Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Midlands Today with David Hollywood

The long-awaited Midlands Hospice is running €12 million, or 30%, over budget, with the HSE carrying out a value-engineering exercise on the project following years of campaigning and local fundraising. 011026
Family Carers Ireland says 71% of carers are struggling to make ends meet and is calling for the Carer’s Allowance means test to be abolished, alongside increased weekly payments and greater practical support in Budget 2027. 011026
EU authorities have launched an investigation into popular online games including Candy Crush, Minecraft and Clash of Clans over concerns surrounding virtual currencies, in-game purchases and consumer protection.

More than 100,000 public sector workers are beginning industrial action today over delays in securing a new pay agreement, with work-to-rule action ahead of two planned strike dates in October.
A nationwide 15-minute walkout is taking place to highlight violence against women and girls, following the deaths of 10 women in violent circumstances in Ireland during the first nine months of the year.
New research shows a sharp rise in the number of people receiving ADHD medication through public schemes, increasing by 314% between 2015 and 2024, amid calls for patients to be reimbursed for medication costs

A father and daughter have died following a workplace incident at Banagher Precast Concrete in Offaly, with the Health and Safety Authority launching an investigation and the local community described as being in deep shock. 290926
Irish households are estimated to throw away around €60 worth of food every month, with the EPA highlighting the financial and environmental impact of food waste. 290926
A €5-per-person nightly tourist tax could generate almost €220 million a year for local authorities, according to new research, although the hospitality sector has raised concerns about the potential impact on tourism

More than 1,000 people attended a meeting in Moate over rising fuel and living costs, with organisers warning further fuel protests will take place if the upcoming Budget fails to deliver the action they are seeking.
House price inflation is showing signs of easing nationally, but prices continue to rise across the Midlands, with listed prices up 8.9% in Laois, 4.3% in Westmeath and 2.4% in Offaly compared with last year.
Doubts have emerged over whether the Government will approve a proposed 79-cent increase in the national minimum wage, which would bring the hourly rate to €14.94 from January.