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  • Announcement – Recreation Facilities Closures

    Announcement – Recreation Facilities Closures

    Laois County Council Playgrounds, outdoor gyms, multi – use games areas and skatepark will close from tomorrow, 25th March until further notice.

    This is in line with Government requirements to take appropriate action to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    These closures will reduce non-essential contacts and support social distancing measures

    These measures are being implemented to protect all members of our society.

    Many thanks in advance for your co-operation

     

  • Please avoid public amenities and public walkways in large numbers

    Please avoid public amenities and public walkways in large numbers

    Laois County Council would like to request the public to avoid public amenities and public walkways in large numbers. It is vital at this time that we all strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines.

    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protect-yourself.html

     
  • COVID 19 – Renting Privately

    COVID 19 – Renting Privately

    If you are receiving the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) it will continue to be paid. Queries in relation to HAP can  be directed to hap@laoiscoco.ie

    If you are not receiving Housing Assistance Payment HAP and have experienced a loss in income that adversely impacts your ability to pay your rent then you may be eligible for rent supplement from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Further details

    https://www.gov.ie/en/service/fb3b13-rent-supplement/

  • VISITING RESTRICTIONS – COVID-19 Infection

    In order to protect the members of the public/staff, Laois County Council Planning Department wish to advise that the public counter at Áras An Chontae is closed.

    With regard to the COVID-19 Infection the Planning Department are implementing the following procedures:

     

    • Pre-Planning Meetings
      • All pre planning meetings have been suspended for the foreseeable future.
    • Making a Planning Application
    • Laois County Council request that all planning applications being lodged be sent through An Post or placed in the post box at the offices of Laois County Council. An e-mail will be issued to confirm receipt of same.
    • Viewing a Planning Application
      • To view a Planning Application, please go to the Laois County Council website where you can access the planning applications which have been submitted www.laois.ie
    • Submissions/Observations
      • If you wish to place a submission or observation to a Planning Application please be advised that your letter outlining your submission /observations should be issued to the following e-mail address planning@laoiscoco.ie.  Please ensure you submit a phone number to enable this Department to contact you for payment over the phone by Credit/Debit Card. 
      • Alternatively please lodge a submission through An Post with the fee of €20.00 attached.
    • Retrieval of Planning Files
      • Request for retrieval of all planning files should be emailed to the Planning Department planning@laoiscoco.ie
      • All requests will be kept on file and you will be contacted at a later date. 
    • Unauthorised Development
      • In relation to Unauthorised Development, please complete the Unauthorised Development complaint form which is available on www.laois.ie  and email the completed form to enforcements@laoiscoco.ie or send by post to Laois County Council Offices.
    • Building  Control
      • For information in relation to Building Control, please visit www.localgov.ie
    • Development Contributions
      • If you have any queries or wish to make a payment in regard to Development Contributions please contact Laois County Council on 057-8664000
    • Site Suitability Assessments
      • All Site Suitability Assessments have been suspended until further notice.

     

    Thank you for your co-operation at this time

  • COVID19 – PUBLIC NOTICE

    COVID19 – PUBLIC NOTICE

    In response to the most recent developments in trying to delay the widespread onset of Covid19 in our community and having regard to the impact of school closures and crèche closures in particular, Laois County Council wishes to make the following announcement:

    • The Council’s priority is to ensure the health of the general public whilst at the same time, given the emerging circumstances, to ensure the continuation of essential public services
    • The following core services will be maintained and given priority
      • Water Supply & Waste Water Treatment
      • Housing & Homeless Services
      • Fire & Emergency Services
      • Operation of Waste and Recycling Facilities
      • Road Maintenance and Traffic Safety

    The following services are to be temporarily discontinued with immediate effect until further notice:

    • All public libraries
    • Motor Taxation Office, County Hall, Portlaoise
    • Cash Office, County Hall, Portlaoise
    • Housing Services Counter, County Hall, Portlaoise
    • Planning Services Counter, County Hall, Portlaoise
    • All community events supported and/or organised through the Council

    Members of the public are encouraged to use online services for Motor Taxation, Planning & other business with the Council. Those seeking housing services or supports should do so through email or phone call appointments.

    In relation to Planning, the public are asked to:

        • use our website to view applications
        • submit planning applications by post or hand deliver to our post box at County Hall
        • submit observations on planning applications by email or post and
        • phone or email in relation to other general queries

    Telephone: (057) 8664039 Email: planning@laoiscoco.ie

    Members of the public will be highly aware that the priority at this time and for the foreseeable future is to act in the interest of public health. From time
    to time, therefore, over the next few weeks there will be a requirement on Laois County Council to re-assign staff and resources from less critical to more critical services including collaborating with and supporting the Health Service Executive as required.

    The Housing Department can be contacted at (057) 8664000. The email addresses are as follows:

    THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF CONTACT NUMBERS AND E-MAIL ADDRESSES FOR THE CASH OFFICE AND MOTOR TAXATION:

    Cash Office – 057 8674308 cashoffice@laoiscoco.ie Motor Tax – 057 8674305 motortax@laoiscoco.ie  | www.motortax.ie

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory Information

    In light of the current Coronavirus issue, please read the factsheet below:

  • What do you know about #YourCouncil?

    Laois County Council provides hundreds of services across Laois. Our work affects everyone’s daily life and communities all over the county.

    Still, many people know only a limited amount about what we do or how they can engage with and make use of our services.

    The #YourCouncil campaign aims to change that.

    Can I get involved in the campaign?

    Yes! The public can show their support by sharing the #YourCouncil social media posts they see online and watching and sharing our videos.

    You can also tell us about how your council makes a positive impact on your life and area by joining in the #YourCouncil conversation on social media.

  • Status Yellow – Rainfall warning for Munster and Leinster

    Status Yellow – Rainfall warning for Munster and Leinster

    Heavy Rain will spread from the south Thursday evening and night. Accumulations of 25 to 40mm will occur over a relatively short time period. Spot flooding is likely.

    Valid: Thursday 08 August 2019 19:00 to Friday 09 August 2019 07:00

  • Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick LEA re-count update

    The re-count has now concluded in Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick LEA. After a thorough examination and re-count as requested by Councillor Goodwin two number errors were detected in the distribution of the Lorna Holohan-Garry exclusion. The impact of the errors are:

    Error 1: Extra vote credited to Phelan

    Error 2: Extra vote credited to Bergin

    These votes have no material effect on the current state of poll.

    I will arrange to have the necessary adjustment made. I will proceed with the exclusion of David Goodwin and the distribution of his votes.

     

    Donal Brennan

    Returning Officer

     

    Follow us on twitter for live updates @LaoisCouncil

    #LE19 #LocalElections2019 #Laois

  • ‘Realising our Rural Potential’ with Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2019

    Great opportunity for any communities who may have a project in mind to develop/improve their area.  

    The Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development,is part of a package of national and local support measures to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland.  The scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. Applications from towns can range from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000.  Funding of up to €200,000 will also be considered for a limited number of projects which can deliver exceptionally strong economic benefit to a town and its outlying areas.

    Laois County Council is now accepting expressions of interest from towns and villages in Laois that will focus on projects that enhance and develop their areas socially, economically and culturally.  All expressions of interest must be made on the ‘Expressions of Interest’ application form.

    Projects which have clear positive and sustainable impacts on a town or village in terms of place-making and town centre regeneration, or which stimulate economic activity between a town/village and its neighbouring townlands, will be particularly welcome, as will proposals seeking to develop initiatives to encourage town centre living.

    Projects which demonstrate leveraging of, or linkages with, other schemes operated by Government Departments or agencies (e.g. in the areas of heritage, arts, culture, tourism, re-use of vacant premises, vacant sites, energy efficiency schemes, etc.) will also be encouraged.

    All Expressions of Interest should be received by Friday 17th May 2019 (4pm).  Further information including the Scheme Outline and Expression of Interest application form are available via links below.

    Queries and/or to return your completed form, please contact:

    • Town and Village Renewal Scheme, c/o Pamela Tynan, Community Development Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Or
    • Email dce@laoiscoco.ie  or

    Closing date for ‘Expression of Interest’ is Friday 17th May 2019 (4pm).

    All applications will be subject to a selection process using national criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2019 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.  Please note Expressions of Interest applications and follow up bids may or may not receive funding.

    TVRS 2019 Expression of Interest Form

    and 2019 T&V Scheme Outline

  • Waste Permits & Certs of Registration

    Waste Permit Register- amended 11 September 2018

    An application for a Waste Facility Permit is made under Article 10 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations S.I No. 821 of 2007 and the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Amendment Regulations S.I No. 86 of 2008 (hereafter referred to as the Regulations);

     

    Read More

  • Do not buy ‘discounted motor tax rates’ on Social Media

    Do not buy ‘discounted motor tax rates’ on Social Media

    Laois Motor Taxation office is aware of a social media post advertising “discounted motor tax rates”. Please note that Motor Tax is never offered at discounted rates and you should only conduct your motor taxation transactions with your local Motor Taxation office or by using the Department of Transport, Trade and Sport official online motor tax website www.motortax.ie