The hospitality industry continues to grapple with staff shortages.
A shortage of culinary courses has damaged the quality of chefs in Ireland.
That's according to owner of Wineport Lodge in Glasson, Ray Byrne, who says it's just as difficult to hire a chef from overseas.
Accommodation shortages and work permit applications, which can take up to 6 months, have added to a scarcity of staff in the market.
He says he values work experience more than a certificate from a third-level institution:
Offaly Boy Who Died In Firebomb Attack To Be Laid To Rest Tomorrow
The Funerals of Mary and Tadhg will take place this week.
"The Light Will Always Outshine The Darkness" - Offaly Community In Mourning
Derry Rovers Football Club held a walk of light against drugs on Wednesday night.
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses After Westmeath Crash Leaves Man In Serious Condition
The man has been airlifted to Beaumont Hospital.
Gardaí Release Footage Of Offaly Arson Attack
The incident took place in Castleview Park in Edenderry last Saturday evening.
Post Mortems Completed After Fatal Arson Attack In Offaly
Results of the post mortem are not being released.
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Crash
The incident took place around 1:35pm this afternoon.
A Merry Mix Of Christmas Cheer Across the Midlands
Your go to guide for all local things festive and fun this Christmastime.
Government Infrastructure Taskforce Member Highlights Importance Of Scheme
Former IDA chair, Athlone's Fergal O'Rourke is a member of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
Westmeath Town On Track To Become Ireland’s First Fully Green City By 2040
Plans for Athlone were developed over the summer.
Athlone Mayor Welcomes Living City Scheme Timeline
The Tanaiste has confirmed Athlone's addition to the scheme for June 2026.
Record Increase In Laois Home Planning Approvals In Third Quarter
Offaly and Westmeath experienced swift decreases.
ASTI Warns Teacher Shortages Threaten Education In Laois And Across Ireland
Schools are increasingly turning to under qualified or out-of-field teachers.
Calls Grow For Improved Public Transport In Laois Town
An extra €208 million nationwide to improve services is being promised by the government.
IFA President Pushes For Government Action On Mercosur Investigation
The investigation uncovered unregulated use of antibiotics in Brazil's beef production.
Benefits Of Government Infrastructure Plan Will Take Time - Midland Steel
The Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan is underway to cut building delays.
Decision On Enoch Burke’s Dismissal Expected This Weekend
Mr Burke has spent more than 500 days in prison.
Laois Shop Shutting Down On New Year's Day
Birthday party bookings are still open until December 31st.
Date For Living City Initiative In Westmeath Set
Athlone will be one of the towns across the country enacted.
Offaly TD Demands Stronger Garda Presence In Edenderry
It follows a tragic firebomb incident last Saturday.
Westmeath Woman Settles €1m Tax Bill
Revenue has published its latest tax defaulters list.
