They're facing staffing issues due to covid-19.
The principal of a Westmeath school says we could be entering an emergency in education.
Matt Melvin from St. Etchen's National School, Kinnegad estimates they'll need two substitutes on stand-by as cover for their 30 staff.
That would represent a 6% increase in the wage-bill of the school.
Mr. Melvin says the Departments of Education and Finance will have to step up to help the sector:
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Car Fire
It happened at the M6 eastbound at Junction 4 Tyrrellspass.
Westmeath Soldiers Taking Part In Latest Deployment To Lebanon
Troops are preparing in Athlone for the UNIFIL mission.
Popular Laois Forest Named In Coillte Top 20
A Slieve Bloom forest is among the most popular in Ireland.
Laois Author Recounts First Meeting With F1 Legend Eddie Jordan
The former F1 team owner died from prostate cancer earlier this year.
Truck Driver Jailed For Five Years Over €2.8m Cocaine Haul
The Offaly man pleaded guilty to the importation of cocaine last month.
ESB Networks Invests €6.5m In Laois Training Centre
The Portlaoise centre will use the funding to strengthen ESB’s national network.
Offaly GAA Calls For End To Allianz Sponsorship
Allianz has been sponsoring the GAA's National League campaign since 1993.
IFA Concerned Over Rushed Safeguard Approval For Mercosur
Safeguards are set to be approved through the EU Council instead of a European Parliament debate.
Westmeath Refuge Centres Step Up Support For Women And Children
Helpline calls at Esker House rose 59% in 2025.
Frightfully Fun Events Taking Place In The Midlands This Halloween
Here's your guide to what's happening in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath this Halloween.
Social Finance Boosts Westmeath Boat Club
Athlone Boat Club are beneficiaries of the Social Finance Foundation.
Westmeath Gardaí Confiscate €7k In Illegal Cannabinoids
Gardaí from Westmeath’s Divisional Drugs Unit executed a search yesterday.
Laois Councillor Honoured For 40 Years Of Public Service
Seamus McDonald began his service on the council after being elected in 1985.
Laois Man Appears In Court After €8m Cocaine Find
Thomas Ryan, aged 39, is scheduled to reappear before Portlaoise District Court on Monday.
Revenue Offering Help For Couriers After Fastway Closure
Hundreds of jobs are expected to be lost in the midlands.
Anonymous Westmeath Man Donates Unclaimed Cash To Charity
Money was handed into Mullingar Garda Station last September.
Offaly Fianna Fail Councillor Adds To Scrutiny Of Taoiseach
Tullamore Councillor Frank Moran has called Taoiseach Micheal Martin a 'dictator' in the wake of the presidential election campaign.
Midlands Macra Clubs Shine In National Awards
Mountmellick Macra was the big winner from the midlands.
High Court To Decide On Seizing Cars Used By Enoch Burke
An injunction is also being considered to prevent his family from entering Wilson's Hospital School.
Man Charged Over €8m Cocaine Seizure in Laois
He's due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning.
