Tools have been reported stolen in the midlands and nationally.
A Fine Gael Senator is calling for urgent legal reform following a spate of tool thefts.
Among the incidents, includes €6,000 worth of tools stolen from a van in Laois and €10,000 recovered in Co Cork.
Senator PJ Murphy plans to introduce legislation to the Oireachtas next week proposing mandatory three-year custodial sentences for thefts involving work tools.
The bill would also limit suspended sentences and has received strong support from tradespeople and his Fine Gael colleagues.
He says the thefts are devastating for tradespeople whose livelihoods depend on their equipment:
Laois Gardaí Thanking Public After Finding Missing Woman
Missing Laois Teenager Found Safe And Well
Man In His 90s Dies In Laois Crash
Offaly Prize Bonds Holder Wins €500k
BNM Workshop Reunion Taking Place In Offaly Tomorrow
ICTU Reminds Employees Of The Right To Disconnect
Laois Town To Host Famine Commemoration Event
Plans For Billion Euro Data Centre In Westmeath Face New Appeal
Westmeath Councillor Advocates For More Remote Working Hubs
Midlands Homelessness On The Rise
Hundreds Without Power In Westmeath
Westmeath Domestic Abuse Support Service Reports Rise In Cases
Laois TD Highlights GP Gap
Call Made For 'Cost Of Disability Payment' in Budget 2027
Offaly Coffee Shop Listed Among Top 100 In Europe
Man To Stand Trial Over Midlands Tasering Accusation
Another Report Underlines Midlands House Price Inflation
Midlands Braced For Severe Thunderstorms
Sustainable Livestock Village Programme Launched For Tullamore Show
Offaly Woman Named National Carer Of The Year