Midlands 103

Midlands 103

Midlands 103 is the local radio station for Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. Its flagship programme Midlands Today Show with Will Faulkner is broadcast from 9am until noon Monday to Friday. It  features news, sport and panel discussions on everything from politics and current affairs to lifestyle and entertainment. 77,000 people tune in to Midlands 103 every day.

Recent entries

November 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 24 – Net Zero

  Ireland's pursuit of a Net Zero electricity system showcases its dedication to sustainability and resilience in energy. Key Achievements: Renewable Energy Growth:

  • Marked increase in wind and solar power, especially in wind energy.
Energy[...]

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November 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 24 – Net Zero

Listen back to this week's episode as we talk to Paul Blount, Chair of Ireland net zero committee about Ireland's pursuit of a Net Zero electricity system.  For more in this series listen into Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am.[...]

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November 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 23 – Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency in the Home - A Guide for Ireland In Ireland, where energy costs are high, this guide offers essential tips for efficiency.  

  • Insulation: Seal walls, roofs, and floors for better heat retention.

November 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 23 – Energy Prices

Listen back to this week's episode as we take a look at Energy Prices and talk to Dr. Paul Dean from UCC about fossil fuel reliance. For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am.[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 22 – Climate Change Council

  This Week Midlands 103 looked at the work of the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) is an independent body that advises governments and policymakers on issues related to climate change.   Mission:  The CCAC[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 22 – Climate Change Council

Listen back to this week's episode as Midlands 103 examine the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) which is an independent body that advises governments and policymakers on issues related to climate change. For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 21 – The importance of Pollinators

  Pollinator Significance:
  • Ecosystem Role: Bees, butterflies, birds, and bats are essential for plant reproduction and biodiversity.
  • Food Security: Animal pollination supports 75% of global food crops, ensuring diverse diets.
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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 21 – Greashill Tidy Towns – Pollination

Listen back to this week's episode as Sinead Hubble chats with Pat Foley from Geashill Tidy Towns about their pollination plans for the area.  For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am.[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 20 – Westmeath Climate Action Plan

Did you know? The Irish Community Climate Action Program empowers local communities to support national climate goals. Launched in [year], it promotes sustainability, carbon reduction, biodiversity conservation, resilience building, and education:   Empowerment:  Equipping communities with tools and knowledge for local climate action.   Carbon Reduction:  Promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy,[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 20 – Westmeath Climate Action Plan

Listen back to this week's episode as chat with John Jackson, Community Climate Action Officer, Westmeath County Council about the county's climate action plan.  For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday 11.20am.[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 19 – Castlepollard Energy Masterplan

Did you know?  Energy Masterplans for Irish towns are holistic strategies for enhancing energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility at the community level, providing a roadmap for towns toward a greener future.

  • Renewable Energy:
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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 19 – Castlepollard Energy Masterplan

Listen back to this week's episode as Sinead Hubble catches up Lúgh Ó Braonáin from Energy Co-Ops about the work they do.  For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am.[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 18 – A closer look at Swifts

Did you know? Swifts (Apus apus) are captivating aerial acrobats that grace the Irish skies during summer. These slender birds are known for their remarkable flying skills and distinctive calls.   Identification: Appearance: Sleek, brown plumage, long curved wings,[...]

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November 9, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 18 – A closer look at Swifts

Listen back to this week's episode as Sinead Hubble chats with Jarek Majkusiak from the Offaly Swift Project.  For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday 11.20am.[...]

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October 16, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 17 – Ash Dieback

Did you know? Ash Dieback was identified in Ireland in 2012, this invasive pathogen poses a severe threat to the country's ash tree population, impacting both natural woodlands and cultivated plantations.   Symptoms:  Early signs include wilting, leaf loss, distinctive diamond-shaped bark[...]

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October 16, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 17 – Ash Dieback

Listen back to this week's episode we we chat to Michael McEvoy from The Farm Forestry Producers Group about the impact of Ash Die back disease on our tree population.  For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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October 16, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 16 – The Gaelic Woodland Project

Did you know? The Gaelic Woodland Project is a volunteer-run charity committed to the creation and protection of native Irish woodlands. Ireland was once 80% forested; only 0.6% of our Old Oak Woodlands remain.   🌳 The Gaelic Woodland[...]

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October 16, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 16 – The Gaelic Woodland Project

The Gaelic Woodland Project is a volunteer-run charity committed to the creation and protection of native Irish woodlands. Ireland was once 80% forested; only 0.6% of our Old Oak Woodlands remain.  Listen back as we explore the impact of this project across the Midland Region. For more in this[...]

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September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 15 – Bee’s

Bees in Ireland

  Irish bees are vital pollinators, contributing to biodiversity and agriculture. Learn about their importance, threats, and conservation efforts. Bee Species in Ireland:
  • 99 native species, including bumblebees and solitary bees.
Importance of Bees:

September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 15 – Bee’s

Bees in Ireland

  Irish bees are vital pollinators, contributing to biodiversity and agriculture. Learn about their importance, threats, and conservation efforts. Bee Species in Ireland:
  • 99 native species, including bumblebees and solitary bees.
Importance of Bees:

September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 14 – Spiders

Spiders in Ireland

Common Spiders in Ireland: Common House Spider (Steatoda grossa): Recognizable by its bulbous abdomen and cobweb. Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus): Known for intricate orb webs, often found in gardens. Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus):[...]

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September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 14 – Spiders

Listen back to this week's episode as we find out more about the Spiders of Ireland! For more in this series, listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 13 – Irish Crows!

  Did you know that 

  • Crows are not endangered in Ireland, thanks to their adaptability.
Myths and Folklore:
  • Linked to Celtic mythology and superstitions, crows symbolize mystery and magic.
Protection and Conservation:

September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 13 – Irish Crows!

Listen back to this week's episode as we find out about Irish crows in Ireland who belong to the Corvidae family and are known for their intelligence. The Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) and Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) are the primary species. This episode explores how[...]

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September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 12 – Shannon Callows

The Shannon Callows

The Shannon Callows is a natural area situated along the banks of the River Shannon in Offaly.   Location: Along River Shannon's banks in Offaly. Unique Landscape: Ecologically vital floodplain with wetlands, grasslands, meandering waterways. Biodiversity[...]

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September 27, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 12 – Shannon Callows

Listen to this week's episode as Sinead Hubble talks to Catherine Finney from Birdwatch Ireland who is a Reading Wader expert and Ricky Whelan who is the Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council. For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am  [...]

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August 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 11 – Irish Bogs

  Did you know? Bogs cover a significant portion of the island of Ireland They are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and water. Management of bogland now involves cutaway bogs and restoration. While cutaway bogs served previous[...]

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August 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 11 – Irish Bogs

Bogs cover 17% of Ireland and are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and water. Listen back to this episode as we discuss the importance and diversity of Irish bogland. For more on this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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August 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 10 – Irish Wildflowers

WILDFLOWERS IN IRELAND Ireland's diverse ecosystems and temperate climate nurture a rich tapestry of wildflowers. Discover some iconic blooms that grace the landscape and respect and protect these treasures as you explore Ireland's countryside, ensuring their beauty thrives for[...]

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August 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 10 – Irish Wildflowers

Listen back to this weeks episode on Midlands 103 as we discuss the diversity and beauty of native Irish wildflowers with bio-diversity officer at Offaly County Council Ricky Whelan and Dr. Fiona McGowan who is a botanist and professional ecologist. For more in this series listen in every Thursday at[...]

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August 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 9 – Buzzards

  Distribution and Habitat: Buzzards are widespread throughout Ireland, inhabiting rural, woodland, coastal, and marshland areas. Physical Description: Medium-sized raptors with variable brown plumage, broad wings, and a pale head with a dark stripe. Behavior and Habits: Active during[...]

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August 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 9 – Buzzards

Listen back to this weeks episode as Sinéad Hubble chats to Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland and Ricky Whelan, Biodiveristy Officer with Offaly County Council about the introduction of Buzzards to Ireland.  For more in this series, listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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August 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 8 – Nest Boxes

  Bird species attracted: The birds using your nestbox depend on its type. Traditional nestboxes with 25mm, 28mm, and 32mm holes attract Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, and House Sparrow respectively. Open-fronted nestboxes: Blackbirds, Robins, and Wrens[...]

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August 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 8 – Nest Boxes

Listen back to this weeks episode as Sinead Hubble chats to Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland about Nest Boxes. For more in this series, listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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August 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 7 – Combatting Vaping

  Disposable vaping devices present several challenges to the current waste collection and recycling system, for example: Where lithium-ion batteries are contained in waste devices, these can present a risk to the health and safety. When damaged, short-[...]

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August 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 7 – Vaping

Listen back to this episode as Will Faulkner explores the impact of vaping on our environment. For more in series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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July 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 6 – Offaly County Climate Action Plan

  This week we looked at Offaly County Councils Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.  Local authorities mandated to prepare climate action plans under Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 Section 12B (2)   The Climate Action[...]

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July 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 6 – Offaly County Climate Action Plan

Listen back to this weeks episode as Sinead Hubble chats with John McNally, Climate Action Co-ordinator with Offaly County Council about their plans for Climate Action and sustainable change.  For more in this series listen in every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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July 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 5 – The Dusk Chorus

  This week we looked at the Dusk Chorus From Birds In Ireland in our Ours To Protect episode Did you know? The Dusk Chorus from birds occurs during dust bathing, a behavior where birds create shallow depressions in loose soil,[...]

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July 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 4 – The energy edition

Listen back to this weeks episode as we talk all things Energy and chat to Dermot Casey, Chair of IRDG, John Reilly, Head of Power Generation at Bórd na Mona and Angela Larkin, General Manager Ireland for Ocean Winds. For more in this series, Listen in to Midlands 103 every[...]

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July 28, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 4 – The energy edition

  The Evolution of Ireland's Energy Supply: A 20-year Overview  

Renewable Energy Expansion:

Ireland has experienced significant growth in wind power, with installations increasing from 276 MW in 2003 to over 5,000 MW in 2023.  

Decrease In Fossil[...]

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July 3, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 3 – Fridays for Future in the Midlands

Listeback to Midlands Today on Midlands 103 and hear Ryan Dolan - founder of the midlands branch of Fridays for Future chat about how the international movement came to the Midlands!  For more in this series listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at[...]

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July 19, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tips 3 – Fridays for Future

Fridays for Future, initiated by Greta Thunberg, is a global movement led by young people that aims to raise public awareness about climate change and its potential consequences on the planet and future generations.  The movement demands immediate and effective action from governments, policymakers, and corporations to[...]

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July 3, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 2 – Veganism

[...]

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July 3, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 2 – Veganism

Listen back to Midlands 103 as they explore the concept of transitioning to Veganism to promote sustainability and to reduce carbon emissions. Breda Maleney is a nutritionist who talks about the challenges and opportunities of moving to Vegan diet.    Listen in to Midlands 103 every Thursday at 11.20am[...]

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June 15, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Episode 1 – Accelerate Green & De-carbonise

Listen in to Midlands 103 for their weekly episode in the 'Ours To Protect' series. Hear about the Accelerate Green Programme and about de-carbonising projects in the Midlands. This week we were joined by Adrian Costigan from NEG8 Carbon and John Favier from NanobOx as they discuss the latest[...]

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June 16, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Weekly Tip Sheet 1 – Accelerate Green – Carbon Dioxide and it’s impact on the environment

[...]

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June 12, 2023

TITLE: Midlands 103 – Episode 1 – The Panel

Join Will Faulkner on Midlands Today as he kicks off the 'Ours To Protect' project. Listen to opinions from people on whether Ireland is doing enough in the area of climate change and hear him discuss what's happening locally. He's joined in studio by Caroline Hofman, The Cube, a[...]

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Midlands 103

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