climate scientists warn Ireland faces increased risk of extreme flooding as global temperatures continue to hit record highs. A Mullingar entrepreneur launches a new platform aiming to give musicians more control and income in an industry dominated by streaming giants.

A long-running planning row reaches breaking point as a Meath couple’s home is demolished, with the owners claiming the cost will fall back on taxpayers. Cancer survivors could soon face fewer barriers to home ownership, as new legislation aims to reduce the mortgage insurance exclusion period. A Laois student’s First Dates appearance and a TUS chef’s national competition success bring lighter local stories to the Midlands.