Laois County Council

Category: News

  • Parks Tennis 2022

    Parks Tennis 2022

    The Sport & Leisure Section is delighted to welcome back Parks Tennis to Laois in 2022. Laois County Council in association with our Community Partners are providing children with the opportunity to play tennis in three locations around Laois during the last two weeks of July and first week in August. Locations include Mountmellick, Vicarstown and Mountrath. Qualified instructors are on hand to teach children new skills or improve their skills over a five day period. The cost of the camp is €30 per child per week with a €5 discount for additional family members. Bookings must be made in advance through Eventbrite.

    For Full details on dates, times, who to contact and how to book, click on the link to each location below:

    Park Tennis 2022 Mountmellick

    Park Tennis 2022  Vicarstown

    Park Tennis 2022 Mountrath

  • Leave No Trace Campaign 2022

    Leave No Trace Campaign 2022

     #LoveThisPlace #LeaveNoTrace 

     

  • APPOINTMENT BOOKING SYSTEM FOR HOUSING SERVICES

    APPOINTMENT BOOKING SYSTEM FOR HOUSING SERVICES

    To facilitate the needs of customers and to comply with Public Health guidance, Laois County Council has introduced an appointments system for Housing Services.  As we continue to move through re-opening phases under the Government recovery plan for Covid-19, it is essential that public health is supported through managed customer access at our offices.

    We encourage our customers to continue to use our services online, by phone, email and post but if it is essential for customers to attend our offices, access will be by appointment only.  Scheduling of appointments will take place during morning hours from Monday to Friday.

    Appointments can be made by emailing housinglcc@laoiscoco.ie or calling 057 866 4000.

    Angela McEvoy,

    A/Director of Housing Services,

    Laois County Council.

  • Green Dog Walker Campaign

    Green Dog Walker Campaign

    The Green Dog Walker Programme is a non-confrontational friendly way to change attitudes about dog-fouling.
    What’s the Green Hi Vis Vest for ?
    If you see someone wearing the Green Dog Walkers Vest, it means they have “taken the pledge” to:
    • Always clean up after their dog.
    • Carry extra dog waste bags.
    • Gladly give you a dog waste bag for your dog – just ask !
    Dog fouling is a health hazard. Did you know that children and sports field players and wheelchair users are most at risk from toxocariasis due to dog fouling?
    You could be at risk from other potential infections from dogs including agents such as roundworm, salmonella and e-coli.
    Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 – 2003 a fine of €150 can be imposed for not cleaning up after your dog.
    How to get involved:
    If you would like to “take the pledge” please complete the form below and your hi vis will be posted to you.
  • Leave No Trace Campaign 2022

    Leave No Trace Campaign 2022

     #LoveThisPlace #LeaveNoTrace 

  • Conservation Plan for Fort Protector Launched

    Conservation Plan for Fort Protector Launched

    A major new plan to guide the conservation and presentation of the 16th Century Fort Protector at the heart of Portlaoise has been launched. The plan, which was created in a partnership between Laois Heritage Society and Laois County Council, with the support of the Heritage Council, builds upon several years of research, consultation and community engagement by a team led by Conservation Architect Richard McLoughlin in association with archaeologist Eoin Sullivan and Historian Diarmuid Wheeler.

    Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council; Richard McLoughlin, Lotts Architecture; Cllr Conor Bergin Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council and Teddy Fennelly, president Laois Heritage Society at the launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan.
    Photo: Alf Harvey.

    Speaking at the launch, Cllr Conor Bergin, Cathaoirleach with Laois County Council said “This is just one example among many, of a project where the initial support of the Heritage Council facilitated Laois County Council to get a project started and leverage much greater exchequer funds, and I would like to express again our sincere gratitude to the Heritage Council for this.

    “A project like this does not come together without a huge amount of work and I’d like to pay a special tribute to the Working Group of Laois Heritage Society who have been working for many years now on the conservation of the Fort Protector.

    “Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons were the instigators of this plan, and they have put many hours of hard work and creativity on all the many parts necessary to get the plan to this stage – fundraising, research, practical conservation, conversations with property owners, development of policies, more fundraising and organizing awareness activities and events

    “Their commitment, creativity, attention to detail and meticulous historical research have created a very special publication, and a very active and successful conservation project and they deserve our most sincere thanks and congratulations.”

    Launching the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan. From left: Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage officer; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian; Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley; John Mulholland, chief executive Laois County Council; Richard McLoughlin, Lotts Architecture; Cllr Conor Bergin, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Michael Parsons, Laois Heritage; Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald; Teddy Fennelly, Laois Heritage president; Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council and Sean Murray, chairman Laois Heritage.
    Photo: Alf Harvey.

    The meeting was also addressed by Teddy Fennelly President of Laois Heritage Society, Michael Parsons, former Chair of the National Heritage Council and John Mulholland Chief Executive of Laois County Council. Richard McLoughlin Conservation Architect with Lotts Architecture presented a fascinating history of the development of the Fort and the town of Portlaoise, through an examination of maps dating back to the 1550s.

     

    Cllr Thomasina Connell with Richard McLoughlin, Lotts Architecture at the launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan.
    Photo: Alf Harvey.

    Cathaoirleach Conor Bergin paid tribute to the Project Team, Archaeologist Eoin Sullivan, Historian Diarmuid Wheeler and most especially Conservation Architect Richard McLoughlin, who gave so generously of their time, expertise and energy over the past seven years in bringing the plan to this stage with so much community engagement and involvement.

    He continued “As we are here at the start of the Old Fort Festival, which brings with it a great economic and cultural boost for the town of Portlaoise, I think it’s important to acknowledge that the impetus for the development of the festival came from the Main Street traders after they were approached by Richard and the project team to discuss the importance of the Fort. It’s a great example of how collaboration with the community builds pride in heritage and allows the development of grass roots events that celebrate that heritage and the identity of the place. I’m delighted to see the range of family heritage events going on throughout the weekend for the Old Fort Festival and I’m particularly pleased to see that Old St Peter’s Graveyard will be open to the public each afternoon throughout the weekend. ”

    The huge public interest in the Fort and the history of Portlaoise was evidenced by the large group in attendance and the wide range of questions posed after Richard McLoughin’s talk. Several speakers noted that the policies proposed in the plan have already started to be put into action, and it will certainly not be a plan that remains on the shelf, but is instead a living document. Information on projects undertaken to date is available here.

    Ronan Farrell and John Dunne at the launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan.
    Photo: Alf Harvey.
    The launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan.
    Photo: Alf Harvey.

     

    The Fort Protector Conservation Plan can be downloaded below, and hard copies are available for purchase from Laois  Heritage Society, Copies of the plan will be in the Portlaoise Branch Library.

    The Fort Protector Conservation Plan is a Partnership Project of Laois Heritage Society and Laois County Council, supported by the Heritage Council.

  • Parks Tennis 2022

    Parks Tennis 2022

    The Sport & Leisure Section is delighted to welcome back Parks Tennis to Laois in 2022. Laois County Council in association with our Community Partners are providing children with the opportunity to play tennis in three locations around Laois during the last two weeks of July and first week in August. Locations include Mountmellick, Vicarstown and Mountrath. Qualified instructors are on hand to teach children new skills or improve their skills over a five day period. The cost of the camp is €30 per child per week with a €5 discount for additional family members. Bookings must be made in advance through Eventbrite.

    For Full details on dates, times, who to contact and how to book, click on the link to each location below:

    Park Tennis 2022 Mountmellick

    Park Tennis 2022  Vicarstown

    Park Tennis 2022 Mountrath

  • Leave no trace campaign 2022

    Leave no trace campaign 2022

     #LoveThisPlace #LeaveNoTrace 

     

  • New Mural on the Old County Hotel

    There has been a lot intrigue over the last few weeks as renowned mural artist, Ciarán Dunlevy has been working on a large artwork that spans the 3 floors of the old County Hotel, Portlaoise. Locals have been enjoying watching the beautiful piece come together and speculating on what is being depicted.

    The completed mural. Image: Ciarán Dunlevy

    The mural, commissioned by Laois County Council and supported by the Portlaoise Municipal District Office, is a tribute to Fionn Mac Cumhail, one of Ireland’s most formidable mythological warriors who grew up in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co. Laois.

    Speaking about the inspiration behind the piece, Dunlevy says; “When local poet Laura Murphy shared her new poem with me, I was intrigued. As well as learning that Fionn spent his formative years in Laois, I also became aware that he was nurtured and trained by women. When Laura read the lines honouring the three women that made Fionn Mac Cumhail, the scene of the mural instantly appeared in my imagination and I thought we need to honour these women on a wall.”

    Fionn’s mother was a beautiful long-haired woman called Muirne. At the time of his birth, she and Fionn were in danger. To protect him she entrusted Fionn into the care of his aunt, a Druidess named Bodhmall and her companion, a Warrioress named Liath Luachra. Bodhmall and Liath devoted their lives to minding and training Fionn. They taught him to swim, run, jump, hunt as well as poetry and the martial arts of Ireland. The mural depicts the scene on the one day that Fionn’s mother came to see him in secret.  Muirne looks on in great joy and longing as she watches him playing happily with Bodhmall and Liath in the woodland surrounding Glenbarrow Waterfall.

    Speaking of the ethereal being that emanates from the waterfall, Dunlevy says;

    “This is a tribute to the visionary art of AE Russell, a preeminent figure of the Celtic Revival whose representations of the Aos Sí, the otherworldly beings of Ireland or the ‘Shining Ones’, are beautiful beyond measure but have been, for far too long, overlooked.”

    Muireann Ní Chonaill, Laois Arts Officer says; “This mural brings a vibrant, magical energy to Portlaoise’s Main Street. It is wonderful to see this visual artist’s response to the work of our local poet Laura Murphy. Ciarán has done a wonderful job in honouring Fionn and the women who made him.”

     

     

  • Take part in Heritage Week 2022

    Take part in Heritage Week 2022

    There is a huge range of events registered for National Heritage Week 2022 (13 – 21 August 2022),  and everyone in Laois is being encouraged to take part.

     

    Laois Events

    The event guide for Laois is now available to download, and hard copies will be in Laois Branch Libraries soon. If you would like to receive your hard copy in the post, send us an email with your postal address, to heritage@lasoicoco.ie. Check out our interactive map of events for Laois.

    Week at a Glance

    Check out what’s happening each day for Heritage week in our “Week at a Glance Guide” (click the image to enlarge). Please note some events have been added since the printed guide was published, and the Donaghmore Workhouse Open Day has been changed from Sunday 14th to Sunday 21st August at 2pm. many events are weather dependant – please check with organisers before setting off.

     

     

    [pdfjs-viewer url=”https://laois.ie/wp-content/uploads/Laois-Heritge-Week-Events-Guide-FINAL-WEB.pdf” attachment_id=”103231″ viewer_width=100% viewer_height=800px fullscreen=true download=true print=true]

    PPN Members will get the chance to explore the Rock of Dunamase for Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.

     

    Events across the country

    All details of events nationally and in Laois are at the Heritage Week website.

     

    What next?

    Heritage Week gives us the opportunity each year to revel in the best of the built and natural heritage of our County, whether it is attending a talk, going for a guided walk or visiting a local heritage site. This is just the beginning though. Most of the Heritage sites celebrated during Heritage Week are open all year-round. The museums of the County, many built heritage sites and wildlife areas are all there to be explored at any time. For more information on heritage in Laois or to find out about events and updates for the rest of the year, check out Laois Heritage Forum on Facebook or Twitter.

    National Heritage Week is your opportunity to explore and learn more about Ireland’s natural heritage and helping to conserve and preserve it for the future. Heritage Week in Laois is coordinated by Laois Heritage Officer. National Heritage Week is coordinated by The Heritage Council and its aim is to build awareness and education about our heritage, encouraging its understanding and conservation.

     

  • LAOIS COMPANY WINS AT NATIONAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS

    LAOIS COMPANY WINS AT NATIONAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS

    Salutem Insights Limited, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Laois , were winners at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place at the Mansion House in Dublin, are in their 23rd year and run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.

    Laois Finalist, Salutem Insights Limited took home the Mid East Regional award at last Thursdays National Enterprise Awards.

    Salutem Insights

     

    Salutem Insights is a health economic and market access company, who support the healthcare sector with in-depth analysis, interpretation, and communication of clinical and health economic data.

    They provide all types of health economic and outcomes research, such as health technology assessment (HTA) submissions, burden of illness reports, systematic reviews, and economic models. They also provide training to both industry and academic institutions on health economics, economic modelling and on ensuring that the high standards required for completion of HTA submissions are met.

    Their senior experts are materially involved in all projects and have a substantive role in all deliverables, where they balance scientific and academic expertise with commercial and strategic awareness. They put significant importance on their engagement with their clients as they realise its paramount to the success of any project.

    Congratulating the local winners, Honor Deevy, Acting Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Laois said:  “The National Enterprise Awards are an annual celebration of the achievements of Ireland’s small businesses and Salutem Insights Ltd. are very deserving winners of this award, because of the impact that they have already made on their sector. Local Enterprise Office Laois is proud to have supported them along their journey to success.”

    Sandra Redmond, Managing Director of Salutem Insights Ltd. said : ‘We were delighted to represent Laois at the National Finals and to win a regional award is fantastic. We couldn’t have done this without the help and assistance from LEO in Laois as they have been an invaluable resource and support to us since we started this journey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Mullholland, Evelyn Reddin, Honor Deevy, Linda Meredith and Mark Clancy for all their guidance and encouragement in the last few years’

    The overall winner at the National Enterprise Awards was Wicklow aquaculture and offshore wind company, Aqualicense.  Established in 2019 by Kate Dempsey the company has gone from strength to strength.

    The company engages in consultation, planning, legal compliance and project delivery on behalf of companies in the aquaculture and offshore renewable energy industries.

    They expanded their operations into the highly regulated offshore renewable energy sector in 2021 which has helped the company grow considerably and they are now looking to expand their expertise into new markets internationally.

    Several other companies won across a range of categories at the Awards, which were established by the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate the impact and quality of small businesses across the country.

    The Best Start-Up category was won by Acoustic Interiors supported by Local Enterprise Office Offaly.  The business improves the health, wellbeing and productivity of people through intelligent acoustic design and fit-out of homes, offices and buildings.

    The Green/Sustainability Award went to Cirtex, supported by Local Enterprise Office Longford.  The company have created a closed-loop manufacturing business that upcycles the materials from duvets and mattresses, most of which are imported, to be reused in new products.

    The Best Export category was won by Professional Hair Labs supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford.  The family run business is a manufacturer and distributor of cosmetic products including GHOSTBOND, the world’s leading product for hair adhesive solutions.

    The Innovation Award went to Cubbie who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo.  The installation, which is in over 200 schools across Ireland, enables students with neurodiversity or sensory challenges to regulate their senses with a bespoke programme to ensure their learning and academic experience is not adversely affected.

    Finally, the One to Watch Award was taken by Streat School supported by Local Enterprise Office Monaghan.  The business provides an end-to-end solution for those looking to enter the street food business, providing equipment, workshops and branding materials.

    This year’s winners share a €50,000 investment fund and eight regional winners were also announced on the night.  Those winners are –

    • Farmony in the Dublin Region (backed by LEO Fingal)
    • Torpey in the South West Region (backed by LEO Clare)
    • Salutem Insights in the Mid East Region (backed by LEO Laois)
    • SmartRoutes in the South Region (backed by LEO Cork City)
    • FeedAlpha in the South East Region (backed by LEO Carlow)
    • Tantek 4D in the North West Region (backed by LEO Sligo)
    • Aine’s Chocolate in the North East Region (backed by LEO Cavan)
    • Studio Meala in the West Region (backed by LEO Roscommon)

    There was also an Outstanding Achievement Award presented on the night to an individual or company who has excelled in recent years.  This award went to ABC Nutritionals from Clare.  The Shannon based business, established in 2007 are a private label manufacturer of sports, weight management and lifestyle nutrition products.  They have double their workforce and turnover since 2018 with 68 now employed and hope to reach 100 by 2025 with a new facility in development.

    Previous winners of the National Enterprise Awards include Irish Yoghurts (1998), Obelisk (2000), Simtech Aviation (2008), Digiweb (2004) and Design Pro (2013), Terra NutriTech (2018) and Pestle & Mortar (2019).  The last winners in 2021 were Bevcraft, who were supported by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath.  Europe’s only mobile canning company have gone from strength to strength since winning the award, opening new hubs across the continent.

    The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 20,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie

  • FREE PUBLIC WIFI NOW LIVE IN PORTLAOISE TOWN

     

    Laois County Council launch Free Public WIFI in Portlaoise Town on Monday 30th May 2022 @ 10am in advance of the Laois County Council Monthly meeting.

    The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Conor Bergin welcomed Councillors and invited guests on the Plaza of Laois County Council to formally switch on free public WIFI in Portlaoise town which will provide free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in the County Town in public spaces such as The Plaza Co Hall, Hynds Square, Market Square, Fitzmaurice Place amongst others in the town centre.

    This is provided as part of an European Initiative WIFI4EU which promotes free WIFI within public spaces across the municipalities of the European Union.

    The project is funded through the EU, to promote access to Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces in municipalities throughout Europe, with matching funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development for WIFI installation. Laois County Council expresses their gratitude to both funding partners on this, without which it would not have been possible.

    Free WIFI in the town of Portlaoise is designed to enhance the public realm in the town and encourage people to come into the town centre and avail of all the services in tandem with this free service.

    The Project has been carried out by Mr. Gerry Buckley and his team from NIS Ltd based in Midlands, on behalf of Laois County Council who have installed the infrastructure to deliver the Service. We wish to thank him and his team for their engagement with all stakeholders and timely roll out of the service.

    Antoinette Brennan, The Broadband Officer stated this is a very exciting day for the town of Portlaoise as it is the very first time LCC can offer Free WIFI in public places throughout the town. This would not have been possible without the support of local businesses that are among locations servicing their area. We would like to thank them for coming on board to support this initiative and in doing so have facilitated Laois County Council with access to Broadband. In Portlaoise there are 12 outdoor access points. She also thanked The EU and Department of Rural Community Department for funding this project and to Gerry Buckley and his team in NIS for the prompt rollout.

    Accessing WIFI4EU is a straightforward process that does not require the user to input any personal information or passwords. Users connect wirelessly to the WIFI4EU network and agree to the Terms and Conditions. As part of the implementation, all safeguards in relation to web content filtering will be put in place. This will ensure that only content deemed to be safe can be viewed on the internet by users.

    The project will continue to be rolled out in the various towns and villages in the remaining Municipal Districts over the summer period – in Portarlington, Stradbally, Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, Mountrath, Camross.

    Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council stated : The WIFI4EU project is designed to enhance the public realm in the town and we offer our thanks to local businesses that are among locations servicing their area.

    Caroline Hofman Chief Executive of Laois Chamber stated:  Connectivity throughout the county is more important than ever, and the launch of WIFI4EU is a landmark project for Portlaoise. This project will further enhance connectivity in the town, making Portlaoise an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.

    Gerry Buckley NIS stated:  NIS have worked closely with Laois county council, on engaging with the local businesses and community groups to ensure the project had the maximum impact. We have had great cooperation in working with Laois County Council team lead by Antionette Brennan.

    Jake Ryan, Principal Officer DRCD stated : He thanked LCC for the invitation to the Launch and stated the Department of Rural and Community Department were very supportive of this EU initiative and how the DRCD were dedicated to the joint funding of this project. He was delighted to know how important WIFI4EU is for the town of Portlaoise.