Laois County Council

Author: laois community

  • Laois County Council Local Sports Plan Consultation

    Laois County Council wants your input into its Local Sports plan!

     Laois Local Sports Plan Consultation Workshops

     Laois County Council is carrying out a variety of consultation exercises to support the development of our Local Sports Plan, which will guide the development of our Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation, Play and Leisure activities in Co Laois. To feed into this, we are inviting residents and stakeholders to input into our plan.

    We have also created a residents’ survey to gather as broad a range of input as possible.

    The survey is live from 1st April, 2024 and closes on Friday 17th May, 2024.

    Residents Survey

    An accessible version of this survey is available using the QR code on the poster or by clicking

    Click here for Accessible Residents’ Survey

     

     

     

     

    Laois Local Sports Plan Stakeholders’ Survey

    We have also created a stakeholders’’ survey and a survey for people working across Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation, Play and Leisure, to gather as broad a range of input as possible.

    The survey is live from 1st April, 2024 and closes on Friday 17th May, 2024

    Stakeholders’ Survey

    An accessible version of this survey is available using the QR code on the poster or by clicking

    Accessible Stakeholders’ Survey

    Workshop URL: https://forms.office.com/e/tLmHkyryqv?origin=lprLink

     

     

     

    For further information, contact sports@laoiscoco.ie or phone 087 6184404

     

  • Community Recognition Fund

    Community Recognition Fund

    On 19th March 2024, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.  The allocation for Co. Laois is €1,012,996.

     

    The Community Recognition Fund 2024 aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

     

    The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (‘new arrivals’) including towns identified for the rapid build homes programme. The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

     

    Laois County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for project proposals from community groups in towns & villages that are hosting high levels of the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection or International Protection Applicants.  Only towns & villages that are hosting high levels of the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection or International Protection Applicants are eligible for this funding.

    The possible types of projects that can be funded under the scheme include:

    • development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
    • development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.
    • enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
    • purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts or sports equipment;
    • transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards; (any vehicle funded must be in good condition and not more than 5 years old)
    •  projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives;
    • purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.
    • Purchase of land and associated works for the development of community facilities such as play areas/ MUGAs or town parks/ community gardens, recreational areas etc. (purchases must only be administered by the local authority).

     

    Projects to be funded will:

    • be shovel ready.
    • be capital in nature.
    • deliver medium-long term benefits for the communities in which they are located, and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026.
    • A minimum spend of 50% of the allocation must be incurred in 2025.
    • Eligible projects will receive funding for capital costs, but not for any ongoing operational or running costs.
    • The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000 applying.
    • Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g. for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact.
    • For projects over €200,000 additional information must be provided at application stage giving further details on the needs identified in the location, the engagement and collaboration that resulted in the selection of the location and specific project and the capacity of the community to progress the proposed project.

     

    Proposed project details should be submitted to crf@laoiscoco.ie by 4:00pm Thursday 25th April 2024 using the EOI application form  Expression of Interest – CLICK HERE to download

    Please ensure to read the CRF guidelines in relation to the current scheme

     

  • Expressions of Interest sought for Africa Day 2024 events

    Expressions of Interest sought for Africa Day 2024 events

    Events can take place from 23rd to 28th May 2024.  Funding available to successful applicants up to a maximum of €2,500 pending funding approval by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

     Applicants must be tax compliant and only 1 application per organisation is permitted. For more information & for full terms and conditions

    contact Tom tcurran@laoiscoco.ie ,05786 64150 / 086 0363426. Closing date for applications is 12th April 2024

     

  • Anna May McHugh announces that the LIVE WELL EXPO is to return to Portlaoise in 2024.

    Anna May McHugh announces that the LIVE WELL EXPO is to return to Portlaoise in 2024.

     

    [ngg src=”galleries” ids=”13″ display=”basic_slideshow”]Live Well Expo will return to Portlaoise College

     Healthy Laois and Age Friendly Laois, today confirmed the return of the Health and Wellbeing Show-Live Well to Portlaoise College on Thursday 4th April 2024.

    Live Well  celebrates the range of supports and services across Laois that are available to help people improve their own health and wellbeing.

    Live Well 2024 sees a further focus on the supports available to help us shape our own health and with a range of over 100 exhibition stands provides a wide range of advice and information under one roof. The key message is that we need make time for our wellbeing and this event is designed to help you do that.

    One such champion of this, is Laois lady Anna May McHugh,  Managing director of the National Ploughing Championship and Laois’ Age Friendly Ambassador. Anna May is no stranger to hosting big events  and said “this  Live Well event is something for the people of Laois to be proud of.  It is good to put Laois on the map and this event will attract people from surrounding counties. Last Year’s success, with 1000 people passing through the doors, demonstrates the need and interest in such initiatives. It’s heartening to see the commitment to providing valuable information and resources to our community”.

    This Live Well Expo is now more than a health information show said Healthy Laois Co-Ordinator Emma O’Connor. It’s a celebration of health, community and the spirit of Laois. Information will be available on grants, energy savings, road safety, HSE hea

    lth support, nutrition, cooking, activities and a wide range of information stands committed to providing valuable information to help us to Live Well in all aspects of our lives.

    An Cathaoirleach, Pascal McEvoy, welcomed the opportunity to showcase products and services and spoke about the positive impact this event makes.

    He also noted the  participation in the free Health screening provided by the Health Service Executive at last years event.

    Tom Curran the Age Friendly Laois co-ordinator in Laois County Council promises a well organised and diverse lineup for the Live well Expo 2024. “The event will be an engaging and informative experience for attendees with a few surprises on the day” he said. The broad range of information providers will make this a fun and interesting day and there is something here for everyone.” 

    “Last year was all about people  enjoying coming together to share information across all the supports that help you to Live Well – health supports, community groups and even the technology that can work for us in our homes. I can also confirm that the Health Service Executive will be returning to Live Well this year to once again provide free health screening to attendees.”

    We only have one shot at Living so let’s Live Well!

    1. Main Exhibition Hall (1:00 pm – 6:00 pm):
    • Approximately 100 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of health-related products, services, and information.
    • Attendees can explore the exhibition hall at their own pace, engaging with exhibitors and gathering valuable insights.
    1. Medium-Size Stage Area (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm):
    • The event kicks off at 1:00 pm with an MC introducing Anna May McHugh, the keynote speaker from the Ploughing Championships.
    • The stage area is a casual space with refreshments available, allowing people to drop in for talks and demos selectively.
    • Talks and demonstrations cover various topics related to health and well-being including Nutrition, Road Safety, Preventing falls and more will be scheduled throughout the afternoon.
    •  At 5:00 pm, the area transitions into a space for dancing, fostering a lively and celebratory atmosphere for an hour.
    1. Cosy Lounge Area (1:00 pm – 6:00 pm):
    • Designed for “Comfortable Conversations,” this area encourages discussions on topics such as climate, energy, and health.
    • A relaxed environment to facilitate meaningful conversations and exchange of ideas.
    1. Outdoor Area (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm):
    • Features dance exercise routines led by Healthy Laois and Age Friendly Partners, promoting physical activity and well-being.
    • Showcases the upcoming Bike Week, potentially featuring unique attractions like a penny farthing from the local vintage club.

    Pop Up Surprise

    • Live music performances adding a lively atmosphere to the main exhibition hall.
    • The space buzzes with energy, creating a vibrant and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
    1. Small Cinema Area (Space Permitting, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm):
    • A designated area that can serve as both a cinema space and a resting area.
    • Offers a more relaxed environment for those looking to take a break or enjoy short films related to health and well-being.

    For further information please contact

    Tom Curran at tcurran@laoiscoco.ie            Phone 086 0363426

    Emma O Connor at eoconnor@laoiscoco.ie Phone 086 0665215

  • Community Climate Action Fund Webinar

  • Age Friendly Laois January Newsletter

    Age Friendly Laois January Newsletter

     Please click link to see Age Friendly Laois January Newsletter

     

    January 2024 AF Laois newsletter (3)

  • Community Climate Action Fund – applications are open

     

     

     

     

    Laois Community Climate Action Fund is now open online for application from and will remain open until March 2024.

     

    The online application is accessible on https://laois.ie/about-the-council/climate-action/community-climate-action-fund/

     

    Before starting your application form please review the Community Climate Action Fund Guidance Document, also available on the website.  

     

    The fund aims to support small and large, rural and urban communities to take positive climate action.  

     

     

     

     

    A total of €465,000 has been allocated to Laois County Council for funding of community climate action projects over 18 months.

    Projects are eligible for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €100,000.

    This is an open competition, so application does not guarantee funding.

     

    With consideration for the fact that community groups and organisations traditionally take a well-deserved break from activities over the month of December, information sessions will be held online during the month of January.

    Dates and times to be advised in the New Year so please keep an eye on the webpage.

  • Community Climate Action Project Workshop

  • All Ireland Pride of Place Awards

    All Ireland Pride of Place Awards

    All Island Pride of Place Competition

    Annual Awards Ceremony 2023

    Ireland’s most prestigious community awards takes place in Armagh tonight, Friday 10th November, 2023, when Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council will proudly host the All Island Pride of Place awards 2023 at the Armagh City Hotel.

    Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the All Island Pride of Place awards showcase and celebrate exceptional community development efforts.

    This year marks the 21st anniversary of the awards, and the event will be hosted by the UTV’s Pamela Ballentine.

    These awards honour the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to improving their local neighbourhoods, creating better places to live, work, and socialise.

    Local authorities from across the island of Ireland nominate groups that have made a significant impact in enhancing their communities through collective effort.

    For 2023, Laois County Council nominated:

    Camross Community Association in the Population Under 500 category

    Stradbally, Vicarstown, Timahoe Wellness Hub in the Communty Wellbeing category

    Both showcased its community champions superbly, when they greeted the Pride of Place Judges on Wednesday and Thursday, 19th & 20th July this year.

    The Awards Ceremony will be livestreamed from 7pm tomorrow evening and you are welcome to watch the live stream by logging into the following link:

    Home

    You can also tweet using the hashtag #ipbpop2023

    We wish them both the very best of luck in this years competition.

  • COUNTY LAOIS JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE – ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

    COMHAIRLE CHONTAE LAOISE

    LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL

    Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

    Tel: 057 8664000 Fax: 057 8622313

     corpaffairs@laoiscoco.ie www.laois.ie

     

    		 garda logo

     

    COMHCHOISTE PÓILÍNEACHTA

    CHONTAE LAOISE – CRUINNIÚ POIBLÍ BLIANTÚIL

    TIONÓLFAR CRUINNIÚ POIBLÍ DE

    CHOMHCHOISTE PÓILÍNEACHTA

    CHONTAE LAOISE I SEOMRAÍ NA COMHAIRLE,

    COMHAIRLE CHONTAE LAOISE, ASCAILL

    JFL, PORT LAOISE AR:

    Dé Luain, 20 Samhain, 2023 ag 3.30in

    Is í feidhm Chomhchoiste Póilíneachta ná feidhmiú mar fhóram le haghaidh comhairliúcháin, plé agus moltaí ar ábhair a bhaineann le póilíneacht limistéar riaracháin an údaráis áitiúil. Tá sé de cheart ag baill den phobal a dtuairimí a chur in iúl agus ceisteanna a chur faoi bhráid an Chomhchoiste Póilíneachta. Glacfaidh an Comhchoiste Póilíneachta le ceisteanna ó aon bhall aonair den phobal, nó le chéile ó aon ghrúpa/eagraíocht..

    Ba chóir ceisteanna maidir leis an méid thuas, nó aon ábhar ábhartha eile, a chur isteach roimh ré i scríobh chuig Anne Marie Kirrane Uasal, A/Oifi geach Riaracháin, An Roinn Pobail, Comhairle Chontae Laoise, Áras an Chontae, Port Laoise, Co.Laoise ríomhphost chuig dce@laoiscoco.ie nó ar an bhfón ag (057) 8664060, roimhe 4.30in Dé Céadaoin, 8 Samhain, 2023.

    Ba chóir a thabhairt faoi deara go mb’fhéidir nach mbeifear in ann an fhaisnéis a iarrtar a sholáthar i gcúinsí áirithe. Ba chóir ainm agus sonraí teagmhála na ndaoine a chuir an cheist isteach a sholáthar ach ní gá go bhfógrófar iad ag an gcruinniú.

     

    COUNTY LAOIS JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE –

    ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

    A PUBLIC MEETING OF LAOIS COUNTY

    JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD

    IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL,

    JFL AVENUE, PORTLAOISE ON:

    Monday, 20th November 2023 at 3.30pm

     

    The function of a Joint Policing Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and submit questions to the Joint Policing Committee.

    Questions will be accepted by the Joint Policing Committee from any individual member of the public, or collectively from any group/organisation. Questions in relation to the above, or any other relevant topic, should be submitted in advance in writing to Ms. Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Department, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, by email to dce@laoiscoco.ie or by phone at Tel. (057) 8664060, no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday, 8th November, 2023.

  • Children First Awareness Week

    Children First Awareness Week

    Children First Awareness Week is running from 25th September to 1st October. The campaign aims to raise awareness about Children First and remind everyone, including organisations and individuals working or volunteering with children and young people, of our collective responsibility to keep them safe in our communities.

    Promotional Video

     

  • Laois Connects 2023 Programme

    Laois Connects 2023 Programme

    The 2023 Laois Connects programme is available now .. For info  Click here.

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    All events are free unless otherwise stated. Registration required in advance .