Over 200,000 students are set to benefit.
The Government is to extend the free school books scheme to Junior Cycle students.
The measure before Cabinet this morning would mean that from September parents of kids in first to third year won't have to buy school books.
€68m is being provided which will benefit 212,000 pupils.
However, owner of Midlands Books in Tullamore and the Learning Lab in Mullingar, John Ryan says local bookshops are being overlooked:
Westmeath Students Aim For Gold At National Entrepreneur Finals
Our Lady's Bower in Athlone will represent Westmeath in May.
14 Counties See No New Bus Shelter Installations In 2025
Only two shelters have been installed in Offaly over the past eight years.
Construction Begins On GAA Club Grounds In Laois
Portlaoise GAA are set for a major makeover.
Close To 900 Children In Midlands On Primary Care Psychology Waiting Lists
Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke is seeking the expansion of those primary care teams.
Health Minister And HSE Issue Formal Public Apology To Midlands Family
Bryonny Sainsbury died on 26th August 2021 after being crushed by a horse during a veterinary procedure at a riding stable.
EU Approves New Plan To Boost Home Building And Curb Short-Term Lets
The legislation seeks to tackle the growing number of short-term rentals in EU countries.
Safer Roads Conference To Look At Road Design, Engineering And Enforcement
Road Safety Experts are gathering for a National ‘Safer Roads’ Conference.
Status Yellow Wind Warning Issued For Tomorrow
The entire country will be under the weather warning.
Midlands School Runner-Up At Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition
Five schools made it to the national final.
Midlands Town To Get New Fire Station
Laois County Council will now appoint the Design Team for the project.
First Time Buyers In Offaly Town Could Wait Over 70 Years For Home
The Irish Times is reporting the setup of a new website calculating average wait times based on builds per year.
Survey Shows One In Three Women Downplay Female Health Issues At Work
Portarlington's Dr. Sumi Dunne, a GP specialising in women's health, says there's a culture of silence around the topic.
Push For Government To Consider Other Climate Goal Options
The Irish Bioenergy Association is calling for officials to promote renewable wood fuels alongside retrofitting.
ST. Patrick's Day Celebrations Kick Off Around The World
Three midlands TDs will be travelling abroad for the celebrations.
Laois Folk Singer To Perform In Times Square For St Patrick’s Day
Emer Dunne will be the delegate for Laois County Council.
Westmeath Councillors Seek Review Of School Bus Rules
Seats are assigned by distance to the nearest school, regardless of enrollment.
Hauliers Suspend Protest As Government Agrees To Talks
A protest from hauliers was scheduled to take place today.
Enoch Burke Challenges Prison Transfer As Unlawful In High Court
Mr Burke was transferred to Castlerea Prison on March 1st.
National Famine Way Roadshow Arrives In Westmeath Today
The roadshow comes in advance of a nine day remembrance walk along the route in May.
Gardai Investigating Stolen Cars In Westmeath
The incident happened this morning between 2 and 7 am in Moate.
