Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Concerns are growing over rising fuel costs, with the fuel industry and road hauliers urging the Government not to reinstate excise duties, warning the move would place further pressure on rural households and businesses.
Plans for a new domestic violence refuge in Laois have moved a step closer, with proposals to increase capacity from eight to ten units awaiting final ministerial approval.
Killenard entrepreneur Barry Moroney explains how artificial intelligence helped him launch ApexGolf, an innovative app designed to help amateur golfers improve their game.

Midlands Today August 6th 2026

Gardaí are highlighting the dangers of handling illegal vapes following an incident that left two officers hospitalised in Edenderry, while launching a countywide Community Safety Survey to identify local concerns in Offaly.
The GAA community is paying tribute to former President Liam O'Neill of Trumera, remembering his lifelong contribution to Gaelic games, education and community development in Laois.
New research from Barnardos shows the cost of sending children back to school is placing increasing financial pressure on families, with calls for more affordable uniforms, digital devices and wider access to Government supports.

Families across Offaly are once again raising concerns over school transport, with renewed claims that children are being left without school bus places ahead of the new academic year.
Midlands MEP Ciaran Mullooly is calling for stronger country-of-origin labelling on imported beef, arguing consumers deserve greater transparency and Irish farmers should be better recognised for their high standards.
The Irish Travel Agents Association is urging holidaymakers heading to southern Europe to stay alert as wildfires continue to affect parts of Spain and France, while stressing that disruption remains localised.

The Association of Irish Local Government is condemning a targeted campaign of harassment against female councillors after reports of repeated abusive and sexually explicit phone calls to elected representatives across the country.
A major wildfire in Mountmellick prompted the evacuation of nearby residents as firefighters battled flames fuelled by prolonged dry conditions, with Laois remaining under a high fire risk warning.
ESB Networks has officially opened its new Bracklone 110kV Substation near Portarlington, a major infrastructure project designed to strengthen electricity capacity for homes, farms and businesses across the Midlands.