There's been a big delay in the courts system because of the virus.
The number of people sent to prison has decreased by over a third during the pandemic.
Just over 1,900 people were jailed in the first four months of this year - compared to over 2,900 in the same period in 2019.
There was a big drop in court activity during the pandemic, with many cases delayed.
Former Portlaoise and Mountjoy Prison governor, John Lonergan, says it's vital justice is done quickly.
Puska Brother Attacked In Prison
Reports indicate Marek Puska has been hospitalised with serious injuries.
Enterprise Department Confirms Over 80 Westmeath Jobs At Risk
The Department says they have been made aware of the 86 jobs at risk in Circana in Athlone.
Offaly Teacher Pays Tribute To Colleagues After Winning STEM Award
Sindy Meleady and Aisling Burke from Tullamore's Sacred Heart School have picked up a STEM Mentor Award.
Asthma Society of Ireland Hold Workshop In Laois This Weekend
"Time to Talk about Asthma" takes place in Laois Leisure Portlaoise tomorrow.
Laois TD Calls For Shorter Ambulance Deployment Distance
Brian Stanley says only having one ambulance on call in Laois is concerning.
Uisce Eireann Publish Shannon Pipeline Consultation Submissions Report
120 submissions have been made on the €6 billion project.
70% Of Farming Families Lack Succession Plan
Anew survey by Irish Country Living and IFAC also shows 61% of men farm compared to 28% of women.
Mental Health Charity Triple Counselling Sessions After Citywest Protests
CEO of Turn2Me Tullamore's Fiona O'Malley says such events can cause anxiety in communities.
Westmeath Library To Close For Three Months From Today
The library will re open on January 19th.
Drug Usage On The Rise In The Midlands
There's been an increase in problem drug use since 2017.
Over 80 Jobs At Risk In Westmeath Tech Plant
Circana in Athlone has reportedly notified staff of its intention to cut jobs.
Shannon Callows Farmers Demand Inclusion In Flood Management Group
Save Our Shannon Organisation say they should be included in the OPW'S working group for flooding solutions.
Offaly Teachers Win National STEM Award
Sacred Heart School's Sindy Meleady and Aisling Burke won the honour for the work with the 'Steminists' club.
Appeal Lodged Against 600 Acre Laois Solar Farm Project
TD's and Councillors in Laois are objecting to five land parcels being erected in Laois.
Government Funding To Benefit Midlands Historical Structures
Almost €500k was provided across the midlands last year.
Former GAA Referee Pleads Guilty To Indecent Assault
79 year old Thomas Howard appeared before Tullamore District Court yesterday.
Laois TD Warns EU Plans Threaten Irish Neutrality
An EU proposal seeks a fund for defence and innovation projects.
Almost One Million Cigarettes Seized In Offaly
The discovery was made following searches in Edenderry and Rhode.
Management Can Easily End Industrial Action - SIPTU
Workers at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore are set to go on work stoppages next weekend over working conditions.
Westmeath Credit Union Manager Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Mullingar branch manager Tom Allen picked up the honour at the CU Awards.
