But she believes classing clothes as non-essential is problematic.
A midlands retailers says she can see the merit in preventing big supermarkets from selling items like clothes.
Rosie Boles, MD of Burgess of Athlone, says customers of small, niche businesses, shut down under Level 5 restrictions, are now shopping from big retailers.
But she also admits classifying clothes as non-essential items is problematic:
Midlands Media Committee Member Wants Explanation Over Local Radio Levy Hike
Midlands TD Micheál Carrigy wants Coimisiún na Meán to appear before the media committee.
Westmeath Councillors Seek Taxpayer Cost Review Of Failed IPAS Centre
An enforcement file is now opening for the Lissywollen site in Athlone.
Journalists Face Surge In Online Abuse As NUJ Urges Tech Action
75% of female journalists experienced online violence in 2025.
Camross Camogie Honoured In Laois Following Historic All-Ireland Triumph
The Laois club were crowned National Champions in December.
Midlands Wind Farm Plan Withdrawn Days After Submission
Reasons for the withdrawal are still unknown.
National Ambulance Service To Increase Staff by 30% In Laois
The NAS are sending an additional vehicle and six extra employees to Laois.
Cabinet Advance Easing Of Defense Funding Restrictions
It's hoped the IDA and Enterprise Ireland will no longer need government approval to award funds for defence companies.
Planning Permission Submitted For Westmeath Business Park
The development would be built near Kinnegad.
Offaly Gardai At Scene Of Crash
The incident took place on the R420 just outside Tullamore this morning.
Westmeath County Council Open Enforcement File On Former IPAS Centre
The local authority are to remove unauthorised structures in Lissywollen.
Midlands MEP Invites Irish Stakeholders To Contribute to EU Report
Maria Walsh is calling on people to a farm generational renewal report.
Westmeath Tourism Office Opening Full Time
The office had only been open during peak tourism season in previous years.
Midlands Schools To Benefit From New Inclusive Special Classes For 2026/27
464 schools will have Inclusive Special Classes in 2026/27.
Revenue Officers Seize 7.2kg Of Cocaine In Westmeath
Revenue officers made the official seizure from a parcel at the DPD Athlone Parcel Hub.
Offaly Development Body Highlights Use Of EU Just Transition Fund
Over €1.2 million has been used by the Kilcormac Development Association.
Court Hears Offaly Linesman Regrets Assault On Match Official
Joseph Scully pleaded guilty to assault earlier this year.
Film Crew Shooting American Children’s Series At Offaly Castle
Film crews will be at Charleville Castle until Thursday.
Laois Man Urges People To Check Their Blood Pressure
Clonaslee's Nicholas Hines underwent a successful heart transplant operation in 2024.
Laois Community Meeting To Coordinate Objections To IPAS Centre Plans
A number of appeals have been made to An Bord Pleanála.
Government Considers Easing Access To Home Retrofit Grants
Homeowners must often pay upfront and claim back later.
