Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Domestic abuse calls surge in the Midlands — Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke calls for urgent Government action after figures show a 37% rise in domestic abuse calls across the region over four years.

‘Bóithrín na mBan’ to honour women in Mullingar — Matt Nolan’s long-standing tradition of planting oak trees in memory of women who died tragically is set to be formally recognised with a new road name in Westmeath.

Taxi shortage row as rideshare ruled out — Offaly TD John Clendennen reacts after the Transport Minister confirms there are no plans to allow private rideshare drivers, despite watchdog warnings of a taxi supply crisis.

Social media ban for under-16s debated — Birr psychotherapist Stella O’Malley weighs in on Government plans to restrict under-16s from social media, as Ireland follows Australia and other countries amid growing concern about mental health, cyberbullying and online safety.

Michael English on health scare and tour return — The country star opens up about his recent mild heart attack, his recovery, and why he’s back on stage — including his upcoming show at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone.

Banned driver avoids jail — again — Courts reporter Liam Cosgrove details how a Westmeath man with 27 previous convictions, caught driving without insurance for the eighth time while disqualified, escaped prison and was handed community service instead.

EU probes Shein under digital safety laws — Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly reacts as the European Commission launches a Digital Services Act investigation into Shein over alleged illegal products and addictive design features.

SNA review paused after backlash — Senator Joe Flaherty welcomes the Government’s decision to pause changes to Special Needs Assistant allocations following widespread concern from parents and schools.

TUS scientist earns top global honour — Athlone’s Prof Neil Rowan becomes the first academic in TUS history to receive a Higher Doctorate of Science, recognising three decades of world-leading research.

Flood zoning concerns raised — Offaly Cathaoirleach John Leahy responds after new figures show hundreds of flood-prone sites were zoned for development nationwide, with warnings that climate-driven rainfall is increasing risks.

SNA cuts spark parent anger — Ballybrittas mum Aisling Donoher says her six-year-old son Dan could lose his one-to-one SNA support, leaving him unable to attend school if the proposed reductions go ahead.

Community funds and energy reform — Climate Minister Darragh O’Brien says he’s open to “meaningful reforms” of renewable energy community funds, amid claims the current system isn’t benefiting local people.

Ireland reaches for the stars — The European Space Agency’s first Irish Phi-Lab opens in Mullingar, marking a major milestone for AI-driven space innovation, with €170 million committed over five years and the promise that future European missions may carry Midlands ingenuity onboard.

Palliative care breakthrough and voices of survival — Agreement is reached to relocate four Level 2 hospice beds to Athlone’s new Heartlands Care Centre, securing the future of specialist palliative care in South Westmeath, while domestic violence survivor Kirsty Fitzpatrick shares her powerful story and helpline supports are highlighted.

Mental health, money and modern life — The Inspector of Prisons raises “deep reservations” about the restraint of a mentally ill inmate before his death at Cloverhill; Finance Minister Simon Harris signals plans for new tax incentives to encourage savings and investment; Barack Obama clarifies his alien remarks; and Offaly students celebrate creativity through the Birr Schools Creative Cluster