One Westmeath councillor says it's crucial to multiple sectors getting back on their feet.
There are calls for Westmeath County Council to maximise space in Athlone for outdoor seating.
Green Party councillor Louise Heavin is appealing for funding from Fáilte Ireland to be drawn down, to provide more space for people to gather outdoors this summer.
She's suggesting two areas on the west side of the town that could be converted:
Midlands Towns Improve Scores In Tidy Towns Competition
Scoil Mhuire in Abbeyleix was one of the big winners, taking home the Tiny Tidy Towns Schools Award.
Judge Set To Issue Final Instructions For Jury On €8.4m Midlands Cocaine Case
44-year-old Michal Luczak is pleading not guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine.
Planning Permission Lodged For Flood Relief Scheme In Laois
Laois County Council are seeking approval from An Coimisiun Pleanala for the project.
NUJ Criticises Potential Media Committee Policing Ban
The Government are advising restrictions on reporting for the new Local Community Safety Partnerships.
New Westmeath Library Opens Its Doors Today
The new library is part of a community education initiative taking place in the county.
Puska Brother Attacked In Prison
Reports indicate Marek Puska has been hospitalised with serious injuries.
Enterprise Department Confirms Over 80 Westmeath Jobs At Risk
The Department says they have been made aware of the 86 jobs at risk in Circana in Athlone.
Offaly Teacher Pays Tribute To Colleagues After Winning STEM Award
Sindy Meleady and Aisling Burke from Tullamore's Sacred Heart School have picked up a STEM Mentor Award.
Asthma Society of Ireland Hold Workshop In Laois This Weekend
"Time to Talk about Asthma" takes place in Laois Leisure Portlaoise tomorrow.
Laois TD Calls For Shorter Ambulance Deployment Distance
Brian Stanley says only having one ambulance on call in Laois is concerning.
Uisce Eireann Publish Shannon Pipeline Consultation Submissions Report
120 submissions have been made on the €6 billion project.
70% Of Farming Families Lack Succession Plan
Anew survey by Irish Country Living and IFAC also shows 61% of men farm compared to 28% of women.
Mental Health Charity Triple Counselling Sessions After Citywest Protests
CEO of Turn2Me Tullamore's Fiona O'Malley says such events can cause anxiety in communities.
Westmeath Library To Close For Three Months From Today
The library will re open on January 19th.
Drug Usage On The Rise In The Midlands
There's been an increase in problem drug use since 2017.
Over 80 Jobs At Risk In Westmeath Tech Plant
Circana in Athlone has reportedly notified staff of its intention to cut jobs.
Shannon Callows Farmers Demand Inclusion In Flood Management Group
Save Our Shannon Organisation say they should be included in the OPW'S working group for flooding solutions.
Offaly Teachers Win National STEM Award
Sacred Heart School's Sindy Meleady and Aisling Burke won the honour for the work with the 'Steminists' club.
Appeal Lodged Against 600 Acre Laois Solar Farm Project
TD's and Councillors in Laois are objecting to five land parcels being erected in Laois.
Government Funding To Benefit Midlands Historical Structures
Almost €500k was provided across the midlands last year.
