Down Kerry way concerns are being expressed about the future of the Rose of Tralee festival. Kerry's Eye carries the headline "Festival Crisis".
The report, by Fiona Stack, says "The Rose of Tralee festival could face major changes this year following what festival president Kevin McCarthy described as plans for a significant review of the event's structure."
The Kerryman also gives the news front-page coverage with the headline "Rose chief quits as cash crisis deepens".
Deirdre Walsh reports: "The Rose of Tralee festival was dealt a major blow this week with the news that its general manager, Mary Rose Stafford - who was being primed to take over the running of the event - has opted not to renew her contract."
Elsewhere, roads and rubbish seem to exercise minds in the regional papers, as well as problems with street violence, teenage drinking, problems associated with the Traveller community and the disposal of rubbish.
The Waterford News & Star covers a number of topics with the headline "Road Fears Rubbished".
The report, by Marion O'Mara, says: "Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has been put on notice that any decision to defer or delay the allocation of funding totalling in excess of £400 million for the proposed motorway-dual carriageway linking the city (Waterford) and Dublin will not be tolerated.
"Any effort or decision which would in any way endanger this project going ahead is absolutely and utterly unacceptable," according to Deputy Brian O'Shea".
Traffic problems are also in the forefront in Kildare.
People in Naas have signed a petition appealing for heavy trucks to be banned from the town. Jane Mulllens reports: "I,800 signatures appealing for 150 heavy dump trucks which pass through Naas town centre twice daily to be banned were handed to Kildare County Council on Monday."
In a report on the same page by James Fitzgerald we are told: "The deputy leader of the Green Party (Carlow councillor Mary White) will welcome the collapse of the Irish economy as it will force the Government to abandon plans for the Kilcullen to Waterford road scheme and the other proposed road links to Dublin."
She is quoted: "I hope the money does run out because the Government will have to find a more suitable way to solve the traffic problems."
Rubbish raises its ugly head again in the Westmeath Examiner where Ronan Casey reports: "A proposed landfill facility at Annaskinnan near Killucan, which became one of the most controversial planning applications in recent years, has been refused planning permission by Westmeath Couny Council.
"Local opposition to the proposed landfill was cited by a council source as being one of the chief reasons why the council said no to what those opposed to it called a superdump."
The Roscommon Herald also deals with the refuse problem. Brian Cunniffe reports:
"The county is facing a hike in non-domestic water charges and in refuse charges as the council seeks to recoup a net defecit of £3,935,300 in its annual estimates for this year."
The Leinster Express reports a gloomy Christmas for Portlaoise. A report by Seamus Dunne's report says: "Portlaoise, it seems, will be without Christmas lights this year because, allegedly, some business people are just not prepared to foot the bill."