Westmeath Independent
Below are recent stories by Karen Downey
Last updated: 10 May 2013 10:46
Charity plane push to come through Athlone
The Irish Air Corps will undertake a very innovative 40 hour charity non-stop marathon, starting out pushing a light aircraft from Baldonnel next Thursday to Galway on Saturday, May 18, and will pass through Moate and Athlone on Friday, May 17.
Last updated: 9 May 2013 16:39
Three die every week in Westmeath from heart disease and stroke
Three people die every week in Westmeath from heart disease and stroke, it emerged this week, as Taoiseach Enda Kenny launched the Happy Hearts appeal in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation.
Last updated: 11 Apr 2013 10:07
St Francis Terrace reunion planned
The organisers of The Gathering may have drawn some inspiration for the whole idea from the residents of St Francis Terrace and surrounding areas, who organised a reunion five years ago that saw almost 200 people gather to share their memories, with many travelling from the UK and US for the event.
Last updated: 8 Apr 2013 09:33
Extended opening hours for Monksland Credit Union
Athlone Credit Union’s Monksland office will have extended opening hours from tomorrow (Tuesday).
Last updated: 5 Apr 2013 09:36
New website publishes water levels on Shannon
A new website has been launched which will publish water levels taken at a number of local locations, including various points on the Shannon in Athlone and from Lough Ree at the Hodson Bay in Roscommon.
Last updated: 25 Mar 2013 20:13
O'Rourke appointed to policy group on Defence
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Aengus O'Rourke has been appointed to the party's strategic policy group on Defence.
Last updated: 13 Mar 2013 11:19
Councils to keep 80% of Local Property Tax
Westmeath County Council and Roscommon County Council will keep 80% of the Local Property Tax collected in the two counties, it has been confirmed.
Last updated: 6 Mar 2013 11:06
Inclusion of assets in means test for grants criticised
The possibility of means testing assets as part of the application for student grants has been criticised this week, with local politicians raising the issue with Education Minister Ruairí Quinn.
Published: 25 Jan 2013 10:58
Man arrested in relation to human trafficking
A man arrested in the Ballymore area in relation to human trafficking offences yesterday (Thursday) has been released without charge.
Published: 18 Sep 2012 12:59
O'Rourke looking forward to campaign on children's referendum
Former Minister and Longford/Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Mary O'Rourke said this week that she is looking forward to the referendum on children's rights, which is likely to be held in November, and she hopes to be active in the campaign.
Published: 12 Sep 2012 09:30
Defence Forces receives air ambulance noise complaint
The Defence Forces confirmed to the Westmeath Independent this week that it has received a complaint from the Athlone area in relation to the noise levels associated with the air ambulance operating from Custume Barracks.
Published: 11 Sep 2012 14:00
Three buildings being examined for Monksland Enterprise Hub
Athlone Chamber of Commerce is currently examining three potential buildings for the proposed Monksland Enterprise Hub, with a view to selecting a building by November.
Published: 22 Aug 2012 17:30
Westmeath's Aisling wows at Tralee
Tubberclair's Aisling Baker opened proceedings at the International Rose of Tralee on Monday night when she was first on stage, wowing the crowd with her performance of Elton John's song 'Your Song'.
Published: 22 Aug 2012 17:30
Athlone dance couple launch cancer fundraising trust
The daughter of local dance teachers is battling a rare form of cancer and her family has now launched a major fundraising drive, which includes a bid to take the Christmas number one slot.
Published: 26 Jul 2012 09:30
O'Rourke backs the campaign to save the Seanad
Former Minister and leader of the Seanad Mary O'Rourke has this week joined a campaign to save the Seanad from being abolished, saying that while reform of the Upper House is needed it is necessary to hold a full public debate on the issue.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 17:45
Soldiers await clarity on army reorganisation
Soldiers in Custume Barracks are this week awaiting clarity on what impact the reorganisation of the Defence Forces will have on their lives.
Published: 25 Jul 2012 17:30
Bumping into Steven Spielberg at Bruce Springsteen!
Getting to see Bruce Springsteen perform is a treat in itself, but when you add in getting to meet the legendary Steven Spielberg it really is a case of all your Christmases coming at once.
Published: 18 Jul 2012 17:30
Windfarm development to create 3,000 Midland jobs
An energy supply firm has announced this week it wants to build 40 wind farms across five Midland counties, including Westmeath - to supply electricity directly into the UK National Grid.
Published: 18 Jul 2012 17:15
It was heartwarming, and indeed a proud occasion, this Monday to see Moate man Paddy Kelly honoured with a top military award after he gave his life in the name of peace and in the service of his country almost 29 years ago.
Published: 12 Jul 2012 12:30
Moate's Paddy Kelly to be awarded posthumous Military Star
The family of the late Paddy Kelly is to be presented with the Military Star next week..
Published: 12 Jul 2012 11:30
Council loans of 4.5m needed for three projects
Athlone Town Council met yesterday (Tuesday) evening to approve loans worth 4.5m for three major projects in the town.
Published: 6 Jul 2012 12:23
The new mayor of Athlone Jim Henson has said he believes gay couples should be given equal rights when it comes to marriage. What do you think?
Published: 14 Jun 2012 16:30
Athlone to lose Western Brigade status
The 4th Western Brigade is to be disbanded, it has been confirmed in the Dáil this afternoon.
Published: 13 Jun 2012 17:30
It is of course traditional for a bride to be a little late to her wedding, but this Saturday one lucky bride has a great excuse for being those few minutes late as she needs to make a stop off at Athlone Credit Union in a bid to win a car first!
Published: 13 Jun 2012 17:15
870,000 funding boost for two local cycle routes
Some 870,000 funding has been granted by the Department of Transport for the development of cycle lanes between Athlone and Ballinasloe and Moate and Tullamore, with the possibility of connecting both routes by a disused rail line at some point in the future.
Published: 25 Apr 2012 16:30
Some local jobs saved after BHT Group liquidation
Heat Merchants and Tubs and Tiles have been acquired by the Harleston Group, parent company of Hevac Ltd, an Irish-based heating and plumbing supplies group.
Published: 25 Apr 2012 16:30
About 40 houses in the Monksland area were evacuated yesterday (Tuesday) morning when a suspect device was found in the area. It was later confirmed that the device, most likely a pipe bomb, was viable.
Published: 25 Apr 2012 16:00
Family appeals for suitable housing for disabled child
The family of an eight-year-old girl with a rare chromosome disorder that sees her with no mobility has this week appealed to Athlone Town Council to provide them with a house that is appropriately adapted to meet the child's needs.
Published: 18 Apr 2012 17:30
2,000 expected to apply for 100 local army places
The 4th Western Brigade is expecting in excess of 2,000 applications for 100 places within the brigade, it emerged this week as the closing date nears for the latest recruitment drive.
Published: 11 Apr 2012 15:30
Athlone-based air ambulance service will cover the entire country
The air ambulance that is to be based at Custume Barracks in Athlone is to serve the entire country, rather than just the midlands and west, as had been anticipated.
