A TOTAL of 6,500 poo bags have been swiped in a Laois town in just six weeks, an average of more than 1,000 a week.

TWO TDs in Laois have joined an Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group to back urgent calls for a new national cardiovascular disease (CVD) health policy.

A PEDESTRIAN crossing is needed to be upgraded or manned at one of the largest primary schools in Laois.

THE DEATH of Pope Francis fills me with a deep sadness as we mourn the loss of a kind, courageous and gentle pastor. I also have a sense of gratitude to God for the great leadership he has given to the Church over the course of his papacy.

A MAN who came before Judge Deirdre Gearty at Portlaoise District Court last week was told he “was very lucky that he wasn’t killed”, when he crashed a car that he had been driving.

A BOOK of short stories and poetry by local man Mick Morrissey was launched in Mountmellick Library recently by creative writing tutor Ryan Dunne.

WHILE councillors in Portlaoise and council officials agree that the new bus service in the town is proving to be an excellent, well-used service, some on the other hand are asking that the routes be extended to other areas.

A LAOIS councillor intends to take photographs and provide witnesses to prove his case that persistent illegal dumping is taking place at a quarry, when he called on the council to “address the constant dumping issues at Spink Quarry to include ...

Deirdre Costigan, Borris-in-Ossory and formerly of Roscrea passed away peacefully on Friday 25 April surrounded by her loving family in the care of the wonderful staff at Mount Carmel Nursing Home.

GARDAÍ have launched an investigation following the discovery of a man's body at an apartment on Stanhope Street, Athy on Thursday morning.

LAOIS Partnership has a budget of €200,000 which will be made available to sports clubs and community groups planning sports and sports-related projects across the county.

Dolores Dowling (née Shelly), Churchtown, Castletown and formerly of Lacken, Rosenallis died on Thursday 24 April, after an illness bravely borne, peacefully surrounded by her loving family and in the loving care of the staff at Saint Vincent’s ...

VISITOR restrictions are in place at Portlaoise hospital from today Friday 25 April. Hospital management said the restrictions are necessary to prevent the transmission of influenza that is circulating in the community.

PORTLAOISE is buzzing as a five-year biodiversity action plan transforms barren corners and lifts spirits throughout the town.

The death occurred of Anne (Nancy) Conroy (née Byrne), Iona, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Laois on 24 April, peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her father Harry, mother Jennie and brother Patrick.

AN AGREEMENT has been signed for the management of a newly redeveloped Laois playground, whose opening was delayed for weeks because of repeated vandalism.

Michael Early, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise died suddenly at his home on Tuesday 22 April. Michael was the son of the late Michael and Mary Brigid Early. Loving brother to John Early, Margaret Owens and Marie McLoughlin.

David Griffin (Griff), Dr. Murphy Place, Portlaoise and formerly of Idrone Park, Carlow passed away on Wednesday 23 April at the Beacon Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness bravely borne.

John (better known as Jack) Cussen, Derryguile, Mountmellick died on Thursday 24 April peacefully at The Regional Hospital, Tullamore surrounded by his loving family. John was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen.

TWO men charged with possessing firearms with the intention to endanger life at a halting site in Tullamore, Co. Offaly were remanded in custody when they appeared at Portlaoise District Court yesterday afternoon.