That's down from the 2021 peak of 22,500 on February 9th.
6,200 people are claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in the midlands this week.
That's down from the 2021 peak of 22,500 on February 9th, and down from 6,387 on last week.
Nationally, the number of people receiving the PUP has now fallen below 150,000 for the first time.
€44.2 million worth of payments have been issued this week.
Minister For National Drugs Strategy Pledges Gardai Drug Specialists
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor says the measure will counteract drug intimidation like that which led to the Edenderry attack.
Offaly Chef Criticises Government School Lunches
Alison Hardy, owner of Ali's Kitchens in Daingean, believes the food being offered is of poor standard for children from all backgrounds.
Offaly GAA Club Hosting Drive-In Bingo This Weekend
Ballinamere GAA are hosting their first drive-in bingo.
Laois County Council Launch Bat Lovers Group
Their first meeting takes place this evening in Portlaoise Library.
Argentine Ambassador To Visit Westmeath Library
Ana Laura Cachaza will visit Mullingar Library to mark the end of the Argentina Emigration Oral History Project.
Westmeath Children's Charity Awarded For Sustainability
Helium will receive a €3,000 grant through Lidl's first ever Green Fund.
Longford-Westmeath TD Condemns Explicit AI Images
Sorca Clarke is backing her party Sinn Fein's proposed amendments to tackle AI.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty Verdict By Reason Of Insanity In Laois Murder Trial
American Henry McGowan was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his Father.
Westmeath Matchmaker Shares Top Valentines Day Tips
Mullingar's Mairead Loughman is celebrating a decade in business this year.
Farmer Concerns Mount Over Slurry Storage Capacity
FRS Co-Op is a multi-sector co-op operating across multiple services.
Jury For Laois Murder Trial Told Evidence Points "One-Way"
Henry McGowan from Brooklyn, New York is pleading not guilty to murdering his 66 year old Father.
Scene Of Offaly Crash Cleared
The Tullamore road has reopened.
Family Of Midlands Man Seek Answers On Psychiatric Care System Gaps
Roscrea's Stephen Loughnane has spent almost five years in an isolation unit and is currently held in Portrane.
Westmeath Mansion Worth Over €1.7m Hits Housing Market
Delvin's South Hill House used to house a special school and is being offered in four lots.
Laois Councillor Criticises Government Response To Flooding
Graiguecullen/Portarlington Councillor Aisling Moran feels more can be done by TD's in response to recent flooding.
Laois Protesters Host Anti-Hunt Ball
Animal welfare representatives attended.
Midlands 103 Reaches 112k Weekly Listeners In Latest JNLR Report
The latest figures show that the station has increased by 6,000 listeners over the past 12 months.
Longford-Westmeath TD Calls For Changes In ADHD policies
5 new teams were funded in 2025 and are recruiting.
HSE Midlands And Dublin Record Highest Number Of STI's
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes were seen the most.
Laois Heritage Society Launches Spring Talks With Evening of Folklore
Tony Delaney will be speaking at the event.
