Category: News
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Forest Fest 2023 – Licence Granted
Safents Consulting Ltd on behalf of ForestFest Ltd has applied for a LICENCE APPLICATION under the terms of Part XVI of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) for a live musical and comedy entertainment event to be held at Emo Village, Co. Laois.
The proposed event is to be held on Thur 20th July, Fri 21st July, Sat 22nd July and Sun 23rd July 2023 at Emo Village, Co. Laois.
Associated parking and campsites will be available from 4pm on Thur 20th July.
The event will have a maximum attendance of 10,000 people plus 1,500 staff and artistes with camping for a maximum of 7,500 persons.
If you wish to lodge a submission/observation to the licence application, please send your submission in writing, before close of business on Wednesday 10th May 2023, to the Planning Department Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois or by email to planning@laoiscoco.ie
Public Notice Advertisement Nationalist
Public Notice Advertisement Irish Independent
Forest Fest – Event Mangement Plan
Forest Fest – Site Location Plan
Forest Fest – Overall Site Layout
Forest Fest – Site 3 Campervan Red
Forest Fest – Site 4 Caravan Green & Site 5 Caravan Yellow
Forest Fest – Site 6 Caravan Parking Purple & Site 7 Staff Parking
Forest Fest – Site 8 Campervan Blue
Further information requested and received as follows
Further Information requested for Forest Fest 2023
Forest Fest 23-A1 SITE LOCATIONS
Forest Fest 23-Site 3 – Caravan Red
Forest Fest 23-Site 4 &5 – General Camping
Forest Fest 23-A1 – Site 2 Campervan Orange
TMP for Forest Festival 2023-REV03
Further Information requested for Forest Fest 2023
On receipt of the further information above – the licence application has been granted;
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LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION SCHEME 2023-2029
Final reminder regarding closing dates for submissions to the Development Contribution Scheme 2023-2029
DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION SCHEME 2023-2029
SECTION 48 [4), PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended)
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 48(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), that Laois County Council has prepared a Draft Development Contribution Scheme for the administrative area of County Laois covering the period 2023-2029.
Copies of the County Laois Draft Development Contribution Scheme are available for public inspection during normal working hours from Monday 22nd May 2023 to Tuesday 4th July 2023 at the following locations:
- Laois County Council Offices, Aras An Chontae, JFL Avenue, Portlaoise, County Laois
- All branches of Laois County Council Public Libraries.
The Draft Scheme may also be viewed on the Laois County Council website at: http://consult.laois.ie
Submissions and observations in relation to the Draft Development Contribution Scheme 2023-2029 are invited during the public consultation period referred to above.
Submissions or observations may be made in the following ways:
- In writing to: Senior Planner, Planning Department, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, James Fintan Lawlor Avenue, Portlaoise, County Laois or
- Online at http://consult.laois.ie
Please ensure to include the name and address of the person, group or public body making the submission or observation.
The closing date for receipt of submissions or observations is 4.00 p.m., Tuesday 4th July 2023. Late submissions or observations will not be accepted.
All submissions or observations with respect to the draft Scheme will form part of the statutory Chief Executives Report to be presented to the Elected Members of Laois County Council and will be taken into consideration before the Scheme is made.
The Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and Data Protection legislation. If you consider that any of the information being supplied by you is either commercially sensitive or confidential in nature, this should be highlighted and the reasons for its sensitivity specified. In such cases, the relevant material will, in response to FOI requests, be examined in light of exemptions provided for in the FOI Act.
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Laois County Council highlights the vital work of local authority staff and the services they provide on ‘Your Council Day’
The vital work of Laois County Council employees and the role they are playing in our county’s social and economic life is being highlighted for this year’s ‘Your Council Day’, which takes place on Friday 23rd June.
Across social media, #YourCouncilDay will showcase the work of our committed and passionate local authority employees who are working to make a difference to the lives of the people in their community.
Local authorities carry out a broad range of activities that make a significant contribution to the physical, cultural, social and environmental development of their communities. Whether its business supports through the LEOs, enterprise centres and economic development plans, or climate action, community supports and tourism development, Laois County Council is working for everyone.
Laois County Council will also join other local authorities in providing a ‘behind the scenes’ look at a typical day in the council to show the public the range of work and the variety of services their council provides to them.
Social media users throughout the community are asked to post their experiences of council initiatives using the hashtag #YourCouncilDay / #DoLásaChomhairle.
Follow our FB Page or #YourCouncilDay / #DoLásaChomhairle on Twitter to find out what’s happening in Laois during Your Council Day.
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Visit SEAI’s Home Energy Upgrade Information Day for Portlaoise Homeowners
Learn How to Make Your Home More Comfortable, Reduce Your Energy Use
and Your Bills- Join SEAI and registered One Stop Shops on Saturday 24th June in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
- Get advice on how you can make your home more energy efficient with a home energy upgrade and Government grants from SEAI.
- Learn more about SEAI’s home energy upgrade grants, with options to match most homeowner budgets and needs.
SEAI is delighted to host its first Home Energy Upgrade event in Portlaoise. This event will give local homeowners the opportunity to meet with the SEAI team and registered One Stop Shops, to learn more about the benefits of a home energy upgrade and get free advice on where to start.
Now more than ever, homeowners are looking to reduce their energy consumption and tackle rising energy bills. Many are adopting new habits such as turning down their thermostats or reducing heating running times. But homeowners are also more aware of the need to improve the overall energy efficiency of their homes. By investing in home energy upgrades, such as attic and wall insulation and installing heat pump systems and other renewables, you are keeping your valuable heat in your home and making it much more energy efficient. These are long-term investments that will provide significant improvements in home comfort and reduce monthly energy bills.
Carrying out a home energy upgrade can be daunting to some and often homeowners simply don’t know where to start. This event will give homeowners the chance to talk directly to home energy upgrade experts and to start their journey to a more energy efficient home today.
When is it on: Saturday 24th June from 11.00am – 4.00pm
Where is it on: Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Rd, Ballyroan, Portlaoise, Co. Laoise
Register for free: https://SEAIHomeEnergyPortlaoise.eventbrite.ie
For further information about SEAI Home Energy Upgrade grants visit here.
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Circular PL 04/2023 – Temporary Time-Limited Waiver in respect of Development Contributions
Circular PL 04/2023 – Temporary Time-Limited Waiver in respect of Development Contributions
The temporary development contribution waiver arrangements will apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development –
- that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and
- is completed not later than 31 December 2025.
Circular PL 04.2023 – Temporary Time Limited Waiver in respect of Development Contributions
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National Industrial Action (SIPTU) – Retained Fire Fighters
Laois County Council is continuing to engage with local Retained Fire Fighters to maintain a response to emergency calls during the industrial action which started on June 6th. Whilst the industrial action has resulted in a change in fire service communications procedures, at all times emergency calls have been responded to.
The second phase of the industrial action will commence on June 13th and this will result in 50% of the Fire Stations being ‘off the run’ each day. In Laois this means that four out of eight fire stations will not be fully operational in the county at any one time.
Laois County Council wishes to assure the public that every effort is being made to reduce the risk to communities during the dispute and an effective contingency plan is in place to ensure public safety. The Council will keep members of the public informed.
All households and businesses should ensure they have working smoke alarms and should continue to use 999 or 112 calls in the case of an emergency.
For further information please find the National Statement below
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National industrial action SIPTU retained fire fighters.
SIPTU have advised local authorities of the intention of Retained firefighter members to escalate industrial actions from 13th of June with rolling strikes to an average of 50% of Retained Fire stations and ultimately all out strikes commencing from the 20th of June.
This is a concerning escalation by SIPTU, however, as part of the normal industrial relations protocol of agreeing contingency plans, each local authority have engaged with SIPTU at local level to establish robust contingency arrangements. Local authorities wish to assure the public that every effort will be made to mitigate any risk to them arising from any industrial action protecting communities to the maximum extent possible during the dispute.
Members of the public should continue to call 999 or 112 in the case of an emergency; calls will be answered and responded to.
SIPTU have confirmed that throughout the strike action it will comply with the provisions of the Code of Practice on emergency disputes reflecting the professionalism and dedication of its retained fire service personnel to ensure that fire services are provided even in a strike situation and has confirmed that retained fire services will respond to all emergency calls involving life-threatening situations.
Fire Service Management initiated a negotiation process with SIPTU and agreed to the appointment of a Third-Party facilitator to shape a proposal that could be agreed by management and staff representatives. The led to a significant offer by Fire Service Management which would lead to an increase in fire service numbers allowing for greater levels of structured time off.
SIPTU then advised that in addition to the increase in numbers they would also require a significant increase in existing pay, however Management advised that the current national pay agreement, Building Momentum, means it cannot consider sectoral or grade-based pay and conditions claims during the lifetime of the agreement. Management remains available to continue the engagement through the mediator as its position would always be for constructive engagement with all stakeholders on any pay dispute.
The proposed escalation of industrial action is of major concern to local authorities, and we would call on SIPTU to reconsider and reengage in the mediation process.
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Criunniú na nÓg 2023
Cruinniú na nÓg Laois takes place on Saturday the 10th of June 2023 and is a day of creativity for children and young people under the age of 18 which celebrates and encourages participation in culture and creativity through ‘doing’, ‘making’, and ‘creating’ from visual and performing arts to workshops and adventures in heritage, libraries, culture, science and technology, music and dance . Events are free, local and activity-based.
Cruinniú na nÓg Laois 2023: Full Programme here
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3 LAOIS SCHOOLS EXCEL IN VEX ROBOTIC COMPETITION
Shanganamore Barrowhouse , Scoil Eoin Pol Naofa Ballyroan and Camross NS set out at Dawn on Thursday morning 1st of June to make the long trip for the Vex Robotic Competition in the ATU Campus in Castlebar.
The 3 schools only started their Vex program in February and were up against stiff competition from seasoned schools including the current All Ireland Champions from Donegal and also the Connaught Regional champions from Mayo.
The competition started @ 10:30 and all teams played a hectic 14 games. In order to play the game each school had to build and program a Robot using coding along with building the board game and the obstacles.
All 3 schools excelled on the day considering this was their 1st major event , the future is bright for all schools.
Shanganamore were the Judges most impressive newcomer to the program.
Scoil Eoin Pol Naofa were pipped in their final game by 3 points by the current All Ireland champions from Donegal on a score line of 91 to 88 .
Camross were also narrowly beaten in the qualifier by the current Connaught Regional champions from Mayo.
Antoinette Brennan the Broadband Officer from Laois County Council was responsible for securing this program for 4 schools in Laois to date with the backing of DRCD , Vex Robotic Program, MTU , ATU and Offaly County Council.
It is hoped with funding to rollout this program into more primary schools in Laois in September along with other STEM programs , with a vision to introduce Vex and STEM programs into Secondary and get all schools to a point where they can provide Computer Science as a Leaving Cert subject.
She thanked all associates with the program and especially to the Teachers and students who have taken part to date and look forward to the future.
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Community & voluntary Awards Nominations 2023
🌟 Call for Nominations! 🌟
Laois County Council in conjunction with Laois PPN, and our corporate sponsor People First Credit Union are excited to announce that we’re accepting nominations for our upcoming Community & Voluntary Awards. These awards acknowledge groups and individuals who, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in their communities. Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions? This is your chance to shine a spotlight on them!
To submit a nomination, simply click on the link below
Community & Voluntary Awards 2023 Nominations
Don’t forget to mention any specific achievements, contributions, or qualities that make them stand out.
#NominationsOpen #RecognisingExcellence #CommunityHeroes #Inspiration
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Transboundary Environmental Public Consultation
Proposed project consisting of the 10 years extension of the operation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, including related nuclear safety-related improvement works
In accordance with the provisions of the 1991 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (“the Espoo Convention”) and the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (“Aarhus” Convention), the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage received notification from the Belgian Directorate General for Energy in relation to the approval of a draft bill to allow the continued operation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors for another 10 years.
The Nuclear Power Plant of Doel is located in the Port of Antwerp, on the river Scheldt, approximately 6km from the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. The Nuclear Power Plant of Tihange is located on the bank of the Meuse River, near the village of Tihange in the Walloon province of Liége, approximately 40 km from the border between Belgium and the Netherlands and approximately 65 km from the border with Germany and Luxembourg. Belgian authorities have advised that, in keeping with their Espoo Convention obligations, countries within a 1000km radius of these nuclear power plants will be consulted.
The proposed project consists of the 10 years extension of the operation of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors and the nuclear safety-related improvement works related to that extension. The proposed project is submitted to an environmental impact assessment in Belgium. The Belgian government considers that the proposed project plays a vital role in securing its supply of electricity until 2035. The project is also in line with the policy that the European Commission wishes to pursue increased independence from fossil fuels and diversified energy supply.
A nationwide public consultation will open for submissions on Wednesday 17 May 2023. A member of the public may make a written submission or observation in relation to the potential transboundary environmental effects of the project, by close of business on Wednesday 21 June 2023 at the latest. Submissions or observations should be made directly to Belgian authorities at the following email address:
Members of the public may wish to visit the Dublin City Council public consultation portal at the link below to view correspondence from the Belgian Ministry, associated documents and links provided to the full Environmental Impact Assessment Report and all other documentation relating to the development consent application for the proposed development.
https://consultation.dublincity.ie/planning/belgium-doel-4-and-tihange-3
The public consultation notice is also available to view in the office of the Planning Section of each local authority nationwide during office hours, by appointment if required. A copy of these documents is available for inspection, or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours. Links to all documents will be made available online by each local authority. Please contact your Local Authority for further details.
Viewings may be by appointment only in certain local authority offices, it is strongly advised to contact your local authority to clarify the position in this regard before travelling to view the documentation. All documentation related to the development consent application for the proposed development is also available to view on the website of the Belgian FPS Economy website, including any additional information accepted by the Belgian FPS Economy website at:
https://economie.fgov.be/en/Doel4-Tihange3
20230329 EIAR Non technical summary
Additional transboundary notification dated 20 March 2023
Part I General framework and methodology of EIA Doel 4 and Tihange 3
Queries raised by the EPA and response received from Belgian authorities
Transboundary EIA notification from the Belgian Minister of Energy dated 30 June 2022
