Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

Noon - 3:00pm

The Afternoon Show

The Script

Talk You Down

Energy And Transport Flagged As Key Rural Issues Ahead Of Midlands Meeting

Monday, 2 October 2023 09:25

Irish Rural Link are holding their annual conference and AGM this morning.

The decline in income of rural families is one of the topics being explored at a conference in Westmeath today.

Irish Rural Link is holding its annual conference and AGM this morning in the Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate.

The group is the the national network representing the interest of rural communities.

CEO Seamus Boland says ahead of the budget, the government are well aware of the issues affecting the people they're representing:

Once-off payments in the Budget are welcome, but they're not sustainable.

That's according to Irish Rural Link.

It's expected a multi-billion euro package of temporary measures will be announced in Budget 2024 to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

But Chair of Irish Rural Link, Tara Farrell, says they want to see long-term planning from the Government:

Midlands students say the development of urban towns instead of rural areas makes them want to move.

T-Y students attending the Irish Rural Link AGM in the Tuar Ards Arts Centre in Moate, say Athlone has lots to offer in terms of entertainment, while their hometown of Moate "only has a Supermacs."

These students told us what they want to see in their town:

More from Midlands News

Funding For Major Midlands Infrastructure Projects Announced

They are getting the green light under Government funding.
Midlands TD Criticises 39% Levy Increase On Radio Stations

A recent Digital Report shows over seven in 10 people say they trust local radio for news.
Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €722k

9.9kg of ketamine with an estimated value of over €598,100 was seized.
HSE Fined €300k Over Data Breach At Offaly Hospital

Around 84,000 people have been affected.
Dispute Intensifies Over Proposed Staff Cuts At Midlands College

Carlow College revealed its intentions to cease operations over the next two years.
Hauliers Call For Fuel Supports To Remain Until End Of Summer

Global oil prices fell after the announcement of a tentative US-Iran peace deal.
Midlands Primary Schools Honoured With 2026 Curious Minds Awards

16 midlands schools are being recognised.
No Derelict Property Tax Collected In Westmeath In 2024

€26m in derelict site tax levies went uncollected that year.
Search Continues For Jo Jo Dullard And Deidre Jacobs

The young women were last seen alive in the 1990s.
Local Radio Continues To Win Public Trust

More seven in 10 people trust local radio news.
Midlands Science Celebrates 25 Years

The group celebrated the milestone with an event at Mullingar's National Science Park.
Westmeath Community Asks For Help In Solving Story Behind Stations Of The Cross Statues

The Active Retirement Association of Multyfarnham wants to uncover the stories behind the statues.
Irish Rural Link CEO Demands Reform Of Community Benefit Funds

Moate's Brian Smyth feels it should go into legacy community infrastructure.
Offaly County Council Chief Executive Encourages AI in Local Government

Eoghan Ryan feels it can speed up some processes.
Offaly Man Jailed For Six Years Over Rape Of Best Friend

The 44-year-old was convicted following a trial at the Central Criminal Court.
IFA Flags Governance Concerns At Bord Bia

The farming body has expressed concern over a review into the company.
Offaly Council Earns €7.9m From Wind Farm Rates

Laois took in just under €445k.
Housing Crisis Blamed For Fall In Irish Marriage Rates

Marriage numbers fell to just under 20,000 last year, about 2,500 fewer than the previous year.
No Opening Date Yet For New Westmeath Injury Unit

The new unit is set to be located in Athlone.
Fine Gael Rep Hits Out At Offaly Fianna Fáil Members

The criticism follows the election of Cathaoirleachs in Offalys three Municipal Districts.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103