Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today live from Portlaoise

ETHOS is a community group based in Tyrrellspass, dedicated to promoting an awareness of the treasures which lie hidden in the immediate environment. Lisa Sheridan from St. Anne's National School explains some of the fundraising taking place for the school's new extension. Also, is a 'small' wedding in Ireland considered the same in the UK? Let's find out more.

Following a High Court judgment, the business model of vulture funds that purchase mortgages and other assets and employ credit servicing firms to act on their behalf is under increased scrutiny. These new recycling machines have been found to have issues with numerous bottles and cans. How often is it worth while going in? Almost half of the country's rivers and lakes fail to meet the necessary standards to protect water quality, public health, and natural habitats. What does this mean for the future of our water resources?

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner, keeping you up to date with everything that happens in Laois, Offaly & Westmeath. Get the highlights from the Midlands 103 Customer Services awards & more.

A new organization has been established to represent retired lower-ranking Defence Forces members, focusing on improving their service pensions and gratuities. There is a call for the government to appoint a road safety Tsar as the Road Safety Authority seeks to double penalty points for several offenses. Also, Election counts are still well underway as we get updates from Kamron Clarke and Rachel Timoney.

Supermac’s has once again emerged victorious in the prolonged "Big Mac" trademark dispute with the global fast-food giant McDonald’s. A grant of €10,000 to provide mental health counselling support to Laois teenagers at a local resource centre is appreciated but significantly insufficient, according to the centre's manager. Also, David Hollywood gives us the rundown on the upcoming Laois v Offaly match this weekend.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today LIVE from Banagher

Midlands Today LIVE from Portarlington

Residents in Laois are facing a devastating infestation of rats due to dumping in the area. New report finds women will have to work on average an extra eight years for the same pension as a male colleague. Also, people who are in reciept of welfare payments will see a greater increase in income than those in employment.

SIPTU members at the STERIS plant in Tullamore, County Offaly, are concerned that the company won't recognize their union for negotiating their employment terms. They have raised these issues with management and local politicians. Metaversal Limited is applying for planning permission to develop a site in the Westpoint Business Park, Monksland. Local and well known shop in Mullingar is set to close after many years of trading.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today LIVE from Kinnegad

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane says the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre is in a 'grave situation' with funding. Payments to asylum seekers in Ireland will be subject to means testing within weeks. Also, your Friday Panel.

Midlands Today LIVE from Bord Na Móna's Accelerate Green Conference

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

In the coming weeks, roads-policing gardaí will deploy an undercover heavy goods vehicle cab on Irish roads to catch distracted drivers. The Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has advised the Department of Health to limit the number of managers and administrators in the health service, as their hiring rate exceeds that of clinical staff. Also, Denise and Syl Sexton bring baby Noah in for a chat.

According to the latest Rent Price Report from Daft.ie, the average rental cost nationwide is now 1,836 euros per month, marking a 5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Sinn Fein says the Government is a 'disgrace' for its handling of a protest in a Coole. A guidance counsellor with 20 years of experience, notes that attendance rates have consistently been good at the all-boys secondary school where she works.

As many as 18 modular homes have been delivered to a Westmeath village overnight. Local election and European Candidate are reporting missing and vandalised posters around the midlands. Kildare TD says Custume Barracks' central location makes it ideal to become the new Army Headquarters.