John Whelan
John Whelan has been a journalist, commentator, columnist, political analyst, campaigner, politician and publisher ever since he was 17. Having been Editor of the Leinster Express, Offaly Express and the Leinster Leader he has also contributed extensively on a number of issues to all of the country's flagship titles and programmes including the Irish Press, The Irish Independent, the Star, the Sunday Independent, the Sunday Business Post, The Sunday Times and Prime Time. He is founder of Communicate Ireland a PR, public affairs, event management and media services company.
He is the author of the popular camping blog, Vanhalla - Camper Heaven.
Getting the run-around over roundabouts on the forgotten road
If you are one of those that thinks Portlaoise already has enough roundabouts, think again.
There is a case being made for more roundabouts in...
Camross native to run as Independent in Local Elections
Another independent candidate has declared to run in the local elections in May.
From Camross, Ger Hogan will be a first time candidate contesting the...
Primary Care Centre could help solve GP crisis
Is there a doctor in the house? The answer is No!
And now Portlaoise councillors are of the view that the shortage of GPs is...
Site urgently needed for Laois’s newest school
It’s a fantastic school with great teachers and a brilliant principal but now the new secondary school in Portlaoise, Choláiste Dhun Masc, is a...
No funds for ‘deadly deadly’ dangerous junction
It will be next year at the earliest before the Council can hope to have funding to address works at a dangerous junction on...
Confusion reigns as meeting tries to get to the bottom of sewage problem
There is a sewage effluent problem in Ballyroan and local councillor Mary Sweeney is trying to get to the bottom of it, before it...
Barrow Blueway a big ambition for Lea Castle project
An ancient Norman and Gaelic chieftain stronghold on the banks of the River Barrow will one day be the centre-piece of a Barrow Blueway...
Laois businessman pioneers the next big thing with innovative ‘Butterfly Cup’
Entrepreneurs, inventors and investors are always on the lookout for the next big thing.
With climate change and the plague of plastic swamping the planet,...
A ‘loo-dicrous’ situation over lack of public toilets in county Town
Whatever about being short-taken, Portlaoise councillors certainly feel they are being short changed and given the run-around over their efforts to have the public...
Well-known Laois man opts to run as Independent in Local Elections
One of the county’s most popular and best known community activists has thrown his hat in to the ring for the local elections.
It’s no...
Gordon Bennett Classic set for international recognition
When a handful of ‘petrol heads’ sat down in 2003 to plan a centenary commemoration for the famous Gordon Bennett race little did they...
Laois Vintage Hospice Rally has €1million target in its sights
Twenty-four years ago the death of a dear friend inspired others to start a fundraiser for Laois Hospice.
Now they hope with the continued support...
Laois train station in line for major award
One of Ireland’s busiest regional rail stations is in line for recognition this week as one of the top train stations in the country.
The...
In Pictures: Tom Treacy’s tireless efforts to put Laois on the map recognised
'Even on occasions when Tom Treacy’s own health was under duress he would press on without complaint to promote Laois at tourism fairs, such...
Tom Treacy is feeling the love as Laois bestows its highest honour
The plaudits and praise came pouring in thick and fast for Tom Treacy as Laois bestowed the highest honour it has to acknowledge achievement,...
Hard border divides Laois community down the middle ahead of Local Elections
While the country is pre-occupied with the looming prospects of a hard Brexit and its border implications, an electoral boundary review is causing consternation...
Facelift in the pipeline for Portlaoise laneways
In other places they are celebrated, places of curiosity and curios, of gems of shops, art and café culture.
But in Portlaoise some of its...
Mountmellick houses to proceed after archaeological survey
The provision of new houses in Mountmellick is to proceed after a standard archaeological survey is conducted. The Council plan to build 10 new...
Malcolm Smyth will always be remembered as Friends Together
The death has occurred of Malcolm Smyth. He had Motor Neurone disease, which he bore and battled bravely. Always with that great smile of...
Wired with Whelan: Nurses are the sticking plaster holding the health service together
Morale is a mysterious medicine.
It’s hard to put your finger on it.
What exactly is it that is inspiring, uplifting and motivating. Why...
Irish Rail out of line with Ballybrophy parking, say local councillors
Irish Rail have come in for a dressing down for their failure to honour commitments made to provide ample safe parking at Ballybrophy train...
Bitter-sweet day as Abbeyleix Post Office changes hands after 60 years
The end of an era is a phrase which is often bandied about but it was never more appropriate as today in Abbeyleix.
This...
€100k cost of Coroner should not be incurred by Council, argues local politician
A campaign to get the Department of Justice to foot the bill and fund the County Coroner’s offices across the country has been initiated...
After years of waiting Laois estates finally taken-in-charge
In a move that was well received at their monthly meeting, Laois councillors across the board welcomed the taking in charge of eight housing...
Renowned Portarlington GAA man who lined out for Offaly and Kildare passes away
The death has occurred of Matt ‘Mattie’ Colgan who was widely known and respected in GAA and sporting circles across Offaly, Laois and Kildare.
Matt...
Breakthrough for rural CCTV in Laois
In news that will be welcomed by rural communities right across Laois, there has been a breakthrough on the roll-out of rural CCTV schemes...
Kudos for Kieran the consummate Laoisman
You can take the man out of Laois but you can’t take the Laois out of the man, and if Waterford bound Kieran Kehoe...
Laois could go green for St Patrick’s Day
Laois could go green and other counties could be green with envy if Laois County Council embrace a proposal put forward by Cllr Mary...
Payroll services success story continues with 12 new jobs while update given on Glanbia...
The success story of the Payroll Shared Services Centre at Laois County Council continues with 12 additional staff to be added immediately to cater...
Disgraceful and disgusting dumping in Portlaoise to be tackled
One of the worst ever illegal dumping cases in the county has been highlighted at the monthly council meeting with the Chief Executive, John...