Workers at Bord na Móna's peat briquette factory in Offaly have doubts about its viability, despite assurances from the company that production will continue until 2024.

Staff on the ground fear there isn't the volume of peat available to keep it in operation beyond the next 12-18 months.

Midlands 103's Ellen Butler been speaking to one employee who says the midlands is becoming the victim of an 'Unjust Transition'...

Fears over fate of Bord na Móna workers in Derrinlough

The HSE has offered a first glimpse of the mass Covid-19 vaccination centres in the midlands.

The centres ar Athlone Institute of Technology and the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise are opening to the public at 9am this morning (Wednesday 21st April 2021).

Similar facilities at the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar and the Tullamore Court Hotel will open in the coming weeks...


First mass vaccination centres in the midlands open their doors

A new, first-of-its kind renewable energy project has been officially unveiled in the midlands.

Developed by Offaly company Lumcloon Energy, with their Korean partners Hanwha Energy, the €130 million 'Shannonbridge B' plant will help boost Ireland's energy independence.

Listen back to the full report on 'Midlands Today' on Midlands 103...

'World First' Renewable Power Plant Launched In The Midlands

A new guide on biodiversity is being launched in the midlands.

"Gardening for Biodiversity" offers simple tips and illustrations on how to promote wildlife in your own garden.

The booklet has been commissioned by Laois County Council but is available - for free - from all three local authorities in the midlands.

Ireland became the second country in the world to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency in May 2019.

Laois Heritage Officer Catherine Casey has more...

New guide on biodiversity launched in the midlands

'Tullamore Stands Together' takes place this Saturday, 13th June in O'Connor Square.

Members of the local community and asylum seekers are uniting in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and to call for an end to the Direct Provision system, in conjunction with the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland and Offaly Pro-Equality Network

People in Offaly or within 20 kilometres are invited to join, but asked to maintain social distancing and wear a mask. Anyone displaying symptoms of covid-19 or in a high-risk category is asked not to attend.

But should we be hosting pubic protests in Ireland, as we continue trying to get coronavirus under control?

Amanda Nyoni says having the choice to stay in your own home is a privilege.

She lives in Direct Provision in Tullamore and is the local MASI rep. She says racism is another "virus" we need to combat, and ending Direct Provision cannot wait.

Should we be holding protests during covid-19 pandemic?

Offaly's Barry Cowen has been promoted to a cabinet position, nine years after being elected to Dáil Éireann.

The Fianna Fáil rep is taking over the portfolio for Agriculture and the Marine.

But, having no background in farming, is he suitable for the job?

[Photo credit: oireachtas.ie]

Barry Cowen appointed as Minister for Agriculture in the 33rd Dáil

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says he's looking at ways to positively discriminate in favour of the midlands counties facing increased restrictions after a spike in covid-19.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment says he understands why the people of Laois and Offalh are frustrated...

Leo Varadkar offers commitments to Laois, Offaly and Kildare after covid lockdown

Offaly Councillor John Leahy is retiring from politics after eleven years.

The former leader of Renua doesn't believe he'll ever secure a Dáil seat, after having unsuccessfully contested three general elections between 2011 and 2020.

He says he's not interested in continuing at local level, where he can't make any substantial policy changes...

Former Renua leader concedes he'll never make it to the Dáil and steps back from politics

End of an era: West Offaly Power Station closes for good

A brief report given live on RTÉ Radio One's 'Morning Ireland' on 20th August 2020.

Taking Caitríona Perry through the damage done by Storm Ellen overnight throughout the midlands.

RTÉ 'Morning Ireland' report on the aftermath of Storm Ellen

The Abbeyleix Hibernian Support Group is raising concern over the food being offered to asylum seekers who are quaranting at a covid isolation centre in Dublin.

Between 16 and 18 residents from the Hibernian Direct Provision Centre in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois have been transferred to City West Hotel, following an outbreak of COVID-19 in the last two weeks.

The support group, which consists of members of the local community, is appealing to the Departments of Health and Integration to improve the quality and availability of food, with reports of only cold offerings or meals going cold by the time they're delivered.

Chairperson Marina Rafter says residents are afraid to complain, in case it impacts their asylum process...


Additional information:

In a statement to Midlands 103, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said:

"The Department does not comment on specific COVID-19 cases or outbreaks...The Department does not comment on HSE Self-Isolation Facilities including Citywest. All information relating to the food provided including the option to order take-away are matters for the HSE."

The HSE has yet to respond to queries around food provision at the City West isolation centre.

Photo credit: Google Maps

Concern Raised Over "Cold Food" Provided to Asylum Seekers in COVID-19 Isolation Centre

Deputy Head of News at Midlands 103 - broadcasting to Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.

Former Newsreader and Online Content Creator at iRadio.

BA in Communication Studies in Dublin City University 2019.

Ellen Butler

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