As many as 120 students are out every day.
Nearly a fifth of students at an Offaly school are absent every day.
Coláiste Choilm Tullamore could see as many as 120 students out daily, in a school of 680 students.
That's a significant increase on pre-pandemic figures, when average absenteeism ranged from 60 to 80 pupils.
Guidance Counsellor of Coláiste Choilm Tullamore, Theresa Burke, says students staying up late playing online games is a driving factor in absenteeism:
Midlands Teen Seriously Injured In Crash Released From ICU
Miya Connolly Loonam was in Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin.
Man Who Killed Dad In Laois Hotel To Remain In Central Mental Hospital
Henry McGowan was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his father in Ballyfin Demesne.
Midlands Commercial Vacancy Rates Record Slight Drop
The Geodirectory Commercial Buildings report for Q4 2025 shows Offaly had the highest vacancy rate at 15.3%.
Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards Deadline Extended
This years awards is taking place in Portlaoise on March 25th.
Niall Horan Confirms Fourth Album
Niall has been posting teasers of new music on social media.
Laois Councillor Seeks Proper Regulation On Drones
Fine Gael's Paddy Buggy feels there should be clearer rules on drones.
IFA Staging More Bord Bia Protests This Weekend
The Irish Farmers Association will protest outside the Agriculture Minister's office in Kildare on Saturday.
Westmeath Councillor Calls For More Public Artwork
Councillor Mick Dollard feels more pieces could show off the history of Mullingar.
Enterprise Minister Calls For ‘Calm And Collective’ Response To US Tariffs
There is uncertainty following President Trump's tariffs.
New Survey Reveals Half Of People Think About Their Funeral
RIP.ie research also shows 45% of people think the perfect eulogy length is between six to ten minutes.
Longford-Westmeath TD Backs Insurance Reforms Despite Motor Premium Rise
Fianna Fáil's Robert Troy insists they're working despite a rise over the last year.
Heritage Council Launches Community Grant Scheme
Grants of between €800 to €25,000 are available under the scheme.
New Midlands Seed Library To Open Next Month
This initiative aims to empower people to participate in sustainable gardening.
Contracts Signed For Redevelopment Midlands Courthouse
It will be turned into a Community and Digital Enterprise Hub.
‘String And Hope’ Transit Van Seized In Laois
The driver was found to have an active bench warrant and was arrested at the scene.
Westmeath Hotelier Elected 41st President Of Irish Hotels Federation
Matt O'Connor has been with the Mullingar Park Hotel for 23 years.
Offaly's Oldest Man Taking Centre Stage For St Patrick’s Day
Paddy Claffey is also Ireland's oldest man.
Search Operation In Murder Probes Ends
The search, carried out near the Wicklow / Kildare border.
Oireachtas Infrastructure Chair Questions ESRI On Pension Pressures
The working age share will fall from 64% to 59% over the next twenty years.
Further Five Reviews Into Portiuncula Maternity Care Due In March
It will bring the total number of investigations to 12 by the end of March.
