Week 1 - Thursday
Midlands Today with Will Faulkner
Thursday, 8 January 2026 - 2 hours 2 minutes
Jobs blow for Offaly as abattoir plan collapses — a Chinese-backed consortium abandons plans to expand the Banagher abattoir, scrapping up to 110 permanent jobs and a major construction boost after years of planning battles and legal challenges.
Safety fears, farming anger and Mercosur pressure — concern grows ahead of the release of convicted rapist Patrick “The Tinder Rapist” Nevin; farmers mobilise for a 10,000-strong protest in Athlone as evidence emerges that Brazilian beef treated with banned hormones entered the Irish food chain; and EU momentum builds to push the Mercosur deal through.
Property pressure and Midlands life — MyHome.ie figures show house prices continue to climb across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath; Carlow prepares to host Ireland’s latest canicross and bikejoring event; and Tullamore Tradfest returns with dozens of events celebrating traditional music.
