Category: News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured with Minister Robert Troy were Dr. Ann Cusack, Chair of the Midland Regional Enterprise Plans Steering Committee John Mullholland, C.E.O Laois Co Co and Cllr. Conor Bergin, Cathaoirleach Laois County Council Photo Denis Byrne

 

Minister Troy meets with the chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to discuss their progress

Minister visits Low Carbon Centre of Excellence and Business Hub supported by Enterprise Ireland

 

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD, this week met with Dr Anne Cusack, CEO of Critical Healthcare and chair of the Midland Regional Enterprise Plan steering committee, to discuss progress on the development of the new Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024.

The new Plan for the Midlands is one of nine new Plans being developed across the country. The plans hope to build on the strengths and opportunities unique to each region, address ecosystem gaps, and complement and reinforce the ongoing work of the Department’s enterprise agencies and other development bodies in the region.

The development of the new Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 involves collaboration between Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices, Local Authorities, higher and further education bodies, businesses and others in the region.

Speaking during his visit to Laois, Minister Troy said:

 

“I am very pleased to be here today to meet with Anne Cusack and representatives from the Midland Regional Enterprise Plan Office. Collaboration is a key element to the success of these new Regional Enterprise Plans, and I am delighted with the progress that is being made by regional stakeholders on the development of the new Midland Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024.”

The meeting was held on Tuesday 14 September at the Beale Centre in Mountmellick, a centre for business excellence, which provides open-plan hot desks, office pods, meeting and teleconferencing rooms as well as state-of-the-art commercial kitchens to businesses in the area. The centre was developed with the support of Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF).

The Minister also had the opportunity to meet with local businesses supported by Laois Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland to see first-hand the work that is being done to support enterprise development on the ground. He continued his visit of Co. Laois, stopping in Portlaoise to visit the CUBE, a developing multi-point incubation hub and Low Carbon Centre of Excellence also supported under Enterprise Ireland’s REDF.

Speaking at the CUBE, the Minister added:

“The Regional Enterprise Development Fund was introduced to strengthen the potential for enterprise growth and job creation in Ireland’s regions. The CUBE has come into being because of this funding and is addressing a need for an incubation hub for low carbon businesses in the Midlands, enabling access to facilities and supports with which to start a new low carbon business or indeed to grow an existing one.”

Speaking of the Minister’s visit John Mulholland, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, said:

“Laois County Council is delighted to welcome Minister Troy on his visit to a number of local businesses and projects that have benefitted from the Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

“The council has been strong and steadfast in its support for the development of the Beale Centre & The Kitchens in Mountmellick, and the CUBE in Portlaoise town. The Beale Centre provides remote working and meeting facilities as a member of both the Laois Hub Collective and the Midlands Network of Co-Working Facilities (MNCF). Importantly it also provides a state-of-the-art alternative to a commute to work or from your own home.

“The CUBE also seeks to distinguish itself as a low carbon centre of excellence in the region and position the Midlands as a destination of choice in which to develop a low carbon business with excellent linkages to research, development and innovation networks across Ireland and further afield. In the short term it will develop strong synergies with the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town Project, the local business community and will strive to act as an example for other towns across the country.”

Dr. Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, said:

 

“It is a pleasure as always to meet Minister Troy along with Sarah Morgan, Programme Manager for the Midlands REP and members of the steering committee to advise of progress in development of the Plans to 2024. This plan seeks to nurture resilience and recovery, create jobs, and realise opportunities presented by Climate Action in the transition to a zero-carbon economy, digitalisation and smart specialisation, and placemaking, and will promote the Midlands as a community in which to live, create, study, work, visit, and invest.

“It is very important to note that we will build on the successes to date, achieved under the two former enterprise plans, which have resulted in the unemployment rate of the region decreasing from 14.8% to 6% or an additional 31,200 people at work in the region. This has been achieved through collaboration of the Local Authorities, regional stakeholders, enterprise agencies and private industry. I look forward to launching the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 in the coming months”.

Finally, while in Portlaoise the Minister also took the opportunity to visit the Vision 85 Business Hub, one of many hubs supported by the Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Centres Fund in November 2020.

 

ENDS

 

Poetry Town is an initiative of Poetry Ireland in partnership with Local Authority Arts Offices. This is a new all-island initiative, which will see more than a hundred free poetry-related activities take place in 20 towns across the island of Ireland between September 10th and 18th. Comhairle Chontae Laoise is delighted to support this programme, and to designate Mountmellick as the inaugural Laois Poetry Town

Town Poet Laureate Workshop
“Writing poetry – getting your feelings into words.”
Thursday 16 September, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dr Arthur Broomfield is the Poet Laureate for Mountmellick, Co Laois. A native of Ballyfin, Co Laois, Arthur is a poet and Beckett scholar. “Mountmellick has so much to inspire the poet; the hands and minds that made it, the history and culture written into its street names, its diversity enshrined in its motto ‘Friendship through partnership’. I am truly honoured to have been chosen as Poet Laureate for this very special town. Mountmellick sings a unique song, I hope my work will hum to its chorus.” Arthur is a Beckett scholar. He holds a Ph.D. in English literature from Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Arthur’s poems have been published in Poetry Ireland Review, Cyphers and many other literary journals in Ireland, the UK, USA and India.

He holds poetry workshops, when possible, and mentors poets online. His study on the works of Samuel Beckett, The Empty Too: language and philosophy in the works of Samuel Beckett (Cambridge Scholars’ Publishing) is available from the publisher and from Amazon. Arthur delivers lectures, and conference papers, on the works of Beckett, online and in person, to a wide global audience. His current poetry collection is Ireland Calling (Revival Press).
During the Poetry Town programme, Arthur will conduct 2 workshops. One with local community group, Mountmellick Men’s Shed and the other, a public one, will be hosted by Mountmellick Library on Thursday, September 16th from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., entitled “Writing poetry- getting your feelings into words.”
Arthur says “I’m looking forward to meeting you at my workshop, even if it is online! I’ll be sharing some of my ideas on writing poetry with you over the two hours as in, where do we start to write a poem, to rhyme or not to rhyme, structure of a poem, images, and putting thoughts and feelings into words. We’ll be looking at a few poems by the masters and advice from others. I hope to be wholly supportive – none of us is Heaney or Sylvia Plath – so let’s enjoy the session and see where we can go from there!
Book your place by emailing: mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Poses & Poems by the Standing Stones
Sunday 12 September, 9:00 a.m.
Join Yoga Teacher, Amanda Conroy and Primary School Teacher, Katie Donoher in this unique combination of yoga and poetry. Outdoor yoga means you can literally reach for the sky and feel the benefits of actual grounding. Enjoy the natural surroundings of Mountmellick Playground, nestled beside the Owenass River. This yoga session will take place amidst The Standing Stones sculpture by Eileen McDonagh. It will suit everybody as Amanda has designed the time to benefit practitioners of all levels. This is about being present in the moment, about being mindful, as your restful poses will be gently guided by Katie, who will recite poems to aid your relaxation. This will include one specially written by Katie for the occasion.
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/167531082979
Phenomenal Woman
Wednesday 17 September, 10:00 a.m.
The vision of Sport Ireland is one where equal opportunities are achievable for women in sport, a place where their full potential is attainable. The women of Mountmellick soccer are honoured to take part in Poetry Town with their specially-commissioned poem, Phenomenal Woman which highlighs the importance of women’s participation in sport, and the mental health benefits that transpire as a result. All team members across the age cohorts were involved in writing this inspiring piece, and having their voices heard.
Going live on Wednesday 15th at 10:00 a.m. here: https://bit.ly/3DMPPa5
Poems from the Library Shelves
Poetry Town Week
Mountmellick Library is always a hub of activity. Poetry Town week is not different. They join in the activities by delving into the archives and finding poems to inspire and make you think. You will spot them out and about on your daily comings and goings. Take time to stop and read. In the words of Niamh O’Donnell, Director of Poetry Ireland, “There is poetry waiting to be uncovered in our surroundings and our everyday lives.”
Café and Chemist Pocket Poems
Poetry Town Week
As you sip your Americano or pick up your prescription, expect a poem to go along with your receipt. Amongst poetry by Dennis O’Driscoll, Colette Bryce and Moyra Donaldson, you may receive one by a local poet! Three Mountmellick poets are included, so you might need to keep shopping local to find the work of Stephen Comerford, Daniella Lawlor or John Lawlor. All cafés and chemists are taking part:
McElwee’s Total Health Pharmacies, Mountmellick Local Pharmacy, Nora’s Cake Shop, The Coffee Pot, and The Hare’s Corner.
Poetry Underfoot
Poetry Town Week & Beyond!
We usually hope for an Indian Summer around this time of year. However, forgive us for doing a little rain dance, just this once. We have a great reason! If we are graced with a few drops, take a walk in the glorious showers and look down. Here and there, you will spot stencilled lines from rain-related verse that comes alive when it’s wet. Poetry Underfoot will ensure you see some precipitation-related quotes to prompt you to bask in the beauty of the rain and put a pep in your step. Just don’t go bumping into a lamp post!
The Reveal Event
Culture Night, September 17 at 6:00 p.m.
The Town Poet Laureates around the country have been commissioned to write a poem honouring and reflecting their Poetry Town and its people. Each Poet Laureate will reveal and present their poem to the people of their Poetry Town at a flagship event. Mountmellick’s Reveal Event will take place on Culture Night.
“Destiny itself is like a wonderful wide tapestry in which every thread is guided by an unspeakable tender hand, placed beside another thread and held and carried by a hundred others.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
Yarnbombing Mountmellick have joined forces with Mountmellick Embroidery Museum in a celebration of the heritage of textiles in Mountmellick. They have created a short film which will be a feast for your eye and ear, with specially created pieces from both groups on display in the museum, accompanied by song and spoken word from Mountmellick musician Ger Phillips, Poet Laureate Dr Arthur Broomfield, and town poets Declan Furlong and Sharon McEvoy. As a nod to the loss of the textile industry, Mountmellick photographer Kevin
Byrne will unveil 6 photographs from his collection. They will reflect the poignancy of the industrial decline in Mountmellick, depicting the day of the closure of Mountmellick Textiles Factory in 2004.
Local artist Kate Deegan will unveil a specially-commissioned mural reflecting the unique floral patterns of Mountmellick Work. Kate has recently had her work included in the outdoor drive-by art exhibition at Laois County Council Plaza, “Fadó Faces”. The Creative Ireland initiative celebrating the lives and stories of older people in Laois, through traditional portrait painting and digital art by a selection of local artists, will be an annual showcase of twenty or more portraits and stories of older Laois people, documented over the years and eventually culminating in a rich portrait collection of people in Laois. Kate’s mural will incorporate words from the poem THE SEWING GIRL TO HER MOTHER- i.m. Mrs Eileen O’Connor by local poet Ann Egan. Ann’s poem recalls the quiet time spent by her Mother’s side, learning the craft of needlework. A former Writer-in-Residence at Comhairle Chontae Laoise, Ann’s poem, from her book Landing the Sea, won First Prize in Listowel Writers’ Week, and The Annaghmakerrig Award.
All tangible pieces will be on permanent display in the museum. So, once it re-opens you can see the new pieces in real time. The short film will be available permanently at the web address below.
In line with Government recommendations regarding indoor social gatherings, this event will be streamed.
You can tune in here from 6p.m: https://bit.ly/3yLuXfN
Poetry Town is an initiative of Poetry Ireland in partnership with Local Authority Arts Offices. It is made possible with funding from the Arts Council of Ireland’s Open Call funding, and is also supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
For further information, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/mountmellicklaois
https://www.instagram.com/mountmellick_county_laois/
https://www.poetryireland.ie/poetry-town

Autumn Blitz 2021

Laois County Council under the Anti-Dumping Initiative announce an Autumn Blitz Campaign running from 20^th to 24^th September 2021 in conjunction with Tidy Towns and kindly sponsored by Bord na Móna Recycling.

If you wish to be involved with this Clean Up Initiative please contact your local Tidy Towns Committee who are responsible for the coordination of the clean up groups within their areas.

Please note that Covid 19 guidelines must be adhered to.

 

This project is part of the National Anti Dumping Initiative 2021 co-ordinated by Laois County Council and WERLA Midlands  & Eastern Region

A decision by Laois County Council to refuse the application for an event licence for the Electric Picnic 2021, issued on the 4^th August 2021 pursuant to section 231 (3)(a) and (b) of the Planning and Development Act, as amended. The decision was based on the following reasons:

 

1. Having regard to the up to date advise from the Health Services Executive in their statutory submission
2. Having regard to government public health measures currently in place and made pursuant to the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 and the Health and Criminal Justice (Covid -19) (Amendment) Act 2021.

 

There is no provision in law which enables Laois County Council to revisit that refusal or reconsider that application.

 

Notwithstanding the comments emanating from yesterday’s press briefing from NPHET nothing has changed as regards advice from the HSE, nor has there been any change to the Government Public Health Measures in place in respect of hosting of outdoor events, from the position that pertained on the 4^th August  2021. 

 

The Planning Authority, Laois County Council, further notes that even if a new application for an event licence is made, the statutory timelines do not allow for the  processing of a new application to facilitate the event on the dates as intended in the application previously submitted.

 

 Ends