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:
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Three men and a teenage boy have all been released without charge.
Man Dies In Laois Collision
A cyclist has died after colliding with a railing in Mountmellick.
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
The project is expected to support future growth and improve the River Shannon's water quality.
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
Mary O'Rourke held ministerial roles throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Calls have been made by opposition parties for immediate supports.
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Westmeath will begin their hosting events first.
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Laois leads the way across the midlands region.
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Louise McCormack is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza.
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
A man in his 20s is to appear before Tullamore District Court this evening.
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
There has been widespread opposition to the deal from Irish farmers.
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
60 year old Ann Creagh of Harbour Street in Ballynacargy was in Mullingar District Court this week.
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Micheál Martin will be in Athlone for the official opening of Athlone's new cycleway crossing.
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
Slieve Bloom Walking Club has a range of expeditions planned for the bank holiday weekend.
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
The legal bill for the postponed project is estimated at €1m.
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Hairdressing services will be subject to a 9% VAT rate come July 1st.
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
The clinics run across the months of May and June.
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
Timmy Mallett visited Athlone, Shannonbridge and Birr.
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
The project aims to ease flooding by removing bottlenecks.
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Approval for a new supermarket in Mountmellick was confirmed by Laois County Council last month.
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026
The figures are down in Offaly and Westmeath.
