Crime patterns and community concern — New CSO data shows over 80% of theft, fraud and public-order offences involve repeat offenders, with one in five reoffending within a month. Former Portlaoise Prison governor Ciaran Reilly breaks down what the surge in recidivism means for justice and safety in the Midlands.
Local pressures, local resilience — Durrow residents demand safer N52 junctions after disruptive works fail to improve conditions; avian flu hits a turkey flock in Laois as housing orders and restriction zones intensify; and Moate pushes for its first accessible ATM in four years as new laws require nationwide ATM access within 10km.
Support, services and accountability — Peadar Tóibín reveals disability allowance refusals are being overturned on appeal at “savage” levels; the Midlands Showcase highlights innovation, skills and regional growth; and Enoch Burke is returned to prison for a fourth time for breaching court orders.
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Week 48 - Tuesday
Celebrating the Midlands — Business, education, training and tourism leaders come together for the Midlands Showcase, with Gillian Murtagh, Michael Tobin, John Costello, John Kelly and Jasmine Elkhershi highlighting the region’s innovation, apprenticeships, skills agenda and future investment.
Crime, community and care — Gardaí arrest three people in the 2019 murder investigation of William Delaney; Daingean Canoe Club rebuilds after a costly break-in; and health expert Liam Butler answers listeners’ winter wellness questions from itchy scalps to probiotics.
Human stories and hard choices — a Westmeath family remembers the bravery of Cora Doyle, who lived with severe EB; heating-oil prices soar during the cold snap; and Sean Fleming discusses new proposals for income-based accommodation charges for people seeking international protection.
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Week 48 - Monday
Road safety and rising risks — IRHA President Ger Hyland warns of a crisis as learner-permit numbers hit 394,000 nationwide — including over 21,700 in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath — amid spiralling road deaths and major concerns over RSA delays and enforcement.
Community action and local stories — Soroptimist Mullingar prepares to join the UN’s Orange the World campaign; Portlaoise Library shares the tale of a well-travelled book found in Spain; Daingean Canoe Club rebuilds after a break-in; and volunteers like 78-year-old Alice Culliton lead this year’s Concern Fast.
Support, sport and family focus — IFA hosts a major meeting on farm succession; Alcoholics Anonymous opens its doors to newcomers; Laois launches Ireland’s first sports hub for vision-impaired and physically disabled athletes; and workplaces learn how to better support parents returning from maternity leave.
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Week 47 - Friday
Communities take a stand — Éist launches the Zero Tolerance Midlands Campaign, calling on businesses, schools and clubs to unite against violence toward women, girls and LGBTQ+ people, and to visibly pledge zero tolerance across the region.
Music, youth and opportunity — Tullamore students from St. Philomena’s and Scoil Eoin Phóil II Naofa release a festive single with Music Generation, as the national programme celebrates giving one in 12 young people access to music tuition and creative expression.
Health, housing and inclusion — Minister Norma Foley promotes early-years supports through the Community Families Programme, See Her Elected launches a guide for women seeking political roles, Laois Sports Partnership unveils Ireland’s first VIP sports hub, and Meath homebuyers plea for justice amid a stalled development.
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Week 47 - Thursday
Big business battles & local heritage — journalist Amy Molloy outlines the high-stakes controversy surrounding US investor Joe Elias as Meath homebuyers fight for completed houses, while Offaly’s John Feehan and Amanda Pedlow celebrate the launch of The Silver River of Slieve Bloom.
Money, water & everyday rights — financial adviser Gerry Farrell explains the Government’s emergency move to protect the My Future Fund pension scheme from employer loopholes; Irish Water details major upgrades to Westmeath’s supply; and Citizens Advice tackles property splits, dodgy builders, employment rights and more.
Health, housing and ageing well — distressed Meath buyers plead for justice as liquidation threatens their homes; Active Retirement Ireland calls for a national shingles vaccine programme and better supports for older people; and communities across the Midlands prepare for winter wellbeing.
“When people in the midlands want to talk, they talk to Will Faulkner.” Enjoy a blend of local, national and international stories and features. Show sponsored by O'Briens Motor Group & Bus Éireann.
Ireland