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:
Doctor Admits Careless Driving Causing Death Of Six Year Old Daughter In Midlands Crash.
Hana Meshkat, died at Temple Street Hospital nine days after the crash.
Laois Festival Named One Of Ireland’s Most Photogenic Festival
All Together Now is named at number one.
Mark Glennon Appointed General Manager Of Westmeath Hotel
Mr Glennon will take up the role at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
€100k Awarded To Youth Project In Laois
The grant will be awarded to Music Generation Laois.
Catherine Fitzgerald Elected Cathaoirleach Of Laois County Council.
Paddy Buggy is the new Leas Cathaoirleach.
Bill Collentine Elected Cathaoirleach Of Westmeath County Council.
Ken Glynn is the new Leas Cathaoirleach.
Man Pleads Guilty To Midlands Stag-Night Killing In 2022
Paul "Babs" Connolly, was attacked after going on a stag night in Athlone.
Gardaí Searching For Missing Midlands Man
Neilson Martin has been reported missing since Saturday.
Cabinet To Sign Off On Overhaul For Rural And Gaeltacht Housing
It’s described as the most wide ranging reform of rural housing rules in two decades.
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Expected To Reach 10,000
Laois' Juan Venegas has family who survived the earthquake.
Three Laois Men Fined Thousands After Illegal Removal Of Native Hedgerow
John McEvoy, Rory McEvoy and Thomas Cuddy were all given fines.
All Aboard! Electric Picnic Reveals Salty Dog Lineup
The stage is designed as a ship wreck with pirate characters.
Westmeath Council Introduces New Rent Rules For Carers
The half-rate Carer's Allowance won't be taken into account when calculating rent come February.
Fuel Excise Cuts Extended Until September
The fuel tax cuts will be phased out gradually over the next four months until the end of the year.
Man Arrested In Laois Pleads Guilty Of Terrorist Plot On Galway Mosque
Mr Peckauskas is accused of attempting to set fire to the Maryam Mosque.
Teenager Dies Following Carlow Crash Overnight
The single-vehicle collision happened at around 9pm.
Tributes Pouring In For Westmeath Malaga Victims
Michaela Newcombe is being remembered as a warm and compassionate person.
Enterprise Minister Defends Higher Hotel VAT Rate
The 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector comes into effect tomorrow.
Laois Man Crash Victim To Be Laid To Rest Tomorrow
Daniel Cass, who was in his 90s, is being described as "a great character"
Laois Council Seeks Inclusion In 'Living City' Initiative
The scheme is currently running in the Midlands.
