An online petition is appealing for opinions.
There are calls for blue flags for two popular swimming spots in the midlands.
A campaign is underway to obtain the status for Hodson Bay and Coosan Point in Athlone which would qualify the bathing spots for regular testing to ensure water quality doesn't fall below a certain standard.
An online survey is appealing for opinions on obtaining the status.
Local man Flan Barnwell explains some of the positive impacts a Blue Flag could have on the area:
Gardaí Investigating Alleged Shots Fired In Laois
The incident happened on Sunday.
Westmeath Retail Worker Sentenced To Eight Months For Violent Assault
33 year old James McCann of the Dublin Road, Moate is pleading guilty to three counts of assault, criminal damage and two charges of public disorder.
Two Midlands Lotto Players Win Big In Saturday Night Draw
Laois and Westmeath are home to lotto winners after the weekend.
Man Hospitalised After Serious Laois Assault
A man in his 40s has been arrested and is being held at a garda station in Laois.
Gardaí Investigating Arson Attack on Westmeath Sports Centre
The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Public Meeting Set To Take Place On Proposed Westmeath Climate Centre
A public meeting on Climate House Ireland's proposal for Moydrum is taking place on June 18th at TUS Athlone.
Offaly Teacher Who Faked Two Pregnancies Avoids Further Jail Time
43 year old Eimear Carroll of Hillside, Seffin, Birr has pleaded guilty to charges of false documents and claiming fraudulent payments amounting to almost €60,000.
HSE Seeks Retention Permission For Coffee Dock At Laois Hospital
A decision is due July 28th.
Offaly Pupils Become Local Stars After Publishing Bestselling Book
Five students from Scoil Mhuire Naofa in Rhode have written 'The Rise of Evan O'Connor'.
Katie Taylor To Fight At Croke Park In September
The Bray woman will take on France's Floria Pill on September 5th.
Offaly Gardaí Renew Appeal For Witnesses To Firearm Incident
It took place at a house in Tullamore in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Cruinniú Na nÓg Returns With Workshops And Events Across Region
The initiative will be taking place across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath
Ukrainian President Seeking Face-To-Face Talks With Vladimir Putin
The Russian President could respond to the letter sent to him this afternoon.
Ireland’s Oldest Person Dies Aged 109
Eileen Hynes lived until the age of 109.
Midlands Hospice Long Overdue - Hospice Fundraising Committee
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted permission for the hospice yesterday.
Westmeath Town Set For First Official Pride Parade This Weekend
The event it taking place in Athlone.
Westmeath Business Wins €15k Award For Supporting Irish Business
Flamers was recognised by Guaranteed Irish.
€1bn Data Centre And Energy Campus Approved For Westmeath
The green light has been given for the proposed facility near Rochfortbridge.
Laois TD Criticises Lack Of EV Charging Infrastructure
The Transport Minister says 24 charging points are planned for Laois.
JFK 50 Mile Challenge Returns To Midlands
The route passes through Westmeath, Meath and Cavan.
