Local Ireland – the representative association for weekly local newspapers, print and online – welcomes the Budget 2019 announcements for the sector from the Minister for Finance, Mr Paschal Donohoe T.D.

Journalism Matters Week is a coordinated effort, led by Local Ireland and NewsBrands Ireland, the representative bodies for the local and national newspapers, and is designed to highlight the vital role the press plays in a vibrant democracy and to call on the government to support a number of measures being sought by the newspaper industry to ensure its survival.

Uncovering a scam to influence a significant planning decision, getting behind the devastation of the drugs culture in rural Ireland and thrilling readers with the delights of sport in our communities were just some of the entries that topped the awards in the Local Ireland 4th Annual Media Awards presented at a Gala Dinner in Athlone on Thursday 23rd May.