More people are out of work due to the Level 5 restrictions.
The number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in the midlands has increased by 2,000 since last week.
There are 12,714 recipients in the region this week.
Westmeath recorded the highest jump, with a further 1,000 people claiming the government support, bringing the county's total to 5,245.
That's followed by Laois at 3,751, and Offaly at 3,718.
Local Authority Looking At Double Bypass For Laois Town
Councillors in Laois are concerned Mountmellick will struggle to develop without the work.
HSS Hire Owner Underlines Future Security Following Multi-Million Euro Sale
Portlaoise's Michael Killeen says the Chadwick's Group deal offered security for stafff.
Offaly's Finest Will Be Celebrated This Weekend
The county's Person of the Year awards are taking place in Tullamore on Saturday.
Athlone Castle Gets €1.8m In Funding
The works will improve accessibility and the usability of the space for visitors.
Laois Senator Holding Endometriosis Awareness Event
Sinn Fein Senator for Laois Maria McCormack is aiming to set up a specialist clinic for the condition.
Mother Of Stillborn Baby Campaigning To Encourage Women To Advocate For Their Own Bodies
Kildare's Chelsea Brereton is sharing her story in the hope no other woman will experience the same thing.
Electric Picnic Introduce Campsite Pre-Booking Options
Automatic camp access is included for weekend campers.
Funeral Of Westmeath Woman Who Died Following Cork Crash Taking Place Today
Athlone's Marie Coughlan passed away after being involved in a two car collision.
Rare And Antique Books Headline Offaly Bookfair
The Tullamore Bookfair returns tomorrow morning from 10am.
Westmeath Town Lined Up For Substantial Water Network Upgrade
2.5km of water mains in Athlone will be upgraded over the next six months.
Funeral Of Former Laois GAA Manager Mick O'Dwyer To Take Place Tomorrow
The former manager passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88.
LOETB Recognised In National Excellence Awards
This awards the impact that Community Education has across Laois and Offaly.
Laois TD Proposes Regulations For Wind Farm Developments
He believes there is currently an absence of regulations.
Mental Health Charity Wants Social Media Giants Support For New Catfishing Law
The practice of impersonating someone else while causing harm may be outlawed soon.
Laois Integration Network Set To Appoint New Chair
The group's AGM takes place this evening.
Laois Still Waiting On Joint Policing Commission Replacement
The selection of an independent chairperson is proving to be a stumbling block.
Man Charged Over Westmeath Assaults
They took place yesterday in Athlone.
Laois Butcher Takes Home Best Chicken Prize At 'Butchers Olympics'
Mark Williams was part of the Irish team which won the award at this years World Butchers Event.
Court Hears Dublin Man Accused Westmeath Councillor Of Being Antifa Operative
The trial collapsed yesterday after the judge determined due to the lack of a witness to confirm evidence.
Laois Man Sells Plant & Tool Hire Company For €31m
The deal will see HSS Hire join Woodie's and Telford's as part of the Grafton Group.
